Airborne noise control in maritime structures—an overview

Similarities and differences of shipboard airborne noise problems and problems of noise in buildings, industrial plants, and transportation systems are discussed. Various types of shipboard environments are considered: these include machinery spaces, living compartments, office, command/control rooms, and deck stations. Criteria reflecting the different operational requirements are presented. Some special problems unique to ships are unusual noise sources such as active sonar ping and cavitating propellers, close proximity of personnel to major machinery, and ship structure as a significant sound‐transmission path. Methods of noise control are subject to constraints not common to other branches of acoustics. These include space and weight limitations as related to craft performance, machinery operation, and maintenance. Materials and constructions used in land‐based applications may be inappropriate in the maritime environment, because of fire hazards and contamination by oils. fuels, or salt water. The range of current activities in shipboard airborne noise control is outlined and the major deficiencies in the state of the art are discussed.