Applied Acoustics course (6 CFU)
also in
academic year 2013/2014
this course is taught in English
Click Here for accessing the old Italian page (A/A
2011/2012)
Post-Graduate (advanced) degrees: Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Under-Graduate degree: Civil and Environmental Engineering and Management Engineering
Under-Graduate degree: Techniques of Prevention in the Environment and at the Workplace
Teaching Hours: Friday 14.30-18.30 (classroom 7, Engineering Faculty, University Campus)
Beginning of the course: Friday 04/10/2013
Lecturer: prof. Angelo Farina
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: http://pcfarina.eng.unipr.it/ or http://www.angelofarina.it/
Receiving hours: Friday, 10:30 to 12:30 - building 7 (not recommended - better to use email).
Phone Number: 0521-905854 (not recommended)
Contents |
Introduction
The course of Applied Acoustics is an introductory course to a scientific and technological field undergoing a very rapid development, which offers great employment opportunities, and which involves disciplines apparently very different: architecture, structural engineering, physiology, psychology, statistics, physics, electronics, vibration mechanics, fluid dynamics, digital signal processing, telecommunications, measurements, hygiene of the workplace, music, musicology, virtual reality.
Obviously in a course of 6 CFUs we can only provide the methodological basis of the topic, which must then be furthered in more in-depth courses, such as courses for Competent Technicians in Environmental Acoustics or Master Courses available at some Italian or foreign universities (for example Perugia , Naples , Florence , Rome), or even dedicated post-graduate degrees (these are usually abroad, but in Italy it must be evidenced the post-graduate (advanced) degree in Sound and Music Engineering of Politecnico di Milano, taught entirely in English, delivered at the Como Campus).
Because of its multidisciplinary and transversal nature, the Course of Applied Acoustics is attended by students from various degree programs (almost all branches of Engineering, but also some Architecture students, and even the students of the course in Techniques of Prevention in the Environment and at the Workplace of the Faculty of Medicine, for which attendance is compulsory only to the first part of the course, with the exclusion of the final part dedicated to electroacoustic and musical applications).
For students of all branches of engineering this is a key course, it is practically the only opportunity to see (or, rather, hear) the techniques learned in previous courses, in which the purely theoretical foundations of modern advanced mathematical methods are taught. When the "numbers" are transformed into sound, abstruse and difficult mathematical procedures quickly become very clear and immediate, and the possibilities offered by sound editing systems on the PC, used extensively both during lectures and during laboratory exercises, make it possible to listen immediately (usually in real time) to the "effects" of filters or other devices (compressors, gates, convolvers, denoising, etc.).
Given the scientific interests of the teacher, the course covers both the noise-related topics common to all branches of engineering and hygienistics (also as a consequence of the extensive legislative framework on buildings, environment and workplace), and the more specific themes relative to the acoustics of theatres and cinemas, audio production in music and television / film, musical instruments, high fidelity recording and Stereo (1D), Surround (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) playback systems. Obviously, this second part of the course is not pertinent to students of the degree in Techniques of Prevention, who have a program limited to the first 3 CFUs of the course.
The topics are always presented with systematic help of test sounds, as this is the most direct way to make the various operations to be perceived.
|
EXAMPLE: Many students do not understand the physical meaning of "differentiation" and "integration" operators applied to a function. Math teachers tend to give "graphical" explanations , such as "the derivative is the slope of a curve" or "the integral is the area under a curve." These explanations are useless for those who are devoid of the capacity of visualisation needed to transform these concepts into images. In acoustics, the operations of differentiation or integration modify the spectrum of a sound. In particular, differentiation boosts high frequencies (increases the sound level of 6dB/octave). On the contrary, integration boosts low frequencies. Here's an example, which allows to "listen" to differentiation and integration applied to a recording of the human voice:
A more extended presentation of this topic is developed in this web page |
Program of the Applied Acoustics course
|
The first 7 topics (evidenced in blue) are common also to students of the degree in Techniques of Prevention (3 CFUs), while the remaining topics (in black) apply only to students of the Faculty of Engineering (6 CFUs).
For the
"official" program and other information about the exam,
please refer to the official websites:
-
Official Page of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Degree
-
Official
Page of the Management Engineering Degree
- Official Page of the Advanced Degree in Telecommunications Engineering
(also for Electronics and Computer Science)
-
Official Page of the
Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering
-
Official Page of the Advanced Degree in Environment and Land Engineering
-
Official Page of the Degree in Techniques
of Prevention in the Environment and at the workplace .
Method of Examination
The examination is in two parts: some written exercise(s) to be solved numerically, followed by an oral examination about theory, which usually happens just after the written exercises.
