Slumped glass: Auxetics and acoustics

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of curvature, at a variety of scales, on the acoustic properties of glass. Plate glass, which has predictable and uniform acoustically reflective behavior, can be formed into curved surfaces through a combination of parametrically driven auxetic pattern generation, CNC waterjet cutting, and controlled heat forming. When curved, plate glass becomes “activated,” and complex acoustically diffusive behavior emerges. The parametrically driven auxetic perforation pattern allows the curvature to be altered and controlled across a formed pane of glass, and a correlation is demonstrated between the level of curvature and the extent of acoustically diffusive behavior. Beyond individual panels, curved panes can be aggregated to extend acoustic influence to the entire interior room condition, and the pace at which acoustic energy is distributed can be controlled. In this work the parameters surrounding the controlled slumping of glass are described, and room-sized formal and acoustic effects are studied using wave-based acoustic simulation techniques. This paper discusses the early stages of work in progress.