Low Frequency Noise Induced Vibration of Housing Structure–

Low Frequency Noise Induced Vibration of
Housing Structures
Bennett M. Brooks, P.E.
Brooks Acoustics Corporation
27 Hartford Turnpike
Vernon, CT 06066
Presented at the Acoustical Society of America 126th Meeting
Denver, Colorado – 8 October 1993
Housing Structure Vibration Due to Low
Frequency Noise
- Measurements of low frequency noise from large
industrial facility sources.
- Noise data compared to vibration perceptibility criteria
- Subjective perceptions of vibration
- Measurements of housing vibration
Measurements of Low Frequency Noise
- Noise generated by multiple large, low speed reciprocating
internal combustion engines (3000 to 5000 hp, ~ 300 rpm)
- Engine intakes and exhausts produce high level, low
frequency
tones at 5, 10, 15, and 20 Hz
- High source SPLs result in moderate levels at listener
distances
of approx. ½ mile
Vibration Perceptibility Criteria
- Perceptibility of noise induced housing structure vibrations
indoors based on a series of criteria curves developed by NASA
for outdoor 1/3 octave band SPL (Hubbard & Shepherd JASA
89,6 June 1991)
- Criteria show that noise below hearing threshold may induce
perceptible vibrations
- Measured noise levels vs. criteria compare well with resident
complaints of rattling windows, dishes and bric-a-brac
- Measurements at three similar locations
- Eastern Pennsylvania (outdoor noise)
- Virginia (outdoor noise)
- Western Pennsylvania (indoor noise & vibration)
Conclusions
- Moderate levels of Low Frequency (5 to 20 Hz) noise can induce
perceptible vibrations in residences
- Noise levels which induce window vibration according to NASA
criteria correlate well with resident subjective impressions