Low frequency acoustic test cell for the evaluation of circumaural headsets and hearing protection

Authors

  • David A. Cartes Department of Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU, College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
  • Laura R. Ray Department of Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU, College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
  • Robert D. Collier Department of Mechanical Engineering, FAMU-FSU, College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States

Keywords:

Acoustic noise, Acoustic signal processing, Algorithms, Attenuation, Bandwidth, Mathematical models, Signal to noise ratio, Active noise reduction (ANR), Low frequency acoustic test cells (LFATC)

Abstract

Active noise reduction (ANR) technology, based on feedback signal processing, is being applied in commercial communication headsets and provides noise reductions up to 10-20 dB between 50 Hz and 400 Hz. There are, however, many acoustical designs and computational difficulties associated with feedback designs which limit their performance. Current research in feedforward design offers the opportunity for significant improvement in ANR performance. To support this current research in ANR feedforward algorithm development and evaluation, a low frequency acoustic test cell (LFATC) has been designed to provide a uniform and precisely controlled low frequency acoustic measurement environment. The LFATC design is based on the original work of E.A.G. Shaw and G.J. Theisson at the National Research Council of Canada and a prototype LFATC developed by J.G. Ryan, E.A.G. Shaw, A. J. Brammer, and T.G. Zang. The design analysis of the LFATC is based both on a lumped parameter model and a one-dimensional standing wave model. The acoustic performance of this test cell, including a simple floor vibration isolation system, is evaluated experimentally over a wide range of sound pressure levels. A representative set of measurements with a prototype ANR headset illustrates the application of the LFATC.

Additional Files

Published

2002-03-01

How to Cite

1.
Cartes DA, Ray LR, Collier RD. Low frequency acoustic test cell for the evaluation of circumaural headsets and hearing protection. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2002 Mar. 1 [cited 2026 May 1];30(1):13-20. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1424

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 1 (2002)

Section

Technical Articles

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.