Masters thesis projects in sound and vibration

If you study in one of the schools at Chalmers, you should consider carrying your project in/with our division. This list mentions some ideas for interesting masters theses. Usually we try to find links between your masters thesis work and our research activities. This results in interested thesis supervisors and a good thesis. You will write your thesis in English for maximum distribution. Before you decide for a thesis, the first step is to discuss the thesis contents with one of the supervisors at our division. Before your start a thesis there has to be a formal agreement between your supervisor at Chalmers and you, about contents and schedule (time planning) for your thesis, which also lists the different steps to be carried out in the thesis work together with the estimated time you will need for these steps. This formal agreement has to be made in the form of a document. When you find an interesting topic for a thesis project in the following list, please get in touch with Mendel Kleiner, myself or one of the supervisors mentioned in the list. The coordinates of the people can be found at www.ta.chalmers.se. Could not find anything suitable? If you have your own ideas or if you have an interested industrial partner please come to us for a discussion on the possibilities for cooperation. We often find common interests, which may result in an interesting masters thesis. To some extent we will also be able to suggest master thesis projects with companies and universities in Sweden and outside of Sweden. Our Master programme students also have the possibility of doing a thesis at their home university, however the acceptance of the thesis subject and final thesis itself lies with us. A master thesis comprises 20 points. This means that you should expect to invest 20 weeks fulltime studies into the thesis project. In the middle of the your working period (after about 9 weeks) there has to be a half time presentation, which give you thee opportunity to discuss your work with students and teachers from our division. The final approval of the thesis rests with the department. It is important that the thesis has a good quality both for yourself and for us. The division of Applied Acoustics at Chalmers in renowned for its good working environment and high quality masters theses. Please also check our web-pages for last minute additions to this list! The following list was updated 2007-01-15.

Wolfgang Kropp Director of the MSc Programme Sound and Vibration

VIBROACOUSTICS There are a number of suggestions, which are not mentioned in the list, especially such related to vehicle industry (Volvo car and SEMCON). Please contact Wolfgang Kropp in order to get more information on such topics.
Sound propagation over urban areas(introduction concerns the following four suggestions)
Introduction In urban areas, noise due to road traffic noise can be heard almost everywhere. When areas areas are shielded from direct road traffic noise, distant sources determine a background noise level, which is difficult to decrease. For prediction of the sound pressure levels at such shielded areas, these distant sources should be included. Distant sources mainly contribute to shielded areas by sound propagation over the roof level. Sound propagation over urban rooftops is an aspect which has not been studied so much in the field of outdoor sound propagation. The propagation of sound over rooftops is influenced by the multiple effects of reflection and diffraction by the underlying 'urban surface', consisting of roofs, streets (further denoted by canyons) and roughness elements like traffic and trees. Besides this ground interaction, temperature and wind gradients have a substantial effect on the sound paths, especially for larger distances. Scattering due to atmospheric turbulence also influences the sound propagation paths. Accurate prediction of sound propagation over urban areas could be done by for example the parabolic equation (PE) method. However, when contributions from many distant sources are to be taken into account, using accurate models like the PE is costly. A simplified model is therefore attractive to make calculations possible within a reasonable calculation time. Such a model was proposed by Thorsson, gren and Kropp: the flat city model [1]. The model elevates the source (road traffic noise) and the receiver positions over roof level to an equivalent source and receiver (see figure 1). The sound propagation from source to receiver is then modelled using spherical spreading. This model, although very simple, has been shown to be successful [1]. To make the model more reliable, it is necessary to extend the model such that it is related to the parameters influencing sound propagation. This can be done by making use of more accurate models. A more extensive flat city model reads as follows:

L p = L w + C coupling , source + C dis tan ce + C surface + C air abs + C meteo + C coupling , receiver with L p (r) = the sound pressure level at horizontal distance r from the source L w = the sound power level of the source C coupling , source = the level difference between source and equivalent source C dis tan ce (r) = the level decrease over distance for the equivalent source C surface (r) = the influence of the interaction with the ground surface C air , absorption (r) = the influence of air absorption on the sound propagation C meteo (r) = the influence of meteorological conditions on the sound propagation C coupling , receiver = the level difference between receiver and equivalent receiver
(1)

Figure 0. Sound progation over urban rooftops modelled by the flat city model.

Project I: The flat city model: elevating source and receiver over the urban roof level
Aim The aim of this project can be summarized as follows: Determine coupling factors for source and receiver and the level decay over distance in the extended flat city model Description The problem we want to solve is shown in figure \ref{fig:fig_flatcity}, where we here neglect the effect objects over the roof level as roofs and canyons. To represent the situation by a flat city model, we need to calculate the factor that links the source to the equivalent source. Although a point source is replaced by an equivalent point source, it is not expected that the sound pressure level decreases according to spherical spreading from the equivalent point source. Similar to the coupling of the source to the equivalent source, we also need to couple the receiver to the equivalent receiver. These aspects are expressed in equation 1 by Ccoupling, source, Cdistance(r) and Ccoupling, receiver. A situation with two canyons and a flat roof can accurately be modelled using the 2.5-D Equivalent Sources Method [2]. The model can be used to determine the coefficients for several types of canyons. Contents Read articles about the flat city model and find literature about sound propagation over urban areas. Read about the 2.5-D ESM method. Run calculations with the 2.5-D ESM to get familiarized with the model. Propose situations to model (e.g. different height to width ratios of the canyons). Propose a model for Cdistance(r). Derive the coefficients Ccoupling, source, Cdistance(r) and Ccoupling, receiver.

