The Science and Applications of Acoustics

This textbook treats the broad range of modern acoustics from the basics of wave propagation in solids and fluids to applications such as noise control and cancellation, underwater acoustics, music and music synthesis, sonoluminescence, and medical diagnostics with ultrasound. The discussion begins with a historical overview. It then turns to a derivation of the wave equation from the fundamental equations of motion for fluids and for solids, with solutions of the equation in open air and in bounded media such as strings, bars, membranes, and pipes. Sound filters and electric analogs for sound propagation are also treated. A chapter on measurement techniques provides a comprehensive survey of the means of evaluating sound levels and frequency content of signals. A section of the physiology of hearing and psychoacoustics includes recent findings on how the human ear functions. The remainder of the book deals with a wide variety of applications including architectural acoustics; enclosures and barriers; noise codes and regulations;, and methods of noise control; underwater acoustics; ultrasound; vibration control; and music, musical instruments, and reproduction of music. The new edition is up-to-date and forward-looking in approach. Chapter 2 now covers fluid-fluid interface effects, with additional information on newest measurement techniques. Updates are provided on the use of ultrasound in industry, and deeper coverage is provided on medical uses of ultrasound. The chapter on music and musical instruments has been broken up into two chapters, one chapter covering music and musical instruments and the other covering sound reproduction and including the latest devices such MP3®; iPod®; 5.1-, 6.1-, and 7.1-channel systems; and THX® and Iosono® theater systems. Additional coverage of the opto-acoustics and sonoluminescence phenomena is included. New problems have been added throughout.