A computational method for designing optimal arrangements of multilayer noise and vibration treatments in general and porous open cell foam in particular is discussed. The method uses finite element solutions to Biot's equations for poroelastic materials and provides data to evaluate cost functions and gradients. The porous material is parameterised using scaling laws linking the microscopic properties to the classical parameters, i.e. averaged elasticity, flow resistivity and characteristic viscous and thermal lengths. The cost function is either in terms of weight or in terms of the pressure response in a finite cavity, complemented with constraints on the other. However, care must be taken when choosing the cost function, as this will greatly affect the outcome of the optimisation. Observations made during the optimisation process indicate a limited number of minima within the parameter range of interest as well as beneficial continuity around these minima, thus enabling a meaningful optimisation. The results suggest that if alterations of the microscopic properties of the foam are made, the foam may be adapted to specific environmental conditions and thereby achieve improved acoustic behaviour as well as reduced weight.

Conventional vehicle passenger compartments often achieve functional requirements using a complex assembly of components. As each component is optimized for a single task, the assembly as a whole is often suboptimal in achieving the system performance requirements. In this paper, a novel iterative design approach based on using a multi-layered load bearing sandwich panel with integrated acoustic capabilitiesis developed focusing on material properties and their effecton the systems behavior. The proposed panel is meant to fulfilmultiple system functionalities simultaneously, thus simplifying the assembly and reducing mass. Open cell acoustic foams are used to achieve acoustic performance, and the effect of altering the stacking sequence as well as introducing an air gap within the acoustic treatment is studied in detail to determine effects on the acoustic and structural performance of the panel as a whole.