Room acoustic simulations are used worldwide to predict the behaviours of newly designed and renovated rooms.
On one hand, current software proposing room acoustic simulations are based on geometrical acoustics, a high-frequency
approximation offering relatively short computation times. However, assumptions behind geometrical acoustics do not hold
at low frequencies or for small rooms. On the other hand, wave-based simulation methods can return accurate results for low
frequencies, but at the cost of long computation times. Because of this, simulation of ordinary rooms like offices or classrooms
is a major challenge in room acoustics.
The PhD thesis of Boris Mondet, “Efficient low-frequency room acoustic modelling,” examines the use
of numerical simulation methods to model the sound field in a room at low frequencies. The thesis
reports on two distinct topics: 1) A method entitled ‘Impedance Retrieval’ for extrapolating impedance
boundary condition data with phase from phase-less absorption coefficient data, and 2) a time-domain
wave-based simulation algorithm ‘The Equivalent Source Method’.
The committee found that the thesis is clearly written, well structured and the subject matter interesting added to this they found and the research results significant. The thesis work is coherent to a large extent and the scope appears as fairly well planned. The findings of the project are judged to be relevant and of significant importance.
The PhD candidate delivered a clear and comprehensive lecture and covered all areas of the thesis.The candidate was able to answer most questions and demonstrated good command of the subject area and thorough knowledge of the work. Besides the competence in the specific areas of his work, the candidate also demonstrated a good overall knowledge of the field of acoustics, and could engage meaningfully in the discussion of broader aspects and impacts in the discipline. The selection of topics presented was appropriate and comprehensive, providing a clear overview on the subject. The candidate delivered a clear and well-structured lecture, and using his knowledge and intellect, he could engage in the questions at the defence successfully, which led to a constructive and informative scientific exchange. On this basis, the committee unanimously recommends that the PhD degree is awarded to Boris Mondet for his PhD thesis work, “Efficient low-frequency room acoustic modelling”.
Congratulations to Boris on your achievment