Acoustics

14 pages, 5518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Theoretical Acoustic Performance of Esparto Grass Fibers

by Rubén Maderuelo-Sanz and Juan Miguel Meneses-Rodríguez

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020032 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2025

Nowadays, natural fiber-based materials are widely used in the building sector, where the use of green and sustainable products is of growing interest. One of these fibrous materials is the esparto, a plant belonging to the Gramineae family, with a height up to [...] Read more.

Nowadays, natural fiber-based materials are widely used in the building sector, where the use of green and sustainable products is of growing interest. One of these fibrous materials is the esparto, a plant belonging to the Gramineae family, with a height up to 1 m. It grows in arid places with scarce rainfall, being common in some areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Due to its morphology, it can be used to replace conventional materials used in soundproofing and building applications. In this work, the acoustic properties of esparto fibers are studied using impedance tube measurements and via a phenomenological acoustic model where the input parameters are some non-acoustic properties such as porosity, density, tortuosity, and flow resistivity. The experimental results obtained showed the good acoustic performance of esparto fibers, with a high sound absorption coefficient along the usual frequency bandwidth. Furthermore, the theoretical results obtained using the phenomenological model exhibited a strong correlation with the sound absorption spectra obtained through experimental measurements. Full article

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20 pages, 3567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for Testing Acoustic Absorption of Lightweight Fabrics with 3D Microstructures Using Impedance Tube

by David Caballol, Mónica Morales-Segura and Alejandro Morgado

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020031 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

In this study, the limits of using the impedance tube, or Kundt tube, are examined using the two-microphone method to obtain the normal acoustic absorption coefficient when analyzing the sound absorption properties of lightweight acoustic fabrics. Lightweight porous fabrics with 3D microstructures that [...] Read more.

In this study, the limits of using the impedance tube, or Kundt tube, are examined using the two-microphone method to obtain the normal acoustic absorption coefficient when analyzing the sound absorption properties of lightweight acoustic fabrics. Lightweight porous fabrics with 3D microstructures that have been previously evaluated in reverberation chambers are used. For these materials, a test methodology will be developed in the impedance tube that aims to replicate the conditions of the tests carried out in the reverberation chamber. The samples are tested maintaining the same separation from the final rigid wall and are placed in the impedance tube in two different ways: first, exposing the flat samples to the wave, and second, in pleated format. The results show that it is not possible to consider the results obtained with both methodologies in samples of light textiles with three-dimensional microstructures to be the same. The similarity is limited to low frequencies (100–315 Hz) but bias, excessive dispersion of the data, different global results and shape indicators obtained suggest that both methods are not identical. Full article

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12 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Speech Intelligibility in Virtual Avatars: Comparison Between Audio and Audio–Visual-Driven Facial Animation

by Federico Cioffi, Massimiliano Masullo, Aniello Pascale and Luigi Maffei

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020030 - 23 May 2025

Abstract

Speech intelligibility (SI) is critical in effective communication across various settings, although it is often compromised by adverse acoustic conditions. In noisy environments, visual cues such as lip movements and facial expressions, when congruent with auditory information, can significantly enhance speech perception and [...] Read more.

Speech intelligibility (SI) is critical in effective communication across various settings, although it is often compromised by adverse acoustic conditions. In noisy environments, visual cues such as lip movements and facial expressions, when congruent with auditory information, can significantly enhance speech perception and reduce cognitive effort. In an ever-growing diffusion of virtual environments, communicating through virtual avatars is becoming increasingly prevalent, thus requiring a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics to ensure effective interactions. The present study used Unreal Engine’s MetaHuman technology to compare four methodologies used to create facial animation: MetaHuman Animator (MHA), MetaHuman LiveLink (MHLL), Audio-Driven MetaHuman (ADMH), and Synthetized Audio-Driven MetaHuman (SADMH). Thirty-six word pairs from the Diagnostic Rhyme Test (DRT) were used as input stimuli to create the animations and to compare them in terms of intelligibility. Moreover, to simulate a challenging background noise, the animations were mixed with a babble noise at a signal-to-noise ratio of −13 dB (A). Participants assessed a total of 144 facial animations. Results showed the ADMH condition to be the most intelligible among the methodologies used, probably due to enhanced clarity and consistency in the generated facial animations, while eliminating distractions like micro-expressions and natural variations in human articulation. Full article

