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151-0215-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-ERDW , D-PHYS
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Fundamentals of Acoustics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nicolas Noiray, Dr. Bart Van Damme
Number of participants limited to 60.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:57

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
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Registration & Places

Max Places
60

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Fundamentals of Acoustics
The course starts in the second week.
  • Mon 13:15-16:00 (CAB G 52)
3 h weekly

Offered In