Nissan’s newest innovation not only makes cars quieter but also much lighter.
Comfort and quietness are an important purchasing factor in the automotive world. Thus, carmakers take many measures to limit road noise entering the cabin. Nissan has taken us a step further by developing an acoustic meta-material that reduces noise and improves efficiency.
The technology has been recognized by Popular Science and awarded with the “2020 Popular Science Best of What’s New” prize in the automotive section. Since 1872, Popular Science reports on new groundbreaking technology and sciences, celebrating the best innovations. The “Best of What’s New” category recognizes technology that has provided a significant improvement or upgrade in its particular segment.
Nissan’s meta-material features a lattice structure and plastic films controlling air vibrations and limiting the transmission of wide range noise falling between 500-1200 Hz.
The material is also lightweight, decreasing the weight of the vehicle. According to Nissan, it’s one-fourth of traditional heavy rubber boards’ weight and provides the same insulation.
Interestingly, the meta-material actually reflects most of the noise to the environment, with only a small amount passing through.
Research on the acoustic meta-material first began in 2008. At first, Nissan used it only on high-sensitivity antennas for the study of electromagnetic waves. For the same material to have noise-insulation properties, Nissan had to find a way to also mask sound waves.
Susumu Miura, an advanced material engineer, was responsible for the development of the advanced material. He commented that Nissan plans to use it for sound-insulation in cars and vehicles with weight restrictions.
“Through the development and use of this material, we aim to make our customers’ driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable.”
Nissan plans a commercial use for its meta-material soon.
