Concave Surfaces and Acoustics of Performance Spaces Part II – Wave Analysis

Authors

  • Ramani Ramakrishnan Ryerson University
  • Eva Maria Johnston-Iafelice Ryerson University

Keywords:

Surfaces concaves, focalization, théorie des ondes, répartition des niveaux de pression sonore, , simulation acoustique.

Abstract

Conventional wisdom states that having concave surfaces as the envelope of any occupied space does not produce good sound. The focussing effect of concave surfaces can cause high sound pressure levels, coloration, and echoes. However, throughout history there have been many enclosed rooms with large curved surfaces as envelopes that seem to produce good acoustics. Recent research suggested that wave analysis must be undertaken to establish the impact of concave surfaces. In contrast to Part I of the current investigation, evaluation of the sound pressure level distribution, in rooms with concave surfaces, was performed by solving the governing wave equation. The main reason is that the image-ray theory is valid only at frequencies greater than the Schroeder cut-off frequency. The wave theory is used for frequencies lower than 100 Hz. Finite element modelling was applied to solve for the sound pressure level distribution within rooms with concave surfaces. Three spaces, the Paul Cocker Gallery in Ryerson University, Toronto, St. Pauls Anglican Church in Toronto and Wigmore Hall in London were investigated in this study. The results for three low frequencies (25 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz) as well as their combination will be presented in this paper.

Author Biographies

Ramani Ramakrishnan, Ryerson University

Professor

Department of Architectural Science

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Eva Maria Johnston-Iafelice, Ryerson University

Student
Department of Architectural Science
Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Additional Files

Published

2019-04-26

How to Cite

1.
Ramakrishnan R, Johnston-Iafelice EM. Concave Surfaces and Acoustics of Performance Spaces Part II – Wave Analysis. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2019 Apr. 26 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];47(1):35-40. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/3272

Issue

Section

Murray's special issue

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 > >>