The written exercises are to be completed in an one-hour time limit, typically starting at 9.00. After a few minutes for the correction of the exercises, the oral examinations start (typically around 10.30). Each oral exam is typically shorter than 15 minutes. In most exam sessions, all the students are examined before lunch. Only when the number of students of very large, some of them will be examined in the afternoon. It is generally not allowed to make the oral examination in a day different from the written exercises, so the student should be trained to sustain both parts of the exam in the same day.
The student is required to carry a pen and an handheld calculator, as well as charts, tables, notes, etc...
During the written exercises it is possible to employ all of the above material, including notes and/or textbooks; instead, during the final oral question, the student is not allowed to consult his/her notes or books, but he/she can still employ charts and tables - so it is advisable to keep them separate from the notes.
In previous academic years, during the written exercise it was also allowed to employ a computer, a tablet, or other electronics devices, although it was not allowed to connect to the Internet or to communicate with anyone.
Due to systematic misuse of the communication capabilities of these devices, since 1 october 2013 the usage of these devices is strictly forbidden during examinations. If the student carries such devices with him/her, including cell phones or smartphones, the devices must be kept switched off (NOT just in standby mode) during the whole duration of the exam.
Who infringes this rule will be immediately expelled from the classroom and consequently rejected.
Exception to this rule is allowed only for students with certified Learning Disabilities (LD, DSA in Italian), who are invited to contact the teacher before the exam, possibly by Email or in person.
For the written exercises, each student is given two pieces of paper: the examination form, which includes the problems and there are spaces for writing the results, and one 4-faces "protocol" foil, where the student should write clearly the passages required for getting the solutions. Both sheets must carry, since the beginning of the exam, name, surname and matricula of each student. It is forbidden to write on anything else than the "protocol" sheet: if one is not enough, additional "protocol" sheets can be asked to the examiner. All the "protocol" sheets must be given back together with the examination form.
The written exercises typically provide a maximum score of 30 points. At least 15 points are required for passing the written exercises and being admitted to the subsequent oral question, which is mandatory, and provides normally a range of +/-5 points. Only in very exceptional cases this range can be expanded to +/- 10 points, based on the sole evaluation of the examiner.
Additional points can also be added thanks to activity related to notes.
At least one written exercise is always mandatory, even for students who take the examination during receiving hours (see later).
Similarly, it is always mandatory to satisfactorily answer to at least one oral question, even for students who passed the written exercises with maximum score. The evaluation of the oral examination, which usually is positive, in some cases can provide a NEGATIVE score, reducing the score obtained in the written part. And, independently from the sum of the scores, if the oral examination is judged unsatisfactory, the student can always be rejected.
So students must train themselves to sustain a formal oral examination, and are discouraged to only train on exercises. Please, note that an oral question is considered satisfactorily answered even if just a minimal answer is given, provided that the student proofs to know and use proper words (names) associated with the physical quantities, and to know the corresponding definitions, physical meaning and measurement units. It is NOT required to memorize complex formulas or numerical values, the student should consult his tables of formulas and values during the oral examination. Conversely, it is well appreciated to be equipped with a good set of tables and charts, proofing to be able to retrieve the required information from them. During the oral examination it is not usually required to do numerical computations: however it is always useful to keep the handheld calculator at hand.
Students of the Engineering courses are requested to use English both for the written and oral parts of the examination, even if they followed the course in previous years, when it was named "Acustica Applicata" and taught in Italian.
Students of the degree in Techniques of Prevention, instead, are still allowed to take the examination in Italian, if preferred, although of course they are also allowed to take it in English, at their choice.
For optimal training to the oral examinations, students are encouraged to assist to the previous session of exams.
For optimal training to the exercises, it is strongly discouraged to "study" the solution of already-solved problems. The only way to be trained correctly is by attempting to solve problems without any preliminary knowledge of the correct solution. For this, it can be useful to download the text of the problems which were employed in past years, which can be downloaded here:
Dates of exams
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Date |
Day |
Hour |
Place |
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13/09/2013 |
Friday |
9.00 |
Aula A |
|
24/09/2013 |
Tuesday |
9.00 |
Aula B1 |
|
31/01/2014 |
Friday |
9.00 |
Aula B1 |
|
14/02/2014 |
Friday |
9.00 |
Aula A1 |
|
28/02/2014 |
Friday |
9.00 |
Aula L |
|
13/06/2014 |
Friday | 9.00 |
Aula L |
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11/07/2014 |
Friday | 9.00 |
Aula L |
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25/07/2014 |
Friday | 9.00 | Aula L |
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12/09/2014 |
Friday | 9.00 | Aula H |
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26/09/2014 |
Friday | 9.00 | Aula H |
Currently, the Easytest software does not allow to plan the exam dates with large advance, so the students are kindly requested to be patient, and do not stress the teacher asking to fix the exam dates. This is currently outside the control of the teacher, and such requests are absolutely not useful. The students are simply recommended to check this web page often, when the dates are fixed they will be posted immediately here. In any case, the teacher will not answer to requests of fixing additional exams, as it is possible to make exams every week, during the receiving hours, as explained below.
