Use of a digital voltmeter to measure the output of a sound level meter

The use of a digital voltmeter and associated computer program to measure the varying output of a sound level meter is discussed. The computer program converts the voltmeter readings into sound levels and calculates quantities such as $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{eq}}$, etc. Using the dc output of a sound level meter, the dynamic range is about 25 dB. This increases to at least 45 dB on the ac output. In general, values found for $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{eq}}$, etc. are within 1 dB of results obtained by other methods.     

Traffic noise annoyance near light controlled intersections

Four hundred noise samples were taken at varying distances from three light-controlled intersections, from which the increments in percentile level above those predicted for the equivalent free flow case were derived. No factors other than those included in the prediction method could be discerned, and linear regression of the whole sample was used to establish the relationship between the increment, $\text{ΔL}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>n</mtext>}}$, and distance, $\text{x}\text{(m)}$, from the intersection, e.g. $\text{ΔL}{}_{10}\text{= 3·21 ? 0·01}\text{x}$. A postal social survey with 12 environmental questions was sent to 30 subjects at each of six free and six interrupted flow sites, where 18-h noise measurements were made. A 69 per cent response was obtained. The slope of the regression line between question scores and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$ was found to differ between free and interrupted flow, but those against $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$ were similar. The ‘dissatisfaction’ score and a composite ’annoyance’ score correlated well, 0·76, but ‘dissatisfaction’ gave a slightly higher score for free flow than interrupted, and ‘annoyance’ the reverse. This suggests that $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$ is a useful indicator of subjective response if both free and interrupted flows are involved. However the data also supports the use of the logarithm of percentage of heavy vehicles as an indicator of dissatisfaction in the interrupted flow case.     

On the noisiness of steady state and intermittent noises

An experiment was designed to investigate the effects of sound level (L_A), number of single noises (N), level of total energy (L_T) and mean energy level ($\text{dB(A)}$) on the noisiness of steady state and intermittent noises. With the level and duration of pink noise controlled with a sound system called “Programmable Sound Control System”, 16 kinds of intermittent noises and 22 kinds of steady state noises were prepared. Seven subjects judged the noisiness of these stimuli by magnitude estimation. Their judgments were converted into the corresponding sound level (point of subjective equality, abbreviated PSE) by using the power function obtained between sound level and magnitude estimation for the seven kinds of steady state noises. As a result, the level of total energy and mean energy level were found inappropriate to evaluate the noisiness of intermittent noises though they showed high correlation with the noisiness of steady state noises. PSE's of the intermittent noises showed good correspondence with L_N, which is expressed by the equation $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{N}}\text{=}\text{dB(A)}\text{+ 10}\text{log}\text{N}$. L_N could also be applied to steady state noises if it was assumed that a steady state noise with a duration of D_T is equal to a 2000 ms noise presented $\text{N (}\text{D}{}_{\mathrm{T}}\text{2000}\text{)}$ times. This result suggests that L_N is a good measure of the noisiness of both steady state and intermittent noises.     

Space-time symmetries and the gravitational-neutrino field equations in general relativity

We consider a neutrino field with geodesic rays in interaction with a gravitational field admitting a Killing vector field n^μ. It is found that for solutions of the Einstein-Weyl field equations the neutrino field ξ^A and the neutrino flux vector l^μ are restricted by the equations: $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{ξ}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>A\; =\; ?</mtext><mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}\text{is}\text{ξ}{}^{\mathrm{A}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{l}{}^{\mathrm{\mu }}\text{= 0}$, whereas s is a real constant. In the case of pure radiation neutrino fields these equations become: $\text{L}\text{ξ}{}^{\mathrm{A}}\text{=}\text{case1}\text{2}\text{(p ? is)ξ}{}^{\mathrm{A}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{l}{}^{\mathrm{\mu }}\text{= pl}{}^{\mathrm{\mu }}$, where p and s are in general real functions of the coordinates.     

Distribution display attachment for a sound level meter

The use of a sound level meter to estimate $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>90</mtext>}}$ for a small number of noise samples has appealed to many users as being simple, effective and economical. The more conventional ways of using a statistical distribution analyser or a community noise analyser are justifiable only with a large number of samples and over extended periods. This paper describes a recent development—a portable sound level meter attachment—which is aimed at eliminating the need for accurate meter reading. In the attachment, intermittent noise levels grouped in 3 dB classes are displayed by an array of LED's. Data recording is reduced to registering the occurrences of flash from each LED. When used on traffic noise this method gives values of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>90</mtext>}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{eq}}$ within 0·7 dB(A) of values obtained by a Bruel and Kjaer type 4426 Statistical Analyser. It is found that this method is most accurate for noise with a high level of fluctuation.     

