Research Activities

EALKU's research activities are classified into two categories: (A) studies of physical acoustic phenomena, which occur in propagation from a sound source to a receiving point, and (B) studies on psychological events that are caused by sound signals incident into human ears.

(A) Theoretical analysis of sound fields and acoustic properties of building materials

1. Studies on acoustic properties of building materials

Acoustic properties of boundary surfaces of sound field, indoor or outdoor, are vital for designing acoustic environment. Designing a concert auditorium is a typical example: one should know the acoustic properties of all surfaces in it including not only walls, ceiling and floor but also sound reflectors, stage shells etc.

We have been studying acoustic properties of elastic plates, membrane materials and porous materials to clarify the effect of vibration of the material itself on its acoustic properties, to provide useful information for design, and to find a possibility of developing new acoustic materials.

2. Prediction and control of structure-borne sound radiation

Structure-borne sound problem has become more important with recent development of building facilities and concentration in apartments in urban area. In EALKU the generation, propagation and radiation of structure-borne sound are studied with theoretical models. We concentrate the prediction and control of sound radiation from double-leaf walls composed of an interior and an exterior leaves. As a related problem, elevated structure noise, which is radiated from a plate-girder in an elevated motorway, is also our recent research subject.

(B) Subjective evaluation of room acoustic environment and psychoacoustics

1. Studies on acoustic environment in public spaces

Acoustics can be more important in a public space, which we often use in our daily life, such as railway stations, airport terminals, shopping malls and large department house. In these spaces, not only amenity but also conveyance of important information, such as an emergency announcement, flight information, etc, must be ensured. We have been studying the acoustic environment of public spaces from this point of view.