Examinations in receiving hours
Students may ask the teacher to take the exam in dates different from the "official" ones shown above, by sending an E-mail for according about date and site for the exam. In particular, the general rule is to perform these exams during receiving hours, even if it is always required to get a preliminary agreement by E-mail.
Every student is required to check with the Secretary that he is allowed to take the exam on the chosen date - if he is not allowed, the Secretary cancels the exam's recording, and it must be repeated ....
For clarity: who does the exam in receiving hours gets immediate verbalization of the examination carried out. Therefore it needs to be ensured that the student is allowed to take the exam on the date on which it actually takes place. Under no circumstances the examinator will leave a "suspended verbalization" until the next exam session. Who is not allowed to take the exam on a certain date, of course cannot do it at that time. These rules were made for presumably good reasons, so they should not be circumvented. If they are deemed inappropriate, students should ask the Faculty to change them, rather than bombard the lecturer with requests of improper circumvention of the rule...
On the other hand, these rules are complex, and the position of each student is, in general, different from that of another. I do not have the knowledge and the tools to determining who is entitled to make an examination on a certain date and who is not. It is useless to ask me, for me everyone can do the exam at any time... Every student must check with the Secretary, to avoid that the examination is cancelled, after being done in a "not allowed" date.
Laboratory
sessions
Three lab sessions of 4 h each will be held at the CEDI (Didactical Engineering Center, building B, CAD-CAM lab), in the month of January, 2014. The dates are as follows:
|
Date |
Time |
Place |
|
15/01/2014 |
14.30-18.30 |
CAD-CAM Lab (Pal.B, scientific engineering buildings, 1st floor) |
|
20/01/2014 |
9.00-13.00 |
CAD-CAM Lab (Pal.B, scientific engineering buildings, 1st floor) |
|
22/01/2014 |
9.00-13.00 |
CAD-CAM Lab (Pal.B, scientific engineering buildings, 1st floor) |
During the first lab session acoustical tests are performed employing a powerful dodechaedron loudspeaker: of consequence, students are encouraged to carry proper personal protective equipment. We recommend "disposable" earplugs (Ear, Bilsom, etc..).
Students in possession of a laptop are invited to bring it in the classroom, but only if it features:
- External microphone (wired), preferably of cylindrical shape (so that it can be inserted in the calibrator). Also headphones equipped with microphone are suitable (at a lesser extent). In laboratory a number microphones is provided, but their use is primarily for computers installed in the classroom.
- Headphones (to listen to the auralization results without disturbing colleagues).
- Software
Adobe Audition with
Aurora
plugins, or
Audacity with
Aurora-for-Audacity plugins (1st session)
- Software Ramsete (2nd session)
- Software DISIA (3rd session)
Recommended textbooks
The official textbooks for the Applied Acoustics course are:
- Patrizio Fausti: Acustica in Edilizia , Rockwool Italy, Milan (2005)
- Arianna Astolfi e Maria Giovannini: Acustica delle aule scolastiche, Rockwool Italy, Milan (2012)
These books are in Italian - free download in PDF format, you can also request for a free hardcopy to Rockwool. Thanks Rockwool!
The books RECOMMENDED (not required) for thorough preparation of the exam are:
- R. Spagnolo: Manuale di Acustica Applicata - Citta' Studi Editore, Milano (2001/2007).
- S. Cingolani, R. Spagnolo : Acustica Musicale ed Architettonica , Citta' Studi Editore, Milano (2004/2007)
- Thomas D. Rossing (ed.): Springer Handbook of Acoustics , Springer Science + Business Media, New York (2007).
Additional support material
for the course (Excel spreadsheets, WAV files, etc..) used during the lessons is available in the
"Public" section of this website:
http://pcfarina.eng.unipr.it/Public/Acoustics-Course/
- It is recommended to download especially the Excel
spreadsheets containing the exercises done in the classroom.
Old "on line" notes (in Italian)
It can be useful to download the material prepared some years ago for the Advanced Training Course for Competent Technicians in Environmental Acoustics , organized by the University of Parma in 2005 and 2006. It consists of 11 lesson notes covering the first part of the program (the one which covers the topics common also to the students of the Degree in Techniques of Prevention).
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N (%) |
Topics: |
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1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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11 |
Furthermore, the "on line" notes of the old course of Technical Physics are available, which had been prepared by the students of the time. This course contained a part of about 30 hours of Acoustics, with e program covering, at least partially, the program of the current Applied Acoustics course. In reality they covered it almost completely: in fact, they even did a couple of things that are not done anymore, because the average level of the students of the old, five-years degree, was vastly superior to the average level of current students, and you could go away very fast on a wide range of subjects, instead now everything must be explained starting from the grassroots level ...
