Graphene Based Thermoacoustic Materials for Noise Cancellation of Military Ground Combat Vehicles

In this STTR program, Structured Materials Industries, Inc. (SMI) and partners will develop a highly efficient noise cancelation system for military ground combat vehicles. Recent discoveries have shown that materials with very small heat capacity can show a high thermoacoustic effect, and therefore function as a highly efficient loudspeaker. While the theoretical basis for building a thermophone using low heat capacity materials was developed in the early 1900's, it was not until two dimensional materials such as graphene were isolated, that practical implementations of a thermophone could be realized. In Phase I, the STTR team will demonstrate graphene based thermoacoustic devices fabricated on flexible substrates. We will demonstrate the potential for the device to achieve sound pressures suitable for noise cancelation applications. We will also demonstrate the potential to manufacture graphene based thermoacoustic devices economically and at commercial scale. In Phase II, we will demonstrate graphene based thermoacoustic devices, fully integrated with control electronics into a prototype noise cancelation system. We will work with the Army or their designated representatives to demonstrate the prototype noise cancelation system in real or simulated environments in Phase II.