Acoustical Engineering

Acoustical engineering is the branch of engineering dealing with sound and vibration. It is the application of acoustics, the science of sound and vibration, in technology. Acoustical engineers are typically concerned with the manipulation and control of sound.

The primary goal of acoustical engineering is the reduction of unwanted sounds, which is referred to as noise control. Sound can have significant impacts on human health and well being, and is therefore important to control. Noise control principles are implemented into technology and design in a variety of ways. Applications include the design of noise barriers, sound absorbers, silencers, and buffer zones. The implementation of noise control technology differs in indoor and outdoor environments.

In addition to reducing unwanted sounds, acoustical engineers sometimes produce useful sounds or analyze sound waves to collect information. Examples of this include applications of ultrasonics and infrasonics, which make use of sound that cannot be heard by humans. Ultrasonic waves are acoustic waves with frequencies above the audible range (approximately 20 kHz). Applications of ultrasonics include sonar and medical imaging. Infrasonic waves are acoustic waves with frequencies below the audible range (approximately 20 Hz). Applications of infrasonics include the detection of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Although acoustical engineering most commonly involves reducing noise, it also applies to these other important applications as well.