A new approach for auralization of scattering in urban spaces

Abstract

Absorption and scattering coefficients of surfaces are crucial for acoustic propagation simulations. The scattering coefficient according to ISO 17497-1, however, is the most uncertain standard metric applied in geometrical acoustics. In outdoor sound propagation simulation, the amount of scattered energy is crucial for the sound immission at the receiver. Standard random-incidence scattering coefficients are in use but with uncertain results. In contrast, specific reflection patterns are neither available nor implemented in simulation algorithms. In this paper, the scattering coefficient concept will be applied for building facades in an urban test environment. Furthermore, results from a new angle-dependent specific scattering metric, including sound steering and retro-reflection, will be compared with results from purely specular or mixed specular/random-incidence datasets.