Acoustics is the science that studies sound, noise, vibrations, and their applications in medicine, construction, industry, production, and the environment. Let DASM guide you through the fundamental knowledge of acoustics in the following article.
What is Acoustics?
By definition, acoustics is a branch of physics and technology that studies audible phenomena arising from the propagation of waves in space. Originally, acoustics focused only on waves traveling through the air. Today, it has expanded to include inaudible phenomena such as infrasound, ultrasound, and vibrations that affect the human body and buildings.
Applications of modern acoustics
Modern acoustics does not only study music or sound in concert halls, but also:
+ Measuring noise at workplaces and in the environment.
+ Creating acoustic maps of cities.
+ Measuring vibrations and analyzing their effects on human health and structures.
+ Designing spaces to ensure acoustic comfort for people.
What is noise?
Noise is defined as “loud and disturbing sounds.” These unwanted sounds can come from:
+ Factories and production facilities.
+ Highways, railways, airports.
+ Clubs, bars, and industrial machinery.
Effects of long-term noise exposure
+ Hearing loss or occupational deafness.
+ Sleep disorders, stress, irritability.
+ Vibration syndrome affecting the nervous and circulatory systems.
Two types of noise in acoustics
1) Acoustic noise
This type includes all the sounds we hear and find annoying. These are mainly airborne sounds. These unwanted sounds directly affects our auditory system. Measurement typically uses a sound level meter with a microphone.
2) Vibration noise
Vibration noise can damage building structures. Humans can perceive vibrations by hearing or by touch when in contact with vibrating surfaces. Excessive exposure can cause vibration disease, circulatory and nervous system problems. Measurement uses vibration meters and vibration transducers.
How to measure noise and vibration
Common equipment includes:
+ Sound level meters
+ Vibration meters
Common parameters:
+ LAeq – equivalent sound level with A-weighting.
+ Reverberation time
+ Sound insulation of walls and ceilings
+ Speech intelligibility in theaters and opera houses
Environmental noise
In Vietnam, environmental noise is regulated under the Law on Environmental Protection, with routine and ad hoc measurements carried out by the Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). Main sources include traffic and industrial unwanted sound.
Industrial noise
Originates from machinery and production equipment.
Dangerous to operators and the environment.
Typically measured by Sound Power Level of machines.
Machine diagnostics via vibration
Well-functioning machines generally generate less unwanted sound than faulty ones. Vibration measurements help diagnose technical conditions, detect faults, and enable timely maintenance.
Noise and vibration at workplaces
Noise threshold (per TCVN): 85 dB for 8 hours.
Hand-arm vibrations: 2.5 m/s².
Whole-body vibrations: 0.5 m/s².
Workers have the right to request compensation or workplace adjustments if limits are exceeded.
Acoustic comfort in offices
Open-space offices often experience interference from other workstations.
Solutions: Acoustic wall panels, acoustic ceilings, sound-absorrbing foam , Sonic wall panels, Remak@ SoundOFF Barrier panels.
Traffic noise
Main sources: trains, cars, airplanes, seaports.
Causes high sound levels and vibrations that affect structures.
Solutions: noise barriers and natural acoustic barriers (trees, earth mounds).
Eco-Acoustics
Studies sound in natural environments: seas, oceans, and wildlife habitats.
Analyzes the impact of noise on wildlife.
Develops urban soundscapes.
Building and architectural acoustics
Soundproofing walls, ceilings, doors, and floors in residential and commercial buildings.
Legal regulations define minimum acoustic insulation standards.
Beyond objective measurements, psychoacoustics studies subjective sound perception.
Psychoacoustics
Studies the relationship between sound waves reaching the ear and the listener’s subjective experience.
Sounds can be pleasant to some but irritating to others.
Acoustics in medicine
Measuring vocal cord vibrations to diagnose voice disorders.
Ultrasound for diagnosing lung and cardiovascular diseases.
Electroacoustics
Combines electronics and acoustics.
Converts acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa.
Applications: microphones, speakers, vibration sensors, recording, playback, and transmission of sound.
Acoustics in music and entertainment
Applied in designing recording studios, theaters, and opera houses.
Optimizes sound for concerts, stage setup, and public address systems.
Enhances the listening and performance experience.
Practical applications in daily life
Interior design to reduce loud sound – using appropriate soundproofing materials (meeting rooms, study rooms, server rooms, HVAC systems).
Reduce reverberation time with acoustic materials.
Isolate noisy equipment.
Acoustics is an interdisciplinary science that not only studies the nature of sound but also provides practical solutions for medicine, construction, environment, and human life.
Contact DASM – International standard acoustic services
DASM is a pioneering institution in acoustics research and applications in Vietnam, with laboratories accredited by VILAS to international standards.
Services provided by DASM:
+ Acoustic testing, surveys, and assessment.
+ Noise and vibration measurements at workplaces, factories, and buildings.
+ Acoustic consulting and design compliant with TCVN and international standards.
+ Sound design and simulation.
+ Noise and vibration monitoring.
+ Professional reporting for inspection, legal compliance, and improving workplace environments.
Contact DASM for consultation, measurement, and professional acoustic solutions ensuring safety, health, and production efficiency for your business and projects.