The web pages from which you can download these notes are:
|
Academic Year |
Degree |
List of Notes |
Format |
|
1998/1999 |
Electronic Engineering |
DOC and HTML |
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1999/2000 |
Electronic Engineering |
DOC and HTML |
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2000/2001 |
Electronic Engineering |
DOC and HTML |
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2001/2002 |
Electronic Engineering |
DOC and HTML |
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2002/2003 |
Mechanical Engineering |
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And finally it is possible to find on the Internet a number of useful notes on some of the course topics:
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New "on line" notes (in English)
During the academic year 2012/2013, a new collection of notes was organized. At the beginning of each lesson, a student offered himself to write the note of the lesson. This was later sent to the lecturer as a Word document, which is made available on the following web page, together with the Powerpoint files and the audio-video recordings:
Notes of the Applied Acoustics course - ac.year 2012/2013
If some student wants to improve the existing notes, and to get some additional point for the exam, he/she can download the currently-available Word documents, correct or extend them, and send them back to the teacher. Depending on the relevance and extension of the contribution, such a voluntary work can be evaluated up to 5 additional points for each student (typically 1 point for each updated note). This will be mostly useful for the other students, of course!
ATTENTION! Read carefully the INSTRUCTIONS (in Italian) for properly formatting the updated document...
A good set of notes written in American English, covering the first half of the course (Noise Control) are available from the site of prof. J. S. Lamancusa at Penn State University: http://www.me.psu.edu/lamancusa/me458/ Please, have a look at the animations on that page!
In particular, the first 10 notes, albeit not in the same order, cover perfectly the first part of this Applied Acoustics course, the one common also to the students of the Degree in Techniques of Prevention:
Audio / Video recording of the lessons
Starting from academic year 2010/2011, we are performing the audio / video recording of the lessons, in AVI format, thanks to the Open Source program CamStudio .
The following links point to the list of these recordings for each year (the latter will be updated as the lessons are made)
- Progressive list of lessons carried out in the A.Y. 2010/2011
- Progressive list of lessons carried out in the A.Y. 2011/2012
- Progressive list of lessons carried out in the A.Y. 2012/2013
- Progressive list of lessons carried out in the A.Y. 2013/2014
These
audio / video recordings are made available primarily to facilitate
learning for students with disabilities, but
all students can view them comfortably, providing an opportunity to recover, at least
partially, the lack of presence in the classroom during the lesson.
It must be remembered, however, that attending the lessons in person is always the best way to assimilate the material. The various experiments in telematic didactics have shown, unfortunately, that the students get a level of preparation significantly lower than that obtainable with good traditional "face to face" didactics.
This occurs due to the
"intelligibility barrier" caused by the recording/playback "filter".
This effect on the intelligibility of speech will be explained during
the course...
On Line scientific papers
The course contains advanced research topics, which are not described in standard textbooks about Applied Acoustics. In particular, updated information is required regarding measurement techniques, methods of computer simulation, and modern technologies for recording and playback of three-dimensional sound.
Students who wish to explore these topics can download the scientific papers of the lecturer in PDF format from this Chronological List . Most of them are in English.
The papers recommended to read for the exam are the following:
|
N. |
Author(s) |
Title |
Publisher |
|
24 |
A. Farina |
Nuove tendenze nell' acquisizione dei dati acustici: strumentazione,
software, normativa |
Atti del Convegno Nazionale RUMORE e VIBRAZIONI, Bologna e Modena, 20-24
Novembre 1990 |
|
26 |
A. Farina |
Modelli matematici per la previsione della diffusione del suono |
Acqua Aria, n. 3, pagg. 257-268, Marzo 1991 |
|
32 |
A. Farina , G. Raffellini |
Costruire In Laterizio, N. 23 pagg. 378-385 (Settembre-Ottobre 1991) |
|
|
48 |
A. Farina , P. Galaverna, G. Truffelli |
Atti del XXII Congresso Nazionale AIA, Lecce, 13-15 aprile 1994 |
|
|
49 |
A. Farina |
Tecniche di convoluzione applicate al trattamento di segnali sonori per
prove di ascolto |
Atti del XXII Congresso Nazionale AIA, Lecce, 13-15 aprile 1994 |
|
50 |
A. Cocchi - A. Farina - P. Fausti - R. Pompoli - G. Semprini |
