Acoustic research at the National University of Singapore

Noise pollution is a major problem in many major cities in particular a small island state like Singapore with residential buildings very close to the major trunk roads and expressways. There are therefore increased interest in designs and solutions that will contribute to better sonic ambience. In this presentation, I will focus on the recent research and investigation in related to sonic crystals, acoustic metamaterials, noise barriers, and soundscape. The focus on sonic crystal research is on the use of sonic crystals in the form of sonic windows and sonic cage that would provide noise mitigation in addition to natural ventilation and day light. The design would also include the incorporation of Helmholtz’s resonators, labyrinth and micro-perforated features into the sonic crystal structures. The focus on acoustic metamaterials would be on ventilated acoustic meta-structures incorporating Helmholtz’s resonators and labyrinth or coiled-up space features. For soundscape research, a novel calibration method has been put forward for making the typical smartphone to be accurate enough as a sound level meter for the measurement of environmental noise. Some studies in terms of cabin noise of subway systems, aircraft cabins, high speed trains would be presented.