Evolution of weak noise and regular waves on dissipative shock fronts described by the Burgers model

The interaction of weak noise and regular signals with a shock wave having a finite width is studied in the framework of the Burgers equation model. The temporal realization of the random process located behind the front approaches it at supersonic speed. In the process of moving to the front, the intensity of noise decreases and the correlation time increases. In the central region of the shock front, noise reveals non-trivial behaviour. For large acoustic Reynolds numbers the average intensity can increase and reach a maximum value at a definite distance. The behaviour of statistical characteristics is studied using linearized Burgers equation with variable coefficients reducible to an autonomous equation. This model allows one to take into account not only the finite width of the front, but the attenuation and diverse character of initial profiles and spectra as well. Analytical solutions of this equation are derived. Interaction of regular signals of complex shape with the front is studied by numerical methods. Some illustrative examples of ongoing processes are given. Among possible applications, the controlling the spectra of signals, in particular, noise suppression by irradiating it with shocks or sawtooth waves can be mentioned.     

Singularities and spectral asymptotics of a random nonlinear wave in a nondispersive system

In this paper, we study the propagation of high-intensity acoustic noise in free space and in waveguide systems. A mathematical model generalizing the Burgers equation is used. It describes the nonlinear wave evolution inside tubes of variable cross-section, as well as in ray tubes, if the geometric approximation for heterogeneous media is used. The generalized equation transforms to the common Burgers equation with a dissipative parameter, known as the “Reynolds–Goldberg number”. In our model, this number depends on the distance travelled by the wave. With a zero “viscous” dissipative term, the model reduces to the Riemann (or Hopf) equation. Its solution presents the field by an implicit function. The spectral form of this solution makes it possible to derive explicit expressions for both dynamic and statistical characteristics of intense waves. The use of a spectral approach allowed us to describe the high-intensity noise in media with zero and finite viscosity. Applicability conditions of these solutions are defined. Since the phase matching is fulfilled for any triplet of interacting spectral components, there is an avalanche-like increase in the number of harmonics and the formation of shocks. The relationship between these discontinuities and other singularities and the high-frequency asymptotic of intense noise is studied. The possibility is shown to enhance nonlinear effects in waveguide systems during the evolution of noise.     

Assessment of environmental noise and its effect on neonates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

A method for analyzing the influence of noise on newborns is proposed. The method consists of defining three different types of time interval (quiet, noisy and nursing) and, for each period, environmental noise levels, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation is continuously measured. The statistical analysis of the influence of the equivalent noise level, rather than instantaneous noise level, on the behavior of the physiological variables is carried out. Great influence of noise is found by using this method, which is also easily translatable to other intensive care units as actual noise conditions are used in the investigation. Moreover, episodes of Bradycardia, Hypoxia and Hypertension are easily related to simultaneous direct nursing activity or a short but high enough noise event, suggesting that both sustained noisy environment and isolated peak noises lead to the alteration of the physiological variables.     

Acoustic topology optimization of sound power using mapped acoustic radiation modes

An efficient approach for acoustic topology optimization to minimize the radiated sound power from a vibrating structure is described. The topology optimization is implemented by modifying the local stiffness at discrete locations on the surface of the structure. The radiated sound power level from the structure is directly chosen as the objective function to be minimized. A sensitivity analysis is then implemented to further optimize the layout of the locations of the modified local stiffness. To speed up the computational process, the radiated sound power is computed based on mapped acoustic radiation modes. To demonstrate the acoustic topology optimization using mapped acoustic radiation modes, the radiated sound power of a compressor housing is examined. Based on results from the numerical model, the local stiffness of a compressor housing was experimentally modified. Good agreement in sound power reduction obtained both numerically and experimentally was observed for the overall trend for the sound power levels as a function of one-third octave frequency bands.     

