Ing. Marek Brothánek, Ph.D.

The use of materials based on the mycelial growth on recycled materials is widely studied. The absorbent properties of such composites can be found in a number of articles. However, this one focuses on the possibility of using mycelium-based composites for the design of sound diffusers. Diffusion parameters were determined in the form of normalized and non-normalized diffusion coefficient in a free field according to ISO 17497-2. The measured results show that the use of mycelium for the construction of diffusers is promising. However, the results are not the best, which is due to the architectural design.

Subterranean termites rely on chemical and vibroacoustic communication as they live enclosed in tunnels in the soil or wood. While social context is known to influence colony-level behaviors in many social insects, its influence on alarm communication remains unstudied. We tested the influence of the soldier caste on worker behavioral plasticity for subterranean termites: two species of Reticulitermes and Coptotermes formosanus. We altered the group composition according to soldier proportion or their replacement by chemical signals (hexane extracts). The responses of termites to stimuli known to provoke alarm responses, such as human breath simulating a breech in the nest or crushed soldier head (CSH) containing the chemical alarm cues, comprised increased movement and increased vibroacoustic alarm signaling. Species differed in the intensity of their responses, which were generally stronger in Reticulitermes. Groups of Reticulitermes with soldiers responded more strongly to CSH, while groups of R. virginicus only responded to human breath in the presence of soldier extracts. The responses of Coptotermes formosanus showed no effect of group composition on responses to stimuli, suggesting that soldier presence does not affect vibroacoustic behavior in this species. Our results highlight how alarm behavior changes quickly in closely related species as part of finely tuned behavioral mechanisms optimizing a species' response in each environment including in the presence of natural predators and competitors.

Pairwise comparison methods are well-known methods used for subjective evaluation of various product sounds. The paper deals with usage of this method for evaluation of fuel supply modules.

Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) have evolved specialized defensive strategies for colony protection. Alarm communication enables workers to escape threats while soldiers are recruited to the source of disturbance. Here, we study the vibroacoustic and chemical alarm communication in the wood roach Cryptocercus and in 20 termite species including seven of the nine termite families, all life-types, and all feeding and nesting habits. Our multidisciplinary approach shows that vibratory alarm signals represent an ethological synapomorphy of termites and Cryptocercus. In contrast, chemical alarms have evolved independently in several cockroach groups and at least twice in termites. Vibroacoustic alarm signaling patterns are the most complex in Neoisoptera, in which they are often combined with chemical signals. The alarm characters correlate to phylogenetic position, food type and hardness, foraging area size, and nesting habits. Overall, species of Neoisoptera have developed the most sophisticated communication system amongst termites, potentially contributing to their ecological success.

The article reflects on the subjective perception of sounds. It focuses on the question of when sound is considered as a noise and about speech intelligibility.

This contribution is focused on the psychoacoustic evaluation of fuel supply module sound. It is a common automotive part producing a specific sound, which is subjectively evaluated as a first part of more complex psychoacoustic experiment. This experiment provides new information about the perception of this product sound and will lead to the development of a psychoacoustic model for the objective evaluation of the fuel supply module sound.

The article focuses on the determination of the acoustic properties (sound transmission loss, sound absorption and transmission coefficient under acoustic plane wave excitation) of membrane-type of specimens by means of a combination of incident plane wave sound pressure and membrane surface displacement information, measuring the sound pressure with a microphone and the membrane displacement by means of a laser Doppler vibrometer. An overview of known measurement methods and the theoretical background of the proposed so-called mobility-based method (MM) is presented. The proposed method was compared with the conventional methods for sound transmission loss and absorption measurement in the impedance tube, both numerically and experimentally. Finite element model (FEM) simulation results of two single layer membrane samples of different shape configurations were compared, amongst which six different variations of the backing wall termination. Four different approaches to determine the sound transmission loss and two methods to determine sound absorption properties of the membranes were compared. Subsequently, the proposed method was tested in a laboratory environment. The proposed MM method can be possibly used to measure the vibro-acoustic properties of building parts in situ.

