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BBC RD 1990/15

60th
ANNIVERSARY
YEAR
1930 1990

Research
Department
Report

THE DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF


MODULAR, ACOUSTIC DIFFUSING
ELEMENTS
R. Walker, B.Sc.(Eng)., C.Eng., M.I.E.E.

Research Department, Engineering Division


THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION
BBC RD 1990/15

THE DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF MODULAR,


ACOUSTIC DIFFUSING ELEMENTS

R. Walker, B.Sc.(Eng.)., C.Eng., M.I.E.E.

Summary

The requirements for and the advantages of a modular acoustic diffusing element
are described. This module was intended to complement the existing range of acoustic
absorbing elements already in widespread use. The theoretical background to the
principles is summarised, based on the published work of M.R. Schroeder, and a design
for such a module is discussed. The performance of the resulting prototype set of
modular diffusers and the outcome of some field trials are described. The main difficulty,
that of finding economic methods of manufacture, is also discussed.

Index terms: Acoustics; acoustic treatment

Issued under the Authority of

Research Department, Engineering Division


BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION Head of Research Department

(PH-305) 1990
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