Project II: An effective impedance for urban canyons

Aim The aim of this project can be summarized as follows: Determine the equivalent impedance of an urban canyon, which can be used in propagation models over urban areas

Description We consider the problem of urban sound propagation of figure 2. Sound propagation over an urban area can be modelled using the parabolic equation (PE) method. This numerical method is based on the Helmholtz equation and calculates sound propagation in the outward direction of the source only. A PE code over a flat ground surface is available at the department. Because of its accuracy, the PE method can be used to determine coefficients in the flat city model. It would be of computational advantage in the PE method, when canyons can be replaced by an effective impedance, see figure 2. To determine such an impedance, the 2.5-D Equivalent Sources Method can be used to calculate the sound field in the presence of the canyons [2]. Contents Read articles about the PE method and the the 2.5-D ESM method. Become familiarized with the way the ground impedance is included in the PE method. Propose situations to model (e.g. different height to width ratios of the canyons). Propose an impedance model to represent a canyon. Run calculations with the 2.5-D ESM and PE model to find values for the impedance model. Figure 2 Sound propagation over urban canyons modelled by an effective impedance using the PE method.

Project III: Urban roughness in the flat city model

Aim The aim of this project can be summarized as follows: Propose a method to take the urban roughness, caused by roofs and canyons, into account in the flat city method. Description We consider the problem of urban sound propagation of figure 1. To represent the situation to model by a flat city, a coefficient which takes into account the interaction of the sound waves with the ground surface should be determined Csurface(r) in equation 1. The ground surface is here formed by roofs and canyons. Sound propagation over an urban area can be modelled using the parabolic equation method. This numerical method is based on the Helmholtz equation and calculates sound propagation in the outward direction of the source only. Because of its accuracy, the PE method can be used to determine Csurface(r) in the flat city model. A PE code for sound propagation over a flat ground surface is available at the department. To represent roofs, the PE code has to be extended. Work has been published before on PE codes for sound

propagation over a non-flat ground surface. Canyons may be represented by an effective impedance in the PE method. Contents Read articles about the PE method and how to extend the model to non-flat ground surfaces. Become familiarized with PE code and write an extension for a non-flat ground surface. Run calculations with the PE code and validate the code by a comparison with analytical results (e.g. diffraction theory).

Propose situations to model (e.g. different types of roofs and canyons). Propose a model to represent the surface effect in the flat city model. Run calculation with the PE model to find values for the proposed surface model.

References [1] [2] Thorsson, P.J., gren, M., Kropp, W. (2004). Noise levels on the shielded side in cities using a flat city model. Applied Acoustics 65(4), pp 313-323. Hornikx, M., Sound propagation to two-dimensional shielded urban areas - a numerical and scale model study of facade treatments. Thesis for the degree of Licenciate of Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Applied Acoustics, Gothenburg, Sweden, (2006).

Improving the insertion loss of noise barriers in an urban environment

Aim -

Determine the influence of noise abatement measures as absorption and diffusion on the insertion loss of a noise barrier in front of a tall building.

Introduction Noise barriers are an often encountered way to reduce the noise exposure at building faades due to road traffic noise. Especially in suburban an rural areas, these barriers are an effective measure. In a more dense built up environment though, they are less effective. The limited space there leads to small source-barrier and barrier-building distances. The latter gives rise to multiple reflections of sound waves between barrier and building. Modes, especially the at lower frequencies, are built up by these reflections and could lead to high sound pressure levels. Having a way to reduce these low frequency levels would be interest for many cases where barrier have been applied. In a scale model study, several barrier treatments as absorption and diffuse reflections can be investigated to reduce the sound pressure level. Contents Literature study on noise screens in the presence of a building and possible noise abatement schemes. Scale model design and proposals of various situations. Scale model measurements and analysis of the data. A validation of the measurement results can be done by using a calcuation model (e.g. a ray based method).

Auralization of traffic environments Traffic noise source signals artificially constructed as white noise time signals will be filtered to give the same power in frequency bands as measured traffic noise (Alternatively pass-by signals from different vehicle types could be recorded in acoustically simplified conditions, i.e. over flat ground, without barriers and without reverberation due to buildings.) Simulated traffic situations, for instance vehicles appearing as in a Poisson process, could be used to simulate actual traffic. Time varying impulse responses including the influence of the sound propagation path such as for instance ground, noise barrier, and courtyard will be used together with head related transfer functions and convolved with the source signal to create binaural signals. These will be used for listening tests to study the perception of loudness and annoyance for different traffic noise environments. Thesis supervisor: Jens Forssn Measurement and prediction of road traffic noise statistics in a variety of shielded areas The descriptors used when assessing the negative effects of traffic noise are the equivalent level and, sometimes, the maximum level (both A-weighted). It is, however, of great interest to investigate more in detail the time-variations of the noise. Elsewhere, such studies have been performed for directly exposed situations, i.e. for unscreened receiver positions close to a road. At Applied Acoustics, Chalmers, we have made an initial study for a courtyard situation. Such shielded situations are of great interest in the context of quiet side, e.g. planning housing so that the apartments have their bedrooms toward the quieter inner yard. The initial study was made for a single courtyard. Measurements were compared with numerical predictions using a ray-tracing program developed at Applied Acoustics. In Figure 1 the measured and

predicted time patterns are shown. As can be seen in Figure 2, the corresponding probability density functions of the noise level compare fairly well between the measured and the predicted results. What degree of agreement can be expected is, however, not yet known. In the thesis work, measurements and calculations will be made for a variety of situations. The raytracing program used in the initial study (Matlab) will be further developed. In the measurements it is included to collect detailed flow patterns of the vehicles, also discriminating between different vehicle types. These details are used in the numerical modelling. By investigating different types of situations it is planned that the thesis work can help answer the following main questions: 1) What degree of agreement can be expected between measured and calculated results? 2) How do the statistics vary depending on traffic parameters and kind of shielded situation?

