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3D Printed Sonic Black Hole Arrives to End the Noise Game in Closed Pipes
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News18•13-10-2026, 21:43
3D Printed Sonic Black Hole Arrives to End the Noise Game in Closed Pipes
- •Scientists at Universitat Ramon Llull in Spain have developed a 3D-printed sonic black hole that completely swallows sound inside closed pipes.
- •The device uses a central rod with 29 gradually shrinking circular rings that trap sound waves, slowing them down until they lose all power.
- •Unlike older bulky silencers, this lightweight structure can be easily inserted like a plug directly into existing ventilation systems and active pipes.
- •Friction between the air and the plastic rings converts the trapped sound energy into a negligible amount of heat, destroying the noise forever.
- •Future applications could range from reducing industrial and vehicular noise to soundproofing architectural spaces without heavy foam.
Key Questions Answered
Scientists at Universitat Ramon Llull created a 3D-printed sonic black hole device designed to be installed directly into closed pipes and ventilation systems to completely swallow and eliminate unwanted noise.
The device features a central rod with 29 gradually shrinking circular rings that progressively slow down incoming sound waves. The sound energy is converted into friction and a negligible amount of thermal heat against the inner surfaces, destroying it forever.
Real-world deployment faces hurdles such as dust and debris accumulating between the rings to block the cavities, as well as the need for durable materials that can withstand high temperatures and air pressure in industrial pipes.
