Abstract

The human ear senses vibrations in the air and interprets those vibrations as sound. Since sound acts as

a wave, its interference can either be additive, meaning that the waves can build on each other or

subtractive. Acoustic measurement measures the change from the original sound or sounds produced to

the net sound produced at a certain distance from each source. Acoustics is important due to the

additive nature of sound waves as design criteria because of the potential for hearing loss from the

buildup of sounds due to the interference of sound waves. The object of this experiment is enlightening

the students on the properties of sound, and the nature of sound waves with regards to acoustic

measurement. In order to perform this experiment, the sound waves must not be reflected. This is

accomplished with the use of a sound proof room. The sound proof room is equipped with foam in

triangular shapes mounted to all the walls and ceiling. This allows the sound to be accurately measured

from each of the sources used. The results of this experiment is that in certain distances the decibel

level of the sound produced by two separate speakers increases or decreases with respect to the

frequency of the sound, the distance between the sources and the receiver, and the volume (amplitude)

of the sound waves. Sound Pressure Level is the main method for measuring sound and its units are

decibels (dB). Overall the experiment was a success, and it was quite informative.

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Theoretical Principals
Sound Wave Equation:

2π
ξ=ξ m cos( (ct−x ))
λ
Displacement of Membrane:

 2  2 c
S  So cos  ( x  ct )  f 
  

Right Running Wave:

s 2  2 
p  B  B So sin  (ct  x ) 
x   

Average Pressure

T
1 P
prms  p  
T 0
p 2 dt 
2

N
Pref =1×10−5
Where m2

Sound Intensity Variation:

1
W∝
r2
rr
SPL1 −SPL2 =20 log
r1
Interference of Sound Waves:

P 2+ P
1 22
P 2= + P1 P2 cos (φ1 −φ 2 )
c , rms 2

For
ω1 =ω 2 φ 1=φ2 P1 =P2

SPLc −SPL=20 log2=6 dB

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 Sound Pressure Level (SPL):

p2  p 
 20 log 
 pref 
dB=10log 2
pref  

Acoustic Power and Intensity:

Prms 2 W
I  
Po c A

Sound Power Level (PWL):

 W   W 
PWL 10 log    10 log  12 
 Wref  10  Wref  1012 watts
 

Combination of two sound waves:

p1  P1 cos  w1t  1 
p2  P2 cos  w2t  2 

T
1
 p1  p2  dt
T 0
pc ,rms  pc 

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Experimental Setup

Two speakers were set 2.5 ft apart from each other. And the receiver set at 4.5 feet diagonal
distance. First we calibrate the receiver at 70 db and then observe the deflection when the
speakers are turned on simultaneously. The room is very well equipped with sound and shock
absorbers to reduce error. Figures shown above and below depict the setup in minute detail.

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Speaker system

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Results and Discussion
Distance 1K 10K

4.5 ft 71db 76db

9 ft 71db 74db

The calibration of the speaker was very important. When we turn on both the speakers together
the receiver shows the intensity of sound. The reading was as expected and anticipated. We had to
determine whether the sound waves were constructive or destructive. If it was constructive we got
values higher than the one calibrated and the values were less if the waves were destructive where they
cancel each other to some extent. We also repeated the experiment at double the diagonal distance
which gave us the same observation as the frequency was the same.

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Conclusion
The acoustic lab was one of the basic but fundamental labs. We understood the
relationships between the physical and acoustic quantities. The lab did not have
much of calculation or data involved so there is a low room for error. The facility
is very well equipped for higher level acoustic experiments to be performed. The
observations match to the anticipated outcome and readings from the receiver.

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 Appendix

- Lab Manual

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