Figure 1. Time patterns of A-weighted sound pressure levels. The higher values are on the directly exposed side and the lower values are in the courtyard. Left: Measured. Right: Predicted.

Figure 2. Probability density functions for the time patterns shown in Figure 1. Top: Directly exposed side. Bottom: Courtyard. The thesis project is planned for two students working together. This simplifies the measurements, and helps tackling the theoretical and programming problems. Thesis supervisor: Jens Forssn, jens.forssen@chalmers.se, 031-7728604 Thermoacoustic heat pump as a possibility to increase the efficiency of a tumble dryer. Today almost every condenser tumble dryer has a C mark for the energy labelling during drying of a standardized test load. Almost every dryer use a condensing package were hot wet air goes thru channels in one direction and cold dry air goes thru other channels vertical from the other. In this process water is condensed and captured so that the clothes get dry. A few dryers on the market have conventional heat pump systems for bringing out the humidity from the clothes. This is a very expensive method, so the idea is to use a thermoacoustic heatpump instead. The thesis will be in cooperation with ASKO CYLINDA AB.

Thesis supervisor: Krister Larsson and Stig Kleiven

High frequency description of Engine and Mounting system High frequency strucure borne source characteristics of engines became more important due to harder combustion process (typical diesel), change of engine mounting concepts etc. This means that the traditional source description and isolation system description is not valid anymore. Up to now the source is mainly described as velocity source, the isolator does not include waveguide characteristics. With increasing frequencies both engine and receiving structure will inhabit an increasing number of modes. It is not clear where thee transition area is between a deterministic system and a statistic system. As a consequence there is an uncertainty concerning the range of validity of the traditional approaches. At the same time one has to find ways of coupling between three structures with different modal densities. In the worth case we will have to combine three different areas. The focus in this work will be to prepare the ground for an establishment of a design procedure for the engine mounting system including mounts, brackets, engine and body. The thesis will consists mainly of two parts: In the first part Point mobilities will be measured at the three different systems mounting points (or at least at engine and body) in order establish a plot of the modal density and source characteristics. In addition velocities will be measured on the engine (both at the mounting points and as an average quantity in order to describe the vibrational kinetic energy stored in the engine during operation) The second part will consider a case study where three system (representing source, transmission and receiving structure) described with simple modal approaches) are coupled together. The Systems will be designed in different ways allowing for the study of the coupling between systems with different modal densities. Main task is a qualitative and quantitative description of the energy transport between source and receiving structure. From the results conclusion will be made how a model should be designed for the coupling between engine, mounts with brackets, and body. The thesis will be carried out in cooperation with VOLVO CAR COOPERATION. Thesis supervisor: Wolfgang Kropp and Lars Ivarsson (SEMCON)

Assessing vibrational behaviour of dynamic systems by using maximum quantities The response of a dynamic system depends on material properties and geometry. Variations of these parameters cause variation of the response of the system. There is always an uncertainty in the dimensions of products and environments due to limited tolerances during production and/or limited accuracy when measuring the geometry. This may lead to a large discrepancy between modelled and measured results, especially if one modelled result is compared to one measured one. The effects of the uncertainties are most pronounced at higher frequencies where the geometrical variations are on the same order as the wavelengths on the system. The theory of statistical energy analysis (SEA) has been developed to take into account statistical variations in systems. However, the SEA theory is derived under the assumption of many and evenly distributed modes in the frequency band of consideration. This does not hold at low and medium frequencies where alternative approaches must be used. As a first step in this project, coupled resonant dynamic systems will be numerically modelled in Matlab. The modelling is deterministic and starts with one-dimensional systems (beams, ducts) and are eventually extended to more complex systems (plates, cavities). The geometry and/or material parameters will be assumed to vary according to different statistical functions, and multiple realisations of these statistical variations are used as input to the numerical models. Also variations in stiffness at connection points and boundaries will be considered. Variations in vibrational response, energy levels, power flow, etc. are studied. The second step of the project part deals with trying to develop a theory where worst-case magnitudes (maximum quantities) of vibrations are given directly by simple and efficient formulas. The worst cases occur when resonances in the systems coincide, and hence, the formulas have to capture these cases. Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Sound propagation in Diesel engine compartments fundamental behaviour studied with finite element code

This work is a part of the project Reduction of external noise from Diesel engine passenger cars (Vinnova/EMFO) in collaboration with GME / Saab Automobile AB, Trollhttan. Passenger car manufactures are interested in knowledge of sound propagation in the engine compartment to exterior positions. Exterior sound pressure levels are of interest not only to meet the requirements in regulations but also when designing the sound of the car. Diesel engine sound is of special interest as there is a substantial medium and high frequency content (100 Hz - 10 kHz) due to the impulsive combustion process. The engine compartment may be view as an enclosure that is densely packed with various objects in a complex geometry. Further there are large openings in the enclosure, especially under the engine. Treatments to reduce the sound radiation are mainly made with absorbers and shields. A profound knowledge and models of sound propagation in complex, densely packed enclosures is still lacking, especially in the medium frequency range where the dimensions of the objects are on the order of the wavelength in the air.

