Sound Propagation Research Articles

Model for random atmospheric inhomogeneities in engine noise auralization

Modelling the impact of atmospheric turbulence is not often encountered in aircraft noise auralizations despite its relevance to human-ear perception. As sound waves propagating through turbulent media undergo modulations, observable in phase and amplitude fluctuations, the plausibility of aircraft noise auralizations is increased by taking this effect into account. This paper presents an extension of a method first developed by Rietdijk et al., for modelling these fluctuations for spherical sound waves travelling through randomly inhomogeneous media. The extensions of the method presented in this paper are: (1) Height-dependent von Kármán spectra are implemented to model slanted or vertical sound propagation. (2) An overlap-add-method is introduced to model a moving sound source when height-dependent changes of turbulence characteristics are considered. (3) Easier to measure input parameters for the (meteorological) conditions are implemented, like e.g. the day time or relative humidity. The method is integrated into a global framework dedicated to engine noise simulation, propagation and auralization, developed and validated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). A good match with measured functions of phase and amplitude fluctuations are observed, as well as realistic reproduction of spectrograms, time signals and the psychoacoustic fluctuation strength of the auralizations with respect to real flyovers.

Creating Sonic Immersiveness: Sound Generators and Digital Audio Workstations for Generating Sound and Music for Digital Stories

Creating Sonic Immersiveness: Sound Generators and Digital Audio Workstations for Generating Sound and Music for Digital Stories

Physics-informed neural network for volumetric sound field reconstruction of speech signals

Recent developments in acoustic signal processing have seen the integration of deep learning methodologies, alongside the continued prominence of classical wave expansion-based approaches, particularly in sound field reconstruction. Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have emerged as a novel framework, bridging the gap between data-driven and model-based techniques for addressing physical phenomena governed by partial differential equations. This paper introduces a PINN-based approach for the recovery of arbitrary volumetric acoustic fields. The network incorporates the wave equation to impose a regularization on signal reconstruction in the time domain. This methodology enables the network to learn the physical law of sound propagation and allows for the complete characterization of the sound field based on a limited set of observations. The proposed method’s efficacy is validated through experiments involving speech signals in a real-world environment, considering varying numbers of available measurements. Moreover, a comparative analysis is undertaken against state-of-the-art frequency domain and time domain reconstruction methods from existing literature, highlighting the increased accuracy across the various measurement configurations.

An efficient technique for developing the active sound control system in electric vehicle

The sound characteristic is a critical metric to manifest the brand differentiation of electric vehicle (EV), and the sound design with more diverse acoustic characteristics has become a hot issue in current research of EV technology. In this paper, an efficient technique of active sound design (ASD) is explored to develop the control system of active sound generation (ASG) with powerful sound quality for EV. Firstly, an optimization algorithm of sound synthesis based on multi-frequency superimposition is proposed to improve the harmonic interference phenomenon in the synthesized sounds. Subsequently, an adaptive sound control strategy is formulated, where an iterative accumulation method is proposed to calculate the “virtual engine speed” of EV, and a gain table is presented to divide the running state. Besides, an ASG system is developed based on the proposed ASD technique. The tests result demonstrate that there are 18 target order sounds are reproduced perfectly, and the powerful sound quality interior EV is enhanced while the original interior acoustic environment of EV is retained, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed control technique of ASG system. The proposed ASD technique here accelerates the change from silence to sound quality in the electric vehicles, which has important theoretical significance and engineering value.

Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Noise Pollution from Electric Power Generators: Design Modifications for Enhanced Sound Control

Aims: The noise emanating from high sound power electric generators has adverse effects on human health. In this view, this paper reports a modification that can be done to reduce this high levels of noise to a permissible noise limit. Place and Duration of Study: This study identified the major source and levels of noise emission from selected electric power generators sampled in Ile-Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria. Also determined the controlling parameters of the identified source and modified the identified parameters for low noise generation. Methodology: Noise assignment was carried out on Four (4) medium size electric power generating sets using ATP: MODEL MT- 901A sound measuring instrument at distance of about one centimeter. The major sources of noise emission were investigated on the four selected generating sets. The source of noise from these generating sets was further analysed to identify the major controlling parameters of the identified source. Theoretical modification was done based on these identified parameters for low noise generation. Results: The results of the findings showed that at silencer length of 46.5, 44.0 and 41.2 centimeter, the total sound power levels of the sampled generating sets will be 50, 55 and 60 decibels respectively which is within the permissible noise limits of World Bank.

Far-focused pixel-based imaging of internal defects in multi-layered media based on attenuation compensation and circular coherence factor

ABSTRACT The multi-layered media composed of layers with different sound velocities exhibit anisotropy, strong attenuation, and interface reflection in terms of sound propagation, posing challenges for conventional ultrasound imaging methods, especially in detecting deep-seated and near-interface defects. In this study, an improved far-focused pixel-based (FPB) imaging method for detecting internal defects in multi-layered media is proposed. First, the time delay calculation in the FPB method is corrected using the shortest path searching method to determine the acoustic time-of-flight. Then, phase information is extracted from the echo signal to construct a circular coherence factor (CCF) that dynamically weights the time-corrected FPB images, addressing the issue of ineffective detection of near-interface defects caused by interface reflection. Finally, considering the sound attenuation in multi-layered media, the directivity coefficient, transmission coefficient, and divergence coefficient are determined through theoretical derivation to compensate for the echo amplitude. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved FPB method significantly enhances the reflection echo from deep-seated defects, reduces the maximum relative localisation error to 0.9%, and the quantisation error to 6.4%. The proposed method also greatly improves the lateral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of internal defect imaging compared to the total focusing method (TFM) and traditional FPB method.

Predictions of the Effect of Non-Homogeneous Ocean Bubbles on Sound Propagation

In the ocean, bubbles rarely appear alone and are often not evenly distributed, which makes it complicated to predict the effect of ocean bubbles on sound propagation. To solve this problem, researchers have tried to use approximations such as equivalent and multiple scattering models, but these approximations are accompanied by large errors. Therefore, we propose a semi-numerical and semi-analytical calculation method for underwater sound fields containing non-homogeneous bubbles in this paper. Based on the attenuation cross section and scattering cross section of a single bubble, the non-homogeneous medium is divided into multiple layers of uniform medium. Each layer of the bubble group is regarded as a whole, which can fully reflect the influence of bubble group vibration and scattering on sound wave propagation and is conducive to faster calculation of the sound field of non-homogeneous bubbly liquids. Compared with the classic coupling model, the calculation process of this method is simpler and faster, which solves the problem of fast calculation of sound fields in bubbly liquids and simulation of distributed bubble groups containing non-homogeneous distributed bubbles.

Classification method of seabed sonar image substrate based on ELM-AdaBoost

The results of sediment classification are affected by the measurement environment. The water depth has a significant impact on the sound propagation, and the acoustic characteristics will be different under different water depths. In addition, seabed topography, sediment types and their distribution, acoustic frequency, equipment types and settings, and suspended substances in water will all affect the original sonar data. In order to obtain accurate classification results, a seabed sonar image classification method based on Elm AdaBoost is proposed. The original sound intensity data is compensated for gain and the anomaly is eliminated. After preprocessing the multi beam sonar data, the image texture feature is extracted from the gray level co-occurrence matrix as the feature vector for classification, and the elm classifier is constructed. The elm is enhanced by AdaBoost. The calculated feature is input into the elm AdaBoost network for sediment classification, and the result is output. Simulation results show that the proposed method effectively improves the accuracy of sediment classification, and verifies the feasibility of this method.

Source and propagation modelling scenarios for environmental impact assessment: Model verificationa).

