Nissan unveils new acoustic ultralight metamaterial at CES 2020
January 7, 2020 Soundproofing in a modern car plays one of the most important roles in the process of creating comfort. However, few owners really think about it. Nissan introduced new material that weighs 75% less and is more efficient.
Nissan engineers have developed a lightweight alternative known as acoustic metamaterial. The new metamaterial was unveiled at the CES 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It is a simple and innovative solution consisting of a lattice structure and a plastic film. The structure of the material “controls air vibrations to limit noise transmission over a wide frequency band (500-1200 Hz), including road and engine noise.”
Materials of this purpose have long been no new. However, most of them are made on the basis of heavy rubber, which dampens the vibration of the same frequencies. But manufacturers are constantly compromising between noise isolation and comfortable road noise.
Fortunately, the acoustic metamaterial provides the same level of sound insulation even though it weighs 75% less. The benefits do not end there, since a simple structure means that the acoustic metamaterial costs the same or slightly less than existing materials.
So far, the company has not announced the start of serial use of the new material. Nissan noted that mass production is needed to make it cost effective.