This thesis projects aims at increasing the understanding of sound propagation in these kind of environment by simulations with a finite element code. Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Sound propagation in Diesel engine compartments modelling with (semi-) analytical models This work is a part of the project Reduction of external noise from Diesel engine passenger cars (Vinnova/EMFO) in collaboration with GME / Saab Automobile AB, Trollhttan. Passenger car manufactures are interested in knowledge of sound propagation in the engine compartment to exterior positions. Exterior sound pressure levels are of interest not only to meet the requirements in regulations but also when designing the sound of the car. Diesel engine sound is of special interest as there is a substantial medium and high frequency content (100 Hz - 10 kHz) due to the impulsive combustion process. The engine compartment may be view as an enclosure that is densely packed with various objects in a complex geometry. Further there are large openings in the enclosure, especially under the engine. Treatments to reduce the sound radiation are mainly made with absorbers and shields. A profound knowledge and models of sound propagation in complex, densely packed enclosures is still lacking, especially in the medium frequency range where the dimensions of the objects are on the order of the wavelength in the air. This thesis projects aims at develop efficient models for sound propagation in these kind of environment. Efficient models must make use of simplifications and to evaluate the effect of these simplifications is a substantial part of the work. Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Sound propagation in Diesel engine compartments an experimental study This work is a part of the project Reduction of external noise from Diesel engine passenger cars (Vinnova/EMFO) in collaboration with GME / Saab Automobile AB, Trollhttan. Passenger car manufactures are interested in knowledge of sound propagation in the engine compartment to exterior positions. Exterior sound pressure levels are of interest not only to meet the requirements in regulations but also when designing the sound of the car. Diesel engine sound is of special interest as there is a substantial medium and high frequency content (100 Hz - 10 kHz) due to the impulsive combustion process. The engine compartment may be view as an enclosure that is

densely packed with various objects in a complex geometry. Further there are large openings in the enclosure, especially under the engine. Treatments to reduce the sound radiation are mainly made with absorbers and shields. A profound knowledge of sound propagation in complex, densely packed enclosures is still lacking, especially in the medium frequency range where the dimensions of the objects are on the order of the wavelength in the air.

This thesis projects aims at increasing the understanding of sound propagation in these kind of environment by experimental investigations. Both a idealised box-like structure and a complete front part of a passenger car tyre is available for the experiments. Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se

Parameter study of a detailed numerical contact model for the tyre/road interaction Rolling resistance, traction forces, wear, excitation of vibrations, and noise generation are all parameters to consider in optimisation of the tyre/road interaction. The key to achieve this optimisation is to include a wide range of length scales in the description of the contact. Detailed discretisation of the contact geometry is not feasible in view of the computational cost. It is there fore suggested to include the smaller-length scales via constitutive interfacial relation, i.e. as non-linear contact springs. A contact model including the small length scales of have been derived and is partly implemented (see the Doctoral Thesis Modelling Interfacial Details in Tyre/Road Contact Adhesion Forces and Non-Linear Contact Stiffness by Patrik Andersson, 2005.) This novel model may be used to study various processes and physical quantities of the interaction between the tyre and the road.

This thesis work aims at both an evaluation of the performance of the model and investigation of the behaviour of the very contact. The evaluation includes an investigation on how the chosen discretisation of the geometry will affect the results. The study of the behaviour of the contact is mainly focused on finding relations between the indentation depth and contact pressures.

Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Characterisation of road surface geometry Detailed road surface geometry is of interest for tyre/road interaction models. However, road surface geometry is commonly only available as a profile along a line or over a very small patch. There is always a trade off between length of profile/area of parch and the resolution. The main question is: what information is needed as a minimum requirement to get reliable data as input to contact models? Some preliminary investigations have been made but no throughout investigations.

Laser scan of road geometry with 38 micrometer resolution (2 cm x 2 cm patch). During the work the following questions are of interest: What does the geometry of road surface look like? How much variation is there between different locations on the surface? What is an appropriate model for describing the geometry? How important is the phase information at small length scales? How long profiles / large areas are needed to get a sufficient good representation of the actual properties of the surface? Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Empirical relation between ambient pressure and tyre/road adherence forces An experimental rig has been designed to measure adherence forces of tyre tread samples separating from road surface samples. The rig was used to develop an empirical formula for the relations between contact time, load, separation speed and measured adherence force. The empirical results are presently related to theory under development. One of the fundamental questions is to what extent the adherence force is due to the ambient air pressure (and related viscous effects) and/or chemical/molecular bonds.

In this thesis work the experimental rig will be tested in an environment where the ambient static pressure can be varied, e.g. a pressure/vacuum chamber. Apart from a general review of the field of adhesion and rough surfaces, the work will consider both solutions to practical problems of getting the rig to work controllable in the chamber, and analysis and interpretation of the acquired results.

Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Characterisation of tyre tread patterns A model for tyres rolling on a rough surface is developed at the Division of Applied Acoustics. Complex tread patterns are so far not included in the model, but will be done in the future. In this master thesis you will investigate the behaviour of tyre tread patterns by measurements on tyres and by modelling using an finite element code and Matlab. The goal is to characterise various tread patterns in a form suitable for the existing tyre model.

Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se Noise transfer functions from the tyre/road contact patch Tyre/road noise is the main source of road traffic noise for speeds above 40 km/h, and it causes annoyance and sleep disturbances among the citizens in urban areas. Tyre/road contact models can model the vibrations of the tyre in a sufficient accurate way (e.g. the model developed at the Department of Applied Acoustics). Radiation models, relating the vibrations of the tyre to the sound pressure levels in a given point, fails for higher frequencies, i.e. it works fine for lower frequencies as the whole tyre structure radiates, it fails at higher frequencies where most noise is generated at the very zone of contact. To investigate, understand and model the parameters influencing radiation from the contact patch a topic of interest. In this project the frequency response functions (FRFs) between positions in the road under a tread sample and external positions will be measured. Reciprocal techniques will be employed interchanging the positions of the volume source and receiving pressure; microphones are placed in the road sample and a loudspeaker is placed in external positions.