Hartree-fock wave functions and oscillator strengths for the helium isoelectronic sequence

Oscillator strengths for 1¹S?n¹P transitions for some members of the helium isoelectronic sequence have been calculated by utilizing the dipole length, velocity and acceleration forms of the transition matrix element with coupled H.F. wave functions. Good agreement has been obtained between the values of the oscillator strengths. The quantities $\text{(?}{}_{\mathrm{A}}\text{??}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{)}$ and $\text{(?}{}_{\mathrm{A}}\text{??}{}_{\mathrm{V}}\text{)}$ decrease slowly with nuclear charge Z, whereas $\text{(?}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{-?}{}_{\mathrm{V}}\text{)}$ first increase to a maximum value and then decreases slowly.     

A mathematical interpretation of Dirac's formalism part b: generalized eigenfunctions in trajectory spaces

Starting with a Hilbert space $\text{L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}\text{,μ)}$ we introduce the dense subspace $\text{R}\text{(}\text{L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}\text{,μ))}$ where $\text{R}$ is a positive self-adjoint Hilbert–Schmidt operator on $\text{L}$₂(R,μ). For the space $\text{R}\text{(}\text{L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}\text{,μ))}$ a measure-theoretical Sobolev lemma is proved. The results for the spaces of type $\text{R}\text{(}\text{L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}\text{,μ))}$ are applied to nuclear analyticity spaces $\text{S}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>X,</mtext><mtext>A</mtext>}}\text{=}\text{?}\text{t>0}\text{e}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>-t</mtext><mtext>A</mtext>}}\text{(X)}$, where e^?t$\text{A}$ is a Hilbert–Schmidt operator on the Hilbert space X for each t>0. We solve the so-called generalized eigenvalue problem for a general self-adjoint operator $\text{P}$ in X.     

Traffic noise measurement and analysis in Jeddah

This paper presents measurements and analysis of traffic noise in the residential area of Jeddah City. These measurements are aimed to help in predicting the subjective response to noise as a function of measured predicted sound levels. $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>90</mtext>}}$ were predicted for different sites, the traffic noise index and the noise pollution index, L_NP, were estimated. Noise data were correlated to the individual respondent's reaction. Linear regression analyses were performed between noise exposure and dissatisfaction response.     

The barrier attenuation of garden fences

A study has been undertaken of the barrier attenuation produced by 40 different finite garden fences shielding suburban homes from traffic noise. Two alternative techniques of measuring barrier attenuation were used and an empirical relationship between the results is obtained. The attenuation measured in terms of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$ or $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{eq}}$ generally agrees within ± 1 dB(A) for a given barrier. Similarly constructed fences can produce different attenuations, depending on their surroundings. The effects of unshielded ends, open gates and vegetation are considered. It is postulated that buildings reflect back sound, the effect depending on building size and distance from the fence. A reasonable trend is obtained for brick barriers; however, the wooden fence results may be obscured by sound leakage through the fence.     

Statistical analysis from a sound level meter

Increasingly, and particularly for motorway noise, sound level meters are being used to estimate $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, the noise level just exceeded for 10 per cent of the time, by noting the meter readings at regular intervals and manually analysing the array of data so obtained. In this paper we describe a simple attachment to a sound level meter, which is intended to ease the operator's task in making such measurements and to minimise operator bias. Comparisons are made between the results of sound level meter measurements of three types of noise and the results obtained using the more conventional technique which employs a level recorder and statistical analyser.It is concluded that, at least for motorway noise, the sound level meter technique gives values of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$ and of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>90</mtext>}}$ within 1 dB(A) of the values obtained by the normal method. Furthermore, it is probable that the technique will be useful for the measurement of other types of noise in statistical terms, but further investigations of accuracy are required.     

