Application of the ISO 13472-1 in situ technique for measuring the acoustic absorption coefficient of grass and artificial turf surfaces

This paper presents the applicability of an in situ technique based on ISO 13472-1 standard for measuring the acoustic absorption coefficient of grass and artificial turf surfaces for normal incidence from a sound source. The in situ method is based on acoustic impulse response measurement of the material surface. A maximum length sequence (MLS) signal is played through a loudspeaker and the acoustic response from the surface is recorded using a single microphone. The fast Hadamard transform and fast Fourier transform based digital signal post-processing algorithm provides the acoustic absorption coefficient of the surface under test. The normal incidence acoustic absorption coefficient of a commercial artificial quash surface of Dow Co. obtained from this method was compared with the results from the ASTM E1050 impedance tube method for the same surface. The acoustic absorption coefficients of a test-site grass surfaces were measured for 30 mm and 100 mm length of grass blades in wet and dry soil conditions. Substantial difference in the acoustic absorption coefficient was observed for a similar grass-like artificial surface used for estimating sound power of commercial garden equipments and lawnmowers. The advantage of the in situ method lies in its ability to measure the normal incident acoustic absorption coefficient of any planar surface as installed or in situ. Additionally a quick testing time of less than a minute with the use of a laptop sound card based inexpensive data acquisition system is the main feature of this robust method.     

Estimation of pressure-particle velocity impedance measurement uncertainty using the Monte Carlo method

The pressure-particle velocity (PU) impedance measurement technique is an experimental method used to measure the surface impedance and the absorption coefficient of acoustic samples in situ or under free-field conditions. In this paper, the measurement uncertainty of the the absorption coefficient determined using the PU technique is explored applying the Monte Carlo method. It is shown that because of the uncertainty, it is particularly difficult to measure samples with low absorption and that difficulties associated with the localization of the acoustic centers of the sound source and the PU sensor affect the quality of the measurement roughly to the same extent as the errors in the transfer function between pressure and particle velocity do.     

Terahertz absorption by electrons and confined acoustic phonons in free-standing quantum wells

The acoustic phonon confinement in a free-standing quantum well (FSQW) results in an acoustic phonon energy quantization. Typical quantization energies are in the terahertz frequency range. Free electrons may absorb electromagnetic waves in this frequency range if they emit or absorb acoustic phonons. Therefore, the terahertz absorption reveals the characteristic features of the acoustic phonon spectrum in free-standing structures. We have calculated the absorption coefficient of an electromagnetic wave by free electrons in a FSQW in the terahertz frequency range. We took into account a time dependent electric field, an exact form of the acoustic phonon spectrum and eigenmodes, and electron interactions with confined acoustic phonons through the deformation potential. We demonstrate numerical results for GaAs FSQW of width 100 Å at low lattice temperatures in the frequency range 0.1-1 THz. The absorption coefficient exhibits several structures at frequencies corresponding to the lowest acoustic phonon modes. These features occur due to absorption of photons by electrons, which is accompanied by the emission of corresponding acoustic phonons.     

Anomalies of attenuation and phase velocity of surface acoustic waves in YBa2Cu3O7‒δ thin films in the vicinity of Tc

We present measurements of the attenuation and phase velocity of surface acoustic waves in thin YBa₂Cu₃O films as a function of temperature, in magnetic fields up to 3.6 T applied parallel to the c-axis of the films. We have observed anomalies in both, the attenuation and the phase velocity in the vicinity of the superconducting critical temperature which do not depend on the magnetic field. Possible origins of these anomalies, observed, to our knowledge, for the first time in YBa₂Cu₃O thin films, are discussed and compared to bulk acoustic wave experiments. We present a kind of feedback technique for surface acoustic waves which improves the sensitivity of this type of measurement. The actual sensitivity limits are mentioned. Received: 7 August 1997 / Revised: 7 November 1997 / Accepted: 17 November 1997     

Computation of acoustic absorption in media composed of packed microtubes exhibiting surface irregularity

A multi-scale homogenization technique and a finite element-based solution procedure are employed to compute acoustic absorption in smooth and rough packed microtubes. The absorption considered arises from thermo-viscous interactions between the fluid media and the microtube walls. The homogenization technique requires geometric periodicity, which for smooth tubes is invoked using the periodicity of the finite element mesh; for rough microtubes, the periodicity invoked is that associated with the roughness. Analysis of the packed configurations, for the specific microtube radii considered, demonstrates that surface roughness does not appreciably increase the overall absorption, but instead shifts the peaks and values of the absorption curve. Additionally, the effect of the fluid media temperature on acoustic absorption is also explored. The results of the investigation are used to make conclusions about tailored design of acoustically absorbing microtube-based materials.     