COSTRUIRE IN LATERIZIO n° 38, MAR-APR 1994, p.156-163 |
|
|
87 |
Farina A., Brero G., Pollone G. |
Computer code based on experimental results for acoustical mapping of urban areas |
Proc. of NOISE &
PLANNING 96, |
|
88 |
Farina A., Brero G. |
Computer code based on experimental results for designing sound reduction devices |
Proc. of NOISE & PLANNING
96, |
|
94 |
A. Farina, A. Torelli |
Measurement of the sound absorption coefficient of materials with a new sound intensity technique |
Pre-prints of the 102nd
AES Conference, |
|
97 |
A. Farina, F. Righini |
Pre-prints of the 103rd
AES Convention, |
|
|
106 |
A. Farina, P. Fausti |
Misure di isolamento, del rumore di calpestio e del tempo di
riverberazione |
atti del convegno Edilizia e Ambiente, Trento, 18-20 febbraio 1998 |
|
107 |
A. Farina |
Valutazione di impatto acustico previsionale relativamente alle sorgenti pi� diffuse |
Atti del Seminario sul tema "Acustica Ambientale - effetti sull'uomo
e pianificazione del territorio" - Repubblica di S.Marino, 9 maggio 1998 |
|
119 |
A. Farina, P. Galaverna, M. Giabbani |
Il processo di auralizzazione: metodologia ed esemplificazione |
Atti del Convegno "L'acustica dei teatri storici: un bene
culturale" - Ferrara, 4 novembre 1998 |
|
122 |
G. Fornari, A. Farina |
Studio della propagazione del rumore in ambienti industriali bassi e
vasti |
Industria delle Bevande (ISSN 0390-0541), anno 27, n. 158, Dicembre 1998,
pp. 585-596 |
|
125 |
A. Farina |
Atti del Seminario "L'acustica negli edifici e nelle citt� "-
Firenze, 26 marzo 1999 |
|
|
131 |
A. Farina |
Propagazione sonora e previsione del rumore negli ambienti di lavoro |
atti del seminario "rumore e vibrazioni negli ambienti di lavoro:
dalla valutazione alla bonifica" - Modena, 23 settembre 1999 |
|
134 |
A. Farina |
Simultaneous measurement of impulse response and distortion with a swept-sine technique |
108th
AES Convention, |
|
164 |
A. Torger, A. Farina |
Real-time partitioned convolution for Ambiophonics surround sound |
2001 IEEE Workshop on
Applications of Signal Processing to Audio and Acoustics - |
|
179 |
A. Farina, A. Avanzini |
Registrazione della risposta acustica delle sale da concerto per i
posteri |
Seminario
AES-Italia "Workshop sulle
tecniche di ripresa stereofoniche multicanale per le orchestre
sinfoniche" - Adria, 16 maggio 2003 |
|
188 |
E. Armelloni, C. Giottoli, A. Farina |
Implementation of Real-Time Partitioned Convolution on a DSP Board |
2003 IEEE Workshop on
Applications of Signal Processing to Audio and Acoustics - October 19-22,
2003, New |
|
200 |
A. Farina, L.Tronchin |
nel volume "Acustica Musicale ed Architettonica", UTET
Libreria, Torino 2004, ISBN 88-7750 -941-4 |
|
|
226 |
A. Farina |
Advancements in impulse response measurements by sine sweeps |
122th AES Convention, |
|
238 |
A. Farina |
23rd Nordic Sound Symposium, Bolkesjø
( |
|
|
244 |
Angelo Farina, Andrea Capra, Simone Campanini |
La misura della risposta all'impulso per la caratterizzazione di sistemi
acustici e vibrazionali |
"Strumenti e metodi di misura per
l'acustica e le vibrazioni" - Seminario in ricordo
di Eugenio Mattei - Ancona, 21 settembre 2008 |
|
252 |
Angelo Farina, Andrea Capra, Lorenzo Chiesi, Leonardo Scopece |
40th AES Conference "Spatial
Audio - Sense the Sound of Space", |
|
| 253 | Leonardo Scopece, Angelo Farina, Andrea Capra | 3D Virtual Microphone System - Sonda Microfonica ad Elevata Direttivita' | Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni, n.1, Aprile 2011, pagg. 14-26 - ISSN: 0013-6123 |
| 254 | Marco Binelli, Andrea Venturi, Alberto Amendola, Angelo Farina | Experimental analysis of spatial properties of the sound field inside a car employing a spherical microphone array | 130th AES Conference, London, 13-16 May 2011 |
| 255 | Angelo Farina, Alberto Amendola, Andrea Capra, Christian Varani | Spatial analysis of room impulse responses captured with a 32-capsules microphone array | 130th AES Conference, London, 13-16 May 2011 |
| 256 | Angelo Farina, Enrico Armelloni, Lorenzo Chiesi | 4th international conference and exhibition on Underwater Acoustic Measurements: Technologies and Results - Kos (Greece), 20-24 June 2011 | |
| 257 | Leonardo Scopece, Angelo Farina, Andrea Capra | IBC 2011, Amsterdam, 8-11 September 2011 | |
| 258 | Angelo Farina, Lamberto Tronchin |
New Measurement Technique For 3d Sound Characterization In Theatres |
The Acoustics of Ancient Theatres Conference Patras, Greece, September 18-21, 2011 |
| 264 | A. Farina, M. Binelli, A. Capra, E. Armelloni, S. Campanini, A. Amendola |
Recording, Simulation and Reproduction of Spatial Soundfields by Spatial PCM Sampling (SPS) |
International Seminar on Virtual Acoustics, Valencia (Spain), 24-25 November 2011 |
| 267 | Angelo Farina, Lamberto Tronchin | 3D Sound Characterisation in Theatres Employing Microphone Arrays |
Acta
Acustica united with Acustica, vol. 99, n.1, pp. 118-125, ISSN 1610-1928, January/February 2013 |
Software
This is the list of software used during the lessons and lab sessions, with links to download them.
