The numerical simulation of sound fields enhances the understanding of sound and noise propagation and supports for example the development of robust and efficient noise reduction methods. This is one of the reasons why we work on the development and application of computational methods to describe physical interactions between sounds and objects. Our research includes models of the dynamics of structures, sound fields, and vibrations with applications in environmental noise control, automotive audio, auditory perception, and speech production. Our research includes
- the development and application of efficient boundary element methods (BEM) for the Helmholtz equation to simulate the sound propagation of in 2D, 2.5D and 3D,
- the development of efficient methods for modeling systems with hysteretic behavior,
- modeling and (psychoacoustically) evaluating sound mitigation methods,
- the development of models and methods to simulate the human vocal tract.
Computers grow more powerful every year, however, the needs and the requirements of real life applications (e.g. the need for more detailed models, simulation of bigger objects with complex geometry, real-time applications, ...) grow even faster. Thus it is necessary to constantly develop new and robust methods and to introduce new ideas and concepts into the field of numerical and applied mathematics. By working in close cooperations with all other groups of the institute, the group is able to combine new mathematical concepts and developments (e.g. advances in Frame and wavelet theory) with their immediate application for real life problems (e.g. calculation of head related transfer functions for 3D virtual audio, evaluation of noise reduction measurements, ...).
Lighthouse Topic: Detection and Simulation of Noise and its Propagation for Developing Efficient Countermeasures
Noise, i.e. unwanted sound, is a phenomenon that effects our every day lives, and apart from being annoying can result in health problems. Motivated by this reason the topic of noise and noise reduction is one of the lighthouse research topic at the ARI. Together with partners from science and industry the researchers at the ARI investigated and investigate the origin and propagation of noise as well as methods for noise mitigation in multiple projects (PAAB, Wiabahn, PASS, LARS, RELSKG, SysBahnLärm, ...). This includes
- Measurement and Simulation of Noise Sources,
- Simulation of Noise Propagation,
- Perception of Noise.
In connection with the international noise awareness day the ARI offers the interested public the opportunity to visit the institute and to experience the topics ``Acoustics' and "Noise"' with several interactive presentations and experiments.
Further links in connection with noise:
- AUVA, Soziale Unfallversicherung
- Report of the European Environment Agency: Noise in Europe 2014
- Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: On the implementation of the Environmental Noise Directive in accordance with Articfle 11 of Directive 2002/49/EC
- WHO Report: Night Noise Guidelines for Europe
- Report of the WHO: Burden of disease from environmental noise
Other selected projects
- BEM-formulation in the Time Domain
- Boundary Element Method (BEM) Model of the Head
- Branched Tube Vocaltract Model
- Orthobem: Simulation of Vibrations in Tunnels
- RailVib: Railway vibrations from tunnels
- WiABahn - Acoustic Effect of Shielding Edges Near the Rail and Roofs Above Railway Platforms