ME 520 Acoustics I (Fall 2009)

Course Description

Introduction to wave propagation and sound. General concepts such as quantitative measures of sound, plane waves, and acoustic energy density and intensity. Perception of sound. Derivation of wave equation. Reflection, transmission and refraction of sound. Normal modes: vibrating membranes, and sound in a rectangular enclosure. Acoustic horns. Propagation in stratified media - ray acoustics. Absorption and attenuation of sound waves. Acoustic waves in spherical co-ordinate systems.

Instructor

Robin Cleveland
Office: ENG 416
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Boston University
110 Cummington Street
Boston MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-7767
Email: robinc@bu.edu

Class Period

Mon and Wed 2-4pm PSY B47 (Basement, Sociology)

Office Hours

By appointment

Text Book

PRIMARY
D.T. Blackstock, Fundamentals of Physical Acoustics, (Wiley 2000)

SECONDARY
A.D. Pierce, Acoustics:An Introdution to Its Physical Principle and Applications, (ASA-AIP, 1994)

Further Reading:
Kinsler, Frey, Coppens and Sanders, Fundamentals of Acoustics, (Wiley, 1982)
S. Temkin, Elements of Acoustics (ASA, AIP, 2001)
L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz, Fluid mechanics (Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 1997)

Schedule:

Homework

Grading:

Homework 25%
Test 1 25%
Test 2 25%
Final Exam 25%

Mid-term tests: In class - dates subject to change.

Final Exam: