Acoustics

This course covers the physical interfaces and the specific tools of the Acoustics Module added to the main COMSOL Multiphysics installation.

The Acoustics Module is used to model the acoustic behavior of a variety of products and structures. It is used to study and predict factors such as sound quality and noise reduction performance in devices involving acoustic phenomena. It provides specialized acoustic and vibration tools for applications such as: loudspeakers, mobile devices, microphones, silencers, sensors, probes, ultrasonic flowmeters, auditoriums, etc. Multiphysics capabilities allow coupling with other physical areas and phenomena such as structural mechanics, piezoelectricity and fluid flow. This multiphysics environment is extended by several specific numerical methods, including the finite element method (FEM), the boundary element method (BEM), ray tracing and the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (dG- FEM).

We will start with an overview of the basic concepts of acoustics, including the different constitutive equations and the different boundary conditions. We will then explore and practice their implementation in modeling using the available physics interfaces. We will also look in depth at multiphysics couplings, including the important case of structure-acoustics interaction.

    • Introduction to acoustic modeling.
    • Fundamental theory of acoustics.
    • Basic methods and functionalities of acoustic modeling.
    • The pressure acoustic interfaces.
    • The elastic wave interface.
    • The ultrasound interface.
    • Thermoviscous and aeracoustic interfaces.
    • The geometric and pipe acoustics interfaces.
    • Structure-acoustic interaction.

Image made using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software and provided by courtesy of COMSOL.

Acoustics

A focused course on acoustic modeling, COMSOL Multiphysics interfaces and practical simulation of sound, vibration and wave propagation.

ECTS credits

4.5 ECTS

Teaching hours

13 hours

Instructor

Department of Applied Physics
Polytechnic University of Valencia
The course is taught within the Structural Mechanics & Acoustics track, connecting acoustic theory with practical simulation workflows.

Course overview

This course covers the physical interfaces and the specific tools of the Acoustics Module added to the main COMSOL Multiphysics installation.

The Acoustics Module is used to model the acoustic behavior of a variety of products and structures, and to study factors such as sound quality and noise reduction performance in devices involving acoustic phenomena.

The module provides specialized acoustic and vibration tools for applications such as loudspeakers, mobile devices, microphones, silencers, sensors, probes, ultrasonic flowmeters and auditoriums.

The course starts with an overview of the basic concepts of acoustics, including constitutive equations and boundary conditions, then explores their implementation through the available physics interfaces and multiphysics couplings.

Specialized acoustics tools include pressure acoustics, elastic waves, ultrasound, thermoviscous and aeroacoustic interfaces, geometric and pipe acoustics, and structure-acoustic interaction.

Image made using the COMSOL Multiphysics software and provided by courtesy of COMSOL.

Syllabus

Module 01

Basic concepts in acoustic modeling

  • Introduction to acoustic modeling.
  • Fundamental theory of acoustics.
  • Basic methods and functionalities of acoustic modeling.
Module 02

Physics interfaces for acoustics

  • Pressure acoustic interfaces.
  • Elastic wave interface.
  • Ultrasound interface.
  • Thermoviscous and aeroacoustic interfaces.
  • Geometric and pipe acoustics interfaces.
  • Structure-acoustic interaction.

Explore acoustic modeling as part of the MMS Master.

Continue reviewing the curriculum or visit the teaching team behind the program.