1 Decibels (dB) scale Definition: A linear numbering scale used to define a logarithmic amplitude scale, thereby compressing a wide range of amplitude values to a small set of numbers. 2 Our ear detect Sound Intensity, I. We always measure Sound Pressure, p (Pa N/m 2 ). Relationship between Sound Intensity, I and Pressure, p I (pressure) 2 3 Our ear detects sound pressure as low as 2 x 10 -5 N/m 2 . The highest (before pain) is 200 N/m 2 . ______ 200 N/m 2 } 10 6 N/m 2 Units of difference _______ 2 x 10 -5 N/m 2 4 Bell (Alexander Graham) took logs to reduce the range by a factor of 10 Bel = log ( I / I ref ) = log ( p / p ref ) 2 = log (Actual sound pressure / Reference sound pressure) 2 5 But the scale was not fine enough, so he developed a tenth of this scale or deciBel dB = 10 log ( p / p ref ) 2 = 20 log ( p / p ref ) where p ref = 2 x 10 -5 N/m 2 Note that dB is not a unit !!!! 6 Sound Intensity In sound field where waves emitting from a source refer to intensity of sound at a point. Intensity, I is the amount of energy passing through unit area per unit time and is expressed in Watts / m 2 I (pressure) 2 I (p) 2 (I / I ref ) = (p / p ref ) 2 7 but, dB = 10 log (p / p ref ) 2 = 10 log (I / I ref ) where I ref = threshold intensity, measured in Watt / m 2 8 For plane wave, Intensity, I = p 2 / c Where = density c = velocity of sound c = 410 rayls in air at normal temperatures and pressures. = characteristic acoustic impedance of air. so, threshold intensity = [ (2x10 -5 ) 2 / 410 ] W/m 2 = 10 -12 W/m 2 9 Pressure in dB is called Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and can be written as, SPL = 20 log (Actual sound pressure / Ref. sound pressure) = 10 log (I / I ref ) 10 Example 1 The RMS pressure of a sound is 200 Pa (N/m 2 ). What is the sound pressure level (SPL) ? SPL = 20 log [ (200) / (2x10 -5 ) ] = 20 log [10 7 ] = 140 dB Note: 200 Pa or 140 dB is the peak action level of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989. 11 Example 2 What is the sound intensity level of a sound whose RMS is 200 Pa ? I = p 2 / c = (200) 2 /410 = 97.8 W/m 2 Sound Intensity level of the sound = 10 log (I / I ref ) = 10 log [ (97.8) / (10 -12 ) ] = 10 log 10 14 = 140 dB 12 Example 3 What is the sound pressure level in decibels of a sound whose intensity is 0.01 W/m2 ? SPL = 10 log [ 0.01 / 10 -12 ] = 10 log 10 10 = 100 dB Intensity can also be defined as the amount of sound energy (or sound power) that is delivered to the ear. 13 Example 4 Suppose p = 2 x 10 -1 N/m 2 . What is the decibel level? dB = 20 log [ (2x10 -1 ) / (2x10 -5 ) ] = 10 log [ 10 4 ] = 80 dB 14 CONTINUE If the sound pressure is double, what is the new dB value? dB = 20 log [ (2x2x10 -1 ) / (2x10 -5 ) ] = 10 log [ 2x10 4 ] = 86 dB When we double the sound pressure, 6 dB is added. 15 Addition of Sound Level If we add 2 or more sound pressure levels together, we add the intensities and convert back to dB. 16 Example 5 Two machines each have 90 dB sound level. What is the resultant dB when both machines are working together? 90 dB = 10 log (I 90 / I ref ) 9 dB = log (I 90 / I ref ) 10 9 = I 90 / I ref 17 I 90 = 10 9 x I ref machine 1 Also I 90 = 10 9 x I ref .machine 2 Adding, I = [I 90 + I 90 ] = [ 2x10 9 x I ref ] watts/m 2 18 dB = 10 log (I / I ref ) where I ref = 10 -12 watts/m 2 dB = 10 log [(2x10 9 x I ref ) / I ref ] = 10 log [(2x10 9 ] = 93 dB 19 Averaging decibels The average of a number of decibels may be found from the following equation: L AV = 10 log [ (10 L1/10 + 10 L2/10 + .+ 10 Ln/10 ) / n ] = 10 log [(10 L1/10 + 10 L2/10 + .