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23 pages, 26403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sonic Boom Impact Assessment of European SST Concept for Milan to New York Supersonic Flight

by Giovanni Fasulo, Antimo Glorioso, Francesco Petrosino, Mattia Barbarino and Luigi Federico

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020029 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

This study presents a surrogate modeling framework designed for the rapid yet reliable assessment of sonic boom impacts. The methodology is demonstrated through two case studies: a transatlantic flight from Milan to New York, highlighting the sonic boom impact along the route; and [...] Read more.

This study presents a surrogate modeling framework designed for the rapid yet reliable assessment of sonic boom impacts. The methodology is demonstrated through two case studies: a transatlantic flight from Milan to New York, highlighting the sonic boom impact along the route; and a representative supersonic overflight of Italy, quantifying the population exposure to varying noise levels. Aerodynamic numerical simulations were carried out using an open-source code to capture near-field pressure signatures at three critical mission points. These signatures were used to compute the Whitham F-functions, which were then propagated through a homogeneous atmosphere to the ground using the Whitham equal area rule. The resulting N-waves enabled the computation of aircraft shape factors, which were employed in a regression model to predict the sonic boom characteristics across the full mission profile. Finally, the integration of noise metrics and geographical information system software provided the evaluation of environmental impact and population noise exposure. Full article

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18 pages, 5529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Soundscape Mapping for 18th-Century Naples: A Historically Informed Approach

by Hasan Baran Firat, Massimiliano Masullo and Luigi Maffei

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020028 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 308

Abstract

This paper explores the application of a specialized end-to-end framework, crafted to study historical soundscapes, with a specific focus on 18th-century Naples. The framework combines historical research, natural language processing, architectural acoustics, and virtual acoustic modelling to achieve historically accurate and physically based [...] Read more.

This paper explores the application of a specialized end-to-end framework, crafted to study historical soundscapes, with a specific focus on 18th-century Naples. The framework combines historical research, natural language processing, architectural acoustics, and virtual acoustic modelling to achieve historically accurate and physically based soundscape reconstructions. Central to this study is the development of a Historically Informed Soundscape (HIS) map, which concentrates on the urban spaces of Largo di Palazzo and Via Toledo in Naples. Using virtual and audio-augmented reality, the HIS map provides 3D spatialized audio, offering an immersive experience of the acoustic environment of 18th-century Naples. This interdisciplinary approach not only contributes to the field of sound studies but also represents a significant methodological innovation in the analysis and interpretation of historical urban soundscapes. By incorporating historical maps as interactive graphical user interfaces, the project fosters a dynamic, multisensory engagement with the past, offering a valuable tool for scholars, educators, and the public to explore and understand historical sensory environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Past Has Ears: Archaeoacoustics and Acoustic Heritage)

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28 pages, 19935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Violin Back Arch Height Variations on Auditory Perception

by Luca Jost, Mehmet Ercan Altinsoy and Hannes Vereecke

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020027 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 180

Abstract

One of the quintessential goals of musical instrument acoustics is to improve the perceived sound produced by, e.g., a violin. To achieve this, the connections between physical (mechanical and geometrical) properties and perceived sound output need to be understood. In this article, a [...] Read more.

