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Engineering Acoustics I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:20
Abstract
This course provides an introduction to acoustics. It focusses on fundamental phenomena of airborne and structure-borne sound waves. The lecture combines theoretical principles with practical insights and interpretations.
Objective
This course is proposed for Master and PhD students interested in getting knowledge in acoustics. Students will be able to understand, describe analytically and interpret sound generation, absorption and propagation.
Content
First, magnitudes characterizing sound propagation are reviewed and the constitutive equations for acoustics are derived. Then the different types of sources (monopole/dipole/quadrupole, punctual, non-compact) are introduced and linked to the noise generated by turbulent flows, coherent vortical structures or fluctuating heat release. The scattering of sound by rigid bodies is given in basic configurations. Analytical, experimental and numerical methods used to analyze sound in ducts and rooms are presented (Green functions, Galerkin expansions, Helmholtz solvers). The second part covers elastic wave phenomena, such as dispersion and vibration modes, in infinite and finite structures.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts will be distributed during the class
Literature
Books will be recommended for each chapter
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Engineering Acoustics I |
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Energy, Flows and Processes (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Mechanics, Materials, Structures (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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