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Research at the University of Bradford has resulted in more accurate and efficient predictions of traffic sound propagation and faster determination of sound reflection effects, enabling more effective design and positioning of noise barriers. Software derived from our research is used in 40 countries to map traffic noise and plan evidence-based targeting of Noise Reduction Devices (NRDs), thus increasing efficiency and sustainability. Beneficiaries include the public, through improved quality of life from reduced noise pollution from transport and wind turbine sound, and governments and public administrations through policy tools to influence noise management. The reach of our research is demonstrated by its incorporation into national and EU-wide policy and guidance on sustainability in design and use of NRDs.
Research undertaken at the University of Manchester (UoM) considers the association between aircraft noise, human health and everyday life. In partnership with an eminent Japanese acoustic scientist, the issue of noise emanating out of the Kadena US airbase (Okinawa Island) and Tokyo Narita Airport was addressed through the creation of an innovative exhibition. The key impact is that local government officials in Japan used the exhibition to enhance their own and citizen groups' understanding of acoustic science. This has helped to breach a long-standing impasse in negotiations over aircraft noise, involving citizens, local authorities, the military and the private sector. In addition, the research has been utilised by the makers of a leading sound-monitoring device (Nittobo), and the multimedia exhibition has been displayed and discussed outside Japan.
In response to many EU directives (e.g. 89/629/EEC, 2002/30/EC), and to the threat of financial penalties, the aircraft industry has long considered it a matter of the utmost importance to develop tools for the reduction of aircraft noise. Chapman's ray theory of aeroengine noise, created and developed in 1994-2000, provided such a tool. The impact of this work has extended through aircraft industry giants such as Rolls-Royce to consumers and the general public worldwide, because of its influence on the design of quieter aircraft.
Following application of the same theory to broadband underwater acoustics, the impact now extends to the government's plans for the next generation of nuclear submarines. This is a £25 billion project to design and build the Successor class, to replace the Vanguard class of Trident submarines. Chapman's ray theory has been used in the current Assessment Phase leading to Main Gate in 2016, when the Government will decide on production.
Theoretical and experimental research on urban sound environments has been carried out by Professor Kang and his team at the University of Sheffield since 1999. This includes acoustic theories and models for urban sound propagation, soundscape theory and framework, and acoustic theories for sustainable building elements. Consequently, they have developed design guides/ tools that have become common standards in professional practice; invented sustainable low-noise products that have led to commercial outputs; organised networks and workshops that have set up the practice agenda for designing better urban sound environments; and delivered keynote presentations to international audiences of planning professionals and government policy-making organisations.
Work at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) has led to a sophisticated new understanding of a number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) problems in acoustics. The effects are wide ranging, attracting heavyweight industry sponsors and driving valuable new innovations in home entertainment, construction, aviation and defence. In particular, research has led to the deployment of new "active" methods for controlling noise and vibration within aircraft. Systems have been installed in over 200 propeller aircraft since January 2008, giving a total number of 1000 aircraft treated to date and benefitting 177 million passengers worldwide. Noise reduction systems based on patents resulting from the unique ISVR methods are being developed for maritime use by BAE Systems. The underpinning science has significantly cut the cost of noise tests on Rolls-Royce jet engines, saving US$4 million to date and reducing their environmental impact. It has led to the development of mass-produced systems for living-room 3D sound, global sales of which have reached US$7.2 million.
Research at the University of Southampton's Airbus Noise Technology Centre (ANTC) and the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Gas Turbine Noise has given Airbus and Rolls-Royce tools to understand, predict and reduce noise pollution from commercial aircraft, ensuring that they are on track to meet the EU's stringent noise reduction targets, and maintaining their competitive edge over key rivals Boeing, GE and Pratt and Whitney. The implementation of new low-noise technology from Southampton has already begun to benefit the millions of people who live near our busiest airports (250,000 within the inner 57dBA Leq contour at Heathrow alone).
In research that challenges the dichotomy of music/ noise, Drever has investigated the properties and subjective effects of the high volumes produced by ultrafast hand dryers, finding that it is highly aversive for vulnerable groups including people with dementia, sensory impairments, and autistic spectrum disorders, in some cases exacerbating their social avoidance. These effects have been communicated to the public, industry professionals, and policymakers through a combination of creative art works and presentations of the research findings in varied public settings. They have been widely reported in the international media, via both general interest and specialist publications and programmes. He has worked closely with the UK's Noise Abatement Society and with industrial designers, who have welcomed his input to helping them improve hand dryer design.
Applied acoustics in the built environment and its broader uptake is focused on the development and commercial adoption of techniques and technologies resulting from research in applied acoustics, demonstrating the following impact:
Research by the University of Southampton into reducing railway noise has a created new technology that has allowed railway networks in Europe and Australia to be expanded, while preserving citizens' quality of life. Under a licence agreement with Tata Steel, patented rail dampers have been fitted on around 155 km of track in 16 countries and proved critical to a new route in New South Wales. They have enabled operators to save tens of millions of pounds that would have been spent on expensive noise barriers, and earned Tata Steel significant amounts in sales and the University in royalties [exact figures removed for publication]. Follow-on research funding of £2M from EU and EPSRC.
Reduction of unpleasant ambient noise during MRI has been enabled through innovative engineering solutions developed at the Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research (MRC IHR). Intellectual property was licensed to Optoacoustics Ltd and the resulting OptoActive™ active noise-cancelling headphones for MRI are the only one of their type commercially available, enabling free conversation between patients and clinicians. The product was formally launched in September 2012 and has worldwide sales including in the USA, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.