Acoustics in mechanical engineering undergraduate core courses: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Generally in an undergraduate curriculum of mechanical engineering, acoustics is not included as a core course. The major core courses deal with mechanics, design, dynamics of machinery, etc. However, engineering aspects of acoustics or noise can be included through elective courses. Given the limited slots for elective courses in a curriculum, it is difficult to run elective courses in acoustics regularly with a required number of students. The challenge is to find innovative ways to include acoustics into core courses so that all students are exposed to the field and its applications. The design and analysis of machine elements such as cams, gears, etc. are always part of core courses. It is in these contexts that the acoustics through noise aspects including multimedia can be introduced. Acoustics as an effect due to vibration as cause can be included in vibration analysis. A core course on system modeling can include acoustics. The integration of acoustical topics not only strengthens the core courses but also prepares the graduating engineer to deal with real problems better. Thus, it is important for academic acousticians to bring acoustics into the core courses. This paper presents some efforts to include the acoustics material in some core courses.