Evaluation of possible effects of underwater sound on aquatic life requires quantification of the sound field. A marine sound source and propagation modelling workshop took place in June 2022, whose objectives were to facilitate the evaluation of source and propagation models and to identify relevant metrics for environmental impact assessment. The scope of the workshop included model verification (model-model comparison) and model validation (model-measurement comparison) for multiple sources, including airguns, a low-frequency multi-beam echo sounder, and a surface vessel. Several verification scenarios were specified for the workshop; these are described herein.

Acoustic wave propagation in depth-evolving sound-speed field using the lattice Boltzmann method

This study investigates the propagation of sound waves within deep-sea low-sound-speed channels using the lattice Boltzmann method, with a key focus on the influence of depth-dependent sound speed on wave propagation. The depth-variable sound speed condition is realized through the incorporation of an external force proportional to the density gradient. After the model verification, investigations into the two-dimensional spreading of sound sources reveal that the depth-dependent sound speed curves the wave propagation. When source depths differing from the low-sound-speed channel, wave paths deviate due to contrasting speeds above and below. When the sound source is situated within the low-sound-speed channel, waves exhibit converging patterns. The simulations also detail the total reflection behavior of sound waves. When the incident angle falls exceeds the critical angle, the waves remain intact within the low-sound-speed channel, thereby enabling the preservation of high amplitude acoustic signals even at remote locations. The subsequent simulations of sound wave propagation around obstacles demonstrate that the low-sound-speed channel also exhibits better signal transmission capabilities in the presence of obstacles. In a uniform sound speed environment, acoustic wave propagation around a submarine exhibits a symmetric pattern. By contrast, under depth-evolving speed conditions, submarines operating at various depths manifest distinct propagation characteristics, such as asymmetric wave propagation during shallow diving, as well as wave attenuation or even silencing when cruising within low-sound-speed channels. These findings underscore the profound implications of depth-evolving sound speed on underwater acoustic signal detection and transmission.

Research on the Calculation Method and Influence Law of High-speed Railway Line Sound Source Propagation Attenuation Caused by Building Sheltering

Abstract In recent years, China’s rail transit system, particularly the high-speed railway network, has experienced rapid development. However, the issue of noise pollution along these railways has become increasingly severe. The accurate prediction of sound levels at specific points near buildings is challenging due to complex factors such as differences in line height, distance, and angle relative to the building. To address this challenge and improve predictions of sound propagation attenuation caused by building shelter from high-speed railway line sources, this study derives an integral expression for diffraction attenuation based on Curze and Meakawa’s point source acoustic diffraction theory. Numerical calculations are conducted to investigate the sound propagation attenuation patterns under different position relationships between buildings and railway lines. Field tests are also carried out along a high-speed railway in China. The findings are as follows: (1) The calculated results show a difference of less than 0.5 dB compared to measured values, indicating that they accurately reflect sound attenuation caused by building shelter. (2) The angle between the building and the railway as well as the distance between the sound point and the edge of the building significantly influence building shelter attenuation; with angle being most prominent among them within a frequency band of 500~2000 Hz resulting in an attenuation range of 0.6~15 dB variation should be considered when predicting noise levels at sensitive points or designing vibration and noise reduction measures accordingly. (3) Different distances between buildings and railway lines result in additional effects on attenuations.

Decomposition-assisted analysis of transmission in periodic resonator arrays using mode-matching method.

