2020-08-18
How DTU Acoustic Technology shares acoustics knowledge with the world
Since 2007 Dr. Cheol-Ho Jeong has been a faculty member at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby. His major field of interest within the Department of Electrical Engineering is acoustics, and noise/vibration control.
As a part of regular courses in MSc Programme Engineering Acoustics at DTU, Professor Jeong teaches a popular summer course named ‘Environmental acoustics’ where his students can tackle real-life environmental noise and vibration problems. This graduate course normally attracts up to 20 students, and even in the Corona pandemic situation 15 students, mostly on the Master of Science level, participated in 2020. Professor Jeong says:
“Luckily DTU reopened on the 8th June so that the students could do necessary lab works, excursions, and measurements on-site. This course has run quite smoothly this year. A few students had to cancel their participation in this course as they had already returned to their home countries.
“The summer course was already established when I joined the department in 2007. It is a mandatory course for some students, elective for some others. Their backgrounds are diverse like Acoustics, Physics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural engineering. This course’s objective is to familiarize students with environmental and vibration issues by working with current and realistic environmental noise problems including occupational health issues.”
During this course, the students perform a noise investigation, operate noise-measurement equipment, justify the metrics used in a given situation, describe the results and relate them to environmental noise regulations and potential effects of noise on human health.
Two-year Masters program
Founded way back in1829, DTU attracts students from all over the world, which is clearly reflected in the summer course. The four students making use of Sigicom equipment come from Sri-Lanka, China, Mexico and Moldavia. We asked Maria Mónica Ballesteros Villarreal from Mexico City what she learned from the three weeks course, Environmental Acoustics, beyond the regular academic course.
“One thing I learned is that the world must become more aware about noise pollution. And to limit its effect on the society, we must learn to correctly measure, analyze, calculate, and regulate noise and its effects in the society. Regarding the specific project we did for the course, we were expected to do noise measurements. Sigicom helped us with more equipment so we could monitor the noise and vibrations at a construction site. Learning about their equipment and the interfaces they use was easy and extremely useful for our results.”
We must learn to correctly measure, analyze noise and its effects in the society
We also asked Monica why she chose to study acoustics. And why in Denmark, of all places:
“I was born in Mexico City, and I have always been surrounded by sound in the form of music and musicians. The best way for me to really understand sound was through a Master in Engineering Acoustics in DTU. I wanted a two year Master program, where I could explore all of the different options in acoustics before choosing a specific field, and I think DTU has the best offer and flexibility to do just that. Plus a really close relation with the industry.
Mónica Ballesteros, who completed her Bachelors in Engineering Physics is now pursuing a Master in Engineering Acoustics beginning her third semester in September. Regarding her future in this field she says:
“There seems to be many opportunities in this area, and the application and benefits of our research results would be immediate. I think there is a lot to explore, learn, understand, and divulge so the society becomes more aware of the importance of acoustics and noise pollution. I still have a lot to learn and I don’t know if I’ll stay in academia or go to a company, I’m open for both experiences and I already have work experience in both areas.
Cooperation with the private sector
To ensure that the students are familiar with state-of-the-art working methods and equipment, Professor Jeong borrowed a wireless vibration monitor (INFRA C22) and a noise meter (INFRA S50) from Sigicom in cooperation with the international consulting group COWI.
Apart from lending the equipment Johan Gjødvad, Sigicom, also assisted in formulating the project for the group of students. “To ensure that the next generation of engineers and technicians have access to the best monitoring equipment, software and analytics knowledge we work closely with DTU and other universities and educational institutions around the world”, says Johan. He continues: “Sigicom is born from Innovation and we will always strive to make use of the latest knowledge in the field as well as assisting the next generation in getting the best possibilities to learn.”This ambition is clearly shared by COWI and Simon Rex who, specifically for this project, provided valuable assistance by lending their INFRA S50 to the students”.
Image: From left Chathura Saranga Pannila (Sri Lanka), Sorin Filimon (Moldavia), Maria Mónica Ballesteros Villarreal (Mexico), and Yi Na (China) enjoyed their hands-on experience at DTU:s summer course.