The Physics behind Vacuum-Assisted Toilet Noise Reduction*

Using the restroom on an airplane is considered by passengers to be an extremely uncomfortable experience because of the high noise levels generated during a flush. A modified toilet has been designed and is shown to reduce the A-weighted overall sound pressure level by 15 dB. The purpose of current research is to better understand the physics behind this sound pressure level reduction by taking sound pressure measurements along the tube using 26 three-dimensionally printed microphone holders to look for the presence of evanescent decay from the opening of the toilet valve to the toilet bowl. Results will be presented and discussed during the presentation.