This article is focused on the psychoacoustic evaluation of the sound produced by the fuel supply modules - common automotive products installed in the fuel tanks of automobiles with combustion engines, producing typical sound. It contains evaluation of several psychoacoustic metrics and description of the performed pre-test as a first part of more complex psychoacoustic experiment. This experiment will lead to the development of psychoacoustic model for objective evaluation of the fuel supply module sound, that could be used in product development processes in future.

The function of libraries has changed considerably in recent decades. This article presents the case study of the acoustic properties of the National Library of Technology (NTK), built in 2009, visited by more than 2000 users daily. From the acoustic point of view, these are coupled spaces, with horizontally structured spaces, which allow for dividing the space into zones according to the function of use. Through their openness, the individual floors can partially be viewed as open-space offices. Moreover, all floors are connected by a common central atrium, which is the cause of the mentioned acoustic coupling. Undesirable and annoying noise is one of the fundamental problems of these spaces. This article deals with the relationship between the number of visitors, noise in a given space and its acoustic parameters and the impact of these parameters on acoustic comfort, which is a compromise between RT, STI and noise. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Only a few bird species are known to produce low-frequency vocalizations. We analyzed the display vocalizations of Western Capercaillie males kept in breeding centers and identified harmonically structured signals with a fundamental frequency of 28.7 +/- 1.2 Hz (25.6-31.6 Hz). These low-frequency components temporally overlap with the Whetting phase (96% of its duration) and they significantly contribute to the distinct vocal expression between individuals. The resulting model of discrimination analysis classified 67.6% vocalizations (63%, cross-validated result) correctly to the specific individual in comparison to the probability by chance of 12.5%. We discuss a possible function of low-frequency components that remains unclear. The occurrence of such low frequencies is surprising as this grouse is substantially smaller than cassowaries (Southern cassowary Casuarius casuarius and Dwarf cassowary Casuarius bennetti), the species that produces similarly low frequencies. Because these low frequency components temporarily overlap with the Whetting phase, they are hardly audible from a distance larger than several meters.

This article outlines the design of a piezoelectric line moment actuator used for active structural acoustic control. Actuators produce a dynamic bending moment that appears in the controlled structure resulting from the inertial forces when the attached piezoelectric stripe actuators start to oscillate. The article provides a detailed theoretical analysis necessary for the practical realization of these actuators, including considerations concerning their placement, a crucial factor in the overall system performance. Approximate formulas describing the dependency of the moment amplitude on the frequency and the required electric voltage are derived. Recommendations applicable for the system's design based on both theoretical and empirical results are provided. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This paper deals with the processing of signals measured by a spherical microphone array, focusing on the utilization of near-field information of such an array. The processing, based on the spherical harmonics decomposition, is performed in order to investigate the radial-dependent spherical functions and extract their argument – distance to the source. Using the low-frequency approximation of these functions, the source distance is explicitly expressed. The source distance is also determined from the original equation (using no approximation) by comparing both sides of this equation. The applicability of both methods is first presented in the noise-less data simulation, then validated with data contaminated by the additive white noise of different signal-to-noise ratios. Finally, both methods are tested for real data measured by a rigid spherical microphone array of radius 0.15 m, consisting of 36 microphones for a point source represented by a small speaker. The possibility of determination of the source distance using low-order spherical harmonics is shown.

This paper describes the preliminary trial of computer keyboards sounds as the first acquaintance with the psychoacoustic listening test. The description of preparation, process and evaluation is presented as well.

This paper deals with an actuator based on piezoelectric bimorphs developed at CTU for applica- tions of ASAC on thin structures. The actuator takes the form of two pairs of bimorphs connected separately, so that the actuator can act in both moment and force configurations simultaneously. The ASAC system using this actuator was tested on a simple structure in the form of a steel strip fixed at both ends. The behavior of the actuator was compared with theoretical assumptions including efficiency of the actuator as a function of the position and power input. A good agreement has been demonstrated between the model results and the measurement.

