Expert: Paul Soderman - 12/14/2004

Question
Paul,

You may remember me from the ReSound program to develop a small wind screen for a communications earpiece.

My question: At that time your team used a special fine wire screen material not readily available.   I believe that it was made in Europe.

As we at STEP have a current need, can you again tell me the material, who makes it, how to get it, where to get a spec sheet?

Thank you.....Jon  

Answer
Hi Jon

How nice to hear from you.  I'm glad someone remembers that good work we did.   As I recall, the screen we used for your microphone was the same one we used in the wind tunnel acoustic modification, which is described in two NASA TP's:  NASA/TP-2002-211850.  Design and Development of a Deep Acoustic Lining for the 40- by 80-Ft Wind Tunnel Test Section, P. Soderman et al, Nov 2002 and NASA/TP-2002-211851.  Acoustic Quality of the 40- by 80-Ft Wind Tunnel Test Section after Installation of a Deep Acoustic Lining, P. Soderman et al, Nov 2002.  When I read what I wrote, it says the screen is "fine-mesh stainless steel, Dutch twill 200 warp by 600 shute wires/inch (0.061 and 0.046 mm diameter, 8-10 cgs rayls, 26-micron  capture)".  Unfortunately, I do not list the source.  Joe Sacco at NASA Ames may remember the source.  We also discuss very briefly the general results of our study in Soderman and Allen:  Microphone Measurements In and Out of Airstream, ch 1 of Aeroacoustic Measurements, T. Mueller, ed., Springer Verlag, 2002.

I have asked Clif Horne, who is still at NASA, to also answer your question, he may remember the screen source.  He also has the final report on our study and may be able to send you one.  If interested, please send your address to psoderman@direcway.com.

Good luck with your work.

Paul