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Computational Modeling Tools for Acoustic Test Fixture Manikin Design

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911QX-09-C-0040
Agency Tracking Number: A082-060-0748
Amount: $69,976.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A08-060
Solicitation Number: 2008.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-01-30
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-07-29
Small Business Information
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL 35805
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Debbie Reeves
 Research Engineer
 (256) 726-4800
 tsb@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Deborah Phipps
Title: Contracts Specialist
Phone: (256) 726-4800
Email: dap@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) are critical to the audiological fitness and mission safety of military personnel. Thorough, reliable, and mission-appropriate evaluation of HPDs needs sophisticated objective methods. Some Acoustic Test Fixtures (ATFs) are available for HPD research but they have drawbacks. In this project we will develop a method of designing a new ATF manikin that is appropriate for the use in HPDs evaluations. Conventional method of designing ATF manikin relied on experimentation while the proposed method uses computational model as a design tool. This method uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to calculate the sound field around a manikin model, inside the ear canals and at the eardrums of the manikin. Bone conduction effects will be integrated in the model. This method will give predictions of the ATF manikin’s performance before it is constructed. This tool will determine the design paramaters required to construct the new ATF manikin. By using computational tools in the design, we reduce design time and materials’ cost. The outcome from phase II will be a complete ATF manikin system, i.e. head and torso with ear simulator system that emulates human auditory system as close as possible for the use of HPDs evaluation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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