A model comparison of the absorption coefficient of a Microperforated Insertion Unit in the frequency and time domains

The absorption coefficient of acoustic materials can be measured either in the frequency or the time domain. At normal incidence, a sample of the material is fitted within an impedance tube and the absorption coefficient is calculated in the frequency domain from the measurement of the transfer function between two microphones [ISO 10534-2. Acoustics - determination of sound absorption coefficient and impedance in impedance tubes - Part 2: transfer function method. ISO, Geneva, Switzerland; 1996]. When the acoustic material must be characterized at oblique incidence or in situ (noise barriers, for instance) the absorption coefficient is calculated from measurements of the loudspeaker-microphone impulse response in the time domain, both in free field and in front of the sample [CEN/TS 1793-5. Road traffic noise reduction devices - test method for determining the acoustic performance - Part 5: intrinsic characteristics - in situ values of sound reflection and airborne sound insulation. CEN, Brussels, Belgium; 2003, ISO 13472-1. Acoustic measurement of sound absorption properties of road surfaces in situ - Part I: extended surface method. ISO, Geneva, Switzerland; 2002]. Since the absorption is an intrinsic property of the acoustic material, its measurement in either domain must provide the same result. However, this has not been formally demonstrated yet. The aim of this paper is to carry out a comparison between the absorption coefficient predicted by the impedance model of a Microperforated Insertion Unit and the absorption coefficient predicted from a simulated reflection trace taken into account the finite length of the time window.     

隐声衣结构设计和实验研究新进展

隐声衣是一项使物体隐藏于声场的新技术,与传统吸声方式相比,隐声衣消除回波时不会在目标背后留下声影区。隐声衣的物理实现是重点研究方向之一,利用具有特殊性质的材料或结构消除散射是获得隐声效果的主要途径。文章综述了隐声衣研究在结构设计和实验方面的几项新发展。包括基于超常材料的隐声衣、基于温度递度的隐声衣、应用反演设计方法的隐声衣、有源隐声衣等,主要介绍隐声衣机理和结构设计方面的新思想,以及新型人工材料和人工结构在隐声衣研究中的应用。     

Acoustic wave diffraction in reflective groove structures

A reflective groove structure is a component part of an acoustic surface wave resonator. The diffraction effects in this structure are the subject of this paper. Reflective groove structures are characterized by a concentration of acoustic wave energy, and losses due to diffraction are small.     

Fatigue behaviour and structural health monitoring by acoustic emission of E-glass/epoxy laminates with piezoelectric implant

This paper represents the continuation of our research on built-in piezoelectric sensor for structural health monitoring of composite materials. Experimental research is focused on examining the effects of the embedded sensors on the structural integrity of composite laminates subjected to mechanical tests. A series of composite specimens with and without embedded sensor are tested in fatigue loading while constantly monitoring the response by acoustic emission technique. The acoustic signals are analysed using the classification k-means method in order to identify the different damage mechanisms and to follow the evolution of these mechanisms for both types of composite materials (with and without sensor). The mechanical behaviour of composites with and without embedded sensor shows no difference in the form. The incorporation of piezoelectric sensor causes low degradation of mechanical properties of composites. Comparing embedded sensor to sensor mounted on the surface, the embedded sensor showed a much higher sensitivity. It is thus verified that the embedded acoustic emission sensor had great potential for acoustic emission monitoring in fibre reinforced composite structures.     

多重散射方法研究轴对称空腔覆盖层的声学特性

发展了一种多重散射方法研究声学覆盖层的半数值半解析模型,分析了影响轴对称空腔结构声学性能的主要能量耗散机制。在球坐标条件下推导出轴对称空腔结构的位移和应力场基函数,通过对空腔表面基函数的数值积分,得到散射波和入射波之间的传输矩阵方程,结合分层介质声传播理论计算了周期性空腔结构覆盖层的反射、透射和吸声性能。研究结果表明;空腔共振是低频能量耗散的主要形式,边界条件对材料空腔结构的谐振特性影响很大,利用双空腔耦合共振可以拓宽材料的低频吸声频带;背衬对材料的高频吸声影响较小,材料的高频能量损耗取决于空腔的散射和波型转换特性。      

