Acoustics and Vibration Laboratory

Vibrations and Acoustics/Noise Control

Non-destructive evaluation
Ultrasonic testing
Reverberation & anechoic chamber testing
Modal analysis
Computer data acquisition
Acceleration, displacement, force, impedance measurements
Fiber optics

Vibrations

The Vibrations Laboratory has a range of acceleration and displacement measurement equipment with frequency range of 0 to 10 kHz.  Dedicated data recording and analysis equipment is available as well as personal computer-based systems.  The facility supports a variety of signature analysis procedures and vibrations analysis studies.

Currently, utilization of the lab involves preparing the original rugged, portable equipment used to determine the length of in-situ wooden bridge pilings through random vibration for independent field verification by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on at least 300 pilings over 18 months. The project will accomplish several goals, including moving beyond only wooden pilings to test both steel and concrete as well, creating user confidence for TDOT officials, upgrading software to incorporate the latest improvements in automated estimation processes, and refining hardware to enhance the data obtained and improve the durability and ruggedness of the equipment.

Acoustics and Noise Control

Tennessee Technological University owns the most extensive noise control facility in the State of Tennessee with two adjacent reverberation rooms and an anechoic chamber. A typical array of sound measuring equipment is available and includes sound level meters and analyzers, function generators, rotating boom, noise sources and noise dosimeters.

For more information regarding acoustics and vibrations research and opportunities, contact Dr. Sally Pardue, 931.372.6375 or SPardue@tntech.edu or Dr. Corinne Darvennes, 931.372.3253 or CDarvennes@tntech.edu.