Sound Power Measurements in Air in the Near Field of Sound Sources Using the Sound Intensity Method.

Abstract

Sound power is the acoustic energy output in watts of a sound-producing source. Sound power can be determined with an array of pressure sensing transducers placed around a source in an anechoic chamber, as specified in standard 3744-1981 (E). In contrast, sound intensity can be used to measure sound power by measuring the intensity output of the source in watts/sq. m. over a closed surface and using the definition of sound power (intensity X area) to find sound power. Advantages of the sound intensity method are that one measuring probe is used, which consists of two closely placed pressure sensing transducers: no anechoic chamber is needed; measurements can be done in the near field; and background noise can be present. Disadvantages are that: no standards exist yet; and the phase response between the two transducers in the probe must match closely, either through quality transducers or by careful calibration. The two methods of determining sound power were systematically compared. Tests showed that the sound power results from the sound intensity method, even in fairly adverse environments, were comparable to results obtained using the ISO method in most situations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA183348

Entities

People

  • John R. Polak

Organizations

  • University of Chicago

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Acoustic Absorption
  • Acoustic Properties
  • Anechoic Chambers
  • Background Noise
  • Calibration
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Frequency
  • Measurement
  • Near Field
  • Noise
  • Power Measurement
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Sound Pressure
  • Transducers
  • Very Low Frequency

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design