|
Name |
Description |
Link |
|
Adobe Audition |
Program for sound recording and playback, waveform editor, simple FFT analysis, sonogram, multitrack recorder, and it can act as a "host" program for plugins in three different formats (VST, Direct-X, XFM). The recommended versions are 1.5 (the best one) and 3.0 (if you need ASIO). An unrestricted version of Audition 3.0 can actually be downloaded for free from the Adobe web site, after registering. Please DO NOT USE version 2.0 or version CS 5.5 and following, as these are NOT compatible with Aurora plugins. And please, install the English version of Audition (and of any other program offering a multi-language interface!). Furthermore,
it is always mandatory to set the Regional Settings of your operating
system (in Control Panel) to English-UK or similar, NEVER in Italian!
This affects decimal separator, date, time and number formats... If
this setting is incorrect, operations such as Copy and Paste to another
program (i.e., Excel) are going to fail.... |
|
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Aurora |
Suite of XFM plugins for Adobe Audition: generation of test signals (MLS, sweep) computation of the impulse response, acoustic parameters according to ISO 3382, calculation of inverse filters. Includes a fast convolution module, which is employed for performing auralization. See the warnings above for Audition regarding program version and regional settings. Aurora is shareware, with a "russian roulette" annoying-by-purpose feature. |
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AudioMulch |
VST-Host general purpose program, programmable through the construction of block diagrams, coming with a wide range of effects. Easy to use. Versions for Windows and Mac. 90 days free trial. |
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Plogue Bidule |
VST-Host general purpose program, programmable through the construction of block diagrams, coming with a wide range of effects. It is possible to create new effects. Shareware. Windows and Mac versions. It can also be used as a VST plugin inside another VST Host program. More tricky than Audio Mulch, but also more powerful. 90 days free trial. |
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SynthEdit |
VST-Host program and compiler of VST plugins, programmable through the construction of block diagrams. Customizable interface with editable "skins". Contains an extensive library of graphical objects and of processing functions. Shareware. Better than Labview .... |
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SpectraRTA |
Spectral analysis in octaves, third octaves, and FFT, signal generator for acoustic testing, measurement of the reverberation time. Works with one or two channels, can be used to record and analyze WAV files. |
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SpectraPLUS |
FFT and fractional-octave frequency analysis, cross-spectrum, sonogram, waterfall, signal generator for acoustic testing, measurement of reverberation times. Works with one or two channels, can be used to record and analyze WAV files. 30 days free trial. |
|
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Ramsete |
Simulation of sound propagation in enclosed spaces and outdoors. Calculates the impulse response, and from it derives all the acoustical parameters. Includes a 3D CAD design module and a module for mapping results in colour or by isolevel curves. It also allows for the export of impulse responses in WAV format, for performing auralization. Free trial of the "Lite" version, the crack can be found on Emule, enabling full performance. |
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Comsol |
"Multiphysics" FEM simulator, which includes modules for Acoustics and Vibration. It allows for the study of wave type phenomena (resonance, interference, diffraction, etc..) at low and medium frequencies, using the Finite Elements method. Free trial license available for students. |
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DISIA |
The package includes Citymap and Disiapyr. These are programs for simulation of noise from road and rail traffic, which can operate both on a large scale (Citymap), and for detailed simulations (Disiapyr). They were developed as part of a DISIA project, funded by the Ministry of Environment, and are the reference computational models for the Italian fleet of vehicles. Free for academic usage (password required). |
Note: the above software is commercial software or shareware (excluding the last one, which is free, but the use is restricted to institutional goals of public administrations, and protected by password), although most of them provide a free running mode for a limited period of time, or indefinitely but with reduced functionality. Users who do not like this approach, can use the following open-source software:
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Audacity |
Simple "open source" program for sound recording / playback, with many editing effects; it also operates in multitrack. Supports all platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux). A port of Aurora plugins for Audacity is under development (thesis available). A special version of Audacity containing some of the Aurora modules so far developed can be downloaded HERE. Please note that these Aurora modules DO NOT WORK on other versions of Audacity... |
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
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Sonicbirth |
Compiler for VST and AudioUnit plugis for Mac platform, with graphical interface of "block diagram" type. Interface customizable using editable "skins". It contains a wide library of graphic objects and processing functions. Similar to Synthedit, but less powerful and versatile. |
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RoomEQ |
JAVA application for the measurement of the impulse response of a room with Exponential Sine Sweep and calculation of equalization filters for sound systems. It includes a realtime spectrum analyzer, a realtime Sound Level Meter, and a reverberation time measurement module. |
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Psysound |
Matlab suite of modules, with user interface developed for processing of audio signals and acoustic analysis of all kinds |
Thesis Topics
A variety of thesis topics is available, for all the branches of Engineering. Some are listed below, but others are available, so it is recommended to contact the teacher for more information.