+ 10 Ln/10 )] - 10 log n 20 where n = number of different sounds L AV = average of the decibels L 1 = first SPL in dB L 2 = second SPL in dB 21 Sound Power and Sound Intensity The sound intensity from a point source of sound radiating uniformly into free space can be found from the power output and the distance from the source, r. Intensity, I = [(sound power W (watts)) / 4r 2 ] 22 Time varying noise The level of many noises varies with time, for eg. traffic sounds. It is not easy to find a measure which can accurately quantify with a single number what is heard. Statistical measurement are made in dB(A) because that corresponds approximately to the response of the ear. 23 L 10 = sound level in dB(A) which is exceeded for 10% of the time. L 50 = sound level in dB(A) which is exceeded for 50% of the time. L 90 = sound level in dB(A) which is exceeded for 90% of the time. 24 Equivalent continuous noise level, L eq L eq is the sound pressure level of a steady sound that has, over a given period, the same energy as the fluctuating sound. It is an average and is measured in dB(A). 25 L eq = 10 log {(t 1 x 10 L1/10 + t 2 x 10 L2/10 + t 3 x 10 L3/10 + ..........+ t n x 10 Ln/10 ) / T} Where t 1 = time at L 1 dB(A) t 2 = time at L 2 dB(A) t 3 = time at L 3 dB(A) T = total time over which the L eq is required. 26 Example 6 Calculate the L eq over an eight-hour day for a worker exposed to the following noise levels and duration. dB(A) Time (hour) 94 3 89 2 98 0.5 83 2.5 27 L eq = 10 log {(3 x 10 9.4 + 2 x 10 8.9 + 0.5 x 10 9.8 + 2.5 x 10 8.3 ) / 8} = 92 dB(A) 28 Sound Power Total sound power in watts is equal to the intensity in watts / m 2 multiplied by the area in m 2 . Since Intensity is directly proportional to the square of the sound pressure, so the sound power level (SWL) (or Intensity level) is proportional to the square of sound pressure level. 29 SWL = 10 log (actual Intensity / ref. Intensity) = 10 log (W actual / W ref ) where W actual is the sound power in watts and W ref is the reference power of 10 -12 watts. 30 Example 7 Determine the sound power level of 0.001 watts. SWL = 10 log (0.001 / 10 -12 ) = 10 log (10 -3 ) + 120 = 90 dB re 10 -12 W 31 If the sound is produced at ground level, assuming that the ground is perfectly reflecting, then the energy is only radiated into a hemisphere instead of a complete sphere. Intensity becomes, I = W / 2r 2 32 Example 8 Calculate the intensity and SPL of a sound at a distance of 10 m from a uniformly radiating source of 1 watt power. Intensity, I = W / 4r 2 = 1.0 / 4 (10) 2 = 7.95 x 10 -4 W/m 2 33 SPL = 10 log [(7.95 x 10 -4 ) / 10 -12 ] = 10 log 7.95 x 10 8 = 89 dB 34 Relation between Sound Power Level (SWL), Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and distance from source to receiver r in a free field ie with no reflections except the ground. 35 SWL = 10 log (W / W ref ) (1) W ref = 10 -12 Watts SPL = 10 log (p / p ref ) 2 (2) p ref = (2x10 -5 ) N/m 2 36 Total power, W = [ p 2 / c] x area of sphere = [ p 2 / c] x 4r 2 (3) Substitute (1) and (2) into (3), SPL = SWL 20 log r 11 (for spherical radiation) SPL = SWL 20 log r 8 (for hemispherical radiation) 37 Example 9 How many dBs is the result of doubling the intensity? SWL 1 = 10 log ( I / I ref ) = 10 log ( I / 10 -12 ) 38 Double, SWL 2 = 10 log ( 2I / I ref ) = 10 log ( 2I / 10 -12 ) 39 Suppose, I = 1 watt/m 2 SWL 1 = 120 dB SWL 2 = 123 dB ie: 3 dB increase. 40 When two sound sources radiate sound energy, they both contribute to the sound pressure level at distances away from the sources. 41 If they radiate the same amount of energy, and a point equidistant from both sources is considered, then the sound intensity at that point will be twice as high as when only one source is radiating. 