Research
Research as conducted by Level Acoustics & Vibration revolves around the continuous development of new building concepts and computational or experimental methods. The research is done in close cooperation with industrial partners, the research chair Building Acoustics of the TU/e and various other (international) research partners. The Echo Acoustics Laboratory is one of the facilities that are used in the research.
The research is often part of a ongoing building project, where the project acts as the first prototype. Measurements and predictions are used to verify and optimise the required performance. Such activities are often part of our consultancy work.
Aim
The aim of our research is twofold:
- It supports fundamental research on the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the production, propagation and perception of sound and vibrations in the built environment.
- It offers researchers and designers tools to integrate and optimize acoustics for a sustainable (re)design of the built environment and technical innovations therein.
Herewith, we strive to contribute to the reduction of adverse health effects caused by human induced noise, and to promote positively perceived sound environments. Our strong ties with the academic and business community result in high-grade research opportunities.
See our topics below to find more information on the research projects that we have been or are involved in.
Building Acoustics
- Development of lightweight building concepts such as building with wood (e.g. CLT) and building with steel structures, both newly build and renovation.
- Control of low frequency sound transfer in music halls with amplified sound.
- New calculation models for predicting the sound and vibration transfer in lightweight building structures.
Room Acoustics
- Room acoustics of large spaces such as concert spaces, atria and sports halls. Also controlling noise levels in such spaces.
- Development of (circular) sound absorption materials.
- Sound transfer and floor plan concepts in offices. Also optimising sound insulation of free standing cabinets/pods.
Vibration
- Vibration and low frequency in buildings caused by railroads and passing helicopters in close proximity.
- Reduction of vibrations caused by walking in lightweight buildings.
- Dynamic vibrational behavior of building structures and the effective use of anti-vibration mounts/applications.
Some of the calculation models developed by Level Acoustics & Vibration are distributed by our subsidiary Level.Tools.
Some of our contributions to (inter)national research projects:
- SONORUS The urban sound planner: ITN Marie-Curie with TU Eindhoven (Booklet)
- BEZO acoustics in nursing homes: SIA RAAK project i.s.m. Hogeschool Utrecht (journal paper)
- Stage acoustics and sound exposure in performance and rehearsal spaces for orchestras (website): NWO with TU Eindhoven
- ACOUTECT PhD training network on building acoustics (website): ITN Marie-Curie with TU Eindhoven
- Ancient Acoustics: research in Greek amphitheaters (Video)
- Grip on Sound in sports halls: SIA RAAK project with Fontys Hogescholen (conference paper)
- A new era of room acoustics simulation software: NWO with TU Eindhoven (website)