This paper focuses on analysing acoustic structures containing locally reacting resonators, aiming to establish a framework for discussing sound properties related to scattering and transmission in a periodic resonator array. The paper introduces an analytical model for the input surface impedance of non-uniform resonator arrays, which is a challenging task when addressing sound propagation to the opposite side of the array. To address this challenge, a mode-matching method is employed within a one-dimensional periodic structure combined with the decomposition of the initial mirror-symmetric system into symmetric and antisymmetric sub-systems. This procedure leads to simplified analytical solutions of transmission problems about non-uniform resonator arrays, and its accuracy is verified through numerical simulations. The proposed method provides insights into mode shapes and amplitudes, thereby complementing numerical simulations and enabling a comprehensive understanding of sound fields beyond conventional results such as pressure fields and sound absorption coefficients alone. The model of a periodic varying-height resonator array presented herein involves developing mathematical equations or simulations to capture the physical characteristics and interactions of the resonators. This approach empowers researchers to predict and comprehend the non-uniform array's transmission behaviour and performance characteristics, with diverse applications spanning various systems, including electromagnetic devices.

Validated 3D finite-element model of the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) head anatomy demonstrates gular sound reception and channelling through the mandibular fats

Like other odontocetes, Risso's dolphins actively emit clicks and passively listen to the echoes during echolocation. However, the head anatomy of Risso's dolphins differs from that of other odontocetes by a unique vertical cleft along the anterior surface of the forehead and a differently-shaped lower jaw. In this study, 3D finite-element sound reception and production models were constructed based on computed tomography (CT) data of a deceased Risso's dolphin. Our results were verified by finding good agreement with experimental measurements of hearing sensitivity. Moreover, the acoustic pathway for sounds to travel from the seawater into the dolphin's tympanoperiotic complexes (TPCs) was computed. The gular reception mechanism, previously discovered inDelphinus delphisandZiphius cavirostris, was also found in this species. The received sound pressure levels and relative displacement at TPC surfaces were compared between the cases with and without the mandibular fats or mandible. The results demonstrate a pronounced wave-guiding role of the mandibular fats and a limited bone-conductor role of the mandible. For sound production modelling, we digitally filled the cleft with neighbouring soft tissues, creating a hypothetical 'cleftless' head. Comparison between sound travelling through a 'cleftless' head vs. an original head indicates that the distinctive cleft plays a limited role in biosonar sound propagation.

Photoacoustic differential attenuation spectrum for bone assessment

Abstract Photoacoustic (PA) technology shows great potential in bone microstructure assessment. Due to the solid-liquid two-phase characteristics of cancellous bone, the PA signal received by transducers is aliasing of distributed PA source characteristics and acoustic propagation characteristics of cancellous bone. The contribution of various multi-scale distributed PA sources to the PA signal complexity leads to difficulty in identifying the sound propagation characteristics, making it difficult for quantitative assessment of bone microstructure. To eliminate the spectrum contribution of the PA source to the PA signal, we proposed an eccentric excitation-differential detection system and the acoustic propagation characteristics of cancellous bone can be obtained by calculating the PA differential attenuation spectrum (PA-DAS). The PA-DAS quantization parameter-slope is further extracted to quantify the attenuation of different frequency components. Simulation results show that slope strongly correlates to the porosity of cancellous bone, demonstrating the eccentric excitation-differential detection system combined with the PA-DAS method can realize the quantitative bone assessment.

Sound absorbing characteristics of granular materials with elastic modulus varying along gravitational direction for vertical and horizontal sound propagations

Sound absorbing characteristics of granular materials with elastic modulus varying along gravitational direction for vertical and horizontal sound propagations

Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App

Globally, hearing impairment affects over 466 million people, creating barriers to accessing audiometric testing and timely diagnosis. Conventional methods often prove challenging to access, especially for people with limited resources or any other disadvantages. The proposed innovative "Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App" aims to revolutionize auditory health through mobile technology. Utilizing advanced techniques such as frequency-specific sound generation, individual ear sound production, and obstacle detection, the app provides comprehensive hearing tests through a user-friendly platform. The application is developed using React Native for the frontend and Django for the backend. It integrates seamlessly with mobile devices and databases, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. With simple result export and tools for early detection, the application enhances the accessibility and efficiency in hearing assessments. It bridges gaps in traditional testing methods, empowering users to proactively manage their auditory health. The "Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App" addresses the essential need for accessible, efficient hearing tests, making a positive impact on global auditory health. Through its innovative approach, the app aims to reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss and promote early intervention. By providing a convenient tool for educators, the app supports classroom management and improves learning environments. With its potential to reach unprivileged people and enhance awareness, the proposed sound metric application is devised to contribute significantly to global auditory health.