One of the quintessential goals of musical instrument acoustics is to improve the perceived sound produced by, e.g., a violin. To achieve this, the connections between physical (mechanical and geometrical) properties and perceived sound output need to be understood. In this article, a single facet of this complex problem will be discussed using experimental results obtained for six violins of varying back arch height. This is the first investigation of its kind to focus on back arch height. It may serve to inform instrument makers and researchers alike about the variation in sound that can be achieved by varying this parameter. The test instruments were constructed using state-of-the-art methodology to best represent the theoretical case of changing back arch height on a single instrument. Three values of back arch height (

12.1

,

14.8

and

17.5

mm) were investigated. The subsequent perceptual tests consisted of a free sorting task in the playing situation and three two-alternative forced choice listening tests. The descriptors “round” and “warm” were found to be linked to back arch height. The trend was non-linear, meaning that both low- and high-arch height instruments were rated as possessing more of these descriptors than their medium-arch height counterparts. Additional results were obtained using stimuli created by hybrid synthesis. However, these could not be linked to those using real playing or recordings. The results of this study serve to inform violin makers about the relative importance of back arch height and its specific influence on sound output. The discussion of the applied methodology and interpretation of results may serve to inform researchers about important new directions in the field of musical instrument acoustics. Full article

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11 pages, 2591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clarification of the Acoustic Characteristics of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency by Acoustic Simulation Using the Boundary Element Method: A Pilot Study

by Mami Shiraishi, Katsuaki Mishima, Masahiro Takekawa, Masaaki Mori and Hirotsugu Umeda

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020026 - 13 May 2025

Viewed by 147

Abstract

A model of the vocal tract that mimicked velopharyngeal insufficiency was created, and acoustic analysis was performed using the boundary element method to clarify the acoustic characteristics of velopharyngeal insufficiency. The participants were six healthy adults. Computed tomography (CT) images were taken from [...] Read more.

A model of the vocal tract that mimicked velopharyngeal insufficiency was created, and acoustic analysis was performed using the boundary element method to clarify the acoustic characteristics of velopharyngeal insufficiency. The participants were six healthy adults. Computed tomography (CT) images were taken from the frontal sinus to the glottis during phonation of the Japanese vowels /i/ and /u/, and models of the vocal tracts were created from the CT data. To recreate velopharyngeal insufficiency, coupling of the nasopharynx was carried out in vocal tract models with no nasopharyngeal coupling, and the coupling site was enlarged in models with nasopharyngeal coupling. The vocal tract models were extended virtually for 12 cm in a cylindrical shape to represent the region from the lower part of the glottis to the tracheal bifurcation. The Kirchhoff–Helmholtz integral equation was used for the wave equation, and the boundary element method was used for discretization. Frequency response curves from 1 to 3000 Hz were calculated by applying the boundary element method. The curves showed the appearance of a pole–zero pair around 500 Hz, increased intensity around 250 Hz, decreased intensity around 500 Hz, decreased intensities of the first and second formants (F1 and F2), and a lower frequency of F2. Of these findings, increased intensity around 250 Hz, decreased intensity around 500 Hz, decreased intensities of F1 and F2, and lower frequency of F2 agree with the previously reported acoustic characteristics of hypernasality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Acoustic Phonetic Research)

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16 pages, 9956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Sound-Absorbing Dips in Nonwoven Fabric Sheet with Back Air Space: Division of Back Air Space by Additional Nonwoven Fabric Sheet

by Shuichi Sakamoto, Kodai Sato, Gaku Muroi, Yusuke Nakao, Kaito Kuboki and Nobuhito Taguchi

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020025 - 30 Apr 2025

Viewed by 231

Abstract

This study was conducted to improve the sound absorption dips in nonwoven fabric sheets with a back air space. Considering the particle velocity distribution in the back air space, another nonwoven sheet was added to divide the air space into layers. The sound [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to improve the sound absorption dips in nonwoven fabric sheets with a back air space. Considering the particle velocity distribution in the back air space, another nonwoven sheet was added to divide the air space into layers. The sound absorption coefficient of the sound-absorbing structure was theoretically derived using the transfer matrix method. The nonwoven sheet model with the Rayleigh model and the air space behind the nonwoven sheet were mathematically represented using the transfer matrix. The transfer function method was employed to combine the transfer matrices to obtain the sound absorption coefficient. A two-microphone acoustic impedance tube was used to measure the sound absorption coefficient, and the theoretical and experimental values were compared. The sound absorption dip of the first order was improved by placing a nonwoven sheet at a position half the thickness of the back air space. It was theoretically predicted that placing the nonwoven sheet at 1/4 of the back air space thickness from the rigid wall would improve the first- and second-order sound absorption dips. By selecting the conditions, a similar trend was observed during the experiments. The study shows that the higher the ventilation resistance of the added nonwoven fabric sheet, the more improved the sound absorption dip. Full article

