Testing | Checking | Measuring

The acoustic stress test facility at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP is a state-of-the-art testing environment designed to expose technical components to extreme sound pressure levels of up to 160 dB SPL. Typical test objects include sensors and electronics used in aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics applications. The Maximum Pressure Tests (MPT) are conducted in accordance with AEC-Q103-003 using the High Sound Pressure Source, which generates sound pressure levels exceeding 160 dB at a frequency of 140 Hz.

In the Test Laboratory Emission, environment and hygiene among other things determination of gaseous emissions in test chamber and indoor air, determination of organic emissions from non-metallic automotive components as well as Odor analyses are made.

Our testing facility with solid installation walls can be used to precisely determine the noise generated by plumbing and water installations because a typical residential building is simulated. The testing facility consists of two rooms, one above the other, thus corresponding to a section of a typical residential building with two residential units above one other. Thanks to the way the rooms are arranged – bathroom above bathroom, each with adjoining living room – it is possible to measure the airborne and structure-borne sound generated by installations in one’s own and other people's living areas (requiring noise protection). In conjunction with the attic and basement floors, installations that extend over several floors, such as waste water systems (according to DIN EN 14366-1), drinking water systems or building service equipment, can also be tested.

The building acoustics test laboratory is recognized by the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) as an approved Group I testing center authorized to carry out the full range of performance and quality tests according to DIN 4109.

Test Laboratory Hygric properties and inorganic materials

Our test facility for determining the shaft sound level difference of ventilation systems provides a detailed analysis of multi-floor air ducting systems. In accordance with DIN 52210-6:2013, sound transmissions from ventilation ducts, exhaust air systems or individual components such as shaft branches can be measured. The test setup simulates realistic conditions with a variable duct system and separate duct branches for sending and receiving rooms. Strategically placed microphones at important points record the sound levels, delivering precise results to optimize ventilation systems. With a sound level difference of at least 55 dB (Dw), our test facility meets the highest standards for sound insulation analyses.

Testing and determination of the characteristics of chimney systems and their components in regard to thermal, moisture and flow behavior, corrosion resistance, thermal load capacity, gas tightness, construction and function. Determination of parameters relating to energy efficiency, fire resistance and environmental aspects and performance testing of individual and collective heating systems fired by solid and liquid (vaporizing burner) fuels.

Our two acoustic semi-anechoic chambers provide optimal conditions for conducting precise sound measurements. In the first chamber, specially designed for measuring sound power and directional characteristics, you benefit from an environment that is acoustically optimized to simulate the conditions of a free field. The second chamber is also temperature-resistant, making it particularly advantageous when it comes to measuring the noise generated by heat pumps and air-conditioning units. This adaptability makes it possible to test acoustic performance under different climatic conditions, ensuring realistic and practical results.

An environment with room acoustics optimized to reduce reflection is used to simulate the acoustic conditions of a free field above a reflecting plane. Such a room is classified as a semi-anechoic chamber. This environment can be used to perform highly accurate measurements of the radiated sound power from sound sources, as well as their directional characteristics. An acoustic free field is distinguished by the fact that the sound pressure level decreases proportionally with increasing distance from the sound source. This condition is achieved by lining walls and ceilings with special sound-absorbing materials, such as flat absorbers (industry) or wedge absorbers, as in this room. The chamber is about 20 meters long, which allows measurements of sound propagation over obstacles to be performed. Typical tasks include the measurement of sound diffraction or sound shielding via barriers, such as noise barriers, as well as the scattering or absorption of sound by acoustically relevant surfaces.

A few years ago, a test rig was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP in Stuttgart for measuring the dynamic E modulus and loss factor based on ISO 6721-4 (non-resonant method). This method can be used to examine the E modulus and loss factor of foams and soft plastics (such as rubber, silicone, etc.) as a function of frequency.