The best whistler: A cavitating tip vortex

The discrete tone radiated from a cavitating tip vortex, known as “vortex singing,” was first recognized in 1989, but its sound generation mechanism has remained a mystery for over 30 years. In this Letter, by means of the correction for the cavitation bubble dynamics and the dispersion relation of cavity interfacial waves, we found that after the far-end disturbances propagate upstream, the whistling vortex should be triggered by near-end sound sources, the breathing mode waves. Further utilizing the theoretical solutions for singing lines and the potential singing cavitation number with frequency, we accurately identified all available tests for seeking the vortex singing over the past three decades, which not only demonstrates that the vortex singing frequency is only determined by the measurable mean cavity radius (rc), cavitation number (σ), and desinent cavitation number (σd) in experiments, but also responses to a long-standing perplexity: why such a best whistler is able to appear only within a narrow range of the cavitation number.

Simulating the effect of mesoscale eddies on sound wave propagation in the Persian Gulf and Northern Oman Sea

Simulating the effect of mesoscale eddies on sound wave propagation in the Persian Gulf and Northern Oman Sea

Adjustable stereo path design method based on pin-sculpture acoustic topological insulator with Z-dislocation defect immunity

The field of topological protected wave engineering, inspired by quantum mechanics, has generated significant interest. Acoustic analogs of electronic topological insulators provide new opportunities for manipulating sound propagation with unconventional acoustic edge modes that are immune to backscattering. Numerous reports have been published on the design of two-dimensional acoustic topological insulators (ATIs). However, the sound path of a two-dimensional design is simple, and its ability to control sound waves is limited. On the other hand, the design of 3D ATIs is relatively complex, making it difficult to manufacture and limiting its versatility. Based on the design idea of the 2D ATIs, inspired by the art named 3D pin-sculpture, an adjustable structure of a finite size consisting of spindle-shaped units with a variable cross section is designed to realize flexible path transformation. Furthermore, unlike two-dimensional structural defects, such as cavities and disorder, the analysis of vertical dislocation defects in finite-sized structures allows for the design of local sound propagation along the z-direction, providing a concept for constructing a stereo path. The designed structure also serves two functions: acoustic switch and delay. This idea offers an alternative approach to designing complex sound transmission paths.

A quantitative analysis of acoustic field directionality from a seismic airgun array

Marine seismic reflection surveys generate high amplitude impulsive acoustic events using airgun arrays to study geophysical characteristics of the seabed. These data can be used beyond seismic imaging – modeling short range propagation, considering impacts on marine mammals, extracting seabed properties and their effect on the acoustic field, etc. Knowledge of the source characteristics is necessary to utilize these data and proper modeling of sound propagation from these arrays requires characterization of the array beam pattern. Complex simulations of airgun arrays have been used in the past to model airgun array spectra, but beam patterns have not been thoroughly considered in the literature. Delay-and-sum combinations of these airgun signatures provide a simple beam pattern estimate, but this approach ignores variability in airgun position, timing, amplitude, interactions between airguns, etc. The use of more complex notional airgun signatures can yield more accurate estimates, but these are more challenging to model and still ignores shot-to-shot variability. Experimentally-determined beam patterns are evaluated here and the variability in the results considered, showing both similarities and notable differences from simulated results. The experimental results indicate that the source array depth impacts the ghost-free array beam pattern and that variability between shots is enough to significantly alter beam patterns. Overall, the observations suggest that accurate simulation of array beam patterns may require more complexity than is currently considered and that inclusion of uncertainty due to environmental and airgun shot variability is essential.