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Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls

Linking Room Acoustic Subjective Perception and Objective Metrics

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Quantifying The Just Noticeable Difference Of Reverberation Time With Band-Limited Noise Centered Around 1000 Hz Using A Transformed Up-Down Adaptive Method, Matthew G. Blevins, Adam T. Buck, Zhao Peng, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Quantifying The Just Noticeable Difference Of Reverberation Time With Band-Limited Noise Centered Around 1000 Hz Using A Transformed Up-Down Adaptive Method, Matthew G. Blevins, Adam T. Buck, Zhao Peng, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

This study seeks to quantify the just noticeable difference (JND) of reverberation time (RT) using band-limited noise. ISO 3382-1 lists the JND of reverberation metrics at 5% based on work by Seraphim (1958). However, others have found the JND of RT to be higher from 6% to 39%. Many of these studies utilized band-limited stimuli, e.g. speech, music motifs and bandlimited noise. A previous study by the authors conducted on 30 subjects using white noise demonstrated a JND of RT at 22%. To further verify these results and investigate potential upward frequency masking, the present study was conducted following the …


Rating Low Levels Of Ambient Noise In Performing Arts Facilities, Lily M. Wang, Brent A. Kraay Jun 2014

Rating Low Levels Of Ambient Noise In Performing Arts Facilities, Lily M. Wang, Brent A. Kraay

Lily M Wang

Previous studies have indicated that common indoor noise rating metrics, such as Noise Criteria NC and Room Criteria RC, do not best correlate to human perceptions of annoyance and distraction in typical office environments. Based on investigations conducted at the University of Nebraska using noise levels between 30 – 60 dBA, the author has proposed that an effective indoor noise rating method should begin with a rating of level (either dBA or sones), then an assessment of spectral quality, tones, and fluctuations. How well would such a system work at very low levels of ambient noise, though, as found in …


Binaural Room Impulse Response Database Acquired From A Variable Acoustics Classroom, Zhao Peng, Siu Kit Lau, Lily M. Wang, Sean Browne, Kenneth P. Roy Jun 2014

Binaural Room Impulse Response Database Acquired From A Variable Acoustics Classroom, Zhao Peng, Siu Kit Lau, Lily M. Wang, Sean Browne, Kenneth P. Roy

Lily M Wang

Room measurements were conducted in a variable acoustics classroom mockup space (epod) at Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Binaural room impulse responses were measured in the epod using a head and torso simulator. Five reverberation time (RT) scenarios were achieved with various combinations of absorptive wall panels and acoustical ceiling tile. These provided a range of mid-frequency RTs from 0.4 to 1.1 seconds. Three of the five RT scenarios were achieved using two different material configurations to also consider material location effects. For each of the eight material configurations, two student-teacher orientations were tested. One orientation had all …


Performance Review Of Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica Eileen Bowden Jun 2014

Performance Review Of Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica Eileen Bowden

Lily M Wang

Currently there are a number of indoor noise criteria used to quantify the level of background noise in rooms, including Noise Criteria (NC), Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB), Room Criteria (RC), Room Criteria Mark II (RC Mark II) and others. This paper reviews the pros and cons of each of these and then compares the values measured in existing classrooms in the Omaha area. The authors are in the process of subjectively comparing these various criteria to determine which method best correlates with human perception. The subjective testing methods and preliminary results are discussed.


Ab-10-019: Human Performance And Perception-Based Evaluations Of Indoor Noise Criteria For Rating Mechanical System Noise With Time-Varying Fluctuations (1322-Rp), Lily M. Wang, Cathleen C. Novak Jun 2014

Ab-10-019: Human Performance And Perception-Based Evaluations Of Indoor Noise Criteria For Rating Mechanical System Noise With Time-Varying Fluctuations (1322-Rp), Lily M. Wang, Cathleen C. Novak

Lily M Wang

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of noise from building mechanical systems with time-varying fluctuations on human task performance and perception, and to determine how well current indoor noise rating methods account for this performance and perception. Six different noise conditions with varying degrees of time-varying fluctuations, many focused in the low frequency rumble region, were reproduced in an office-like setting. Thirty participants were asked to complete typing, grammatical reasoning, and math tasks plus subjective questionnaires, while being exposed for approximately one hour to each noise condition. Results show that the noise conditions with higher sound …


Appropriate Characterization Of Background Noise Levels In The Workplace, Erica E. Bowden, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Appropriate Characterization Of Background Noise Levels In The Workplace, Erica E. Bowden, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

Overall loudness is not the only quality of indoor background noise that affects occupants. The distribution of noise across frequency (pitch), whether or not the noise contains tones, and whether or not the noise changes over time must also be considered. There are several indoor noise criteria systems available to quantify the background noise in rooms, but many of them do not account for these factors. These systems are commonly used by architects and engineers, and often incorporated into manufacturer’s data, design guides, and standards. There is much debate over which of the criteria systems best reflect how occupants will …


Implications Of Human Performance And Perception Under Tonal Noise Conditions On Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica E. Ryherd Jun 2014

Implications Of Human Performance And Perception Under Tonal Noise Conditions On Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica E. Ryherd

Lily M Wang

This research investigated differences in task performance and perception under six non-time-varying ventilation-type background noise spectra with differing tonality. The results were related to five indoor noise criteria systems: Noise Criteria (NC), Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB), Room Criteria (RC), Room Criteria Mark II (RC-Mark II), and the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq). These criteria systems are commonly used in the U.S. building industry, but concerns exist over whether they are appropriate for all noise situations. Thirty test subjects completed three types of performance tasks (typing, reasoning, and math) and answered questions about their perception of the indoor environment under …