Low frequency sound insulation using stiffness control with honeycomb panels

A new honeycomb core design has been used to increase the stiffness of the panel and applied to improve the noise transmission loss at frequencies between 100 and 200 Hz. A model is presented to predict the transmission loss of the honeycomb panels based on the structural modal parameters. A new test specimen with fiber reinforced plastic cores and face sheets had been used to investigate the effect of stiffness and damping on noise transmission loss. The measurements of noise transmission loss have been compared with data for common structural panels. The results show that the new core fabrication techniques using moulding to improve the noise transmission are effective. In comparison to a cement panel of the same mass, the honeycomb panels have higher TL at low frequencies between 100 and 200 Hz due to higher stiffness and damping. The honeycomb panels have more significant vibration responses above 500 Hz but these are limited by damping.     

Behavior of rigid-porous layers at high levels of continuous acoustic excitation: theory and experiment

A model for the propagation of high amplitude continuous sound through hard-backed rigid-porous layers has been developed which allows for Forchheimer's correction to Darcy's law. The nonlinearity associated with this is shown to be particularly important in the range of frequencies around layer resonance. The model is based on the introduction of particle velocity dependent flow resistivity into the equivalent fluid model expression for complex tortuosity. Thermal effects are accounted for by means of a linear complex compressibility function. The model has been used to derive analytical expressions for surface impedance and reflection coefficient as a function of incident pressure amplitude. Depending on the material parameters, sample thickness, and frequency range the model predicts either growth or decrease of reflection coefficient with sound amplitude. Good agreement between model predictions and data for three rigid-porous materials is demonstrated.     

Influence of scattering, atmospheric refraction, and ground effect on sound propagation through a pine forest

Sound propagation through a forest is affected by the microclimate in the canopy, scattering by trunks and stems, and ground reflection. Each of these effects is such a strong contributor to the attenuation of sound that mutual interactions between the phenomena could become important. A sound propagation model for use in a forest has been developed that incorporates scattering from trunks and branches and atmospheric refraction by modifying the effective wave number in the Green's function parabolic equation model. The ground effect for a hard-backed pine straw layer is approximated as a local reaction impedance condition. Comparisons to experimental data are made for frequencies up to 4,200 Hz. Cumulative influences of the separate phenomena are examined. The method developed in this paper is compared to previously published methods. The overall comparison with spectral transmission data is good, suggesting that the model captures the necessary details.     

Examination of bone-conducted transmission from sound field excitation measured by thresholds, ear-canal sound pressure, and skull vibrations

Bone conduction (BC) relative to air conduction (AC) sound field sensitivity is here defined as the perceived difference between a sound field transmitted to the ear by BC and by AC. Previous investigations of BC-AC sound field sensitivity have used different estimation methods and report estimates that vary by up to 20 dB at some frequencies. In this study, the BC-AC sound field sensitivity was investigated by hearing threshold shifts, ear canal sound pressure measurements, and skull bone vibrations measured with an accelerometer. The vibration measurement produced valid estimates at 400 Hz and below, the threshold shifts produced valid estimates at 500 Hz and above, while the ear canal sound pressure measurements were found erroneous for estimating the BC-AC sound field sensitivity. The BC-AC sound field sensitivity is proposed, by combining the present result with others, as frequency independent at 50 to 60 dB at frequencies up to 900 Hz. At higher frequencies, it is frequency dependent with minima of 40 to 50 dB at 2 and 8 kHz, and a maximum of 50 to 60 dB at 4 kHz. The BC-AC sound field sensitivity is the theoretical limit of maximum attenuation achievable with ordinary hearing protection devices.     

求解光学CT图象重建问题的广义脉冲谱技术研究

间接法是目前实现医学诊断用近红外光三维成象(光CT)的最有潜力的手段之一.该方法基于以下假设,即给定分别对应于不同点激励源作用下成象组织体表面各点的传输光测量.在组织体内存在着与上述检测量相对应的、唯一的光学参数三维分布.由此,图象重建变成了特定光子传输模型的逆问题.本文提出采用广义脉冲谱技术(Generalized Pulse Spectrum Technique,GPST)进行光学CT图象重建逆问题的求解.给出了GPST在扩散方程光子传输模型逆问题求解中的具体实现,数值实验结果表明,通过选择合适的复频率点,采用GPST算法的图象重建结果优于其它现有算法,且响应时间合理.最后,本文还初步讨论了吸收和散射系数重建中复频率点选择的一些基本原则。     

