Further investigations on acoustically coupled spaces using scale-model technique

Abstract

Recently, architectural acousticians have been increasingly interested in halls that incorporate coupled-volume systems because of their potential for creating nonexponential sound energy decay. Effects of coupling-aperture configuration and source and receiver locations on energy decay are essential aspects of acoustically coupled spaces that have not yet been extensively investigated. In order to further understand these effects on sound fields in coupled rooms, a systematic experimental study is carried out. An acoustic scale model technique is used in collecting room impulse responses of a two-room coupled system for varying aperture configurations and surface-scattering conditions. Baseline behavior is established by varying aperture area for a fixed aperture shape and analyzing relevant energy-decay parameters at different locations. Effects of aperture shape and number are systematically investigated by varying these parameters while holding coupling area fixed. Similarly, effects of receiver location are systematically investigated by varying the distance of the receiver from the coupling aperture for a fixed aperture configuration. Schroeder decay-function decompositions by Bayesian analysis reveal sensitivities to receiver location and aperture configuration across different frequency bands.