Response of Biological Tissues to Low Frequency Underwater Sound
Abstract
Biological effects of low frequency underwater sound are most pronounced in and near tissues that contain gas, such as the lung. The response of gas bodies in vivo to low frequency underwater sound was characterized through a series of experimental and theoretical investigations. This report summarizes work done for the first stage of the project and, therefore, concentrates on the response of lung to underwater sound. A specially designed acoustic exposure system, capable of generating maximum acoustic fields of ^ 200 dB re 1 micro-Pa over the 100-2500 Hz range, was tested and implemented for these investigations. The system was employed in three modes of operation (traveling wave, pure pressure, and pure velocity) in experiments designed to test specific hypotheses regarding the mechanism for sound-induced lung damage. An acoustic scattering technique was employed to characterize the response of gas bodies to sound exposure. Through a series of experiments, we determined that acoustic pressure is the key parameter for characterizing the - - threshold for lung damage produced by low frequency underwater sound. Results of these investigations will be directly applicable to the next stage of the project, which focuses on the response of intestinal gas to exposure to low frequency underwater sound.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA398999
Entities
People
- Diane Dalecki
Organizations
- University of Rochester