Acoustics Simulators

How to Use

1. Select your acoustic scenario: open field, enclosed room, or duct propagation from the scenario dropdown.
2. Input source parameters—sound power level (dB re 1W), frequency band (63 Hz to 8 kHz octave bands), and directivity index if applicable.
3. Define receiver location via distance (meters) and room absorption coefficients (α values 0.0–1.0) for each surface material at the selected frequency.
4. Set filter type (A-weighting, C-weighting, or unweighted linear) and run simulation to compute sound pressure level (dB re 20 µPa) at receiver.

Worked Example

Industrial centrifugal pump (sound power 95 dB re 1W) installed 3 m from operator in a concrete plant room. Room dimensions 8 m × 6 m × 4 m height; concrete walls α=0.03 at 1 kHz, steel floor α=0.05. With A-weighting filter applied, uncontrolled SPL at operator position yields 82 dB(A). Adding 50 mm melamine foam (α=0.85 at 1 kHz) to two walls reduces result to 74 dB(A), meeting 80 dB(A) occupational threshold. Resonance peak observed at 125 Hz (room mode: length fundamental = 1000/8 = 125 Hz) shows 6 dB amplification before damping treatment.

Practical Notes

1. Validate absorption coefficients against manufacturer datasheets; untreated concrete varies 0.02–0.08 across frequency, significantly affecting mid-frequency predictions.
2. Account for directivity: omnidirectional sources use DI=0 dB; directional machinery (axial fans, compressors) show DI up to +15 dB along primary axis.
3. For noise control predictions, prioritize frequencies where source dominates and room absorption is lowest; treating 1–2 kHz octaves often yields best cost-to-benefit ratio in HVAC applications.