Abstract:

The use of resonators to control the acoustic transmission is of great relevance for both room and environmental acoustics and for sound filtering. For this reason it is desirable that students of a Master in Acoustic Engineering are able to design acoustic elements that contain resonators. However, the theoretical study of these devices usually involves mathematical equations that are often beyond the reach of our students without an adequate scientific training. In our opinion, an appropriate strategy to approach the understanding of the acoustic behavior of resonators is the visualization of the resonance phenomenon using numerical modeling techniques. It is therefore important to model and to simulate the elements under study and, if possible, to compare them with experimental results obtained in practical sessions.

In this paper, we present the modeling of the acoustic behavior of resonators both (Helmholtz and other types) by using the Finite Element Method (FEM), where it is possible to incorporate the same features and materials used in practical cases. With these models, developed using COMSOL Multiphysics, students can visualize the physic involved in resonators, the characteristics of wave phenomena, and also they can check the wave field differences obtained when the main parameters of the resonator are changed.

Thus, this paper describes a practical session of the subject ‘Environmental Acoustics’ focused on the characterization of resonators. The practice session considered carries out a new contextualization, where the student takes an active role in adjusting the learning process of their personal abilities. Different types of real resonators, isolated or forming arrays, in 2D and 3D dimensions, are uploaded as teaching resource support in digital format to the e-learning platform of the university (PoliformaT). The development of this platform implemented in the UPV facilitates the use of these new teaching models which combine the traditional on-site laboratory assignments with other learning assignments conducted autonomously on-line by students.

Keywords:

Modelling, acoustic waves, resonator, e-learning platform, Finite element method, Learning and Teaching Methodologies.