Noise prevention strategy based on cutting tools with vibroacoustic metamaterials – "VAMMCut"

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common recognized occupational disease in Germany. Circular sawing machines and tools in particular emit high levels of noise. In "VAMMCut", approaches are being developed to significantly reduce noise from circular sawing tools. Vibroacoustic metamaterials (VAMM) integrated into the tool, which consist of periodically arranged mechanical resonators ("unit cells"), can significantly reduce noise emissions in the frequency ranges relevant to health protection (by up to 10 dB(A)). The aim of the project is to harness and disseminate the potential of VAMM technology for circular saw blades and other fast-rotating tools in order to better prevent noise-induced hearing loss in trade and industry. Ultimately, the project aims to reduce noise-related illnesses caused by working with circular saws and other fast-rotating tools, which will be achieved by developing specific guidelines and information leaflets, e.g. on "low-noise circular sawing using VAMM technology".

Activities/Methods:

The work within the project aims at practical application scenarios for circular saw blades, such as hand-held power tools or semi-stationary construction site machines, which are characterized by direct exposure of the operator. Specific VAMM circular saw tools are being developed for this purpose. Firstly specific tool designs are conceptualized that are tailored to the process-dependent specifics in terms of material and operating conditions (speed, machining forces, etc.). The concepts are accompanied by detailed analytical and design-related FE calculations. The designed concepts are then implemented in specific test carriers and validated experimentally with regard to their noise emission and static and dynamic tool properties. In order to maximize the broad impact on health protection, the basis for the application of VAMM technology to other cutting processes and materials is created. The findings will be transferred into a design methodology and documented in an information brochure for future tool users on construction sites or in workshops. Furthermore, the transferability of the results to other high-speed rotating tools will be tested.

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