Modelling traffic noise mathematically

In this paper we describe a mathematical model for the prediction of traffic noise levels in an urban or suburban situation. The model is ultimately intended to provide an alternative to existing methods of prediction. At the present time, only noise levels produced by stationary sound sources have been considered.Any point in a chosen area is described by its grid co-ordinates. A detailed plan of the buildings or other structures in the area and the position(s) of the sound source(s) are needed as input to the model. Noise levels at all grid positions in the area are then calculated on the basis of the attenuation of sound due to direct propagation, diffraction and reflection.The results obtained so far are given and since the model is in an early stage of development, and has yet to be proved against measurements in real situations, possible refinements and future developments are discussed in some detail.