Consulting Services

KCF offers noise and vibration consulting services to industrial customers and has ongoing projects with a range of large corporations and small companies.

Our expertise covers complete solutions for industrial noise problems. This includes measurement, analysis, modeling and prototype development.

Our primary focus is on the optimal design of structures using hybrid computer programs that integrate acoustic modeling and FEM programs with high-speed optimization routines. Others include modeling particle damping in tire vibration and optimal design of sound reduction enclosures for noise control.

High Sound Transmission-Loss Enclosure Design An acoustic enclosure to isolate the noise produced by a noisy industrial pump.The design incorporated forced-air lined ducting to exhaust heat from the enclosure without losing the high transmission loss. A removable hatch allows accessibility to the equipment and easy maintenance…more>>

Sound Intensity Mapping of Small, Noisy Devices Measured the radiated acoustic intensity of a small device in a semi-anechoic chamber, creating a sound intensity map. We localized the regions of high sound radiation up to frequencies over 10 kHz and supplemented the sound intensity measurements with laser vibrometer measurements…more>>

High Force SMA-Driven Prototype Actuator Developed a prototype actuator driven by Shape Memory Alloy wires. The device is virtually noiseless, and has an actuation time of approximately one second. An actuation force of over 400 lbs. was demonstrated with the prototype device…more>>

Short Course in Optimal Design for Noise Control We have developed a short course on the use of modeling and optimization in design (most recently presented at the TEKES Technology Program in Helsinki, Finland, and in a special seminar at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan)…more>>

Noise Prediction Software - Modeling, Analysis and Consulting Solutions KCF offers a catered acoustic modeling package that can be used to expand your capabilities in vibro-acoustic modeling and design…more>>

Modeling and Design Optimization of a Biomorph-driven Rotary Motor A bimorph-driven rotary motor has been developed, and demonstrated in a flow-control actuation application. A rotary (roller) clutch rectifies bimorph-powered oscillation into rotational motion to convert electrical to mechanical power.…more>>

High Torque Single-Crystal PMN-PT Driven Motor to Morph Naval Flow-Control Surfaces A direct-drive smart material rotary motor was developed with significant performance improvements over existing designs. The improvements result directly from taking advantage of the special properties of single-crystal ferroelectrics…more>>

Testing and Understanding EQUAL, a Tire/Wheel Assembly Vibration Reducer A series of laboratory experiments were performed to assess the ability of the product EQUAL to reduce tire vibration under a variety of axle loads and rotational speeds. The laboratory tests showed that EQUAL consistently reduced the vertical (Z-direction) vibration magnitude at the fundamental frequency (1/rev)…more>>

Sound Intensity Measurements Performed on Dental Handpieces This report describes sound intensity measurements performed on three dental handpieces. The experimental procedure is described, including the measuring devices and instrumentation. The results of several experiments are described…more>>