Experimental study of the cavitation noise and vibration induced by the choked flow in a Venturi reactor

In this paper, the cavitation performance and corresponding pressure pulsation, noise and vibration induced by the choked cavitating flow in a Venturi reactor are investigated experimentally under different cavitation conditions by using high-speed camera and high frequency sensors. Based on the instantaneous continuous cavitation images, the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), a tool to analyze the large-scale cavitation flow structure, is applied to investigate the choked cavitating flow dynamics. The POD results show that two mechanisms, re-entrant jet flow mechanism and shock wave mechanism, govern the shedding and collapse of cavitation cloud at different pressure ratios. These mechanisms contribute to the variation of pressure pulsation, noise and vibration at different pressure ratios. The pressure pulsation spectrum behaves differently in various cavitation regions induced by the choked cavitating flow. Due to the existence of low pressure in re-entrant region, the influence of high frequency fluctuation on pressure pulsation caused by re-entrant flow is small. Moreover, with the increase of pressure ratio, the induced noise and vibration intensity decreases gradually, then increases and reaches a maximum value. Finally, it drops to a low and stable level. Despite different inlet pressures, the intensity of cavitation noise and vibration reaches the maximum value at the same pressure ratio. Specifically, the FFT analysis of noise and vibration signals indicates that low frequency component prevails at small pressure ratio owing to the re-entrant jet mechanism, while high frequency component prevails at large pressure ratio owing to the shock wave mechanism. The relationship between the choked cavitation dynamics and the induced pressure pulsation, noise and vibration in the Venturi reactor is highlighted. The results can provide guidance for the optimal operation condition of the Venturi reactor for cavitation applications such as water treatment.     

How a moving passive observer can perceive its environment ? The Unruh effect revisited

We consider a point-like observer that moves in a medium illuminated by noise sources with Lorentz-invariant spectrum. We show that the autocorrelation function of the signal recorded by the observer allows it to perceive its environment. More precisely, we consider an observer with constant acceleration (along a Rindler trajectory) and we exploit the recent work on the emergence of the Green’s function from the cross correlation of signals transmitted by noise sources. First we recover the result that the signal recorded by the observer has a constant Wigner transform, i.e. a constant local spectrum, when the medium is homogeneous (this is the classical analogue of the Unruh effect). We complete that result by showing that the Rindler trajectory is the only straight-line trajectory that satisfies this property. We also show that, in the presence of an obstacle in the form of an infinite perfect mirror, the Wigner transform is perturbed when the observer comes into the neighborhood of the obstacle. The perturbation makes it possible for the observer to determine its position relative to the obstacle once the entire trajectory has been traversed.     

Dependence of noise induced effects on state preparation in multiqubit systems

The perturbation of multiqubit systems by an external noise can induce various effects like decoherence, stochastic resonance and anti-resonance, and noise-shielding. We investigate how the appearance of these effects on disentanglement time depends on the initial preparation of the systems. We present results for 2-, 3- and 4-qubit chains in various arrangements and observe a clear dependence on the combination of initial geometry of the state space and the placement of noise. Finally, we see that temperature can play a constructive role for the control of these noise induced effects.     

Low dose measurement with thick gate oxide MOSFETs

The low dose limit and the accuracy of high sensitivity MOS ionizing radiation dosimeters fabricated at LAAS-CNRS are investigated.     

Time domain identification and ranking of noise sources in a pneumatic nail gun

This paper investigates the noise sources in a pneumatic nail gun. The study combines two complementary experimental approaches. The first uses simultaneous data observation, with sound, acceleration and air pressure signals simultaneously recorded in conjunction with a nail gun motion high speed video. This strategy allows the identification of the physical processes involved in the operation of the machine at different time instants, as well as the associated noise generation mechanisms. However, since multiple noise sources radiate at the same time, this observation technique is not sufficient for noise source identification and ranking. Thus, a second approach introduces a selective wrapping procedure, and the strategy assures a reliable classification of the noise sources. The investigation considers the following noise origins: the air exhaust, the machine body and the workpiece/worktable.     

Estimating leisure noise in Spanish cities

Noise pollution is a great environmental problem in big cities. In particular, the leisure noise is one of the most significant problems during the night period and the responsible of a growing number of complaints and sleep disturbances from population.For that reason, with the aim of approaching an analysis on spatio-temporal evolution of the leisure noise, some areas with leisure activity as main noise source was sampled. With these results, a protocol to address an appropriate action against leisure noise problems is put forth. This procedure explains how to diagnose a leisure area or predict the noise levels inside these areas. Therefore, the proposed procedure could help taking better solutions in order to reduce the impact of leisure noise on the exposed population.