In building acoustics, diffuse acoustic fields (DAFs) are vital for assessing material sound properties such as absorption and transmission loss, which are critical for designing comfortable, functional spaces. A diffuse field describes an acoustic field where sound waves reach the observer from all directions. The reflected sound is of similar magnitude to the direct sound when it reaches the observer, and as a result, does not appear to have a single source.
Traditional methods for creating DAFs involve costly, time-intensive setups in coupled reverberant-anechoic chambers. Principal Acoustic Consultant, Dr Andrew Peplow, in collaboration with his colleagues at Qingdao University, addressed these challenges in their recent paper published in the Journal of Sound and Vibration, where they introduced the Segmented Acoustic Center (SAC) method. This innovation simplifies DAF creation by predicting transfer matrices more efficiently, enabling accurate sound field simulations without expensive or cumbersome setups. Such advancements are key to improving the acoustic design of buildings, enhancing sound insulation, and mitigating noise pollution. The experimental results in this work indicate that, based on a one-dimensional loudspeaker array in a standard anechoic chamber, a basic prediction method can accurately reproduce random pressure fields, such as a diffuse acoustic field or a turbulent boundary layer.
Andrew is a Principal Acoustic Consultant based in our Cambridge office. He has over 30 years of expertise in vibration, noise, and acoustics, specialising in integrating structural dynamics into acoustic solutions. Andrew’s extensive consultancy experience ranges from railway vibration assessments and noise management for wind farms, to acoustically critical infrastructure design. Andrew has played a key role in applying advanced structural dynamics techniques to solve complex vibration challenges in buildings and other structures. His research, which includes over 40 published articles, combines technical knowledge with innovative approaches like machine learning, to drive progress in both structural and acoustic engineering.
Our team of acoustic and vibration engineers and consultants are familiar with regulatory requirements, legislation, measurement and assessment. They provide a comprehensive suite of services across various sectors, ranging from simple noise surveys and noise impact assessments to the investigation of acoustic shock and complex building failure claims.
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