Page 58 - Summer 2007

The Lab
Dick Stern
Applied Research Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania 16804
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National Gypsum Gold Bond® brand SoundBreakTM Gypsum Board, is an acoustically enhanced panel for reduc- ing the transmission of airborne sound between living spaces within buildings such as apartments, schools, and hospitals. SoundBreak has a viscoelastic polymer that offers con- strained-layer damping sandwiched between two pieces of high-density gypsum board that provide increased mass. SoundBreak installs and finishes like traditional gypsum board. It is an alternative to existing sound-damping solu- tions like double and staggered stud walls and sound clips or channels. (coburn@lgapr.com)
PCB Piezotronics, Inc. has introduced a new model to its acoustic product line. Model 079B21 is a Nose Cone designed to be used with '/2” (6 mm) condenser test and measurement microphones. The nose cone's aerodynamic shape is designed to minimize noise due to wind and other high-speed laminar flows, while permitting the sound intended to be measured to pass through. Another advantage of the nose cone is its ability to protect and minimize damage to the diaphragm due to sand, dirt and other contaminates that might be picked up and direct- ed toward the microphone by the wind. Typical applications are Flight Simulation, Wind Tunnel and Outdoor Environmental testing. (mvalentino@pcb.com)
When you are tasked with evaluating acoustic and vibra- tion issues in the field, the HEAD acoustics SQuadriga Recorder/Frontend offers unmatched portability and ease of set-up that are crucial for getting the job done. SQuadriga is a handheld, portable four channel data acquisition system, which can be used as a standalone recording and playback system that is ready to collect data the instant power is switched on. SQuadriga features flash memory so there are no moving parts or noise. (www.headacoustics.com)
Editor’s Note—The items printed in “The Lab” are reported for informational purposes only and are not necessarily endorsements by the author, the Editor, Acoustics Today, or the Acoustical Society of America.
56 Acoustics Today, July 2007