Studying basal taxa often allows shedding a light on the evolution of advanced representatives. The most basal termite species, Mastotermes darwiniensis, possesses unique morphological and behavioural traits, of which many remain scarcely studied. For these reasons, we conducted a comprehensive study of the alarm communication in this species and compared its components to behavioural modes described in other termites. In M. darwiniensis, the alarm is communicated by substrate-borne vibrations resulting from vertical vibratory movements. Another similar behaviour consists in longitudinal movements, by which the alarm is delivered to other termites in contact with alerted individual. Both these two behavioural modes could be used in synergy to create complex movements. M. darwiniensis also uses chemical alarm signals produced by labial gland secretion, in contrast to Neoisoptera in which this function is fulfilled exclusively by the frontal gland secretion. Moreover, we demonstrated in M. darwiniensis the presence of a positive feedback mechanism thought to occur exclusively in the crown group Termitidae. This positive feedback consists in both oscillatory movements of alerted individuals in response to alarm signals and release of alarm pheromone by excited soldiers. Our results confirm that M. darwiniensis is a remarkable example of mosaic evolution, as it combines many primitive and advanced features, and its alarm communication clearly belongs to the latter category.

The present paper deals with the testing of a force-moment bimorph actuator designed for ASAC applications. The actuator was tested on the third natural mode of a steel strip fixed on both ends baffled in the rigid board. The strip was excited by a point force in its center at a frequency corresponding to the third mode. The presented results show the efficiency of the actuator as a function of the actuator’s working mode. Measurements were realized in an anechoic room to simplify measurement of the radiated sound field. The resulting efficiency was evaluated by means of sound pressure in the position of microphone 0.5 m above the strip. The behavior of the force moment actuator in general working mode is discussed.

The paper describes properties of the pneu-acoustic transducer with variable waveguide. Basic principles of its function and influence of the waveguide length are described and evaluated. Analysis of the transient after opening of the valve is studied using wavelet transform.

Alarm signalling is of paramount importance to communication in all social insects. In termites, vibroacoustic and chemical alarm signalling are bound to operate synergistically but have never been studied simultaneously in a single species. Here, we inspected the functional significance of both communication channels in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae), confirming the hypothesis that these are not exclusive, but rather complementary processes. In natural situations, the alarm predominantly attracts soldiers, which actively search for the source of a disturbance. Laboratory testing revealed that the frontal gland of soldiers produces a rich mixture of terpenoid compounds including an alarm pheromone. Extensive testing led to identification of the alarm pheromone being composed of abundant monoterpene hydrocarbons (1S)-α-pinene and myrcene, along with a minor component, (E)-β-ocimene. The vibratory alarm signalling consists of vibratory movements evidenced as bursts; a series of beats produced predominantly by soldiers. Exposing termite groups to various mixtures containing the alarm pheromone (crushed soldier heads, frontal gland extracts, mixture of all monoterpenes, and the alarm pheromone mixture made of standards) resulted in significantly higher activity in the tested groups and also increased intensity of the vibratory alarm communication, with the responses clearly dose-dependent. Lower doses of the pheromone provoked higher numbers of vibratory signals compared to higher doses. Higher doses induced long-term running of all termites without stops necessary to perform vibratory behaviour. Surprisingly, even crushed worker heads led to low (but significant) increases in the alarm responses, suggesting that other unknown compound in the worker’s headis perceived and answered by termites. Our results demonstrate the existence of different alarm levels in termites.

The paper describes acoustic properties of the pneu-acoustic transducers. Basic acoustic parameters as a sensitivity, frequency response and directivity were evaluated. The simple model of the finite conical horn based on Webster's equation is presented as well.

This paper deals with a recently developed actuator based on piezoelectric bimorphs which are useful for ASAC applications. The actuator takes the form of two channels with pairs of bimorphs. Each of the bimorph transducers in the couple is connected separately so that the actuator can act in both moment and force configurations simultaneously. The control algorithm allows the ratio between the moment and force excitation to be adapted according to the desired mechanical output. The ASAC system using this actuator was tested on a simple structure in the form of a fixed beam. Configurations with maximum attenuation were selected and discussed.

The acoustic behavior of diffusers is usually described by three parameters: sound absorption co-efficient, scattering coefficient and diffusion coefficient. The first two coefficients are measured in a reverberation room and have been standardized for many years. This contribution deals with the measurement of the diffusion coefficient of surfaces in an anechoic room characterizing the directional uniformity of the sound scattering. The diffusion coefficient is defined in ISO 17497-2 issued in 2012. The measurement technique was tested on an MLS diffuser of the 4th order. Measured results were in good conformity with theoretical assumptions.

