Kettering University Physics Department

Kettering University

Acoustics at Kettering University

What is Acoustics?

Acoustics is the science of sound. Acousticians study the way sounds are generated (by vibrating structures or turbulent fluid flow), how different types of waves travel (through gasses, liquids and solids), how sound and vibration signals are analyzed (by the ear or with spectrum analyzers), as well as methods of controlling and modifying sound in rooms. A large number of scientific problems and disciplines fit into this definition, including:
  • noise and vibration control
  • vibration and structural acoustics
  • musical acoustics (acoustics of musical instruments)
  • electroacoustics (audio, loudspeaker and microphone design)
  • architectural acoustics (auditoriums, listening rooms)
  • psychoacoustics (human hearing and perception of sound)
  • underwater acoustics (sonar, echo ranging, military applications)
  • medical ultrasonics (using sound to kill cancer cells without surgery)

Acoustics is by its very nature an inter-disciplinary field, drawing people from a widely differing backgrounds. A person who works as an 'acoustician' might be a physicist studying acoustic wave propagation, a mechanical engineer trying to control noise and vibration, an electrical engineer designing a new electroacoustic transducer, a civil engineer designing the acoustic properties of a building, an experimental psychologists studying psychoacoustics, a physician doing research in audiology, a computer programmer designing the sound effects for the newest computer game, just to list a few possibilities.

The primary Acoustics Laboratory at Kettering University is an Applied Physics laboratory facility within the Science and Mathematics Department. This means that many of our students are pursuing degrees in Applied Physics, with a combined emphasis on fundamental physics and application to industry and research. However, we also have a large number of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering students who pursue the Acoustics Minor, because of interests in loudspeakers and/or musical instruments, or because they're working on noise and vibration problems at their co-op jobs. All students who study acoustics at Kettering University will be exposed to topics in physical acoustics, room acoustics, building acoustics, psychoacoustics, musical acoustics, acoustical measurement tecniques, noise and vibration control, etc.

If you have any questions about what acoustics is all about, you might want to take a look at the Acoustics FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) that answers a lot of common questions (we take no responsibility or credit for the contents!)

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