Mass Tread Road

Several cases will be considered, e.g. i) free-field with just the road sample with the microphones (reference case) ii) stiff steel plate on the road surface (low influence of local deformation) iii) tread under various load in contact with the surface iv) tread of various dimensions in contact with the surface The measured results should be, at least qualitatively, related to theory and models considering e.g. theory of deformations of elastic layers and wave propagation in porous media. The project also includes a (small) literature survey, design of the experiment using estimations and approximate models, measurement planning, data acquisition and analysis. Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se

Low frequency properties of rubber materials. Sufficiently accurate material properties are of great importance as input to prediction models. In this project an experimental technique is developed to get reliable estimations of low frequency (< 100 Hz) properties of tyre tread compounds. During the work several approaches will be tested and evaluated. The evaluation is made in terms of repeatability and spread of results. The developed technique is finally used to the terming the low frequency material properties of some tread compounds of interest in ongoing research projects (See in addition the MSc thesis A Method to Estimate Material Data of Rubber Compounds with the Aid of Finite-Element Models by Jonas Svensson for more information on the topic).

Thesis supervisor: Patrik Andersson, patrik.andersson@chalmers.se

Plane wave basis finite element method for the Helmholtz equation Aim: Implementing the plane wave basis finite element method for the Helmholtz equation in a simplified urban environment. Introduction: Within acoustics, the finite element model (FEM) method can be applied to solve problems in solids. In gaseous media, the method is often considered as being computationally too heavy when the computational domain becomes too large. Also, since acoustics in solids is more complex than acoustics in gaseous media regarding the number of wavetypes and the inhomogeneity of the material, FEM is more appropriate for solids. In gaseous media, more suitable (faster) methods to solve the wave equation are often used: e.g. analytical solutions based on the wave equation, the boundary element method. Though, when the gaseous medium is inhomogeneous (e.g. by temperature fluctuations) or the propagation medium is moving like in outdoor sound propagation, the most simpler solutions do not hold anymore. Recently, the plane wave basis FEM has been developed [1]. In the usual FEM, around 10 points per wavelength for an accurate calculation are necessary since polynomials are used as shape functions. In this new method, the shape functions consist of a set of plane waves, which allows for several wavelengths in a single finite element. The method has so far been applied to scattering problems of simple objects. Contents Literaturestudy: Getting familiar with the usual finite element method Understanding of the plane wave basis finite element method Writing of a MatLab code of the plane wave basis FEM applied to the 2D Helmholtz equation: Situation of monopole over a plane ground surface Situation of monopole in an urban street canyon Vary the discretization step Vary the number of degrees of freedom of the plane waves Report the accuracy of the method for various cases by comparison with analytical results or results of other methods. Is the method still faster in a complex environment compared to the usual FEM? Could the method be extended to sound propagation trough an inhomogeneous and moving medium?

[1] Lagrouche, O., Bettess, P., Astley, R.J. (2002). Modelling of short wave diffraction problems using approximate systems of plane waves. International journal for numerical methods in engineering 54, 1501-1533. Thesis supervisor: Maarten Hornikx, January 2006 A wavelet based method to model sound propagation Aim: Implementation of a wavelet based method on the wave equation based on the article of Hong and Kennett [1] Get a better understanding the possibilities of wavelet applications in acoustics

Introduction In the last two decades, methods based on wavelets have been developed very fast. The wavelet transform is, like the Fourier transform, a way to decompose a signal. The decomposition in the Fourier transform means that a signal (say a time signal) is projected onto a set of sinusoidal functions that are centralized in frequency. In the wavelets technique, the signal is projected onto a set of functions that are localized as well in space as in time; the functions have a compact support. This approach gives several advantages over the Fourier transform method as adaptivity and the ability to handle rapid changes in a signal or a medium. Recently, applications of wavelets to solve partial differential equations (PDE) have appeared in literature. Because of the ability to solve PDEs for media with varying parameters, a wavelet based method might be more suitable in some cases, like sound propagation in a turbulent atmosphere. Contents: Literature study: Introduction about wavelets Read the article of Hong and Kennett (+ related articles) Build the wavelet based method in MatLab 1D situation (compare analytical) 2D situation (compare analytical) 2D situation with varying speed of sound (if time is left) use various orders of test functions and report the accuracy Report about the advantages and drawbacks of the method [1] Hong, T.-K., Kennett, B.L.N. (2002). On a wavelet-based method for the numerical simulation of wave propagation. Journal of computational physics 183, 577-622. Thesis supervisor: Maarten Hornikx, January 2006 Master thesis in Cooperation with Saab Automobile At the time we have eight different suggestions in the area of vehicle acoustics from Saab Car Company. Those who are interested, please contact: Wolfgang Kropp Noise generation due to a water jet hitting a rough surface This thesis is in cooperation with Asko Cylinda and is a continuation of the this years project in DSP. The goal with the project is to understand the noise generation mechanism involved in the process when a water jet hits a surface. The idea is to create a simple analytical model for the process and investigate in which way the process could be controlled in order to get lower sound generation. The model will be validated by an experimental setup. This setup will also be used to validate the fin al suggestion for an improved process. Thesis supervisor: Wolfgang Kropp and Krister Larsson COMMUNICATION & ROOM ACOUSTICS Spatial distribution of reverberation How can one describe the spatial distribution of reverberant sound over time of the reverberation process? The spatial distribution is of great importance in the way trained listeners judge the quality of the sound in concert halls.In some of the best concert halls the reverberation process seems to have a center of gravity which moves through the hall. How can one measure this property? How can one predict it? The thesis is supposed to present some answers to these questions. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Comparison of different types of reverberation simulations In auralization it is necessary to do some compromises in the replication of the reverberation characteristics of rooms. The purpose of this thesis work is to compare subjectively various types of approaches such as infinite impulse response methods, various commercial systems (CATT, PureVerb etc.). The intention is to analyze the reverberation with regard to a large number of parameters as a function of time (for example gradually reduced correlation) and check how many of these parameters that the implemented reverberation processes are able to simulate. Thesis advisor: Bengt-Inge Dalenbck <bid@catt.se>

