Acoustic

The Acoustical Metrology Programme covers the provision and development of standardised methods and techniques associated with the measurement of sound in air, water and water-like media and solids to meet identified needs in the UK private and public sectors.

The objectives of the programme are:

  • to provide and develop national measurement standards in the fields of airborne acoustics, underwater acoustics and ultrasonics at levels consistent with the current and future needs of UK industry, national and local government and the health service and make them accessible to customers in as practical and economic a form as possible
  • to ensure that UK measurement standards in acoustics are harmonised with those of the UK's trading partners, through comparisons and collaborative research leading to mutual recognition
  • to develop innovative new methods of measurement for sound, noise and ultrasound to meet the needs of UK stakeholders and to promote international standardisation of these methods to ensure consistency in practical measurements, especially where these are used for regulatory or trading purposes
  • to promote knowledge transfer to UK stakeholders through the provision of technical support and advice to UK organisations and individuals engaged in acoustical measurement and the implementation of good measurement practice.

The current Acoustical Metrology Programme runs from October 2004 to September 2007 and addresses the four technical themes outlined below:

Standards for Air-Borne and Audiological Acoustics
Primary measurement standards for sound in air
Working standard microphones
Sound level meters and calibrators
Ear simulators and hearing aid testing

Standards for Underwater Acoustics
Standards for hydrophone calibration
Standards for underwater acoustic field characterisation
Standards for simulated ocean conditions

Standards for Medical And Industrial Ultrasonics
Ultrasonic pressure standards
Ultrasonic power standards
Ultrasonic characterisation, quantification of ultrasound dose, and field measurements
High power ultrasound and acoustic cavitation

Acoustical Standards Research
Methods towards traceable measurement in acoustic emission
New generation acoustical standards
New generation acoustical measuring instruments (see www.npl.co.uk/acoustics/research/mems/
Improved methods for quantifying noise emission from machines and products
Improved methods of quantifying air-borne noise emission

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