Scientific Publications

The Fresnel approach in optics is introduced to the field of acoustics. Fresnel analysis provides an effective, intuitive way of understanding complex interference phenomena and allows for the definition of criteria required to couple discrete sound sources effectively and to achieve coverage of a given audience geometry in sound-reinforcement applications. The derived criteria from the basis of what is termed Wavefront Sculpture Technology.

We introduce Fresnel’s ideas in optics to the field of acoustics. Fresnel analysis provides an effective, intuitive approach to the understanding of complex interference phenomena and thus opens the road to establishing the criteria for the effective coupling of sound sources and for the coverage of a given audience geometry in sound reinforcement applications. The derived criteria form the basis of what is termed Wavefront Sculpture Technology.

How to know whether it is possible or not to predict the behaviour of an array when the behaviour of each element is known? Our purpose is to describe the sound field produced by arrays in such a way that criteria for “arraybility” can be defined.

Sound system designers are used to optimizing loudspeaker systems for the audience experience with free-field simulation software. However, noise pollution reduction must also be considered during the design phase and the propagation of sound may be affected by inhomogeneous atmospheric conditions, such as wind, temperature gradients, and ground impedance. This paper proposes a method to simulate the impact of the environment on sound pressure levels at large distances created by loudspeaker systems using parabolic equations, considering a reference left-right main system associated with either flown or ground-stacked subwoofers. Results show a higher variability of the sound pressure level with systems using ground-stacked subwoofers. The influence of the crossover frequency between main and subwoofers is discussed in this paper.