The paper deals with active structural acoustics control (ASAC) applied to the lightweight structure in order to increase transmission loss at low frequencies. Presented results show efficiency of moment actuators developed especially for ASAC mounted on a double-layer acoustic panel consisting of two metal sheets separated by air gap.

Sufficient transmission loss of lightweight structures is always a challenge, especially at low frequencies. The paper deals with application of the moment actuator developed at CTU specifically for active structural acoustic control (ASAC) to the double-layer structure consisting of two metal sheets separated by an air gap. The efficiency of the actuators and the entire system were experimentally tested using various noise signals, particularly low-frequency broadband noise. A comparison of results obtained from application of actuators to the incident plate and to the radiating plate of the double layer structure is presented. The filtered-x LMS algorithm was used in the experimental part of ASAC with promising results in the frequency range from 60 Hz to 200 Hz.

This paper deals with the measurement of the diffusion coefficient of surfaces in anechoic room characterizing the directional uniformity of the sound scattering. The diffusion coefficient is defined in ISO 17497-2. Measurement technique was tested on MLS diffuser of 4th order. Measured results were in good conformity with theoretical assumptions.

One of the dominant research areas in the field of active structural acoustics control (ASAC) is improvement of transmission loss in lightweight structures. The present paper deals with the application of the moment actuator developed for ASAC on a double-panel structure consisting of two metal sheets separated by an air gap. The first experiments show promising results in the frequency range from 60 Hz to 150 Hz.

The paper describes the design, system arrangement, and results evaluation of a dual- channel feed-forward ASAC experiment. As a testing structure, a three dimensional mock-up (machinery casing) excited by polyharmonic signal was used. Sound pressure level measured by two error microphones was employed as an error criterion. The overall system performance was evaluated by means of the total radiated power measured by intensity scanning. Finally, the results are discussed in detail.

Objective parameters for the evaluation of the Rudolfinum concert hall in Prague, Czech Republic are the focus of the present article. The measured results for Reverberation parameters, Energy parameters, Intelligibility parameters, and Spatial parameters of the building's two halls are presented and discussed including a comparison with recommended values or theory, as well as several unique architectural and acoustical qualities of the halls. The early lateral energy fraction parameter is measured by the intensity probe method discussed in the supplement. The performance is verified by tests in anechoic and reverberant rooms.

This paper deals with the theoretical study of extension of the laser scanning vibrometer measurement for reconstruction of acoustic quantities by Nearfield Acoustical Holography (NAH). This approach could be applied in a situation where the direct measurement of source vibration is complicated or impossible. A thin rectangular membrane with reflective coating is inserted in the near field of the source and its normal velocity is measured by a laser scanning vibrometer. Using a model equation considering acoustically induced vibration of the membrane, the original sound field radiated by the source is calculated and used for reconstruction of the normal source velocity. The presented paper presents preliminary theoretical results obtained in a mathematical model of the real situation.

The paper deals with active structural acoustic control of the experimental mock-up (baffled thin plate with mixed boundary conditions). The aim of the experiment is to globally reduce radiated sound pressure level by actions of distributed forces and line moments used as secondary actuators.

Paper deals with reconstruction of sound field sources distribution using Near-fiels Acoustic Holography (NAH) based on elementary wave models.

The paper deals with an effect of a non-equidistant (non-linear) k-space sampling to the particle velocity field reconstructed by the statistically optimized near-field acoustic holography (SONAH).

Recently, listener tests of certain products have shown that the sense of pleasantness is significant in sound quality evaluation. For instance, pleasantness was an attribute frequently selected by subjects in the free word description of vacuum cleaner sounds. However, the relationship between the sense of pleasantness and psychoacoustic metrics is specific for each product. Present predicting models of pleasantness are not always suitable and have certain limitations, hence a new model of pleasantness was developed in our research. The development was based on the evaluation of specific products (vacuum cleaners and computer fans). The new model was then applied in two cases: first, for the evaluation of vacuum cleaners, which strongly correlated with the psychoacoustic metrics. Equally, the new model can be applied to a product for which the correlation coefficients between the standard psychoacoustic metrics and pleasantness were not significant.

