About the project
Active noise control (ANC) has been developed over many years to mitigate unwanted noise in various environments. It finds applications in areas such as noise-cancelling headphones, car cabins, aircraft interiors, and even in windows for creating quieter spaces. However, the performance of an ANC system remains limited by its acoustic design, which necessitates customising the placement of electroacoustic components for each specific ANC application.
This project aims to revolutionise ANC by introducing new degrees of freedom, enabling the system to autonomously adapt the placement of electroacoustic components to on-site conditions. One feasible way is to integrate a control source and an array of sensors into an ANC unit that can communicate with other ANC units and can be moved automatically.
You'll investigate the design and engineering of autonomous ANC units that are empowered with the ability to operate in a self-organized manner, driven by collective intelligence. These units will form a controllable flexible surface that isolates the noise source or protects the listener with superior noise reduction effectiveness. To achieve this, you'll master a range of numerical and experimental techniques.
You should possess experience and a keen interest in acoustics, robotics, control, and signal processing. However, the specific focus of the research is likely to depend on your skills.
Embarking on this project offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer advancements in the field of ANC and create innovative solutions for noise reduction in various real-world scenarios. Furthermore, you will have the privilege of being part of the Signal Processing, Audio, and Hearing Group at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) and you will benefit from access to professional experimental facilities, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with renowned scholars and experts at ISVR.
