What’s Acoustic Transmission?

Acoustic transmission is when sound waves pass through a material, causing noise on both sides. Engineers use Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings to control sound transmission levels. Materials with higher STC ratings are more effective. Designers can control acoustic transmission by using materials that absorb sound waves, mass to deaden sound, or an airspace to […]

What’s an acoustic neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing benign tumor of the nerve that leads from the ear to the brain. Symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and headaches. It can be diagnosed through physical tests and imaging scans. Surgery is used to remove the tumor if it becomes large enough to affect a patient’s quality of life […]

What’s Acoustic Warfare?

Acoustic warfare is the use of underwater acoustic energy to identify and intercept targets and protect friendly vessels. Technicians use acoustic information to collect data and can also use active emission of acoustic energy to jam enemy electronic systems. The concept began in World War II, and those specializing in acoustic warfare receive unique training. […]

What’s Acoustic Intelligence?

Acoustic intelligence is intelligence gathered through the analysis of underwater sounds, including those from submarines and passing vessels. It is part of a larger family of intelligence types known as MASINT, which involves analyzing all types of data. Acoustic intelligence experts can distinguish between natural and human-generated sounds and study how sounds move in the […]

What’s an acoustic model?

An acoustic model is a map of voice in relation to printed words used in speech recognition programs. It is one of two main files needed, along with a language model. Speech recognition software requires a microphone and sound processing program. Acoustic models can recognize variations in pronunciation and interpret multiple languages. Computational linguistics is […]

Acoustic weapons: what are they?

Acoustic weapons use sound to distract, harass, injure or kill targets. The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is a high-power loudspeaker used by the US Navy and police. Other experimental weapons include infrasonic emitters, vortex ring guns, and ultrasonic beams. Some hypothetical concepts include resonating buildings to collapse and liquefying living tissue. Acoustic weapons, also […]

What’s an Acoustic Coupler?

An acoustic coupler sends and receives computer data over a telephone line using sounds. They were used in the early days of the internet and are still used in countries with less advanced telecommunications networks and by deaf people. They were used when it was impossible to use a standard modem plugged into a telephone […]

How to be an acoustic engineer?

Acoustic engineers design structures to reduce unwanted noise and enhance desirable sounds. They require an advanced degree and experience as an apprentice or assistant. Most enroll in four-year bachelor’s programs in engineering, mathematics, architecture, or physics. After passing a licensing exam, they can apply for entry-level junior engineer positions and gain experience. With the proper […]

What’s a scanning acoustic microscope?

A scanning acoustic microscope uses sound waves to generate detailed images of objects, providing data about their properties. It can examine things on a level not visible to the human eye and is used for imaging single cells. The device works by aiming a focused sound beam at an object and recording how the sound […]

What’s an acoustic for?

Acousticians specialize in the study of sound and can work in various fields, including bioacoustics, acoustic engineering, and research. They can receive training at universities worldwide and have a diverse range of job opportunities. An acoustician is someone who specializes in the study of sound. There are many applications for acoustics, from concert hall design […]

What’s an acoustic wave?

Acoustic waves are pressure swings that transmit sound through solid, liquid, or gas. They are defined by wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The ear collects sound waves, which vibrate the eardrum and three tiny bones in the middle ear. The vibrations are transformed into electrical impulses that the brain interprets as sound. Hair cells in the […]

What’s Acoustic Phonetics?

Acoustic phonetics studies the acoustic properties of spoken language, using technology to analyze speech sounds and understand their production. All sound sources produce dominant frequencies and related harmonics, which are affected by the medium they pass through. Acoustic phonetics professionals use spectral analysis to decompose complex waveforms into individual frequencies, with results applied in speech […]

What’s an acoustic engineer’s job?

Acoustic engineers use sound and vibration science to control noise and amplify desired sounds. They work in architectural acoustics, noise control for urban planning, and sonar and medical imaging technology. Specific degree programs are rare. An acoustic engineer, or sound engineer, applies the science of sound and vibration to real-world technologies. The field is primarily […]

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