On the use of scale models for small-scale acoustic applications

Scale modeling approaches have been commonly used for architectural acoustic problems but applications outside of that field are limited. Acoustic scale modeling theory is reviewed and small-scale applications, such as information technology equipment, are considered. Two test cases are used to examine the feasibility of the approach. These include 1) the positioning of a sound absorber over a small well and 2) transmission loss through long parallel channels. In the first case, transfer functions are measured between two locations on a smaller baseline and the much larger equivalent scale model. In the second case, transmission loss is measured and plane wave simulation is compared. Results suggest that the scale model approach is feasible but some variations should be anticipated since a larger scale model may underestimate acoustic viscous damping. Nevertheless, the approach can be used as a model validation approach in many small-scale applications.