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13 pages, 9188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sound Absorption of Hydroponically Grown Plants

by Gino Iannace, Antonella Bevilacqua, Amelia Trematerra and Giovanni Amadasi

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020024 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 322

Abstract

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil and serves as an efficient agricultural production system. Compared to traditional farming, hydroponic crops offer significant water savings while also reducing the need for chemical pesticides by eliminating soil-borne diseases and pests. Additionally, hydroponic [...] Read more.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil and serves as an efficient agricultural production system. Compared to traditional farming, hydroponic crops offer significant water savings while also reducing the need for chemical pesticides by eliminating soil-borne diseases and pests. Additionally, hydroponic materials are being studied as a potential food source for space missions and as a substitute for industrially produced animal feed during winter. This paper explores the acoustic absorption properties of green materials derived from hydroponic systems. The roots of wheat grown in a porous layer formed a rigid skeleton structure. After drying, test specimens were prepared for acoustic measurements, undertaken using an impedance tube, to assess the material’s sound absorption performance. The results indicate optimal absorption around 600 Hz and 2000 Hz, reaching α = 0.95–1.0, which is significant. A brief description of the substrate layers is also provided. Full article

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23 pages, 13788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sonoscape of a Rural Town in the Mediterranean Region: A Case Study of Fivizzano

by Almo Farina and Timothy C. Mullet

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020023 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 251

Abstract

The sonoscape of a small town at the foot of the Northern Apennines Mountains in north–central Italy was studied using a regular grid of automatic recording devices, which collected ambient sounds during the spring of 2024. The study area is characterized by high [...] Read more.

The sonoscape of a small town at the foot of the Northern Apennines Mountains in north–central Italy was studied using a regular grid of automatic recording devices, which collected ambient sounds during the spring of 2024. The study area is characterized by high landscape heterogeneity, a result of widespread suburban agricultural abandonment and urban development. Sonic data were analyzed using the Sonic Heterogeneity Index and nine derivative metrics. The sonic signatures from 26 stations exhibited distinct, spatially explicit patterns that were hypothesized to be related to a set of 11 landcover types and seven landscape metrics. The unique sound profile of each sample site was consistent with the emerging heterogeneity of landcover typical of many Mediterranean regions. Some sonic indices exhibited stronger correlations with landscape metrics than others. In particular, the Effective Number of Frequency Bins Ratio (ENFBr) and Sheldon’s Evenness (E) proved particularly effective at revealing the link between sonic processes and landscape patterns. The sonoscape and landscape displayed correlations significantly aligned with their variability, highlighting the ecological heterogeneity of the sonic and physical domains in the study area. This case study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate metrics to describe complex ecological processes, such as the relationships and cause-and-effect dynamics of environmental sounds among human altered landscapes. Full article

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13 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on Sharp Defect Evaluation Using Higher Order Modes Cluster (HOMC) Guided Waves and Machine Learning Models

by Jing Xiao and Fangsen Cui

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020022 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 291

Abstract

The inspection of corrosion and pitting-type defects is critical in the petrochemical, marine, and offshore industries. Guided wave inspection is widely used to detect these flaws and control operational costs. Higher order modes cluster (HOMC) guided waves, composed of higher-order Lamb wave modes, [...] Read more.