Attention:
an Applied Acoustics thesis can only be experimental, and thus requires
hard work: so, if you are looking for a "light and fast" thesis, you're
in the wrong place ...
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Title |
Description |
Suggested degree |
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Digital Audio Amplifier |
Research carried out in collaboration with ASK Industries, Reggio Emilia, looking for a student who is willing to learn programming DSP devices "embedded" in automotive audio amplifiers. The DSP built into the device could be used for active noise cancellation, for dynamically changing the equalization curve and the gain as a function of the background noise, and for the correction of non-linear response of loudspeakers. The student will work as an intern at the ASK Montecavolo (RE), actively participating in the trial, and gaining professional experience in the field, which is extremely useful for subsequent job search. |
Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Science |
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Vehicle sound system measurement |
Research carried out in collaboration with ASK Industries, Reggio Emilia. The purpose is to evaluate the perceived acoustical quality of a "automotive" sound system, based on innovative measurement techniques (STI, AQT, PEAQ) and on listening tests performed within the vehicle or in a special playback room. It employs mono recording techniques, binaural, or array of microphones. Depending on the capacity of the student, he will have to develop "ad hoc" software for measurement or analysis (in Matlab or Visual C), to define new metrics, to analyze statistically the results of subjective tests, and to design new strategies for temporal, spectral and spatial equalization of the sound reproduction system. |
Electronics, Computer, Telecommunications, Mechanical |
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Active Noise Cancellation |
Research carried out in collaboration with ASK Industries, Reggio Emilia. The purpose is to design and build a prototype of device, based on DSP, for processing in real time the signal captured by a primary microphone. The filtered signal is output from one or more loudspeakers, creating an antiphase sound field that cancels the original noise. The student must possess the ability to program a DSP (also using high-level interfaces such as "block diagram"), to carry out measurements of impulse response (Aurora) and of spectra (SpectraRTA), and also to work in the workshop in order to build the mechanical components of the device. |
Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology |
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Analysis of sound quality of bakery products |
Research carried out in collaboration with Barilla, Parma. The purpose is the analysis and optimization of the sound created during fracture and / or chewing of bakery products (such as cookies, biscuits, crackers, sticks, etc..). Binaural recordings are employed for objective analysis of the sound produced, and tests with human subjects are performed, in order to operate a collection of questionnaires and obtain an analysis of the subjective sensations evoked while eating these products. |
Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering for the Food Industry, Information Technology, Management |
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Use of ultrasound in the food industry |
Research carried out in collaboration with Barilla, Parma. The goal is to evaluate the possibility of using a treatment section with ultrasound for sanitizing and / or homogenization of liquid foods, either as a single treatment, or as a treatment subsidiary to other devices. The student must work alongside a research assistant in carrying out experiments on the pilot line and in the analysis of results. |
Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering for the Food Industry |
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Noise analysis of gear pumps |
Research carried out in collaboration with Casappa, Parma. The purpose is to develop new methods of signal analysis, applicable to both the noise signal radiated during operation of gear pumps, and to the "pressure ripple" signal detectable in the delivery circuit of the pump. It is expected to obtain useful information in order to identify problems in the pump (diagnostics), and to develop new, more silent pumps and of longer duration. |
Mechanical, Electronics |
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Analysis of the sound generated by old gramophones and radios |
Research carried out in collaboration with the House of Sound, Parma. It deals with measuring the sound characteristics of old gramophones or receivers radio, part of the famous Patane' collection. The recordings could be used as such in the exhibition of the House of Sound, or even be "virtualized" making use of advanced techniques of analysis and resynthesis available in the laboratory of virtual reproduction of the House of Sound. |
Telecommunications, Computer Science. |
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Sound reproduction using loudspeaker arrays |
Research carried out in collaboration with the House of Sound, Parma. The student will have to create recordings or compositions, mostly of musical events, but also of "special effects", to play on the WFS playback systems available at the House of Sound: the WFS "white room" the "Sonic Chandelier". The student must first acquire an adequate understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying the Wave Field Synthesis, and master the system hardware and software that operate the House of Sound. Then he must create one or more "documentary soundtracks" that will be "projected" at the House of Sound. |
Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer Science |
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Shooting techniques with virtual microphones |
Research carried out in collaboration with the RAI Research Centre, Turin. The purpose is the development of a device for recording "live" events such as concerts, sporting events, theatre, etc.., in all cases in which microphones located close the sound sources cannot be employed. The microphone arrays employed are the Holophone and the Eigenmike 32. The student must make a series of test recordings with these devices, process the traces recorded so as to synthesize an adequate number of virtual microphones with suitable directivity and pointing, and manage the organization of special "surround" listening tests with trained listeners specialize, with the goal to identify the best signal processing technique. |
