TRANSDUCER TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING THE EFFECT OF SMALL-ARMS' NOISE ON HEARING

Abstract

This study investigated several types of transducers which might be considered for use when evaluating the hearing hazard of pressure waves that small arms produce. In measuring the small arms' peak sound-pressure level, error was directly proportional to the measured rise time and inversely proportional to the positive pressure duration of the wave. The most accurate results were obtained by positioning the transducers vertically, with the pressure wave grazing the sensing surface at 90 degrees incidence. Moreover, there was good agreement between measurements made with a wide-band piezoelectric transducer and those made with a wide-band condenser microphone. Finally, pistonphone calibrations at low levels (127 dB) compare favorably with shock wave calibrations at high levels (170 to 180 dB).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1965
Accession Number
AD0806921

Entities

People

  • Georges R. Garinther
  • James B. Moreland

Organizations

  • Human Engineering Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Accuracy
  • Amplifiers
  • Cathode Followers
  • High Pressure
  • Measurement
  • Microphones
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Piezoelectric Transducers
  • Pressure Gages
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Pressure Transducers
  • Shock Tubes
  • Shock Waves
  • Sound Pressure
  • Transducers
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Fluid Dynamics.