Finite difference simulation methods as an educational tool

Abstract

Finite difference methods can be a valuable and unexpected tool in acoustics education. As a wave acoustic simulation method, it provides instructive time-domain visualizations particularly useful for illustrating broadband wave effects like diffraction and interference. Furthermore, the knowledge required to implement these simulations can be taught in just a few hours of instruction with or without calculus in contrast to several other wave acoustic methods. The exposition provides opportunities for discussion of basic numerical methods as well as the physics of wave and diffusion processes. We present example projects from students of mixed science, engineering, and music backgrounds. After only four hours of instruction, they were able to independently simulate various room geometries with impedance boundary conditions along with a variety of other acoustical systems. Beyond strictly educational value, this is a flexible and free tool that the modern acoustician can use for research, physics-based sim...