The Johns Manville Technical Center's (JMTC) Acoustical Research and Testing facility is one of the finest of its kind in the world. The NVLAP-accredited facility has broad capabilities, state-of-the-art equipment and automation, and a staff of acoustical experts that can provide clear solutions for complex acoustical problems.
Certified Testing
ASTM-, ISO-, and ANSI- certified test methods are used to provide our customers with useful information about material properties, manufactured products, and acoustical systems. Specialty testing and consulting is available in order to further enhance the information that can be provided.
Material Properties are measured using the Airflow Resistance Test (ASTM C522) and Acoustic Impedance Test (ASTM E1050). The procedures are used to determine the mechanical and acoustical properties of small material samples. From the results provided by these tests, optimal materials can be selected for different applications and the effectiveness of manufacturing process controls can be verified.
The acoustical properties of Manufactured Products are measured using several certified tests. The Random Incidence Sound Absorption Test (ASTM C432) is used to determine the quantity of acoustical energy absorbed by a large sample of material (e.g. office panel, equipment insulation blanket) in the presence of broadband, random incidence noise. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficients) of a specimen is determined using this test. The unwanted noise radiated from devices such as compressors, washing machines or personal computers is measured with Narrowband/Broadband Sound Power Measurements (ISO 7779) in order to accurately quantify their noise characteristics. Finally, the sound reductions of fabricated HVAC duct silencers can be measured with the In-Duct Insertion Loss Test (ASTM E477).
Complete Acoustical Systems such as building walls and aircraft fuselages can be analyzed in intricate depth by using the capabilities of the JMTC Acoustics Laboratory. Sound Transmission Loss of walls and barriers is measured according to ASTM E90 standards, which in turn provides STC (Sound Transmission Class) data.
Equipment and Automation
The JMTC Acoustics Laboratory uses high-quality measurement equipment, either meeting or exceeding the instrument specifications provided in the above test standards. The reverberation chamber is isolated from nearby sources of sound and vibration in order to insure the reliability of test results. The laboratory staff regularly performs conformance tests and maintains an equipment calibration schedule in order to comply with its NVLAP accreditation and to provide the most reliable information possible.
Many of the standardized tests are fully automated for both time savings and reliability.
Acoustical Research and Testing Staff
The Acoustical Research and Testing staff provides an unparalleled level of practical expertise in architectural, aerospace, HVAC, and specialty acoustics. However, technology, equipment and experience are only valuable when the results make sense! The staff provides meaningful, understandable reports, allowing JM and its customers the ability to fully enhance the acoustical performance of their products.
