Sensgard Ear Protector Tested

The Sensgard ear protector was fully tested by an intrepid researcher using undercover techniques, I dressed up as Boris Johnson and went nightclubbing! Subjectively it was found to be effective, but the tubes seemed to be ineffective at attenuating the bass in the club. Officially, the Zem Sensgard is rated at 32.5 dB at 125 Hz linearly increasing to 37 dB noise reduction at 8 kHz with an NRR of 26. Merry Christmas to you all!

Research Assessment Exercise 2008

The results of the Research Assessment Exercise 2008 was released on 18th December 2008. The exercise covered all UK universities for the period 2001-7 inclusive. The Acoustics Group was part of a London South Bank University submission under General Engineering, 60% of the staff submitted were considered to be World Leading or be Excellent (4*/3* rating). Under the previous scheme this would be rated as 5*. By way of comparison, 60% of staff at ISVR were considered World Leading or Excellent (under Mech Engineering category), and 65% of the staff submitted by Salford were considered to be World Leading or Excellent. Well done to everybody and Merry Christmas!

Knowledge Connect with London Philharmonic

The Acoustics Group commenced work on a Knowledge Connect scheme on 15th December 2008 in collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. We hope, over the next 6 months, to address some of the issues raised by the new Noise at Work Regulations. This will include audiometry, dosimetry, architectural acoustics and education. Its a lot of work, in a little time!

Independent tests of the Absorptive Mirror

On Tuesday 9th December 2008 ANV Measurement Systems undertook the independent evaluation of the new sound absorbing mirror patented by London South Bank University Enterprises. The mirrors were found to an effective absorber from 250 Hz to 4kHz with a Noise Coefficient Rating of 0.8. These second generation mirrors will be installed at the Royal Academy of Music in their rehearsal and practice rooms.

iPhone at the Royal Academy of Music

On Thursday 20th November the iPhone was tested as a noise dosimeter a the Royal Academy of Music. The app was downloaded from iTunes, sound meter, and left to run during a rehearsal for 15 minutes, along with a Cirrus Research CR110 noise badge. Results look promising, calibration is tricky and the iPhone is not 100% stable!

Urban Wind Turbines - saviours or statues

CIBSE / ASHRAE together with IMechE have invited Dr Stephen Dance and Prof Tony Day to give a presentation on Urbines. Put a date in your diary, 13th May 2009, London South Bank University, 5.30pm. The flyer is...
Two 6 kW roof top wind turbines located in the middle of London have been
closely monitored for 2 years - wind speeds, noise, vibration and most
importantly electricity generation. These turbines are a traditional
horizontal axis and a more unusual vertical axis design. Tony Day and Steve
Dance will present the findings of the comparison of two turbine types in
this very real central London location of Elephant and Castle.

Acta Acustica Journal Now Available

The Acoustics Group through the European Acoustics Association now has access to Acta Acustica. Please make use of it!