"Acoustics" is a science of sound, which deals with origin, propagation and auditory sensation of sound, and also with design & construction of different building units to set optimum conditions for producing &listening speech, music, etc.

While our forefathers lived in relative tranquility, we are subjected to an incredible increase in the sources of noise and noise intensity both inside & outside our buildings, often with serious and harmful effects. At the same time, it has become an accepted practice to replace the conventionally thick and heavy building construction with thin, light, prefabricated, sometimes even movable building elements. There is also a growing demand for considerably improved hearing conditions. The knowledge of this science is essential for proper functioning of theaters, auditoriums, hospitals, conference halls, etc. also buildings are becoming increasingly mechanized. Use of A.C., work machines, appliances like: vacuum cleaners, typewriters, etc., noise pattern of building has increased, leading to greater need of noise control.

Miscellaneous Applications

1. Bass-Reflex Enclosure Design

2. Polymer-Film Acoustic Filters

3. Noise in Hydraulic Systems

4. Noise from Cooling Fans

5. Piezoelectric Transducers

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1) To study characteristics and behavior of sound in an enclosed space.

2) To study concept of noise and defects of sound in an enclosure.

3) To study the types and functional implification of acoustical materials.

4) To study acoustical tests and measurements.

5) To study the design considerations for planning auditorium w.r.t acoustics.

6) Identifying the spaces in auditoriums, which need acoustical treatment.

7) Study the practical implication of acoustical design through case studies in Jaipur and Ahemadabad.

8) Drawing out the conclusions regarding ideal "Auditorium design" through above relative studies.

SOUND - BASIC THEORY

Two definitions of the word sound are:

1) Physically speaking, it is a fluctuation in pressure, a practical displacement in an elastic medium, like air. This is objective sound.

2) Physiologically it is an auditory sensation evoked by the physical fluctuation described above. This is subjective sound. The speed of the sound wave at 200c is about 1,130 ft per sec (344 m per sec).

The purpose of sound control is to provide an acoustically satisfactory environment with in the given space. The objective may be the complete elimination of audible sound, an acceptable noise level, or acoustically correct auditorium or room for speech/music.