ABSTRACT
Point force impedance expressions have been previously developed for infinite Kirchhoff and Mindlin plates. The present work develops impedance expressions for the more general case of an infinite plate with a circular, massless, rigid plug using both Kirchhoff and Mindlin plate theories. The models have been developed to analyze vibration propagation in buildings. The plate with the rigid plug provides a more reasonable model of the kinematic constraint at the column/floor interface. The models are used to investigate the potential benefits of using thick floors to block the transmission of structure-borne vibration in buildings.
ABSTRACT
Transportation-related environmental noise studies, particularly those associated with rail traffic, often require long term measurements near existing rights of way. In addition to the sound produced by passing vehicles, it is also useful to know their speed. Previously, speed measurements have generally required an additional piece of instrumentation, such as a second microphone, video camera, or a radar gun--resulting in added measurement cost and complexity. The present study shows how estimations of vehicle speed can be obtained using a single wayside microphone. The method is based on the rate of pressure rise as the vehicle approaches, specifically the maximum onset rate. This paper shows how the maximum onset rate depends only on the vehicle speed, the microphone distance, and the speed of sound. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach field test data are presented for train passages ranging in speed from 33.5 to 55.6 m/s, as measured by a microphone located 28.65 m from the tracks. Speed estimates derived from the onset rate were generally accurate to within 8% of the independently measured speed of the train.
ABSTRACT
Although genetic influences on individual differences in activity level (AL) are well documented, few studies have considered the etiology of AL from a contextual perspective. In the present study, cross-situational and context-specific genetic effects on individual differences in AL at age 2 were examined. The AL of 312 twin pairs (144 monozygotic and 168 dzygotic) was mechanically assessed with actigraphs in the home and in laboratory test and play situations. AL displayed significant genetic variance in all 3 situations. Moreover, actigraph scores significantly correlated across situations. Multivariate genetic model-fitting analyses found that the observed cross-situational continuity in AL was due entirely to genetic factors. Situational differences in AL arise from genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental influences.
Subject(s)
Child Behavior/psychology , Social Environment , Temperament , Twins/genetics , Twins/psychology , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
The concept of cancellation of constant-frequency sound radiated from a vibrating surface by means of an attached mechanical oscillator is discussed. It is observed that the mass of a mechanical oscillator whose spring is attached to the vibrating surface will vibrate at comparatively large amplitudes and out of phase with that surface, provided that the surface vibrates at a frequency that is slightly higher than the oscillator's natural frequency. From this observation it is concluded that an oscillator's mass with a relatively small surface area can produce a volume velocity that is equal and opposite to that of the vibrating surface, resulting in cancellation of the sound radiated from the surface. Practical considerations in the design of such an oscillator are discussed, and the canceling performance from oscillators consisting of edge-supported circular disks is analyzed. An experimental canceling oscillator consisting of an edge-supported disk is described, and measurements made with this disk attached to a piston are shown to be in good agreement with analytical predictions. A tonal noise reduction exceeding 20 dB was demonstrated experimentally.
