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Intro to Acoustics (Part 1)

Yang-Hann Kim

This course introduces acoustics by using the concept of impedance. The course starts with vibrations and waves, demonstrating how vibration can be envisaged as a kind of wave, mathematically and physically. They are realized by one-dimensional examples, which provide mathematically simplest but clear enough physical insights. Then the part 1 ends with explaining waves on a flat surface of discontinuity, demonstrating how propagation characteristics of waves change in space where there is a distributed impedance mismatch.

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Syllabus

Introduction

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Vibration and Waves

You will going to learn basic concepts of vibration and waves for this week. From the vibration of string, you will be able to derive one dimensional wave equation. Then it will be explained with the concept of 'Impedance.'

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the concept of 'impedance,' which is standard in acoustics

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in acoustics

Teaches acoustic intensity and energy, which are highly relevant in the field

Covers unique perspectives on waves on a flat surface of discontinuity

Uses the concept of waves to explain vibration

Requires explicit background knowledge in vibration and waves

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Reviews summary

Foundation in acoustic waves & impedance

According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in the fundamental physics of acoustics. Students particularly praise the clear explanations of concepts like vibration, waves, and impedance, often using helpful one-dimensional examples to build intuition. While many find the lectures and assignments to be engaging and well-structured, some learners note that the mathematical depth can be challenging at times, particularly in later sections covering waves on discontinuities. A few mention needing supplementary resources for certain topics. Overall, students report gaining a strong base for further study in acoustics.

Focuses heavily on theory over practice.

"Felt the course was too theoretical, lacked practical application examples. Concepts were presented clearly but difficult to see their relevance."

"This course provides the physics background, but don't expect much on real-world acoustic design or measurement yet."

"It's definitely foundational physics, which is great if that's what you need, but less useful for immediate practical application."

Serves as a solid starting point.

"A very good introduction to the subject of acoustics, well worth the time spent."

"Perfect starting point for someone like me who had no prior background in this field."

"Provides a strong base for further study in acoustics and prepares you for Part 2."

"This course gave me the confidence to pursue more advanced topics in acoustics."

Excellent coverage of basic acoustics.

"The explanations of vibration, waves, and impedance were very clear and provided a strong foundation."

"I really appreciated how the 1D examples were used to build intuition on complex physical ideas."

"Excellent course for understanding the fundamental physics behind acoustics. Build a strong base for Part 2."

"The basic concepts of vibration and waves were explained well, making it easy to follow."

Math can be difficult for some learners.

"Found the math a bit challenging at times, needed to review external resources for some concepts, but overall good intro."

"The mathematical depth can be a bit steep if you don't have a strong physics or engineering background."

"Sometimes the derivations felt rushed, requiring me to pause and work through them independently."

"While concepts were clear, applying the math in assignments was tricky."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to Acoustics (Part 1) with these activities:

Fundamentals of Acoustics

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Review a foundational book on acoustics to solidify your understanding of core concepts.

View FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS, 4TH ED on Amazon

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Read and summarize key chapters.
Solve practice problems and review chapter exercises.
Discuss the book's concepts with a study partner or online forum.

Basic Wave Mathematics and Calculations

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Practice with basic wave mathematics and calculations to strengthen your foundation.

Browse courses on Wave Equation

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Derive the one-dimensional wave equation.
Calculate wave velocity, wavelength, and frequency.
Solve wave equations for different scenarios.

Group Discussion on Wave Interference and Diffraction

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Engage with peers to discuss and analyze wave interference and diffraction, fostering collaborative learning and critical thinking.

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Present different types of wave interference and diffraction.
Explain the underlying principles and mathematical equations.
Discuss applications and real-life examples.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Interactive Simulations of Wave Phenomena

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Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and explore wave phenomena in diverse scenarios.

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Simulate wave propagation, reflection, and transmission.
Analyze the effects of different boundary conditions and material properties.
Apply impedance concepts to predict wave behavior.

Data Visualization of Wave Propagation Patterns

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Use data visualization tools to create engaging presentations of wave propagation patterns, reinforcing your knowledge and developing your data analysis skills.

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Collect data on wave propagation patterns.
Choose appropriate data visualization techniques.
Create interactive or static visualizations.
Present your visualizations and discuss their implications.

Presentation on Acoustic Intensity and Energy

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Develop a comprehensive presentation to showcase your understanding of acoustic intensity and energy, enabling you to consolidate and communicate your knowledge effectively.

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Summarize the concepts of acoustic intensity and energy.
Explain the units of sound and the dB scale.
Derive the solutions of the wave equation.
Prepare visual aids and examples to enhance your presentation.

Annotated Bibliography on Acoustic Impedance

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Compile and annotate a list of research articles and resources on acoustic impedance, deepening your understanding of the topic.

Browse courses on Impedance

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Conduct a comprehensive literature search.
Select and read relevant research articles.
Summarize and annotate each article.
Organize the bibliography using a citation management tool.

Hands-on Workshop: Acoustic Measurements and Analysis

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Participate in a hands-on workshop led by experts to gain practical experience in acoustic measurements and analysis techniques.