The influence of scattering in auralization Today most acousticians agree that the scattering properties of a rooms bounding surfaces are essential to the acoustic quality of the room. But how essential? Can one estimate the sound quality of a room by using actual scattering reflection transfer responses (SRFR) in auralization? The work will be focused on scale model measurement of actual SRFRs, using these to simulate the reverberation of a scale model room, use the scale model scatterers in the scale model room and measure its reverberation impulse response, and finally compare the real and simulated reverberation sound quality. Thesis advisor: Georgios Natsiopoulos <georgios.natsiopoulos@chalmers.se >

The influence of interference in sound reproduction In order to obtain good quality sound reproduction one should avoid strong ceiling and floor sound reflections. This can be achieved using very directional loudspeakers and or suitable sound absorptive treatment. The purpose of the project is to investigate in the laboratory which angular resolution that is needed for the hearing to be able to resolve interfering signals spatially. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Individual audible characteristics of diffuse surfaces As shown by Mendel Kleiner one can quite easily hear the differences between the scattered sound from different scatterers. This project aims at studying whether the individual sound of scattering surfaces primarily influences the sound quality of the early part of the reverberation or if it is importnat for the late part of the reverberation. The influence of the scattered sound from different sound diffusing surfaces on the subjective characteristics of the late reverberation of a room can be studied using a simulation approach. The impulse response of various scale model scatterers must bee measured for a set of angles and used in combination with a simple room model for auralization. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Do blind people hear better? Audible characteristics of diffuse surfaces. It is known that blind people are much better than sighted people in hearing differences in the sound fields in rooms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the audibility of different scattering materials using model studies. Subjective experiments using sighted and blind people should be made to compare sensitivity characteristics and thresholds. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se> ' Sound quality of small rooms Current acoustic metrics for quantifying the acoustic properties of rooms are almost exclusively focused on large rooms such as concert halls, operas, and other auditoria. Small rooms however are much more plentiful and to the users present daily challenges. This thesis is focused on finding binaural metrics for small rooms as used by talkers, i.e. the perceived acoustic quality as you are speaking in the room. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Concert-hall ear training

A primary challenge in designing concert halls is quantifying the acoustics in psychoacoustically meaningful ways. Acousticians often use physical parameters such as reverberation time, clarity, and lateral energy fraction, among others. The beginning consultant may wonder, for example, what a Clarity value of +8 dB sounds like, or how a Lateral Energy Fraction of 0.8 compares to 0.5. One aim of the project is to simulate impulse responses where one measure (or a group) is varied while leaving the others constant. The trainee could then acquire a "feel" for the different parameters used so often in room acoustics design and how they affect each other. The main goal of the project, however, is to construct an ear-training test station, with at least one comprehensive library of auralized binaural impulse responses, measured from a wide variety of concert halls. This should be complemented with pictures of the hall interiors and captions with the name of the halls and the values of the descriptive physical parameters, so that if the trainee clicks on a picture of the hall, the simulated signal is played. The project results should include (1) whether one can improve one's ability to identify different halls that are auralized randomly, (2) an assessment of how well one can perceive effects of various room acoustics parameters. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Computer simulation of sound reflection and scattering from an audience area Computer simulation of sound propagation in rooms is quite well established. One of the remaining problems in the process is how to handle the audience area in the simulations. The purpose of the project is to do scale model measurements in order to obtain better prediction methods. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Speech intelligibility metrics It is well known that the determination of speech intelligibility is difficult whether using computation or physical or psychological measurement. There are probably many reasons for this such as the difference between monaural and binaural sound pickup and the differences between manikin heads used for binaural recording and human heads used for actual on-site listening. The aim of this research is to provide a guide to be used in comparing values obtained by the various methods. The project will involve measurement of psychoacoustic metrics for speech intelligibility by various methods and also measurement of speech intelligibility by psychological methods using both onsite listening tests and tests using binaural recording and playback. Thesis advisors: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se> and Wolfgang Ahnert, ADA Acoustic Design, Berlin.

ELECTROACOUSTICS Dynamic compensation for binaural sound reproduction. Traditionally headphones have been used in order to play back binaural recordings. By the use of crosstalk cancellation techniques it is now possible to simulate headphone listening using loudspeakers. The project aims at comparing various techniques and to possibly include headtracking sensors in a DSP application in order to build a convincing 3-D audio sound field. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Measurement of loudspeaker sound quality Electrodynamic loudspeakers are well known to be the weakest link in the audio chain. They introduce both linear and non-linear distortion, particularly the non-linear distortion is problematic because it cannot be equalized or removed easily. The loudspeakers also radiate in many directions and the nonlinear distortion components may radiate with a quite different pattern than the original signal. The purpose of the project is to find a metric based on modulation transfer properties to characterize the sound quality of loudspeakers. Work done in a previous masters thesis resulted in a metric, which works but is not sufficiently sensitive to be used in practice. The aim here is to 1) refine this metric using knowledge from psychoacoustics, 2) to test the refined metric applied to a variety of loudspeakers. Thesis supervisor: Mendel Kleiner

Simulation of loudspeaker distortion Loudspeakers are well known to be the weakest link in the sound reproduction chain. The reasons for the way in which they distort the sound are however not well known. They introduce both linear and non-linear distortion, particularly the non-linear distortion is problematic because it cannot be equalized or removed easily. The loudspeakers also radiate in many directions and the non-linear distortion components may radiate with a quite different pattern than the original signal. The purpose of the project is to study the distortion mechanisms particularly with regard to the non-linear distortion and to obtain greater understanding of the mechanisms involved so that it will be possible to build better loudspeakers. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

