Three-dimensional linearised Euler model simulations of sound propagation in idealised urban situations with wind effects

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical time-domain model based on the linearised Euler equation is applied to idealised urban situations with elongated, isolated buildings beside a straight street with sound emissions. The paper aims at the investigation of principle relationships between the source–receiver geometry (street and building facades) and sound propagation under the consideration of ground and wind. By applying cyclic lateral boundary conditions for either one or both horizontal co-ordinates, two different idealised urban environments were considered: a single street and parallel streets. Numerical experiments were performed to elaborate the effects of different roof types, ground properties, wind flow, and turbulence in both urban environments with the focus on the back facades (‘quiet’ sides) of the buildings. As a result it was found that the back facades of flat-roof buildings are quieter than those of hip roof buildings despite equal cross-cut areas. The wind effect (resulting in quieter upwind and louder downwind facades) is more pronounced for hip-roof buildings. In the case of parallel streets upwind facades are slightly louder than downwind facades because they are simultaneously exposed to downwind propagating sound from the next parallel street.