CALCULATION NOISE GENERATED FROM AIR DUCT

When air flows through ducts noise are generated. The noise can be calculated with
the empirical equation below:
Lw = 10 + 50 log( v ) + 10 log( A )

(1)

where
Lw = sound power level (dB)
v = air velocity (m/s)
A = duct cross sectional area (m2)

Example - Noise generated in Ducts

The noise generated in a 200 mm circular duct with airflow 10 m/s can be calculated as
Lw = 10 + 50 log( 10 m/s) + 10 log( ((0.2 m) / 2)2 )
= 45 db
The noise generated in a 200 mm circular duct with airflow 20 m/s can be calculated as
Lw = 10 + 50 log( 20 m/s) + 10 log( ((0.2 m) / 2)2 )
= 60 db
Note! - the noise is generated inside the duct. Compared to the noise from the fans - the
noise generated by the duct can in general be neglected.