1 FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS - World （1声学原理-世界）.pdf

1 FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS Professor Colin H Hansen Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Adelaide South Australia 5005 AUSTRALIA chansen@mecheng.adelaide.edu.au Fundamental aspects of acoustics are presented, as they relate to the understanding and application of a methodology for the recognition, evaluation and prevention or control of noise as an occupational hazard. Further information can be found in the specialised literature listed at the end of the chapter. 1.1. PHYSICS OF SOUND To provide the necessary background for the understanding of the topics covered in this document, basic definitions and other aspects related to the physics of sound and noise are presented. Most definitions have been internationally standardised and are listed in standards publications such as IEC 60050-801(1994). Noise can be defined as disagreeable or undesired sound or other disturbance. From the acoustics point of view, sound and noise constitute the same phenomenon of atmospheric pressure fluctuations about the mean atmospheric pressure; the differentiation is greatly subjective. What is sound to one person can very well be noise to somebody else. The recognition of noise as a serious health hazard is a development of modern times. With modern industry the multitude of sources has accelerated noise-induced hearing loss; amplified music also takes its toll. While amplified music may be considered as sound (not noise) and to give pleasure to many, the excessive noise of much of modern industry probably gives pleasure to very few, or none at all. Sound (or noise) is the result of pressure variations, or oscillations, in an elastic medium (e.g., air, water, solids), generated by a vibrating surface, or turbulent fluid flow. Sound propagates in t