混响室雷达地杂波统计特性模拟

为实现混响室中威布尔分布杂波的有效模拟,营造逼真的雷达电磁环境,基于广义平稳非相关散射电磁环境下混响室信道衰落特性,通过控制幅度调制信号对衰落系数进行补偿,提出一种基于时域波形设计的混响室地杂波模拟方法。通过调节输入信号序列中大、小幅度脉冲比例,改变混响室传统输入信号的零均值幅度特性,以实测地杂波统计特性为参考,最终得到与实测数据统计特性参数一致的混响室杂波电磁环境。用最大似然估计和KS检验法对实验数据作参数估计和假设检验,实测地杂波数据拟合于标准威布尔模型,混响室实验数据拟合于实测地杂波幅度统计模型,从而实现了实测地杂波起伏特性的混响室有效模拟。     

Magnetic field computation in a non-oriented sheet cross-section considering the hysteresis phenomenon

The aim of the present work is the numerical computation of the average magnetic induction in the cross-section of a non-oriented 3% Si-Fe sheet by solving the magnetic diffusion equation. Jiles’ dynamic model is used to describe the magnetization law. The obtained results are compared with those of the measurements carried out for frequencies of 0.5, 50, 200 and 500 Hz. A satisfactory agreement is obtained between both types of results.     

Vibrational characteristics of the embalmed human femur

The resonant frequencies and mode shapes of contralateral femurs have been identified by experimental and analytical procedures. Also, the cross-sectional area, centroid, and principal moments of inertia were computed throughout the femur length for both compact and cancellous bone. The resonant frequencies of freely vibrating specimens were identified from transfer function measurements by using a Fourier analyzer. Twenty frequencies were noted in a frequency range of 20 Hz–8 kHz. A mathematical model of the femur consisting of 59 joined uniform segments, with each composed of compact and/or cancellous bone, was analyzed by using a transfer matrix technique. Results of the model enabled classification of the experimental resonances into deformations corresponding to flexure (about principal planes of inertia), torsion, and longitudinal extension with fundamental frequencies at 250, 308, 557, and 2138 Hz, respectively. Generalized non-dimensional resonant frequencies were computed based on femur geometry averaged over its length and compared with those predicted by simple beam models. This analysis provided further understanding of the vibrational behavior of the femur.     

An experimental and theoretical study of the modelling of road traffic noise and its transmission in the urban environment

This paper describes experiments conducted on the modelling of traffic noise using a $\text{1}\text{80th}$ scale model of a subdivision of a city. The emphasis in this study was on the correct evaluation of ground absorption effects. There were essentially four phases to the study. First, the applicability of various scaling law regimes was examined. It was shown that $\text{1}\text{80th}$ scaling using air as a transmission medium was at least a practical choice. The second phase concerned itself with the choice of materials for the model, particularly that which was to simulate the ground. An impedance measuring apparatus was developed and used to test materials. The third part of the work concerned itself with the development of an anechoic enclosure and a sound source to simulate traffic noise; modulated Hartmann whistles were used for this purpose. Finally, a model of part of a residential area of Calgary was built and sound transmission measurements obtained. These results were compared with field measurements. It was shown that good agreement existed between the field and model measurements.     

Absolute frequency measurements of the Hg+ and Ca optical clock transitions with a femtosecond laser

The frequency comb created by a femtosecond mode-locked laser and a microstructured fiber is used to phase coherently measure the frequencies of both the Hg+ and Ca optical standards with respect to the SI second. We find the transition frequencies to be f(Hg) = 1 064 721 609 899 143(10) Hz and f(Ca) = 455 986 240 494 158(26) Hz, respectively. In addition to the unprecedented precision demonstrated here, this work is the precursor to all-optical atomic clocks based on the Hg+ and Ca standards. Furthermore, when combined with previous measurements, we find no time variations of these atomic frequencies within the uncertainties of the absolute value of( partial differential f(Ca)/ partial differential t)/f(Ca) < or =8 x 10(-14) yr(-1) and the absolute value of(partial differential f(Hg)/ partial differential t)/f(Hg) < or =30 x 10(-14) yr(-1).     

Measurements of vocal fold tissue viscoelasticity: approaching the male phonatory frequency range

Viscoelastic shear properties of human vocal fold tissues have been reported previously. However, data have only been obtained at very low frequencies (< or = 15 Hz). This necessitates data extrapolation to the frequency range of phonation based on constitutive modeling and time-temperature superposition. This study attempted to obtain empirical measurements at higher frequencies with the use of a controlled strain torsional rheometer, with a design of directly controlling input strain that introduced significantly smaller system inertial errors compared to controlled stress rheometry. Linear viscoelastic shear properties of the vocal fold mucosa (cover) from 17 canine larynges were quantified at frequencies of up to 50 Hz. Consistent with previous data, results showed that the elastic shear modulus (G'), viscous shear modulus (G"), and damping ratio (zeta) of the vocal fold mucosa were relatively constant across 0.016-50 Hz, whereas the dynamic viscosity (eta') decreased monotonically with frequency. Constitutive characterization of the empirical data by a quasilinear viscoelastic model and a statistical network model demonstrated trends of viscoelastic behavior at higher frequencies generally following those observed at lower frequencies. These findings supported the use of controlled strain rheometry for future investigations of the viscoelasticity of vocal fold tissues and phonosurgical biomaterials at phonatory frequencies.     

