Dr William Wu

• Underwater acoustics
• Signal processing
• Fibre optic acoustic sensing
• Environmental noise and bioacoustics

William’s research combines experimental measurements, field studies, signal processing and physics-based numerical modelling. His current work is organised around three main areas.

Sound propagation and environmental noise

William investigates underwater sound propagation in rivers, ports, lakes and other shallow or geometrically complex environments.

Unlike open-water environments, these systems may be strongly influenced by irregular boundaries, infrastructure, sediment properties, bathymetry and multiple reflections. His research develops and validates three-dimensional modelling methods for understanding these effects and improving environmental-noise prediction.

This work includes the EPSRC-supported project 3D Sound Propagation Modelling in Complex Underwater Environments, conducted with the University of Portsmouth and JASCO Applied Sciences.

William also works with the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) on anthropogenic underwater noise in urban rivers. This research examines noise from vessels, road traffic, rail systems and other infrastructure, combining field measurements with propagation modelling and ecological interpretation.

Aquatic bioacoustics

William develops acoustic methods for studying aquatic organisms and their interactions with underwater sound.

His work includes the characterisation of fish acoustic properties, investigation of biological variability, and the development of non-invasive acoustic approaches for ecological and physiological monitoring.

Current interests include the relationship between fish anatomy and acoustic response, the use of numerical models to interpret biological resonance, and potential applications in fisheries acoustics, fish-health assessment and aquatic monitoring.

Fibre-optic acoustic sensing

William works with the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) to develop fibre-optic technologies for acoustic and vibration sensing.

This research includes interferometric fibre sensors, hollow-core fibre sensing, fibre-coil hydrophones and distributed acoustic sensing. His work focuses on sensor sensitivity, low-frequency response, thermal stability, calibration and the interpretation of fibre-based acoustic measurements.

He is also exploring applications beyond underwater acoustics, including acoustic-emission sensing and structural health monitoring in extreme environments.

Research approach

William’s research frequently integrates:

• controlled laboratory experiments;
• field acoustic measurements;
• signal processing and spectral analysis;
• finite-element and full-wave numerical modelling;
• measurement calibration and uncertainty assessment;
• comparison between experimental and simulated results.

A recurring aim of his work is to develop measurement and modelling methods that remain reliable in environments where standard acoustic assumptions are inadequate.