Simulation of noise distribution in rectangular rooms by means of computer modelling techniques

Abstract

Models have long been a part of architectural design and have served in both the perceptive and technological development of buildings and spaces. However, physical models can be costly and in some cases difficult to implement. Computer models prove to be powerful, easy to build and both money and time saving. They have been used widely for various energy simulations in architecture, and recently have been used in room acoustics and light distribution in enclosures. This work reviews simulation of sound energy in rooms and discusses the results and difficulties of using this technique. There are two different types of sound energy distribution simulation in rooms; the ray tracing method and the source image method. Both have been implemented successfully, but the latter is more accurate and is easier to use by an architect with little knowledge of acoustics and computers. A computer program is written, using the sound source images method, for rooms of square or rectangular shape. The program can also be extended to simulate rooms with tilted walls, and a sloping ceiling or floor. The program can represent sound field distribution for any number of sound sources or loudspeakers and can calculate sound pressure levels or sound intensity levels at any number of receiving points, at any location inside the enclosure. It also draws the contour lines of the distribution and thus shows the best shape of a room and the best location of speaker and loudspeakers for certain human activities. It also can give the most suitable way of furnishing an enclosure with respect to sound distribution. Other room acoustic terms, such as definition, can also be calculated for that space. The contour lines for these terms can also be drawn.