Environmental acoustic quality in Jeddah urban sites

Surveys of physical exposure to noise at urban sites in Jeddah city indicate that noise from road traffic is very intensive. Relatively high instant sound levels (90 dB(A) and higher) were recorded on a numbr of congested, as well as freely-flowing traffic, roads. Values of the statistical indicators $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>10</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>50</mtext>}}$, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>90</mtext>}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>dn</mtext>}}$ were determined for indoor domestic noise and comparisons with current western standards show that the levels determined exceeded the limits of dissatisfaction given by those standards. Overall sound pressure levels measured inside typical university offices indicate that the presence of individual room-units of air-conditioning impairs the acoustic quality in those environments. The results of a social survey on noise perception in residential areas are in good agreement with the above findings, indicating that 89 per cent of people interviewed were substantially disturbed by traffic noise. The results of this research, however, demonstrate the necessity for the application of a traffic noise control programme on Jeddah main roads and also the need for attention to be paid to the indoor acoustic quality of homes and offices.     

Eigenfunction expansions of operators admitting separation of an infinite number of variables

Let A_k be a self-adjoint operator in a Hilbert space H_k (k = 1, 2, …) and let $\text{L}$ be an operator of the form $\text{L}\text{= A}{}_{\mathrm{r}}\text{? 1 ? 1 ? … + 1 ? A}{}_2\text{? 1 ? 1 ? … + …}$ acting in the infinite tensor product $\text{?}\text{k=1}\text{∞}\text{H}{}_{\mathrm{k}}$. We construct the spectral theory of these operators. In particular, the expansion is generalized eigenvectors of this operator is constructed using the eigenvectors of the operators A_k.     

The ã3A2 ← X̃1A1 absorption spectrum of thioformaldehyde: A vibrational and rotational analysis

The results of a vibrational and rotational analysis of the banded $\text{a}\text{?}{}^3\text{A}{}_2\text{←}\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{A}{}_1$ transition in $\text{CH}{}_2\text{S}\text{CD}{}_2\text{S}$ are presented. Only three of the six vibrational modes are active in the spectrum with $\text{ν′}{}_2\text{=}\text{1320}\text{1012}$, $\text{ν′}{}_3\text{=}\text{859}\text{798}$, and $\text{2ν′}{}_4\text{=}\text{711}\text{516}\text{cm}{}^{\mathrm{?1}}$. The spin forbidden transition gains intensity primarily by a mixing of the ${}^1\text{A}{}_1\text{(π}{}^1\text{,π)}$ and ${}^3\text{A}{}_2\text{(π}{}^1\text{,n)}$ states. This is confirmed by a rotational analysis of the 0₀⁰ band of both isotopes. The rotational analysis shows that the coupling in the $\text{a}\text{?}{}^3\text{A}{}_2$ state is near Hund's case b and that the spin constants are nearly 10 times greater than those observed for CH₂O. A $\text{CNDO}\text{2}$ calculation shows that this difference is due to the greater spin orbit coupling of S in CH₂S and to the smaller energy differences between the $\text{B}\text{?}{}^1\text{A}{}_1\text{(π}{}^1\text{,π)}$, $\text{b}\text{?}{}^3\text{A}{}_1\text{(π}{}^1\text{,π)}$, $\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{A}{}_1$, and the $\text{a}\text{?}{}^3\text{A}{}_2\text{(π}{}^1\text{,n)}$ states. The r₀ structure calculated from the rotational constants is $\text{r}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>CS</mtext>}}\text{= 1.683}\text{A}\text{?}$, $\text{r}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>CH</mtext>}}\text{= 1.082}\text{A}\text{?}$, β_HCH = 119.6°, and α (out of plane) = 16.0°. A simultaneous fit of the vibrational levels in ν′₄ of CH₂S and CD₂S to a double minimum potential function yielded a barrier to molecular inversion of 13 cm^?1 and an equilibrium out-of-plane angle of 15°.     

Prognosis for urban noise in the United States—The present to 1990

A forecast of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{dn}}$ changes within the residential areas of constant population density is made in terms of external noise levels ($\text{L}{}_1\text{L}{}_2$) and ‘vehicle travels’ ($\text{N}{}_1\text{N}{}_2$) for cars, trucks and buses. Anticipated increases of $\text{N}{}_1$ and $\text{N}{}_2$ have been estimated by the use of trend line analysis (Figs. 3 and 4). A few hypotheses of $\text{L}{}_1$ and $\text{L}{}_2$ decrease have been considered. Increase of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{dn}}$ by more than 3 dB may be expected until 1993.     