42 In the example here, if x is 50 dB the total sound pressure level when both sources are operating will be 53 dB. 43 To use the curve proceed as follows: 1. Calculate the difference, L, between the two sound pressure levels. 2. Use the curve to find L+. 3. Add L+ to the highest level to get Lt, the total level. 44 In the example shown here L = 4 dB whereby L+ is found to be 1.4 dB and Lt = 56.4 dB. 45 Note that a difference of L = 0 corresponds to the situation shown in the previous illustration where 3 dB was added to the level caused by one source alone. 46 If the difference between the two sound pressure levels is more than 10 dB the contribution from the quietest source can be discarded. 47 In some cases it is necessary to subtract noise levels. This could, for example, be the case where noise measurements on a particular machine are carried out in the presence of background noise. 48 It is then important to know if the measured noise is due to the background noise, the noise from the machine, or the combined influence. 49 The procedure when performing the test is as follows: 1. Measure the combined effect of machine noise and background noise, L S + N . 2. Switch off the machine and measure the background noise, L N . In most cases it is possible to switch off the machine under test, whereas the background noise normally cannot be switched off. 3. Finally calculate the difference, L = L S + N - L N and use the following simple curve to find the correct noise level caused by the machine. 50 If L is less than 3 dB, the background noise is too high for an accurate measurement and the correct noise level cannot be found until the background noise has been reduced. 51 If on the other hand the difference is more than 10 dB, the background noise can be ignored. 52 If the difference is between 3 dB and 10 dB, the correct noise level can be found by entering the value of L on the horizontal axes and read the correction value, L- off the vertical axes. 53 The correct noise level caused by the machine is now found by subtracting L- from L S+N . 54 dB Summation.. Other Method 55 50 dBA + 50 dBA = 100 dBA ??? .WRONG ! 50 dBA + 50 dBA = 53 dBA . THATS RIGHT ! 56 dB Summation Cannot add up the numbers .as the dBs are ratios. 57 dB Summation Use of Charts Use of Tables Exact Calculations Use of charts and tables are convenient, and for quick rule of thumb estimates. Use of calculators for accurate calculations. 58 By Calculations dB 1 = 10 log (Pressure 1 / Ref pressure) 2 dB 2 = 10 log (Pressure 2 / Ref pressure) 2 10 dB1/10 = (Pr 1 / Ref pr) 2 10 dB2/10 = (Pr 2 / Ref pr) 2 (New Pr / Ref pr.) 2 = (Pr 1 / Ref pr) 2 + (Pr 2 / Ref pr) 2 = 10 dB1/10 + 10 dB2/10 New dB = 10 log (New Pressure / Ref pressure) 2 = 10 log (10 dB1/10 + 10 dB2/10 ). 59 By Calculations Nett for 2 SPL = 10 log ( 10 dB1/10 + 10 dB2/10 ). 3 SPL = 10 log (10 dB1/10 + 10 dB2/10 + 10 dB3/10 ). n SPL = 10 log (10 dB1/10 + 10 dB2/10 + 10 dB3/10 ++ 10 dBn/10 ). 60 Use of Charts 61 To use the curve proceed as follows: 1. Calculate the difference, L, between the two sound pressure levels. 2. Use the curve to find L+. 3. Add L+ to the highest level to get Lt, the total level. 62 Use of Charts Example : 55 dBA + 49 dBA = ? Difference between two levels 6 dBA Add to highest level 1 dBA. Nett = 55 + 1 = 56 dBA. 63 Addition of Two Sources If the levels differ by The following should be added to the higher 0 or 1 dB 3 dB 2 or 3 dB 2 dB 4 to 9 dB 1 dB 10 dB or over 0 dB 64 Subtraction of Two Sources If the levels differ by The difference is the higher level minus More than 10 dB 0 dB 6 to 9 dB 1 dB 5 to 4 dB 2 dB 3 dB 3 dB 2 dB 5 dB (approx) 1 dB 7 dB (approx) 65 Examples 10 1. 