Articles 2019 - WAVES Magazine

A quiet place for sound

What does it mean to say it’s a quiet room, and how do you measure ‘too quiet‘?

Cochlea Function - Anatomy of the Ear (Part 2/2)

In this second article on the anatomy of the human, we look at the process of transforming sound from mechanical vibrations into neurological signals – starting with a closer look at the cochlea.

Educator and problem solver

Growing up in Stockton, a city on the San Joaquin River in California’s Central Valley, Matt Allen’s passion for learning led to a career in research and education. Today, he’s still sharing knowledge and inspiring generations of engineers to come.

Exterior noise of a high-speed train

Transport by high-speed train is becoming more widespread particularly in these climate-conscious times. How can the external noise from these moving sources be efficiently measured and assessed?

Fidelity fights back

If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll remember when hi-fi meant sitting in front of two loudspeakers in a room, spending time dedicatedly listening to music – something many young people have never experienced.

Five questions for Ricarda Nerche

A native of Dresden, Germany, 37-year old Application Engineer Ricarda Nerche lives in an old farmhouse with her husband, two daughters, four sheep and a cat.

Five questions for Sidnei

37-year-old Brüel & Kjær Account Manager Sidnei Luis do Prado from São Paulo is a busy salesman, but when he does have time off, he spends it enjoying family life, reading, practicing photography and playing goalkeeper for a football team.

From diagnosis to solution – fast

What can be done with an interior noise problem? By applying advanced tools and methodologies, the cause of interior vehicle noise can be quickly developed and validated to derive a solution.

High-Frequency HATS - Redesigned

A head and torso simulator (HATS) is an objective measurement instrument with built-in, human-like ear and mouth simulators that provides a realistic reproduction of the acoustic properties of an average adult human.

Hurray for the... Rats?

Strange as it may seem in 2019, people are still being seriously injured or killed by landmines placed in wars that, in some cases, have been over for decades.

Microphone selection

Choosing the right microphone is not an easy task and choosing an inappropriate microphone can lead to measurement errors. This easy microphone selection guide should help if you’re not sure which microphone you need.

Optimizing the future driving experience

From sustainability to safety, electric vehicles to autonomous cars, the automotive industry is transforming rapidly. With the market narrowing, the user experience will be the differentiating factor, and one future trend – simulation – will be invaluable.

Something quiet this way comes

Traditionally pass-by noise measurement is a requirement for all automotive manufacturers as part of product certification, with measurement procedures defined in local and regional standards to ensure that noise levels are not exceeded, but times change.

Sound Source Identification On A Clean-C Turbofan Engine

Identifying acoustic sound sources is a key issue for low-noise design of propulsion systems. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Brüel & Kjær have been involved in acoustic measurements using sub-scale models and full-scale systems.

Sounds great

Customers care about the audio quality of the loudspeaker systems in their cars; it’s one of the key factors affecting a car purchasing decision. For most car drivers and passengers, listening to music is an integral part of the driving experience.

Spy on the wall

The goodwill gesture that was a master stroke of electronic bugging.

Structure-borne Sound: Part 1

Previous articles covered the transmission of sound through air and how it is picked up by human hearing. This article addresses sound generation, particularly the vibration of solids and how that leads to sound – using an acoustic guitar as an example.

The great aircraft certification challenge

With certification planned for year end, the game-changing Airbus H160 is smoother, cleaner and quieter than any other helicopter. But what does it take to certify a brand-new aircraft for the skies?

The humble guru of structural dynamics

A brilliant mathematician, the Vold in Vold-Kalman, developer of groundbreaking algorithms, patent holder, published author, award winner and former infantryman – the knowledge, skills, experience and achievements of this ´60% retired` 72-year-old Norwegian are endless.

The purrfect power

A purring cat is a contented cat, and although that is often the case, cats also purr when injured, frightened or giving birth.

The Technical Challenges of The Omnidirectional Sound Source

The omnidirectional sound source is the most described and used source in building and room acoustic measurements. Usually, little thought is given to it, yet this seemingly simple device has several interesting aspects of which many may not be aware.

There and back again, an artist's tale

Jacob Kirkegaard is a Danish sound artist and composer whose work has been presented across the world in galleries, museums, international art exhibitions and concert spaces, and is represented in the permanent collection of LOUISIANA – Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.

Three HATS, one church and experimental music

Comparison of grand piano recordings made with traditional microphones and microphones embedded in human-like head and torso simulators.

Today's proving ground for vehicles of the future

Mercedes-Benz’ decision to build a new proving ground was spurred by its global target of achieving homologation of all vehicles so that any vehicle will meet or exceed projected global standards regardless of country or region of origin, combined with the need for durability testing.

Wave Engineering Equips Acoustic Camera

A state-of-the-art BK Connect® Acoustic Camera has been added to Wave Engineering's toolbox. It’s already been put to good use distinguishing problem noise sources from other noise sources at industrial facilities, successfully finding sound leaks in modular wall systems, and investigating sound isolation problems.

Within these walls

It covers an astounding 8500 square metres, houses an interdisciplinary team of 40 engineers and technicians, has temperatures ranging from +50°C to –40°C and climate chambers big enough to accommodate a refrigerated trailer.