Helmholtz resonator equation help? Anyone?


Don't know if this forum is the right place for this question, as I'm trying to figure out how to build a bass trap with this formula. But thought I'd try.
Anyways, does anyone know or know how to work the helmholtz resonator formula, for constructing a perforated box?
I seem to be getting conflicting results with my mathematical formula proceedures for some reason. Don't know why. Also, does anyone know where I can find a "plug in" or whatever to simplify this process? I'm a bit "puter ill-literate", sadly.

I have the following formula, but am getting conflicting "right answers" when I try to work it. Here's what I'm using from F.Alton Everest's Master Acoustics Handbook:

F = (200)x square root of (P/(D)x(t))

In which F = target frequency,hz
P = perforation percentage
t = effective hole lenght, inches, with corretion
applied
= (pannel thickness) + (.8)x(hole diameter)
D = depth of air space, inches.

Now, this same book says that if you use common peg board, with a .18 inch (3/16ths) thickness, and same hole diameter, with 1" spaced holes on center, at a depth of 4"(er, 3.625" on 2x4 studs), your reasonant fequency is around 420hz. I seem to get anything but that when I calculate!
Maybe someone has some input here? I know it's an "off the beatten path" post at that.
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Please no PM's, just respond here for all to see
russno5067

Showing 1 response by edesilva

Fer what its worth, and considering I'm not sure what the heck the various terms really mean, I'm with you. I get:

If perf board is 1/4" holes spaced 1", which is what I seem to remember, the "area" of the hole is 3.14*(.125)^2=0.049 sq. inches, so the perf percentage looks like 5%. I dunno what this correction factor is, but figuring my perf board was 1/4", I get t=.25+.8*.25=0.45. D=3.625, so, I get:

F=200*(0.049/(.45*3.625))^.5=34.6 Hz.

Oddly, if you were supposed to enter the "percentage" as a number (i.e., 5 for 5%, as opposed to 0.05--which totally offends my sense of mathematics), I get to 346 Hz.