The inventiveness of Richard H. Lyon

Abstract

In the course of his career, Dick Lyon considered a large number of noise topics, including transportation noise, noise propagation in urban environments, statistical energy analysis, machinery diagnostics, product sound quality, and the importance of phase in acoustic transfer functions. What ties the body of Dick's work in these areas together are two features: the sheer inventiveness displayed both in theoretical and experimental approaches, and the focus on applied acoustics problems. For instance, Dick and collaborator Richard Cann designed a novel spark sound source to use for scale modeling. Dick's work on SEA similarly reflected a willingness to plow new ground in order to find the tools able to provide answers to vexing acoustical challenges. The majority of Dick's work can be traced to his desire to improve products by modifying the sound produced or to use the sound to identify functioning issues within the product. Dick leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments in the product acoustics arena. On a personal note, Dick was fond of pushing himself to the limit, whether in academic endeavors or in personal accomplishments, such as his rowing. He loved cars and was a great mentor to a large number of accomplished acousticians.