Outdoor sound propagation modeling in realistic environments: Application of coupled parabolic and atmospheric models

Abstract

Predicting long-range sound propagation over a nonurban site with complex propagation media requires the knowledge of micrometeorological fields in the lower part of the atmospheric boundary layer, and more precisely its characteristics varying in both space and time with respect to local (“small-scale”) and average (“long-term”) conditions, respectively. Thus in this study, a mean-wind wide-angle parabolic equation (MW-WAPE) code is coupled with a dedicated micrometeorological code (SUBMESO) which simulates wind and temperature fields over moderately complex terrain with high resolution. Its output data are used as input data for the MW-WAPE code, which can also deal with different boundary conditions, such as the introduction of impedance jumps, thin screens or complex topography. Both codes are presented in the present paper. Comparisons between numerical predictions, and experimental data are also presented and discussed. Finally, we present an example of such a coupling method (MW-WAPE/SUBMESO) for the estimation of sound pressure levels at almost any site (“local scale”), for mean propagation conditions representative of long-term atmospheric conditions.