Telecommunications, Electronics, Computer |
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Three-dimensional measurement of impulse responses in theatres and concert halls |
Research carried out in collaboration with AIDA Srl, Parma. The purpose is to develop a method of measuring acoustic characteristics of a room, making use of a new portable recording system, equipped with a tetrahedral microphone probe, called Brahma. The student must perform measurements with the "exponential sine sweep" technique in a number of rooms, comparing the results of the new technique with the traditional ones, and employing the results for designing suitable acoustical corrections, when required. |
Electronics, Civil, Telecommunications |
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Porting of Aurora plugins under Audacity
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The project, recently launched thanks to the activity of
research assistant Simone Campanini, aims to rebuild the suite of Aurora plugins ( www.aurora-plugins.com ) as add-on modules for the open-source and cross-platform
program Audacity . |
IT & Computer Science Telecommunications, Electronics |
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Porting of Aurora and X-volver plugins to VST format
|
The project,
recently launched thanks to the activity of research assistant Andrea Venturi, aims to rebuild the suite of
Aurora plugins
(www.aurora-plugins.com ) as additional modules in
VST
format. |
IT & Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electronics |
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Non-destructive analysis of frescoes by acoustic and vibration measurements |
Research sponsored by the Cariparma Foundation, Parma. The purpose is to develop a new test method with very small invasiveness, aimed at locating structurally degraded areas in plaster, frescoes, mosaics, and other structures of historical value. The new method makes use of an "exponential sine sweep" signal, in order to operate with very low sound pressure level; an array of loudspeakers focuses sound waves, so that just a restricted area of the surface to be scanned is stressed, and an array of microphones (or a Laser-Doppler velocimeter) is employed in order to determine the vibrational response of a single point of the structure. The student must first operate a verification of the new method on artificial samples in laboratory, and then perform experimental tests "in situ" inside churches and other historic buildings in Parma. |
Civil, Mechanical |
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Development of a sonar system for "sub-bottom profiling" |
Research carried out in collaboration with WASS, La Spezia and Livorno. The goal is the development of a low-frequency Sonar system, operating in the audio field (1000-20000 Hz), broadband, in order to obtain a good penetration into the seabed and to view the soil stratigraphy below. The system uses an array of 16 hydrophones and an underwater loudspeaker fed with sine sweep signal. The student will have to make a series of tests in the laboratory, in the test tank and in the sea, in order to validate the operation of the system, and to process the results of the acquired traces in order to obtain three-dimensional images of the stratigraphy of the bottom. |
Electronics, Environment and Territory, Computer |
|
Development of a three-dimensional underwater sound recording system |
Research carried out in collaboration with AIDA Srl , Parma. The purpose of the research is the development of a device for recording underwater the signals of 4 hydrophones, capable to determine the direction of origin of the sound, to be used for underwater environmental monitoring in marine protected areas. The student must follow the electromechanical development of the prototype and carry out the characterization of performance with in-tank testing and in-sea testing. |
Electronics, Environment and Territory, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering |
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Development of an "Acoustic Camera" system |
Research carried out in collaboration with AIDA srl , Parma. The purpose is to reactivate the "Acoustic Camera" system that was built four years ago, making use of high quality microphones and of a new portable hardware acquisition system, which should allow to be used outside the laboratory. The student must first reassemble the system and make it operational, then verify its performances through a series of measurements to be carried out both in the laboratory, and in industrial environment. If versed in programming, the student may also participate in the development of the new real timea software, that should replace the existing Matlab software, currently capable of "off line " processing only. |
Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science |
|
Mapping of environmental noise through measurements and simulation |
Research carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Parma, Department of Environment. It is aimed to realize a first prototype of a control unit for acoustic monitoring of urban areas, based on the assembly of already existing, low cost components. The student must make a series of surveys by placing these 10 units in the hot spots of the city, in order to achieve the noise map in the city of Parma, also making use of the simulation software Citymap. |
Environment and Territory, Civil |
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Development of a "low cost" measurement system for building acoustic |
Research carried out in collaboration with AIDA srl , Parma. This is to verify the ability to employ low-cost instrumentation, making use of digital audio equipment originally developed in the field of music, to carry out building acoustics measurements, thanks to recent technical rules which allow for the use of the exponential sine sweep signal. This makes it possible to use a small loudspeaker and low-cost digital audio recorders. The student must carry out a campaign of comparative measurements, using either the new method and the traditional one, and compare the results obtained in a number of civil and public buildings (school, hospital, etc..). |
Civil, Environment and Territory |