A measurement interface for ultrasonic scale model testing Ultrasonic scale model measurements require microphones and loudspeakers. However, because of transducer problems, sparks are often used as sources for sounds instead of loudspeakers. This results in the necessity to compensate for the spark properties in the signal processing. This can only be done for a limited frequency range. The intention here is to 1) build a new spark source which can function in dual mode to cover a large part of the sound spectrum and 2) program a suitable interface in Matlab which includes switching between the two modes and also does the necessary compensation. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Ultrasonic binaural sound reproduction Sometimes it is desired to reproduce sound in a very limited space. This can be achieved by so called parametric sound reproduction, which uses the non-linearities of air to downmix two ultrasonic signals. One of the signals is kept at constant frequency while the other is modulated for example by a singlesideband method. The signals are radiated by two highly directional arrays and where the beams of the arrays meet a local audio sound field will be produced. The aim of the project is to design a system, which can be used for near field binaural sound reproduction, for example at a computer workstation. Thesis advisor: Mendel Kleiner <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se>

Simultaneous measurement of many transfer functions using maximum length related sequences A large number of acoustic and vibratory systems have multiple sources and receivers. This thesis project tests a newly proposed technique for making such simultaneous measurements of the transfer functions of a multiple-input, multiple output system. The system to be measured is used to measure head related transfer functions of the human ear. The system comprises 32 loudspeakers and pickup must be made by at least two microphones, one at each ear. The resulting transfer functions are to be used in an advanced setup for virtual reality rendering. Since humans easily tire, the measurements must be done quickly so it is an advantage if many transfer functions can be measured simultaneously. Thesis advisors: Mendel Kleiner <torbjorn.johansson @ta.chalmers.se> <mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se> & Torbjrn Johansson

PSYCHOACOUSTICS, PRESENCE & VIRTUAL REALITY This music makes me shiver! It is very difficult to use human test persons in testing for the properties of sounds since it is virtually impossible both to obtain adequate verbal responses and synchronization with the sound field. For this reason it is necessary to use physiological measurements of EEG, blood light reflection spectra, electric skin resistance, muscle movement etc. These are characterized by different time resolution and delay properties. Which ones are best for measurement of sound quality in a wide sense? A comparison is to be made for different type sound properties and analyzed to give recommendations for the use of appropriate physiological measurements in psychoacoustic research. Thesis advisor: Pontus Larsson <pontus.larsson@chalmers.se>

Measurement of emotion using voice qualities

Improvement of virtual reality systems is critically dependent on the measurement of the sense of presence in the mediated environment. Real-time measurement capability is absolutely necessary to avoid bias by the users. Since current physiological measurement techniques are plagued by low resolution and high time delay they are not adequate for the purpose. It has been suggested that measurement of emotion in the VR system users voice can be used to track emotions on a continuous basis. Formants may be shifte3d, modulated and the ratio between voiced and unvoiced sounds may change. Using a combination of semi-analog analysis techniques and neural networks the purpose of the current project is to test the viability of the proposal. If successful the work may continue by the integration of AI techniques. Thesis advisor: Torbjrn Johansson <torbjorn.johansson @ta.chalmers.se>

Hearing and vision : collaboration or conflict? When one listens to sound in a room there is considerable influence on the perception of what is being heard by the visual impressions obtained. In this project we wish to use 3-D stereographic techniques in conjunction with 3-D audio techniques to sudy this interaction by placing the test subjects in a well defined virtual environment. The object is to do a systematic study of various influencing factors. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Influence of stereoscopic vs flat 3D picture rendering on auditory perception In this project we wish to use 3-D stereographic techniques in conjunction with 3-D audio techniques to study this interaction by placing the test subjects in a well-defined virtual environment. The object is to estimate the differences obtained when using stereoscopic rendering compared to regular flat display rendering. The work will use stereoscopic real or computer rendered pictures in conjunction with stereophonic and binaural sound rendering. The main research question is: Is the step from flat to stereoscopic picture rendering as dramatic for scene realism as the step from stereophonic to binaural sound rendering? Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Emotional mapping of auditory icons So-called auditory icons are very commonly used to signal different events in many products. These sounds are often designed from an unstructured, purely artistic point of view, which may produce undesired results. One way to structure the design process is to use musical expression. Musical expressions are well documented in terms of emotions, which is very useful since emotional response to the sounds is a reliable way of measuring the goodness an auditory icon. This thesis work will include designing a number of sounds using musical expressions, and investigating them in terms of emotions, finally achieving a mapping of their locations in the affect plane. Affect will be measured physiologically. Thesis advisor: Anders Skld <anders.skold@chalmers.se>

Visual vs. auditory perception of size and distance in virtual environments. A common problem in consumer virtual environments such as 3D computer games is that the space depicted on screen often gives the user the wrong spatial impression of size. In fact, 3D-worlds in most cases are perceived as being smaller than intended. This poses a problem as when such visual virtual worlds are combined with acoustic representations of the same worlds, there might be a conflict between audition and vision in terms of world size which in turn may result in a lower overall impression (measured by e.g. the users sense of presence in the virtual world). This thesis deals with the investigation of visual parameters that influence perception of room size, object size, distance, etc. and how these parameters are coupled to the auditory perception of room size. First, the thesis work should include a literature study and development of methodologies to form a baseline for experimental work in the area. Second, the student(s) should perform an experiment where the perceived correspondence between visual and auditory impression can be measured, preferably by some staircase methodology where the visual stimulus may be gradually changed. In addition to the perceived correspondence, other user percepts (such as presence) should also be measured in the experiment. Thesis advisor: Pontus Larsson <pontus.larsson@chalmers.se>

