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.