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Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises.
Collect and analyze acoustic data using specialized equipment.
Interpret results and draw conclusions based on experimental data.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Acoustics (Part 1) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Acoustical Engineer

Imagine developing and designing solutions to control noise and vibration in various settings. As an Acoustical Engineer, you'll apply principles of acoustics, often utilizing knowledge of vibration and wave phenomena. This course delves into the mathematical and physical aspects of vibration and waves, which will provide a solid foundation for understanding acoustics and its applications in noise and vibration control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustical Engineer

Audio Engineer

An Audio Engineer's work involves capturing, recording, mixing, and reproducing sound. You'll need to understand acoustics to excel in this role since it directly relates to sound waves and their propagation. This course introduces concepts like the acoustic wave equation, intensity, and energy, providing valuable knowledge for manipulating and managing sound in your audio engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Architectural Designer

As an Architectural Designer, you'll be involved in creating building designs that consider acoustics to enhance the occupant experience. This course can be beneficial as it covers concepts related to waves on a discontinuity, which is crucial for understanding how sound interacts with different building materials and structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer

Noise Control Engineer

Noise Control Engineers play a vital role in managing and reducing noise pollution in various settings. Understanding the principles of acoustics is crucial for this role, and this course provides a strong foundation. You'll gain insights into vibration and wave phenomena, as well as acoustic wave equations and their applications in noise control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Noise Control Engineer

Music Producer

Music Producers combine technical expertise with creativity to produce and record music. This course introduces the fundamentals of acoustics, including vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations. Understanding these concepts will enhance your ability to manipulate and shape sound in the context of music production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Sound Designer

Sound Designers are responsible for creating and manipulating sound effects and atmospheres in various media, including film, television, and video games. This course provides knowledge of acoustic wave equations, intensity, and energy, which are essential for understanding how sound propagates and interacts with different environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Acoustics Consultant

Acoustics Consultants provide expertise in managing and controlling noise and vibration in various settings. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to acoustics, covering vibration and waves, acoustic wave equations, and more. The knowledge gained can support your work as an Acoustics Consultant in assessing and resolving acoustic issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustics Consultant

Audiologist

Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders, often utilizing principles of acoustics. This course explores concepts like vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations, providing a valuable foundation for understanding sound and its impact on the auditory system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop a wide range of machines and systems. While acoustics may not be their primary focus, understanding vibration and wave phenomena can be beneficial for certain aspects of mechanical engineering, particularly in the analysis and design of systems involving vibration and sound.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Architectural Technologist

Architectural Technologists assist architects in designing and developing building plans. Acoustics plays a role in creating comfortable and functional buildings. This course introduces the basics of acoustics, providing insights into vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations, which can be valuable for understanding how sound interacts with buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Technologist

Building Inspector

Building Inspectors ensure that buildings meet construction codes and regulations, including those related to acoustics. This course provides a foundational understanding of acoustics, covering concepts like vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations. This knowledge can support you in evaluating acoustic aspects of buildings during inspections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Inspector

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and manage the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, some of which involve acoustic considerations. This course offers an introduction to acoustics, including vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations. The knowledge gained can enhance your understanding of acoustic principles as applied in civil engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. While acoustics may not be their primary focus, an understanding of how sound interacts with buildings can be beneficial. This course introduces concepts like vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations, providing insights into acoustic considerations during construction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers address environmental issues, including noise pollution. This course offers an overview of acoustics, covering vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations. The knowledge gained can contribute to your understanding of noise propagation and control in environmental engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Health and Safety Manager

Health and Safety Managers ensure that workplaces meet health and safety regulations, including those related to noise exposure. This course introduces the basics of acoustics, covering concepts like vibration, waves, and acoustic wave equations. The knowledge gained can support your understanding of acoustic hazards in workplace environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health and Safety Manager

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to Acoustics (Part 1).

Cover image

Cover image

Save

This comprehensive textbook provides a detailed overview of the field of acoustics, covering topics such as wave propagation, sound sources, and acoustic measurements. It valuable reference for both undergraduate and graduate students in acoustics and related fields.

Acoustics: An Introduction to Its Physical...

Reference for Modern Instrumentation, Techniques,...

Underwater Scattering and Radiation: Physical...

Ultrasonic Instruments and Devices I: Reference for...

Cumulative Subject and Author Index: Including...

THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL ACOUSTICS '97

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FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS, 4TH ED

Save

This classic textbook has been used by generations of students to learn the fundamentals of acoustics. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the field, covering topics such as wave propagation, sound sources, and acoustic measurements.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS, 4TH ED

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS, 4TH ED

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Mechanics of Fracture Initiation and Propagation

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of vibrations and waves. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the mathematical and physical foundations of acoustics.

Mechanics of Fracture Initiation and Propagation:...

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Acoustics: Sound Fields and Transducers

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of acoustics, with a focus on sound fields and transducers. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the design and application of acoustic systems.

Acoustics: Sound Fields and Transducers

Cover image

Cover image

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of acoustics, with a focus on applications. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the design and application of acoustic systems.

Cover image

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Engineering Acoustics

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of acoustics, with a focus on its physical principles and applications. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the design and application of acoustic systems.

Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control...

Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control...

Cover image

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Acoustic Absorbers and Diffusers

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of acoustic absorbers and diffusers. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the design and application of acoustic systems.

Acoustic Absorbers and Diffusers

Acoustic Absorbers and Diffusers: Theory, Design...

Cover image

Cover image

Architectural Acoustics

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of architectural acoustics. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the design and application of acoustic systems in buildings.

Architectural Acoustics

Architectural Acoustics, Second Edition by Long,...

Architectural Acoustics by Marshall Long (2014-04...

Architectural Acoustics

Architectural Acoustics (Applications of Modern...

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Effort

3 hours / week

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

Instructor

Yang-Hann Kim

Language

English

Transcripts

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the concept of 'impedance,' which is standard in acoustics

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in acoustics

Teaches acoustic intensity and energy, which are highly relevant in the field

Covers unique perspectives on waves on a flat surface of discontinuity

Uses the concept of waves to explain vibration

Requires explicit background knowledge in vibration and waves

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