Diffusion (acoustics)

Abstract: A review of recent advances in the use of surface integral methods in Computational AeroAcoustics (CAA) for the extension of near-field CFD results to the acoustic far-field is given. These integral formulations (i.e. Kirchhoff's method, permeable (porous) surface FfowcsWilliams Hawkings (FW-H) equation) allow the radiating sound to be evaluated based on quantities on an arbitrary control surface if the wave equation is assumed outside. Thus only surface integrals are needed for the calculation of the far-field sound, instead of the volume integrals required by the traditional acoustic analogy method (i.e. Lighthill, rigid body FW-H equation). A numerical CFD method is used for the evaluation of the flow-field solution in the near field and thus on the control surface. Diffusion and dispersion errors associated with wave propagation in the far-field are avoided. The surface integrals and the first derivatives needed can be easily evaluated from the near-field CFD data. Both methods can be extended in orde...

Abstract: By presenting evidence from three different sound changes within the history of English, this paper demonstrates that sound changes do not always affect the most frequent words first; on the contrary, certain changes affect the least frequent words first. A comparison of sound changes exhibiting each direction of diffusion reveals that changes affecting the most frequent words first are motivated by physiological factors, acting on surface phonetic forms; changes affecting the least frequent words first are motivated by other, non-physiological factors, acting on underlying forms. Thus a direct correlation is drawn between the direction of diffusion and the actuation of sound change.

Abstract: The problem of reproducing a desired sound field in space, not just at a number of discrete points, but over a continuous two‐dimensional area, is investigated. In theory, any sound field can be reconstructed perfectly in a given region by using a continuous monopole/dipole layer, but this is obviously not possible in practice. This paper attempts to give some quantitative measures of the extent to which a given sound field can be reproduced by using a number of discrete monopole sources. Some of the physical limitations that apply to any sound reproduction system are illustrated by studying a simple model. The desired sound field is a plane wave, the sources are ideal monopoles in a free field, and the optimal source accelerations are calculated using the traditional least‐squares method. All calculations are undertaken in the frequency domain, and three different loudspeaker arrangements are studied. The results clearly demonstrate that the quality of the reproduced sound field is mainly determined by the size of the receiver area and the angles between the sources as seen from the center of the receiver array.

Abstract: Those concerned with acoustic cavitation often use different measures and nomenclature to those who employ ultrasound for medical purposes. After illustrating the connections between the two, acoustic cavitation phenomena are divided into two classes: (1) relatively moderate amplitude changes in the bubble size that occur during each acoustic cycle, as with rectified diffusion and resonant bubble motion, and (2) rather dramatic changes in the bubble radius that occur in one cycle. It is seen that pulse-echo diagnostic equipment can excite the dramatic changes whereas continuous wave therapeutic equipment will excite the slower, but no less important, changes. The ranges of the acoustic variables and material states for which these phenomena are possible are quantified. It is shown that whereas the concept of an ultrasonic (energy) dose may be appropriate for the effects of acoustically induced heating or resonant bubble motion. It is inappropriate when discussing the effects of the transient type of cavitation that can occur from short, high amplitude acoustic pulses.