Masterclasses - Introduction to Acoustics

Sound and measurement are essential to our everyday lives. We need to be able to measure levels and accuracy of reproduction, in order to rate devices or to establish safety.

This Masterclass will be delivered by the National Physical Laboratories (NPL) acoustics and sound experts and will include a visit to their world-beating acoustical laboratories including both an anechoic chamber and a reverb chamber. During the masterclass you will see how the sound equipment is tested in these chambers, as well as using the facilities to test speakers in a standardised 'domestic' situation.

Throughout this Masterclass you will engage in practical sessions and get the latest knowledge on emerging sound technologies. You will also be introduced to the Virtual Physical Laboratory (VPLab) and find out how the Lab can be used in the classroom. The VPLab contains over 180 interactive experiments for use by teachers and pupils individually and is pitched at level 3 science.

The National Physical Laboratory is in Teddington, London.

Register for this Masterclass HERE

This Masterclass will look at answering such questions as

What is sound energy?
How do sound devices (such as speakers) work?
What methods are used to measure sound?
What are the latest technologies in sound measurement today?
Why are these technologies used?
Why is the accurate measurement of sound important to our lives?
What happens in acoustical chambers?
What areas of science, engineering and technology have sound-based applications?
What is the future of sound measurement?

Knowledge you will gain

Understanding of what sound is
An appreciation of the different types of sound (sound,ultrasound, infrasound)
How to work with sound safely
How acoustical chambers (such as anechoic and reverb) work
Understanding what sound levels are
Understanding how to measure sound levels
An appreciation of sound measurement technologies
Future for sound applications and associated measurement techniques

The Programme

9.45 - 10.00  Registration and coffee
10.00-10.30  Introduction to sound energy
10.30-11.20  Sound and its Measurement - the latest technologies in use and why
11.20-12.05  Introduction to the Virtual Physical Laboratory
12.05-13.00  Techniques for measuring sound levels in acoustical chambers
13.00-13.45  Lunch
13.45-14.30  Tour of National Physical Laboratories - including high level measurements of cavitation (how bubbles ruin the world !)
14.30-15.30  Reflective learning on the day's sessions
15.30-16.00  Future for sound applications and measurement technologies