Computational modeling in architectural acoustics

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the building-related applications in environmental acoustics. It outlines the computational methods adopted in room acoustics simulation applications and explains the variety and utility of numeric performance indicators in room acoustics. A common approach to evaluate the acoustics of rooms involves the computation of the values of relevant room acoustical performance indicators and their comparison with recommended values. Sound propagation in rooms may be modeled in different ways. Given a specific inquiry, criteria such as room size, features, and critical frequency range, computational capacity, and necessary level of precision are among the factors that may give one method an advantage over another. A common way to explore the validity of a simulation tool is to conduct a round robin test, whereby multiple developers simulate the same (real) object independently.