Measurements and predictions of hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix) call propagation over open field habitats

In a study of hooded crow communication over open fields an excellent correspondence is found between the attenuation spectra predicted by a "turbulence-modified ground effect plus atmospheric absorption" model, and crow call attenuation data. Sound propagation predictions and background noise measurements are used to predict an optimal frequency range for communication ("sound communication window") from an average of crow call spectra predicted for every possible combination of the sender/receiver separations 300, 600, 900, and 1200 m and heights 3,6,9 m thereby creating a matrix assumed relevant to crow interterritorial communication. These predictions indicate an optimal frequency range for sound communication between 500 Hz and 2 kHz. Since this corresponds to the frequency range in which crow calls have their main energy and crow hearing in noise is particularly sensitive, it suggests a specific adaptation to the ground effect. Sound propagation predictions, together with background noise measurements and hearing data, are used to estimate the radius of the hooded crow active space. This is found to be roughly 1 km in moderately windy conditions. It is concluded that the propagation modeling of the sort introduced here could be used for assessing the impact of human noise on animal communication.     

On the choice of expansion functions in the Helmholtz equation least-squares method

This paper examines the performance of Helmholtz equation least-squares (HELS) method in reconstructing acoustic radiation from an arbitrary source by using three different expansions, namely, localized spherical waves (LSW), distributed spherical waves (DSW), and distributed point sources (DPS), under the same set of measurements. The reconstructed acoustic pressures are validated against the benchmark data measured at the same locations as reconstruction points for frequencies up to 3275 Hz. Reconstruction is obtained by using Tikhonov regularization or its modification with the regularization parameter selected by error-free parameter-choice methods. The impact of the number of measurement points on the resultant reconstruction accuracy under different expansion functions is investigated. Results demonstrate that DSW leads to a better-conditioned transfer matrix, yields more accurate reconstruction than both LSW and DPS, and is not affected as much by the change in measurement points. Also, it is possible to obtain optimal locations of the auxiliary sources for DSW, LSW, and DPS by taking an independent layer of measurements. Use of these auxiliary sources and an optimal combination of regularization and error-free parameter choice methods can yield a satisfactory reconstruction of acoustic quantities on the source surfaces as well as in the field in the most cost-effective manner.     

Reverberation time measurements in non-diffuse acoustic field by the modal reverberation time

The increasing presence of low frequency sources and the lack of acoustic standard measurement procedures make the extension of reverberation time measurements to frequencies below 100 Hz necessary. In typical ordinary rooms with volumes between 30 m³ and 200 m³ the sound field is non-diffuse at such low frequencies, entailing inhomogeneities in space and frequency domains. Presence of standing waves is also the main cause of bad quality of listening in terms of clarity and rumble effects. Since standard measurements according to ISO 3382 fail to achieve accurate and precise values in third octave bands due to non-linear decays caused by room modes, a new approach based on reverberation time measurements of single resonant frequencies (the modal reverberation time) has been introduced. From background theory, due to the intrinsic relation between modal decays and half bandwidth of resonant frequencies, two measurement methods have been proposed together with proper measurement procedures: a direct method based on interrupted source signal method, and an indirect method based on half bandwidth measurements. With microphones placed at corners of rectangular rooms in order to detect all modes and maximize SNRs, different source signals were tested. Anti-resonant sine waves and sweep signal turned out to be the most suitable for direct and indirect measurement methods respectively. From spatial measurements in an empty rectangular test room, comparison between direct and indirect methods showed good and significant agreements. This is the first experimental validation of the relation between resonant half bandwidth and modal reverberation time. Furthermore, comparisons between means and standard deviations of modal reverberation times and standard reverberation times in third octave bands confirm the inadequacy of standard procedure to get accurate and precise values at low frequencies with respect to the modal approach. Modal reverberation time measurements applied to furnished ordinary rooms confirm previous results in the limit of modal sound field: for highly damped modes due to furniture or acoustic treatment, the indirect method is not applicable due to strong suppression of modes and the consequent deviation of the acoustic field from a non-diffuse condition to a damped modal condition, while standard reverberation times align with direct method values. In the future, further investigations will be necessary in different rooms to improve uncertainty evaluation.     

A comparison of a theoretical model for quasi-statically and dynamically induced environmental vibration from trains with measurements

This paper presents comparisons between a theoretical ground vibration model and measured data at three sites. The model, which is briefly outlined here, encompasses both the quasi-static and dynamic mechanisms of excitation. The vertical dynamics of a number of vehicles travelling at a constant speed on an infinite track are coupled to a semi-analytical model for a three-dimensional layered ground. This model is also used to demonstrate the roles of the two components of vibration at different frequencies and for train speeds below and above the lowest ground wave speed. It is found that, in most practical cases, the dynamic component gives rise to the higher level of vibration.     