Efficiency of warning sounds in different vehicle environments The efficiency of warning sounds is determined by many factors. Signal duration, loudness, spectral content, rise and fall times, chirp and other character will influence the effective reaction time. Does a given set of warning sounds perform the same way in different environments - for example will a warning sound in a construction vehicle perform as well in a passenger car? Is the efficiency (in some sense) dependent on other factors than for example S/N ratio? Is masking the only thing of importance? Thesis advisor: Anders Skld <anders.skold@chalmers.se>

PRODUCT SOUND QUALITY Computer fan sound quality Most computers need many small fans to cool various parts of the circuits. The sound quality properties of these fans are becoming a hot research area since computers are starting to become commonplace in home video and audio equipment. The thesis work concerns subjective and objective evaluation of a number of binaurally recorded fan sounds. How do we perceive these fan sounds? Why is it that at times they are not attention grabbing? How do our emotional states influence our acceptance or rejection of these fan sounds? Is it possible to design fan startup sequences and other fan noise characteristics so that the fan is unnoticed? Thesis advisor: Anders Genell <anders.genell@ta.chalmers.se>

Sound quality of transient sounds Sound Quality deals with human perception of sound and how adequate that perception is for the product in question. A well-known example is the impression of car quality by the sound of the closing car door. The purpose of this project is to find methods of rating the parameters influencing the sound quality perception of transient sounds such as clicks etc. This can be done using neural networks being trained on suitably reduced measurement data and listening test results. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Perceived sound and vibration in a virtual truck Auditory, visual and tactile sensations together determine the overall quality and perceived comfort of a vehicle. The aim of this work is to study perceived comfort and ride quality by systematically vary the degree of vibration, sound and visual input in an virtual model of an truck. Using augmented reality (mixing parts of an real aircraft with virtually rendered parts) an experimental approach will enable realistic subjective assessment. The thesis work is focused on subjective assessment and objective description of sound, vibration and visual sources. A mathematical model for multi-modal perception is the expected output of the thesis work. Thesis advisor: Anders Genell <anders.genell@ta.chalmers.se>

Presence in auditory-visual Virtual Environments The sense of presence (a feeling of realism) is a very important component for the overall quality and performance of Virtual Reality (VR)-systems and Virtual Environments (VE's). Previously VR-systems have been concentrated on realistic rendering of visual information. However, aural rendering with high realism is very important for an increased sense of realism and Presence. Thesis workers interested in this topic are expected to auralize (and visualize) a number of virtual environments with the aim of comparing different levels of auralization and its effect on subjectively perceived presence. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Exterior car sound quality Exterior car sound is one of many noise contributions in the traffic soundscape. However, the exterior sound of car is not only noise but may have a certain quality (sporty, fast or loud unpleasant) that may attract peoples attention. The thesis work concerns subjective and objective evaluation of a number of binurally recorded car sounds. Experiments of perceived sound quality of these sounds will be compared with existing sound quality metrics. An additional aim is to develop new exterior sound quality metrics, taking into account the transient nature of exterior sound quality. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Perception of traffic noise soundscapes Existing acoustical measurement methods have a problem accommodating several concurrent sound sources. A typical situation with several coexisting sound sources is a traffic noise soundscape in a city (several cars passing by a listnener at the same time). The these work concerns how people perceive sound environments with multiple sound sources. The work will be focused on setting up and perform an experment using different test methods to capture human responses to a transient or changing sound environmnet. Both subjective ratings and physiological measurements could be used. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

Auditory and visual perception of traffic in city streets The visual input may very well affect how we aurally perceive different objects. The aim of the thesis work is to find out if visual input (video recordings or a virtual environment) influence how people perceive and evaluate sound. Combinations of video recordings (or VE's) and binaurally recorded soundds of cars, busses and motorcycles in a city street will be used. Subjective testing of audio-visual combinations will be carried out. Thesis advisor: Daniel Vstfjll <daniel.vastfjall@psy.gu.se>

The influence of hearing impairments on perceived Sound Quality Sound Quality is an expanding area, with growing industrial interest and everyday-life applications. But in general, we take the average customer as having a "normal hearing". In the point of view of Sound Quality, what really happens when people are getting older, for partially deaf people, or for people with one-sided hearing impairment is not well-known. In this thesis work you will: - review the different types of hearing impairments and the standards related to this topic - study the influence of hearing impairments on the perceived sound quality by listening tests on hearing impaired people and comparison with people with normal hearing - build a sound library with reference sounds processed so that they give an impression of hearing impairment to people with normal hearing. Thesis advisor: Anders Skld <anders.skold@chalmers.se>

The influence of air motion (wind, turbulence, etc.) on the perceived Sound Quality of outdoor music performance It is well known that noisy modulation of music such as that in analog tape recorders has is important for the subjectively judged sound quality of the recorder. Analogously similar modulation by atmospheric randomness in the propagation paths should be of similar importance. For example the cost of tickets could be loinked to the sound quality and not only to the distance to the performer. The influence of the medium can be roughly characterized as caused by velocity fluctuations as well as by temperature fluctuations. The velocity fluctuations can be due both to changes in laminar flow as well as turbulence. The turbulence spectra for both effects are likely to determine the audio modulation. Current models can be used for the influence of the meteorological fluctuations on the phase and amplitude modulations of the sound. The master thesis for two students will start with a literature review and theoretical studies. These will be followed by numerical simulations and compared to results from performed outdoor measurement. Finally listening tests will be done to subjectively assert the importance of the effects for various sounds and modulation spectra characteristics. Thesis advisor: Jens Forssn (772 8604, jens.forssen@chalmers.se) and Mendel Kleiner (772 2206, mendel.kleiner@chalmers.se)