A spectral limitation of the range resolved differential absorption lidar technique

The spatial distribution of the atmospheric parameters measured with the differential absorption lidar technique is restored for pulsed emission only if the laser emission is monochromatic. Due to the finite linewidth of the laser lines, a systematic error is introduced in the measurement of the local optical thickness, which is shown to depend on the propagation of the laser pulse along the line of sight and on the ratio $\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{a}}$ of the laser linewidth to the absorption linewidth. Relative errors as large as 20% may be made under the usual experimental conditions for $\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{a}}\text{≈ 1}$. A 1% limit on this error is only obtained if $\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{γ}{}_{\mathrm{a}}\text{?0.3.}$     

The uniform and the strong topology on realizations of the algebra of polynomials

It is shown that under quite general assumptions on the operators A₁,…,A_n (unbounded, symmetric) and on the domain $\text{D}$ on the realization $\text{P}\text{(A}{}_1\text{,…,A}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{)}$ of the algebra of polynomials $\text{P}\text{(x}{}_1\text{,…,x}{}_{\mathrm{n}}\text{)}$, the strongest locally convex topology τ_st coincides with the uniform topology τ_$\text{D}$ as well as with the strong operator topology τ_s. In the case n = 2 some conditions are given, under which these general assumptions are fulfilled.     

Self-adjointness of the minimal Schrödinger operator with potential belonging to L1, loc

Let $\text{0 ?q(x) ∈L}{}_{\mathrm{1,loc}}\text{(}\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{m}}\text{)}$,m? 1.Consider the operatorT₀ = ?Δ+q with domain consisting of all bounded measurable functions $\text{u(x), x ∈}\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{m}}$, having bounded support, for which the distribution ?Δu+qu belongs to $\text{L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{m}}\text{)}$. The main result of the paper is essential self-adjointness of $\text{T}{}_0\text{in L}{}_2\text{(}\text{R}{}^{\mathrm{m}}\text{)}$. The proof is independent of a method due to Kato who recently established the self-adjointness of a maximal Schrödinger operator corresponding to such potential.     

Attenuation of traffic noise indices Leq and LN

Analysis of the attenuation of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{eq}}$ and $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{N}}$ values with distance over grassland from a line of moving traffic indicates that the noise sources effectively radiate energy in the horizontal plane with a distance term different from the commonly assumed inverse square law. This requires an adjustment to the angular corrections for partial screening which now become dependent on the noise index being measured. The attentuation of traffic noise by a wooden fence structure around a suburban house has also been investigated. Shielding effects caused by various components were isolated as the fence structure was sequentially demolished. The shape of the sound field behind the finite length of front fence was deduced, for the various $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{N}}$ values, by using the amended angular corrections.     

Landau-Placzek ratio of KBr single crystals—I

The Mandel'shtam-Brillouin and Gross scattering was measured for a series of purified KBr crystals. The ratio $\text{I}{}_{\mathrm{G}}\text{2I}{}_{\mathrm{MB}}$, which for a pure, perfect crystal would be the Landau-Placzek ratio, was found to vary with the type of reactive gas treatment used in the final purification. With these crystals both the longitudinal and mixed mode bands were observed with θ and φ equal to 90°. The ratio $\text{I}{}_{\mathrm{L}}\text{I}{}_{\mathrm{M}}$ was in agreement with calculated intensity ratios and the Δμ for these bands gave C₁₁ + C₁₂ = 41.6 GPa and C₄₄ = 5.18 GPa.     

The electronic spectrum of benzvalene

A detailed investigation of the electronic spectrum of benzvalene [tricyclo (3.1.0.0^2,6)hex-3-ene] in the vapor phase is reported. The spectrum appears to consist of two overlapping electronic transitions above 200 nm. The lower energy transition is broad and structureless, has an onset near 285 nm, and is assigned as ${}^1\text{B}{}_2\text{←}{}^1\text{A}{}_1$. The second transition, showing forbidden vibronic structure based on two false origins near 226 nm, is assigned ${}^1\text{A}{}_2\text{←}{}^1\text{A}{}_1$. The ¹A₂ state presumably arises from a $\text{σπ}{}^1$ configuration, which indicates significant ring strain and/or σ-π interaction. A one-state assignment of the spectrum is also possible.