For suppression of radiated power various kinds of secondary actuators as shakers, piezoelectric stacks or smart materials can be used. In addition to the force actuators moment actuators can be applied. Piezoceramics based line moment actuators are used in presented experiments. Sound radiation of simple two-dimensional vibrating structure excited by mechanical force(s) is controlled by the moment actuators minimizing radiated power. Description of moment actuator as well as tested structure and achieved experimental results are presented.

The paper deals with strategies of active structural acoustic control, method intensively developed within the last decade. Special interest is dedicated to the sound transmission through thin plate (wall). As the secondary control source moment actuators are selected. Active control is focused on control of radiating modes of the plate.

The paper deals with comparison of two sound absorption measurement methods: handheld p-u probe method and standard Kundt's tube measurement. The p-u probe method represents relatively new and unverified approach for which practical employment repeatability and reliability tests are needed.

The paper deals with in situ measurement of sound absorption in small enclosures, e.g. car interior. The handheld device based on p-u intensity sensor was tested. Basic characteristics of the method with respect to its practical usage were examined. Various types of surfaces were measured and results were compared with other measurement approaches. Applicability of the new method was discussed.

This paper deals with the active structural acoustics control (ASAC) of a thin planar structure vibrating due to an incident sound wave.

This paper deals with the influence of the active structural acoustics control (ASAC) system configuration on the radiation of sound from a vibrating surface.

The paper deals with the design of cell for active structural acoustics control.

The paper deals with Mathematical Modeling of the Element for Active Vibration and Radiation Control.

the paper deals with measurement of the head and torso simulators.

Active control of noise and vibration is a technique suitable mainly for low frequencies for which passive methods are usually inefficient. The approach presented in this paper is based on elementary sources (cells) that change the sound radiation of a structure to the far field by active modification of structure vibrations. The elementary cell uses piezoelectric bending actuators to actuate vibrations of the secondary (active) surface of the cell. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented.

Secondary sound field is created around an obstacle when incidental wave is scattered and diffracted on the obstacle. Having the description of such a secondary sound field is important from technical point of view. For example measuring microphone, which has a cylindrical shape, affects an acoustical field that is measured. Because of this affection we can, for example, consider correction coefficients which can correct a value measured. We would like to propose different possibilities to obtain a description of secondary sound field around a cylindrical obstacle and prepare them for future usage.

The paper deals with the aplications of numerical methods used in acoustics.

The paper deals with the comparison of two configurations of secondary sources ANC system in the headrest of the seat.

The paper deasl with the directional characteristics of the dodecahedron.

Článek prezentuje praktické výsledky lokálního snižování hluku.

Signals of periodically working machines, which were measured, were processed by classical methods of signal processing - Short Time Fourier Transform and Wavelet transform, and by a new method - Order Tracking Analysis. Some characteristics of processed signals and their physical interpretation has been surged. Psychoacoustical tests are in preparation; psychoacoustical indexes will be obtained by usual statistical method. On their basic the suppressions of the most disturbing frequencies will be suggested to improve acoustical properties of tested machines.

Popis konstrukce bezodrazové komory pro akustiku.

Článek popisuje použití IIR filtrů v řícicím členu ANC.

Paper describes method of formation of zones of quiet aroudn artificial head.

Popis jednotky pro rozšíření systému.

Článek popisuje experimenty s lokálním ANC umístěným do podhlavníku sedačky.

Článek pojednává o využití IIR filtrů ve čtyřkanálovém ANC systém v potrubí.

Paper describes practical experiences with usage of IIR filters

Paper describes identification method for IIR modeling in ANC

Článek se zabývá identifikací a realizací sekundárních a zpětnovazebních cest v systému aktivního snižování hluku.

The paper discussed possibilities of four-channel ANC sytem in a duct

Članek popisuje praktickou realizaci dvoukanálového ANc v potrubí

Článek popisuje použití DSP v ANC

Članek popisuje aplikaci x-lms ve frekvenční oblasti v potrubí

The paper sumarize possible methods in interior and exterior noise control in cars.

The paper demonstrates the possibility of usage X-LMS in transform domain for ANC.

The paper describes active off-line identification of ANC systems.