Sound field determination and projection effects using laser vibrometry

Sound measurements using laser vibrometry have the advantage that field measurement can be obtained through scanning. It is a non-contact method that provides both qualitative and quantitative information. However, it must be noted that the measurement is an integral along the path of the probing beam. Some effects of this projection are investigated both through measurements and calculations. The sound field calculations are made from measured surface vibrations and they are in good agreement with the measured sound field. The calculations show that the projections very much depend on parameters such as integral depth, or probing depth, and the orientation of the sources. In addition to this, the calculated, or measured, amplitude experiences an enhancement which depends on the wavelength and the distance from the sound source. This enhancement can even result in increasing amplitude with distance. Even though this makes the quantitative data obtained not trustworthy, it is a benefit for the qualitative results which become clearer.