Theoretical Acoustics

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives:

The objective of the course is to provide an introduction to principles and methods in theoretical acoustics/ultrasonics, with emphasis on physical mechanisms, laws, relationships, and relevant mathematical methods/models. The course shall convey an understanding of central mathematical methods in acoustics, in areas that are relevant in practical applications of acoustics and ultrasound, in gases, liquids, and solid media.

Contents:

The course gives a theoretically oriented extension of PHYS271 and addresses key methods and approaches that are important in practical applications of acoustics and ultrasonics. It addresses parts of the classical theory of diffraction and sound radiation, sound scattering from simple objects (spheres, bubbles) and volume scatterers, waveguides in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media, basic acoustic ray and normal mode theory, Kramers-Krönig causality relations in non-ideal fluids, basic tensor algebra, basic elasticity theory for isotropic and anisotropic solids, and linear sound propagation in elastic materials. The course constitutes a theoretical fundament for further studies in experimental and theoretical acoustics, within a number of application areas (such as marine acoustics, medical ultrasound, petroleum acoustics, piezoelectric transducers, finite element modelling (FEM) of sound propagation in solid media, etc.).

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student shall have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general expertise:

Knowledge:

  • Explain key concepts, physical mechanisms and theoretical models for sound in gases and liquids: sound radiation, sound propagation in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media, diffraction, scattering, causality relations.
  • Explain key concepts, physical mechanisms and theoretical models for sound in elastic media (solids): basic tensor algebra, basic elasticity theory for isotropic and anisotropic solid media, and linear sound propagation in elastic materials.

Skills:

  • Use physical laws, relationships and mathematical methods to solve relatively advanced problems in acoustics.
  • Use common mathematical models and metods for description of radiation and propagation of sound waves in gases, liquids, and solid media.

General expertise:

  • The studenthas a good understanding of common approaches and theoretical methods used in acoustics / ultrasound, with emphasis on physical mechanisms, laws, relationships, and mathematical models/methods that are important in practical applications of acoustics and ultrasound, in gases, liquids, and solid media.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Fall

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
PHYS271 or similar knowledge in acoustics
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
For registering at the course there is a requirement of study right related to a master programme or the PhD education at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and that the requirements for previous knowledge are fulfilled.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
It is mandatory to attend first lecture
Forms of Assessment
Oral exam
Grading Scale
The grading scale used for the exam is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, and grade F is fail.
Assessment Semester
Exam is arranged every semester.
Reading List
The literature list is to be ready within June 1 for education in the autumn semester, and will be published at MittUiB, under «Files»..
Course Evaluation
The students shall evaluate the course as prescribed by the quality assurance system of UiB and the department.
Examination Support Material
None
Course Coordinator
Professor Per Lunde