Transmission Loss Models: Cut-off Frequency and Ring Frequency
For pipe gas flows, the noise transmission level is frequency dependent, based on the gas flow cut-off frequency and the ring frequency (a function of pipe diameter). The particular model or correlation used to relate the frequency to the transmission loss through the piping will affect the results of any prediction model. Based on the literature review of industrial piping noise studies,
there is considerable disagreement between existing correlations on the transmission loss.
The NASA “Reduced-Noise Gas Flow Design Guide” published in 2005 recommends a correlation which uses three frequency regions, divided by the cut-off frequency (defined as the first fundamental mode for wavelength transmission across the pipe) and the ring frequency (defined as the mechanical limit for natural structural frequency). Near the cutoff-frequency, noise transmission will be high. As the frequency increases, the transmission will be less due to increased transmission loss from the higher frequency modes approaching the ring frequency of the pipe. The ring frequency is an upper limit such that frequencies above the ring frequency will not couple well with the pipe wall and the radiation ratio is severely diminished.