Integrating Two Independent Motion Control Systems to Measure Acoustic Radiation
Laboratory
University of Texas at Austin's Advanced Acoustics Materials Laboratory
Department
Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project Dates
May 2024 - August 2024
Research Focus
During my time at UT, I gained invaluable experience integrating two motion control systems to measure acoustic radiation patterns in three dimensions. I applied my knowledge of mechanical design, MATLAB, and SolidWorks to improve an apparatus that will be instrumental in conducting acoustic measurements.
Future Directions
Directivity pattern measurement is a fundamental concept in acoustics, with applications including architectural acoustics, environmental noise assessment, microphone design, and audio engineering. Emerging work in acoustic metamaterials often involves novel wave redirection through sophisticated measurement methods. While many sophisticated apparatuses exist for this purpose, they are often expensive and inaccessible for educational and small-scale professional use. This research project aims to create an open-source autonomous turntable that can be utilized by engineering educators, researchers, and hobbyists to accurately measure directivity patterns. This project addresses an existing gap in educational tools for teaching acoustics and in apparatus inaccessibility for researchers. The developed apparatus can be used by engineering and music technology educators in teaching directivity pattern fundamentals. There are also potential commercial applications for individuals seeking to characterize microphone and speaker directivity.
Solution
This future project has four main objectives:
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Design and develop an affordable turntable using readily available materials and components
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Ensure the turntable assembly is easily replicable with comprehensive instructional materials including Arduino wiring diagrams, Python scripts, a bill of materials, 3-D printable STL files, and instructions on assembly and use
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Validate the accuracy and reliability of the turntable in measuring directivity patterns by measuring turntable angular accuracy.
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Create a script that measures and models the directivity of an acoustic source using a beam plot diagram given an off-the-shelf speaker and microphone
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the work of Alex Gobert, Ishaan Banerjee Haldar, Calvin Pradian, and Paolo Syme for their senior design thesis "Microphone Directivity Characterization for Use In Noisy Environments" as an inspiration for this project. I would also like to acknowledge the personnel in the Advanced Acoustic Materials Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin as well as those involved with the Acoustical Society of America for helping me conceptualize this endeavor.