UC Research Shows Promise in Quieting Complex Noise Clusters
University of Cincinnati researcher Mingfeng Li, research associate in UCs College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), and his team are waging a war against noise pollution. Better yet, how to eliminate it.
Li is set to present his latest findings at the 2012 INTER-NOISE conference in New York City, August 19-22, 2012, in a paper titled Enhanced Inverse Model LMS Algorithm for Active Control of Harmonic Response Clusters.
Li serves as the primary investigator of his team, with its focuses on active noise control. Active noise control eliminates noise by using an anti-phase sound wave to counteract the original sound. Together, he and his colleagues, Teik C. Lim, CEAS interim dean, and Jie Duan, former CEAS research assistant, have worked to develop mathematical equations (or algorithms) to apply to and battle active noise.
Every noise has its own sound wave frequency. When multiple noises are combined, their different frequencies join together and form a group. These groupings, called clusters of harmonic responses, can be found in a number of mechanical applications like vehicle powertrains, gear vibration and rotating machinery.
Making clusters of harmonic responses quieter is far more difficult than individual noises that have a single sound frequency. The team is addressing noise clusters with multiple frequencies and sound waves that overlap so that the result is a very complex web of intertwined sound waves. Finding a means of making the entire web or cluster quiet is the challenge that Li and the team are addressing.
Through their research, Li and his team have configured a mathematical model using an enhanced algorithm called the inverse model least mean square algorithm, or IMLMS, applied to the clusters. Their set of equations identifies the multiple sound wave frequencies in a given cluster and allows the control system to achieve faster convergence and better performance on attenuating the noise. Li and his team have performed a variety of numerical simulations in applying their model to different clusters. Their results show significant improvement on the convergence of the system, which will achieve more reductions in noise over a wide range of frequencies.
Their algorithm is one key to a quieter future for vehicles and other machinery. The range of applications for the algorithm is extensive, ranging from vehicles to offices. Commercialization of the teams algorithm can potentially be seen in more than just industrial applications, and a patent application is expected.
, the 41st International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering, will be held in New York City, August 19-22, 2012. The congress is being held in conjunction with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Noise Control and Acoustics Division (ASME NCAD) annual meeting, is sponsored by the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE), and is being organized by the United States Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE-USA). The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and SAE International are also co-sponsoring the event.
The conference agenda includes an extensive program with sessions on a variety of acoustics, vibration, and noise topics.
Related Stories
Engineers develop stress test to measure cortisol
May 12, 2025
Yahoo! Finance highlights research into home tests that can diagnose stress and cardiac issues.
UC lab-on-a-chip devices take public health into home
May 8, 2025
University of Cincinnati engineers created a new device to help doctors diagnose depression and anxiety. The “lab-on-a-chip” device measures the stress hormone cortisol from a patient’s saliva. Knowing if a patient has elevated stress hormones can provide useful diagnostic information even if patients do not report feelings of anxiety, stress or depression in a standard mental health questionnaire.
UC engineering camps leave lasting impact
May 8, 2025
Every summer, hundreds of local and out-of-state high school students come to the University of Cincinnati for immersive, enriching, engineering experiences through various summer camps. Hosted by the Office of Professional Development and Community Impact at the College of Engineering and Applied Science, these camps not only ignite students’ passion for STEM, but also introduce them to life on a college campus.