Acoustics 1

Module overview

As an Acoustical Engineer you will need to be able to:

1. Understand the physics of sound and vibration

2. Understand the effects sound and vibration have on people

3. Design systems that control sound and/or vibration

4. Design systems that use sound and/or vibration to benefit people

This module is the first step in addressing the first two of these requirements for sound.

The first part of the Module introduces the way we hear and respond to sound, the way we use specialized equipment to quantify and measure sounds, and the relationship between those measures and human responses to the sounds they measure.

The second part of the module introduces the physics of sound with a combination of practical experimentation, numerical computation and mathematical analysis. Basic examples such as stretched string vibrations, open and closed tubes, and moving sources are studied to provide a solid foundation of acoustical understanding in preparation for subsequent modules.

In order to ensure that students from all eligible backgrounds can participate, all students will be tested on their understanding of basic physical concepts and, where necessary, additional support and learning material from the University’s Foundation Year will be provided.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Write computer programs to visualise and interrogate analytic solutions to acoustical problems
Set up simple acoustical problems in numerical software and interpret the solutions.
Carry out calculations relating to acoustic predictions.
Collate experimental data.
Manipulate experimental data in order to draw specific conclusions.
Undertake simple acoustic measurements on one dimensional acoustic phenomena.
Use a sound level meter and be able to measure sound pressure levels which are calibrated and repeatable, with awareness of the uncertainty and factors that might affect the measurements

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Derive the one-dimensional wave equation for both a stretched string and a fluid-filled pipe and explain the assumptions necessary to do so.
Explain the role of the two ears in distinguishing the direction of an acoustic source. Convert noise levels into dB and linear levels, combining noise sources either coherent or incoherent.
Identify the parts of the outer, middle and inner ear explaining their role
Be able to convert narrowband data into third and octave band levels either with linear or A weighting.
Describe the physical principles for simple transducers and explain what governs their frequency response and which type is appropriate for different acoustic applications.
Relate the speed of sound in a fluid to its physical properties.
Describe what governs or affects the hearing of an individual.
Explain the meaning of common terms in wave mechanics, such as wavelength, wavenumber, wave speed, diffraction, reflection, dispersion etc. and give examples of how they apply to sound
Demonstrate (by means of a computer programme where appropriate): standing waves, interference fields, and other wave phenomena.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Written communication
Information handling
Numeracy and manipulating data
Being an independent learner

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The course will be delivered using a combination of lectures and tutorials to cover the application of the material to set questions. One acoustic laboratory demonstrating the physical principles and requiring measurements, data analysis and a written report is included in the teaching and learning experience. A formative competence exercise, using a sound level meter and various acoustic sources, transducers and spaces will be scheduled during the academic year.

Study time
Type	Hours
Completion of assessment task	15
Lecture	46
Practical classes and workshops	6
Wider reading or practice	23
Preparation for scheduled sessions	24
Revision	24
Tutorial	12
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment strategy

The learning outcomes of this module will be assessed under the Part I Assessment Schedule for FEE Engineering programmes which forms an Appendix to your Programme Specification.

Feedback will be available on the formative work undertaken during the module.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Part I Assessment Schedule	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External