Design of a multipolar weighting for acoustic antennae

This work describes the development of an acoustic antenna for which several kinds of weightings have been studied to obtain a narrow directivity with attenuated rear lobes. Later, this antenna will be used in a new device to measure the sound absorption coefficient of flat panels in industrial sites. It is often necessary, although quite difficult, to measure acoustic absorption coefficients in partially diffuse conditions, because predicting the sound pressure level at, for instance, a workplace requires in situ characterization of the facings. This antenna has been optimized so that the major part of the received acoustic energy would come from one portion only of an investigated facing present in an industrial room. The multipolar weighting is quite efficient because the associated directivity can be carried out with a limited number of microphones. The calculation technique is improved to achieve a constant sensitivity antenna within the desired frequency range with most of the secondary lobes rejected. The designed receiving system is composed of four antennae, each equipped with five sensors. The directivity, at 150-5000 Hz range, has been verified in an anechoic room.     

Simulation of Birefringence and Absorption in InGaAs-GaAs Multiple Quantum Well Acoustooptic Modulators Operating Near 980 nm

This paper presents the simulation of surface acoustic wave (SAW)-induced absorption coefficient and refractive index change in InGaAs-GaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) structures operating near 980 nm. The exciton problem is solved in two dimensional momentum space to include the non-axial effect due to strain induced valance band mixing and nonparabolicity. The optical absorption coefficient and refractive index changes near the band gap in the MQWs are calculated as a function of SAW power.     

Ultrathin porous pavement made with high viscosity asphalt rubber binder: A better acoustic absorption?

This work presents a non-destructive technique applied to ultrathin porous asphalt pavements that allows us to characterize their internal structure. Comparison between acoustic absorption data from experimental tests with an impedance tube and analytical simulation leads to an optimization of intrinsic parameters, such as tortuosity, airflow resistivity and porosity. The studied ultrathin specimens are of a high air void content porous mixture made with conventional polymer modified bituminous binder and high viscosity rubber binder. It has been found that one of the studied mixtures presents less air void content than specified by the manufacturer, and thus absorbs less noise as foreseen. Finally, in this case it appears that using a high viscosity asphalt rubber binder has no influence on maximum acoustic absorption but on the frequency of appearance of this maximum, tortuosity and airflow resistivity.     

穿纤维微穿孔板吸声系数的有限元仿真

为拓宽微穿孔板的吸声频带,该文用有限元算法建立了典型微穿孔板和穿入不同数量金属纤维的微穿孔板模型,研究了两种微穿孔板的吸声系数、声阻抗和微孔内法向质点速度的空间分布,并进行了试验验证。有限元仿真和试验数据表明:穿入金属纤维可以拓宽微穿孔板的吸声频带,吸声系数也随纤维根数的增加而下降;吸声系数仿真结果与试验结果趋势一致,仿真模型可以有效模拟穿入纤维前后微穿孔板的吸声特性;穿入金属纤维导致黏滞效应引起的低质点速度区域增大,声阻增加,引起吸声系数的降低,而声抗变化不大。研究发现,有限元仿真方法适用于结构相对复杂的微穿孔结构的声学建模,能直观地体现微孔复杂结构的影响,值得继续深入研究和工程应用。     

Free-carrier absorption in quantum well structures for acoustic phonon scattering

Free-carrier absorption has been studied for quantum well structures fabricated from III-V semiconducting materials where the acoustic phonon scattering is important. The energy band of carriers is assumed to be nonparabolic. We discuss the effect of acoustic phonon scattering on the free-carrier absorption for both deformation-potential coupling and piezoelectric coupling. It is found that the free-carrier absorption coefficient depends upon the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation relative to the layer plane or quantum well, the photon frequency, and the temperature. When the deformation-potential coupling is dominant, the free-carrier absorption coefficient increases with increasing temperature for photons polarized in the layer plane or perpendicular to the layer plane. However, when the piezoelectric coupling is dominant, the free-carrier absorption coefficient increases with increasing temperature for photons polarized in the layer plane, but for photons polarized perpendicularly to the layer plane, the free-carrier absorption coefficient decreases with increasing temperature. Moreover, at high temperatures such as T = 300 K, the free-carrier absorption coefficient oscillates with the film thickness in a small quantum well region and then decreases monotonically with increasing the film thickness. This is different from the result for three-dimensional semiconducting solids.     