The inspection of corrosion and pitting-type defects is critical in the petrochemical, marine, and offshore industries. Guided wave inspection is widely used to detect these flaws and control operational costs. Higher order modes cluster (HOMC) guided waves, composed of higher-order Lamb wave modes, offer enhanced resolution compared to low-frequency guided waves. They exhibit minimal dispersion, reduced sensitivity to surface features such as T-joints, and retain most of their energy upon interacting with surface defects. This study employs two-dimensional finite element simulations to investigate the propagation and interaction of HOMC guided waves with defects in a T-joint and an aluminum plate. Both conventional fitting methods and machine learning (ML) models are used to estimate the depth of sharp defects reaching up to half the plate thickness. The results demonstrate that both approaches can utilize data from defects of one width to predict the depth of defects with a different width. The ML model outperforms the fitting method, achieving higher prediction accuracy while reducing dependence on expert knowledge. The developed method shows strong potential for characterizing sharp defects of varying widths, closely resembling real-world pitting corrosion scenarios. Full article

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29 pages, 3169 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Developments in Investigating and Understanding Impact Sound Annoyance—A Literature Review

by Martina Marija Vrhovnik and Rok Prislan

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020021 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 387

Abstract

Impact sound, particularly prevalent indoors, emerges as a major source of annoyance necessitating a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of its implications. This literature review provides a systematic overview of recent research developments in the study of impact sound annoyance, focusing on advances [...] Read more.

Impact sound, particularly prevalent indoors, emerges as a major source of annoyance necessitating a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of its implications. This literature review provides a systematic overview of recent research developments in the study of impact sound annoyance, focusing on advances in the assessment of impact sound perception through laboratory listening testing and standardization efforts. This review provides a detailed summary of the listening setup, assessment procedure and key findings of each study. The studied correlations between SNQs and annoyance ratings are summarized and key research challenges are highlighted. Among the studies, considerable research effort has focused on the assessment of walking impact sound and the use of spectrum adaptation terms, albeit with inconsistent outcomes. Comparison with the previous literature also shows the influence of spatial and temporal characteristics of impact sound sources on perceived annoyance, with higher spatial fidelity leading to higher annoyance ratings. Furthermore, it has been shown that the consideration of non-acoustic factors such as noise sensitivity and visual features are important for the assessment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the understanding and assessment of impact sound annoyance and provides information for future research directions and standardization efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vibration and Noise (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Z-Test-Based Evaluation of a Least Mean Square Filter for Noise Reduction

by Alan Rodríguez Bojorjes, Abel Garcia-Barrientos, Marco Cárdenas-Juárez, Ulises Pineda-Rico, Armando Arce, Sharon Macias Velasquez and Obed Pérez Cortés

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020020 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 325

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation using a Z-test to assess the effectiveness of an adaptive Least Mean Squares (LMS) filter driven by the Steepest Descent Method (SDM). The study utilizes a male voice recording, captured in a controlled studio environment, to which [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation using a Z-test to assess the effectiveness of an adaptive Least Mean Squares (LMS) filter driven by the Steepest Descent Method (SDM). The study utilizes a male voice recording, captured in a controlled studio environment, to which persistent Gaussian noise was intentionally introduced, simulating real-world interference. All signal processing methods were implemented accordingly in MATLAB.version: 9.13.0 (R2022b), Natick, MA, USA: The MathWorks Inc.; 2022. The adaptive filter demonstrated a significant improvement of 20 dB in Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) following the initial optimization of the filter parameter

μ

. To further assess the LMS filter’s performance, an empirical experiment was conducted with 30 young adults, aged between 20 and 30 years, who were tasked with qualitatively distinguishing between the clean and noise-corrupted signals (blind test). The quantitative analysis and statistical evaluation of the participants’ responses revealed that a significant majority, specifically 80%, were able to reliably identify the noise-affected and filtered signals. This outcome highlights the LMS filter’s potential—despite the slow convergence of the SDM—for enhancing signal clarity in noise-contaminated environments, thus validating its practical application in speech processing and noise reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Acoustic Phonetic Research)

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19 pages, 13274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Degradation of Concrete Surface Layer Using Neural Networks Applied to Ultrasound Propagation Signals

by Evgenia Kirillova, Alexey Tatarinov, Savva Kovalenko and Genadijs Shahmenko

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020019 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 370

Abstract

The aim of this article is the development of a new artificial intelligence (AI) system for the condition assessment of concrete structures. To study the process of concrete degradation, the so-called spatiotemporal waveform profiles were obtained, which are sets of ultrasonic signals acquired [...] Read more.