A method for the low frequency qualification of reverberation test rooms using a validated finite element model

Low frequency behavior in small rooms is always a critical issue, but the recent extension of several standards to frequencies as low as 50 Hz opened an interesting debate in the scientific community as to which is the best (and most reliable) method to perform measurements. The present paper discusses the low frequency qualification of a typical reverberant test room in order to perform sound power measurements (carried out according to ISO 3741), by taking advantage of a finite element model of the room. Experimental measurements were first carried out in a standard reverberant chamber to demonstrate that the model provides accurate results in the range below 100 Hz. Statistical analysis of the results from measurements and simulations confirmed that, despite some small inaccuracies, the predicted results are in very good agreement with those measured both in terms of spectra and spatial distribution of the sound pressure level. Finally, the different steps of the low-frequency qualification of a reverberant test room are discussed. A selection procedure of the most suitable microphone positions is proposed, based on the results of the simulation, and, finally, on site measurements were carried out to validate the procedure.     

Photothermal measurement of thermal anisotropy in pyrolytic graphite

We investigated the anisotropic thermal conductivity in pyrolytic graphite by thermoreflectance. A laser-heated circular spot on a surface perpendicular to the planes developed into an elliptical temperature distribution which was recorded by a raster scanning technique at modulation frequencies ranging from 600 Hz to 100 kHz. The ratio of in-plane and perpendicular thermal conductivity was determined by fitting the phase of the temperature data with an analytical model, and was found to decrease with increasing modulation frequency. Highest conductivity values were considerably smaller than previously published data based on steady-state measurements. The frequency dependence and additional features in the phase profiles at high frequencies are discussed in view of sample surface preparation and the local nature of the thermoreflectance measurement.     

Temperature Dependence of InSb Reflectivity in the Far Infrared: Determination of the Electron Effective Mass

We measured the dependence of the reflectivity of InSb crystals upon temperature in the submillimeter region using monochromatic radiation from an optically pumped far infrared (FIR) laser. The measures allowed us to determine the value of the electron effective mass at low temperatures with radiations of different frequencies. Our measurements extend the results obtained recently on pure crystals with magneto-optical methods to the low temperatures region where only old measures were available.     

Some acoustical properties of St Paul's Cathedral,London

The interior of St Paul's Cathedral has a volume of 152 000 m³ including the large dome. The average value of the reverberation time is 11 s at 500 Hz when the cathedral is empty and reduces to 7·8 s at the same frequency when the cathedral is full. These measurements have been confirmed by several methods, including the method of integrated impulses. For frequencies above 1250 Hz the reverberation time decreases, because of air absorption and the special effect of the dome. With a steady random noise source the energy density was not constant in the nave: at 1000 Hz the sound level fell away at an approximate rate of 3 dB per doubling of distance. The assumption of a Sabine space can be made to some extent, and based on this assumption it is possible to estimate the reverberation time when the cathedral is full from the results when empty. Speech intelligibility is poor and articulation tests showed that in the middle of the nave only 20–30% of words are understood.     

An ensemble source spectra model for merchant ship-radiated noise

This paper presents an evaluation of the classical model for determining an ensemble of the broadband source spectra of the sound generated by individual ships and proposes an alternate model to overcome the deficiencies in the classical model. The classical model, proposed by Ross [Mechanics of Underwater Noise (Pergamon, New York, 1976)] postulates that the source spectrum for an individual ship is proportional to a baseline spectrum with the constant of proportionality determined by a power-law relationship on the ship speed and length. The model evaluation, conducted on an ensemble of 54 source spectra over a 30-1200-Hz to 1200-Hz frequency band, shows that this assumption yields large rms errors in the broadband source level for the individual ships and significantly overestimates the variability in the source level across the ensemble of source spectra. These deficiencies are a consequence of the negligible correlation between the source level and the ship speed and the source level and the ship length. The alternate model proposed here represents the individual ship spectra by a modified rational spectrum where the poles and zeros are restricted to the real axis and the exponents of the terms are not restricted to integer values. An evaluation of this model on the source spectra ensemble indicates that the rms errors are significantly less than those obtained with any model where the frequency dependence is represented by a single baseline spectrum. Furthermore, at high frequencies (400 to 1200 Hz), a single-term rational spectrum model is sufficient to describe the frequency dependence and, at the low frequencies (30 to 400 Hz), there is only a modest reduction in the rms error for a higher order model. Finally, a joint probability density on the two parameters of the single term model based on the measured histograms of these parameters is proposed. This probability density provides a mechanism for generating an ensemble of ship spectra.