78 dB + 81 dB = ? Difference between 2 levels = 81-78 = 3 dB Value to be added to higher level = 2 dB (From table / graph) Resulting level = 2 + 81 = 83 dB By calculations Result = 10 log (10 7.8 + 10 8.1 ) = 82.8 dB 66 Examples 10.. 2. 86 dB + 92 dB = ? Difference between 2 levels = 92-86 = 6 dB Value to be added to higher level = 1 dB Resulting level = 1 + 92 = 93 dB By calculations Result = 10 log (10 86/10 + 10 92/10 ) = 10 log (10 8.6 + 10 9.2 ) = 93.0 dB 67 Examples 10.. 3. Fan 85 dBA as measured at workers position. Fan to be added at first fan location, 84 dBA. Find new noise levels. 85 dBA + 84 dBA = ? Difference between 2 levels = 85-84 = 1 dBA Value to be added to higher level = 3 dBA Resulting level = 3 + 85 = 88 dBA By calculations Result = 10 log (10 8.5 + 10 8.4 ) = 87.5 dBA 68 4. A manufacturers data sheet shows that a compressor model A01 has an overall sound power level of 100 dB(A) and model A02 an overall sound power level of 92 dB(A). The measured noise level at a workers position with both compressors operating was 87 dB(A). The compressors are located together. What is the likely noise level at the workers position if model A02 is shut off? Accuracy of manufacturers data can be assumed. 69 Examples 10.. Model A01 = 100 dBA Model A02 = 92 dBA Noise at workers position = 87 dBA What is the noise level with Model A02 off ?... Difference between 2 levels = 100-92 = 8 dBA Value to be subtracted from higher level = 1 dBA Resulting level = 87-1 = 86 dBA 70 Practical Example.. Two noise sources operating simultaneously with total SPL of 95 dBA. With one noise source switched off , the remaining SPL is 91 dBA. What is the SPL of the noise source thats switched off ? Original total SPL = 95 dBA Difference in levels was 4 dBA, meaning that 2 dBA to be deducted from the higher original level. Resulting level = 95-2 = 93 dBA Check Sum : 91 dBA + 93 dBA = 95 dBA 71 Octave Band Summation Respective octave band values are summed up to obtain the overall level. Frequency 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (Hz) SPL Linear dB 73 63 50 48 46 40 35 30 22 72 Overall dB = 73 dB + 63 dB +50 dB + ...+ 22 dB = 10 log( 10 7.3 +10 6.3 +10 5.0 +10 4.8 +10 4.6 +10 4.0 +10 3.5 +10 3.0 +10 2.2 ) = 73 dB Octave Band Summation If the individual octave bands SPL are in linear, the overall summation result in the overall Linear SPL. If the individual octave bands SPL are in A- weighted , the overall summation result in the overall A-weighted SPL. To convert linear SPL into A-weighted SPL requires A-weighted adjustments in the individual frequency bands according to the A-weighted curve. 73 74 A-weighted SPL Conversions Consider a sound with linear octave band values as tabulated below. Find the overall linear SPL and overall A-weighted SPL. Frequency 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Overall Calculated SPL Linear 73 63 50 48 45 40 36 30 22 73 A Correction -39 -26 -16 -9 -3 0 1 1 -1 SPL dBA 34 37 34 39 42 40 37 31 21 47 75 A-weighted Octave Band Summation Respective octave band values after A-weighted corrections are summed up to obtain the overall level. Frequency 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (Hz) SPL dBA 34 37 34 39 42 40 36 31 21 76 Overall dBA = 34 dBA+37 dBA+39 dBA+ .+ 21 dBA = 10 log( 10 3.4 +10 3.7 +10 3.4 +10 3.9 +10 4.2 +10 4.0 +10 3.6 +10 3.1 +10 2.1 ) = 47 dBA Table: Noise Exposure of Continuous Noise Levels Noise Level dB(A) Hours Dosage (%) 85 50 (Action limit) 90 8hr 100 (Max. allowable limit) 95 4hr 200 100 2hr 400 105 1hr 800 110 30min 1600 115 15min 3200 77 78 79 PEL Permissible Exposure Level HCA- Hearing Conservation Act 80 81 82 83 84 85