Room acoustics: Idealized field and real field considerations

Abstract

How is an acoustically diffuse field defined? To what extent are the equations of diffuse field theory valid? These are the questions addressed in this presentation. The answers are explained through more general theories, in turn explained with figures. The starting point is the idealization of diffuse sound field, from where the basic calculation tools used in architectural acoustics are derived. Then, we go through the physical-mathematical models of wave theory and ray theory assuming diffuse field simplifications and analyze the scope of diffuse field models. Wave models and ray models are presented in a simple format with visual support and reference to the underlying mathematical models. The criteria used to define a diffuse field in frequency domain as well as in temporal domain are analyzed. Finally, we present a review of several state of the art tools used to address the real cases when diffuse field cannot be assumed.