Effective educational practices, assessment, and applications in acoustics and vibration at the University of Hartford.

The University of Hartford is home to two unique undergraduate engineering majors in acoustics, both sharing a core course layout of acoustics, vibrations, and projects. The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Acoustics Concentration and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Acoustical Engineering and Music programs allow for two complementary tracks within the acoustics field, providing cohesive plans of study on many facets of listening and design. All Mechanical Engineering majors (regardless of concentration) are required to take Vibrations I and a course in Engineering and Environmental Acoustics. The department philosophy for this inclusion is that acoustics and vibration design considerations are an essential component for the development of the complete mechanical engineer. This paper outlines program educational goals and outcomes, along with pedagogical adjustments made based on continuous assessment and evaluation of select courses, including recent changes to adapt to measured deficiencies. The paper also details the historical development of the acoustics program, components of the Vibrations I and Engineering & Environmental Acoustics courses, and example research and design projects based on work in these courses. Among the included projects are modal analysis, community room acoustics assessment, and an open access computational room acoustics simulator for use and collaboration with colleagues in acoustics education.

The effects of different test methods on the just noticeable difference of clarity index for music.

The just noticeable differences (JNDs) of room acoustics metrics are necessary for research and design of performing arts venues. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of different testing methods on the measured JND of clarity index for music (C80). An initial study was conducted to verify the findings of other published works that the C80 JND is approximately 1 dB, as currently listed in ISO 3382:2009 (International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland, 2009), however, the results suggested a higher value. In the second study, the effects of using two variations of the method of constant stimuli were examined, where one variation required the subjects to evaluate the pair of signals by listening to each of them in their entirety, while the second approach allowed the participants to switch back and forth in real-time. More consistent results were obtained with the latter variation and the results indicated a C80 JND greater than 1 dB. In the final study, an extensive training period using the first variation was required, based on the second study, and the data were collected using the second variation. The analysis revealed that for the conditions used in this study (concert hall and chamber music hall) that the C80 JND is approximately 3 dB.