The aim of this article is the development of a new artificial intelligence (AI) system for the condition assessment of concrete structures. To study the process of concrete degradation, the so-called spatiotemporal waveform profiles were obtained, which are sets of ultrasonic signals acquired by stepwise surface profiling of the concrete surface. The recorded signals at three frequencies, 50, 100 and 200 kHz, were analyzed and informative areas of the signals were identified. The type of the created neural network is a multilayer perceptron. Stochastic gradient descent was chosen as the learning algorithm. Measurement datasets (test, training and validation) were created to determine two factors of interest—the degree of material degradation (three gradations of material weakening) and the thickness (depth) of the degraded layer varied gradually from 3 to 40 mm from the surface. This article proves that the training datasets were sufficient to obtain acceptable results. The built networks correctly predicted the degree of degradation for all elements of the test dataset. The relative error in prediction of a thickness of degraded layer did not exceed 3% in the case of a thickness of 25 mm. It is shown that the results for the Fourier amplitude spectra are significantly worse than the results of neural networks built based on information about the measured signals themselves. Full article

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31 pages, 10256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Motorway Speed Management on Environmental Noise: Insights from High-Resolution Monitoring

by Ayan Chakravartty, Dilum Dissanayake and Margaret C. Bell

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020018 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 425

Abstract

This study explores the impact of road transport on the environment, focusing on noise pollution. Using high-resolution, one-minute data from a low-cost environmental sensor, this research examines traffic flow dynamics, meteorological influences, and their relationship to noise along a major transport corridor. The [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of road transport on the environment, focusing on noise pollution. Using high-resolution, one-minute data from a low-cost environmental sensor, this research examines traffic flow dynamics, meteorological influences, and their relationship to noise along a major transport corridor. The methodology combines cluster analysis and descriptive statistics to evaluate the effects of deploying a Smart Motorway Variable Speed Limit (SMVSL) system over a six-month monitoring period. Results indicate that SMVSL systems not only smooth traffic flow but also significantly reduce noise variability, particularly during peak hours, thus mitigating noise peaks associated with adverse health outcomes. LAeq values were found to differ modestly between day and night, with clustering revealing a reduction in extreme noise events (LAmax > 70 dB(A)) in SMVSL scenarios dominated by heavy goods vehicles. This study further identifies associations between unmanaged speed regimes and elevated noise levels, enriching our understanding of the environmental impacts of unregulated traffic conditions. These findings inform sustainable planning and policy strategies aimed at improving urban environmental quality and enhancing public health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vibration and Noise (2nd Edition))

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10 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Subharmonic Intensity in a Cavity Filled with Bubbly Liquid Through Its Nonlinear Resonance Shift

by María Teresa Tejedor-Sastre and Christian Vanhille

Acoustics 2025, 7(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics7020017 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 262

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the behavior of subharmonics in a one-dimensional cavity filled with a bubbly liquid, leveraging the nonlinear softening phenomenon of the medium at high amplitudes to enhance subharmonic generation. To this purpose, we use a numerical [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to examine the behavior of subharmonics in a one-dimensional cavity filled with a bubbly liquid, leveraging the nonlinear softening phenomenon of the medium at high amplitudes to enhance subharmonic generation. To this purpose, we use a numerical model developed previously that solves a coupled differential system formed by the wave equation and a Taylor-expanded Rayleigh–Plesset equation. This system describes the nonlinear mutual interaction between ultrasound and bubble vibrations. We carry out several different simulations to measure the response of the subharmonic component

f / 2

and the acoustic source frequency signal f when the cavity is excited over a range around the linear resonance frequency of the cavity (the resonance value obtained at low pressure amplitudes). Different source amplitudes in three different kinds of medium are used. Our results reveal several new characteristics of subharmonics as follows: their generation is predominant compared to the source frequency; their generation is affected by the softening of the bubbly medium when acoustic pressure amplitudes are raised; this specific behavior is solely an acoustically-related phenomenon; their behavior may indicate that the bubbly liquid medium is undergoing a softening process. Full article

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Acoustics, Volume 7, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 16 articles

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