Fundamentals of Acoustic Waves and Applications

This book discusses acoustic waves in five chapters. Chapter 1 reviews the general properties of waves. Chapter 2 presents the acoustic waves in fluid and solids, including the wave equations in the respective media. Chapter 3 discusses the propagation of audible acoustic waves in the air. The discussion includes analyses of speech and music we hear in the time and frequency domains. Chapter 4 discusses the propagation of acoustic waves in solids. Unlike in the air, sound waves take complicated forms in solids; they can be both in longitudinal and transverse modes, and mode conversions can occur upon reflection. Although these behaviors make the analysis difficult, we can apply them to engineering problems. Chapter 5 describes the transduction of acoustic signals. It presents acoustic transmitters and sensors along with their operation principles. Finally, Chapter 6 presents several techniques used in engineering. It is also useful to consider applying acoustic and optical techniques to engineering problems.

Sanichiro Yoshida received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Keio University, Japan, in 1980 and 1986, respectively. From 1981 - to 1982, he worked for Dr. Author V. Phelps at the University of Colorado at Boulder as a student researcher, where he learned the basics of conducting scientific research. He has conducted experimental and theoretical research on various topics, such as developments and applications of high-power lasers, precise measurement with optical interferometry, optical and acoustic characterization of material strength, and development of a comprehensive theory on deformation and fracture of solids. Currently, he works at Southeastern Louisiana University as a Professor of Physics.