Acoustics relates to the mathematical description of sound waves. This field derives from fluid dynamics. There are several acoustics research areas.

Acoustics at Rensselaer

A major area of interest at Rensselaer is underwater sound transmissions. Over the past half century, acoustics researchers have discovered many surprising and interesting features of the propagation of sound in the ocean. Researchers at Rensselaer have worked in this exciting area since 1957.

Current Projects

• Develop and analyze mathematical models to describe the influences of ocean environmental features (such as internal waves and sediment variations) on the study of propagation of signals in both frequency and time domains.
• Provide new ways to extract information from complex propagation environments by deriving and testing new and improved numerical and asymptotic methods.
• Model and analyze stochastic propagation effects. The results explain variability observed by ocean scientists.
• Extend these research results by applying them to other acoustic propagation environments, such as the upper layer of the Earth’s crust and the atmospheres of Jupiter and Earth.

Faculty Researchers

Mark Holmes
Joyce McLaughlin
William Siegmann