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The Noise + Acoustics Monitoring Handbook by Bob Peters
Publisher March 2002

Chapter Two

BASIC CONCEPTS AND THEORY

2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 THE NATURE OF SOUND
2.2.1 The pure tone
2.2.2 Wavelength
2.2.3 Peak and rms sound pressures
2.2.4 The behaviour of sound waves a. Diffraction b. Reflection and absorption c. Refraction
2.3 HUMAN AWARENESS OF SOUND
2.3.1 The audible frequency range
2.3.2 The audible sound pressure range
2.3.3 The decibel scale
2.3.4 Background noise effects
2.3.5 Loudness
2.4 SOUND ANALYSIS
2.4.1 Frequency weighting networks
2.4.2 Frequency analysis
2.4.3 Level versus time variations
2.4.4 Fast and slow time weightings
2.4.5 Single figure noise indices
2.4.6 Measurement of sound intensity
2.5 SOUND PROPAGATION
2.5.1 Sound intensity and the effect of distance
2.5.2 Real noise sources: near and far fields
2.5.3 The behaviour of sound in enclosed spaces
2.6 SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE NOISE ŒSIGNATURES¹ FOR CONDITION MONITORING
2.6.1 The acoustic waveform - the graph of sound pressure versus time
2.6.2 The sound level versus time history
2.6.3 The frequency spectrum - the graph of sound level versus frequency
2.6.4 Measurement of noise indices
2.7 MECHANISMS OF NOISE PRODUCTION
2.7.1 Sound radiation from vibrating surfaces
2.7.2 Aerodynamically generated noise
2.7.3 Noise generated by impacts
2.7.4 Multi sources of noise in machinery
2.8 THE EFFECTS OF NOISE ON MAN
2.8.1 Noise induced hearing loss
2.8.2 Interference with communication
2.8.3 Sleep disturbance
2.8.4 Annoyance
2.8.5 Reduced/improved performance of tasks
2.8.6 Stress related effects of noise
2.8.7 Effects on social behaviour

Chapter Three

PRACTICAL ISSUES

3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE
3.2.1 Measurement in enclosed spaces a. The effect of background noise b. The effect of room characteristics
3.2.2 The effect of distance on the measurement of sound
3.3 STANDARD ACOUSTIC TEST ENVIRONMENTS - ANECHOIC AND REVERBERANT ROOMS
3.4 THE SPECIFICATION OF NOISE EMISSION FROM MACHINERY
3.5 THE USE OF EQUIPMENT
3.5.1 Pre-measurement checks
3.5.2 Microphone care
3.5.3 Calibration a. Microphones b. Complete systems
3.5.4 Use of windshield
3.5.5 Selection of measurement parameters
3.6 SELECTION OF MEASUREMENT POSITION
3.6.1 Environmental influences a. Wind b. Moisture c. Electromagnetic radiation d. General
3.7 THE ACCURACY OF NOISE MEASUREMENTS
3.7.1 Post-measurement checks 3.8 MEASUREMENT REPORT FORMS
3.9 SPECIALIST NOISE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
3.10 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

Chapter Four

EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 THE BASIC SOUND LEVEL METER
4.2.1 The microphone
4.2.2 The preamplifier and amplifier stages
4.2.3 Frequency weighting networks
4.2.4 Frequency analysis filters
4.2.5 The detector and indicator circuits
4.2.6 The output/display
4.2.7 Digital sound level meters
4.2.8 Additional sound level meter features
4.2.9 Accessories
4.3 IMPULSE SOUND LEVEL METERS
4.4 INTEGRATING SOUND LEVEL METERS
4.5 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR SOUND LEVEL METERS
4.6 CALIBRATORS
4.7 MICROPHONES
4.8 DATA ACQUISITION
4.8.1 Tape recorders
4.8.2 DAT recorders
4.8.3 Data loggers and environmental noise analysers
4.8.4 Computers, data loggers and the virtual sound level meter
4.9 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
4.9.1 Real time analysers
4.9.2 Narrow band frequency analysers (including FFT analysers)
4.9.3 Building acoustics analysers and measurement of machinery noise emission
4.9.4 Sound intensity meters
4.9.5 Noise dosemeters, or Œdosimeters¹
4.9.6 Outdoor sound level meters and remote sound level monitors