Using acoustics and vibrations to teach experimental concepts and technical communications

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2015-04, Vol.137 (4_Supplement), p.2289-2289
• Main Authors: Ryan, Teresa J., Turo, Diego, Vignola, Joseph F., Judge, John A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0001-4966; 1520-8524
• DOI: 10.1121/1.4920356

This work describes an experience-based conceptual course in vibrations and acoustics. This one-hour course is designed with the goal of framing general experimental issues, interpreting experimental results, and developing technical communication skills in engineering by way of acoustics and vibrations experiments. Like other laboratory experiences, the goal is to support the skill of making the connection between experimental results and the physical system. Unlike other courses offered at East Carolina University and The Catholic University of America, the primary learning objectives are those connections and technical communication skills rather than the acoustics and vibrations content. Experimental issues explored include error, repeatability, linearity, uncertainty, and general experimental design. This particular set of acoustics and vibrations experiments is well suited to this purpose because they do not require extensive laboratory infrastructure, they are inherently safe, and they use commonplace tools. These tools include a speaker, microphone, and accelerometer, which the students already have as part of their laptop and/or smartphone. These tools, along with a copy of MATLAB, provide the opportunity to perform a wide array of experiments, which can illustrate sophisticated concepts using these basic, familiar items.