Acoustics is the science concerned with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound. Its origins began with the study of mechanical vibrations and the radiation of these vibrations through mechanical waves, and still continue today. Research was done to look into the many aspects of the fundamental physical processes involved in waves and sound and into possible applications of these processes in modern life. The study of sound waves also leads to physical principles that can be applied to the study of all waves. The broad scope of acoustics as an area of interest and endeavour can be ascribed to a variety of reasons. First, there is the ubiquitous nature of mechanical radiation, generated by natural causes and by human activity. Then, there is the existence of the sensation of hearing, of the human vocal ability, of communication via sound, along with the variety of psychological influences sound has on those who hear it. Such areas as speech, music, sound recording and reproduction.

This book presents the proceedings of the 46th National Symposium on Acoustics (NSA 2017). The main goal of this symposium is to discuss key opportunities and challenges in acoustics, especially as applied to engineering problems. The book covers topics ranging from hydro-acoustics, environmental acoustics, bio-acoustics to musical acoustics, electro-acoustics and sound perception. The contents of this volume will prove useful to researchers and practicing engineers working on acoustics problems.

Modern noise research and assessment techniques are commonly used in the workplace and our personal living environment. Occupational Noise and Workplace Acoustics presents new, innovative, advanced research and evaluation methods of parameters characterizing acoustic field and noise in the working environment, as well as acoustic properties of rooms and noise reduction measures. This includes acoustic field visualization methods, field imaging techniques, wireless sensor networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT); optimization methods using genetic algorithms; acoustic quality assessment methods for rooms; and methods for measuring ultrasonic noise in the frequency range of 10-40 kHz. This book is a valuable resource for individuals and students interested in the areas of acoustic and sound engineering as it provides: The latest techniques and methods in the field of noise reduction and improvement of acoustic comfort, Innovative and advanced acoustic field visualization techniques for those with an auditory impairment, Explains noise reduction through proper workplace design, Discusses use of wireless sensor networks and the IoT for monitoring noise, and Provides acoustic quality assessment methods. "The authors’ intention to expound on advanced issues in a lucid and accessible way was rewarded with success. In the book, an expert will find a number of hints helpful in solving actual problems, whereas a layperson will be able to form a view on challenges facing contemporary technology. What should also be emphasized is the book’s soundness in documenting these advanced theses and postulates with diligently conducted empirical research. Despite a wide thematic range, the book is written consistently and under no circumstances can be considered a collection of randomly selected problems. The content corresponds fully to the title. The authors are consistent in acquainting the reader with topical scientific issues concerning assessment of acoustic hazards and the methodology of combating them." —Professor Zbigniew Dąbrowski, BEng, PhD, DSc, Warsaw University of Technology

Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms, Third Edition explains the physical and perceptual processes that are involved in sound reproduction and demonstrates how to use the processes to create high-quality listening experiences in stereo and multichannel formats. Understanding the principles of sound production is necessary to achieve the goals of sound reproduction in spaces ranging from recording control rooms and home listening rooms to large cinemas. This revision brings new science-based perspectives on the performance of loudspeakers, room acoustics, measurements and equalization, all of which need to be appropriately used to ensure the accurate delivery of music and movie sound tracks from creators to listeners. The robust website (www.routledge.com/cw/toole) is the perfect companion to this necessary resource.

This book is a research monograph on high-Frequency Seafloor Acoustics. It is the first book in a new series sponsored by the Office of Naval Research on the latest research in underwater acoustics. It provides a critical evaluation of the data and models pertaining to high-frequency acoustic interaction with the seafloor, which will be of interest to researchers in underwater acoustics and to developers of sonars. Models and data are presented so as to be readily usable, backed up by extensive explanation. Much of the data is new, and the discussion in on two levels: concise descriptions in the main text backed up by extensive technical appendices.