Prediction of energy decay in room impulse responses simulated with an image-source model

A method is proposed that provides an approximation of the acoustic energy decay (energy-time curve) in room impulse responses generated using the image-source technique. A geometrical analysis of the image-source principle leads to a closed-form expression describing the energy decay curve, with the resulting formula being valid for a uniform as well as nonuniform definition of the enclosure's six absorption coefficients. The accuracy of the proposed approximation is demonstrated on the basis of impulse-response simulations involving various room sizes and reverberation levels, with uniform and nonuniform sound absorption coefficients. An application example for the proposed method is illustrated by considering the task of predicting an enclosure's reflection coefficients in order to achieve a specific reverberation level. The technique presented in this work enables designers to undertake a preliminary analysis of a simulated reverberant environment without the need for time-consuming image-method simulations.     

Frequency band structure and absorption predictions for multi-periodic acoustic composites

This article introduces a computational framework for studying frequency band structure and absorption behavior in multi-periodic acoustic composite structures. Herein, multi-periodic acoustic composite structures are defined as periodically-layered acoustic media wherein each layer is composed of periodically-repeated fluid unit cells, especially those arising from the study of porous materials. Hence, at least two periodic scales (microscopic and mesoscopic, respectively) comprise the macroscopic acoustic composite media. Exploitation of the multi-periodicity allows for efficient generation of dispersion and absorption curves via the conventional multi-scale asymptotic method (for homogenizing the mesoscale) coupled to the acoustic transfer matrix methods (for the macroscale). The combined computational framework results in a single analysis procedure for evaluating complex dispersion relationships and acoustic absorption. The dispersion curves can be used to reveal frequency stop bands wherein the wave vector is highly imaginary—i.e., plane waves experience rapid attenuation. They can also be used to reinterpret classical absorption curves. The framework is applied to four multi-periodic acoustic composite structures in order to demonstrate the framework's utility and to reveal novel properties, particularly those which can be influenced by design of the mesoscopic unit cell.     

Low frequency in situ metrology of absorption and dispersion of sound absorbing porous materials based on high power ultrasonic non-linearly demodulated waves

The present work is related to acoustic in situ free-field measurements of sound absorption in porous materials, such as cellular plastic foams, glass-wool or recycled felt materials. The emphasis is given towards fine metrology of absorption in view of potential industrial applications. A powerful ultrasonic array working at 40 kHz is used. It enables to measure absorption acoustical data down to 100 Hz due to the exploitation of the non-linear ultrasonic demodulation phenomenon in air. Fine measurements of acoustic absorption are compared to numerical predictions based on the “equivalent-fluid” model (when the squeleton frame is motionless), and to some measurements performed on a Brüel and Kjaer impedance tube. Dispersion curves are also measured and compared to the numerical predictions for some automotive felt materials which are compressed at various ratios. Data obtained with a dedicated portable instrument are also discussed for the same type of materials and configurations.     

研究表面光学和热学特性的一种新方法——光热位移光谱

本文介绍研究固体、表面及薄膜的光学和热学特性的一种十分灵敏的探测技术。这一探测技术——光热位移光谱,是基于对样品表面吸收电磁辐射后所引起的热膨胀的测量。本技术亦适用于那些要求高真空和温度变化范围较大条件的实验研究工作。这种光谱技术还能将面吸收和体吸收很好的区分开来,入射功率面的吸收的测量能达到αl=10^-6/W.     

Harmonic generation of an obliquely incident ultrasonic wave in solid-solid contact interfaces

The conventional acoustic nonlinear technique to evaluate the contact acoustic nonlinearity (CAN) at solid-solid contact interfaces (e.g., closed cracks), which uses the through-transmission of normally incident bulk waves, is limited in that access to both the inner and outer surfaces of structures for attaching pulsing and receiving transducers is difficult. The angle beam incidence and reflection technique, where both the pulsing and receiving transducers are located on the same side of the target, may allow the above problem to be overcome. However, in the angle incidence technique, mode-conversion at the contact interfaces as well as the normal and tangential interface stiffness should be taken into account. Based on the linear and nonlinear contact stiffness, we propose a theoretical model for the reflection of an ultrasonic wave angularly incident on contact interfaces. In addition, the magnitude of the CAN-induced second harmonic wave in the reflected ultrasonic wave is predicted. Experimental results obtained for the contact interfaces of A16061-T6 alloy specimens at various loading pressures showed good agreement with theoretical predictions. Such agreement proves the validity of the suggested oblique incidence model.