Research group

Acoustics Group

Speakers

We explore the science and real-world application of acoustics. Our research includes underwater acoustics, aeroacoustics, and virtual acoustics.

Part of Engineering

About

We've worked with industry partners to discover the implications for areas like science, the ecosystem and quality of life.  

Ultrasonics and underwater acoustics (UAUA)  

  
At the UAUA we take projects from science to real-world use. Our work brings together a range of different specialisms and our areas of focus include:  

  • exploring how a waterfall might sound on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and whether this could benefit the Cassini-Huygens probe mission  
  • studying how dolphins think, and how this knowledge could help us protect shipping  
  • producing 3D pictures of shipwrecks, allowing archaeological research without disturbing a wreck  

  
Biomedical and high-power ultrasonics  
   

We research a range of biomedical issues, such as how we can use ultrasound to change chemical reactions. This can help industries become cleaner and more efficient.  

Our research has led to developments in many areas, including:  

  • a 'smart stethoscope' to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound in destroying kidney stones  
  • an ultrasound system to detect osteoporosis and the general health of bone  
  • a method for assessing muscle quality using ultrasound  

  
Aeroacoustics and nonlinear acoustics 

 
Our programme of research in aeroacoustics includes exploring how to reduce aircraft noise. This noise affects the quality of life of those who live near airports, and is an environmental barrier to the growth of commercial aviation.  
 
We've focused on:  

  • the design of acoustic liners to reduce noise from intake and bypass ducts  
  • the development of improved models for jet noise  
  • developing and exploiting measurement techniques for rig and full-scale engine noise testing 

Research highlights

People, projects and publications

People

Mrs Kerry Barker

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Using different methodologies to identify hearing tasks within a specific workforce.Response times to speech stimuli.
Connect with Kerry

Dr Long Wu PhD, BEng

Research Fellow
Connect with Long

Dr Matthew Wright

Professorial Fellow (Education)

Research interests

  • Musical instrument acoustics
  • Thermoviscous acoustics
  • Computer-enhanced learning

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Matthew

Dr Michal Kalkowski PhD

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Non-destructive testing
  • Material characterisation and imaging with ultrasound
  • Guided waves

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Michal

Dr Mihai Orita

Research Fellow

Research interests

  • mathematical modelling and algorithms
  • physical acoustics
  • spatial audio
Connect with Mihai

Mr Nara Hahn

Senior Research Assistant

Research interests

  • array signal processing
  • sound field synthesis
  • spatial sound capture/reproduction
Connect with Nara

Dr Paul Murray

Principal Research Fellow

Research interests

  • Research into Aero Engine Acoustic Liner Optimisation, Manufacture and Test, and Engine Noise Source Generation/Propagation
Connect with Paul

Professor Paul White

Prof of Statistical Signal Processing

Research interests

  • Paul has research interests which include signal processing, underwater acoustics and bioacoustics (the way animals, especially marine mammals, use sound). He is primarily concerned with developing tools to assist in the computer-aided analysis of underwater sounds and understanding the role of those sounds in the marine environment.
  • Acoustics, in the form of sonar, is an important tool for the exploration of the marine environment. It is used by the seismic industry to locate oil and gas reserves, by the military to detect objects, by oceanographers to make measurements and by marine mammals to survive.
  • Man-made underwater acoustic systems rely upon computers to process the data coming from sensors to interpret the environment. The processing methods within the computer systems are a critical component often defining the overall success of the instrument.
Connect with Paul

Professor Philip Nelson CBE FREng

Professor of Acoustics
Connect with Philip
My main research area is the numerical studies of aircraft engine fan noise propagation and radiation and acoustic liner design, optimisation and predictions.
Senior Research Fellow