Master project – Numerical modeling of pressure wave diffraction

The modeling of pressure wave propagation has exciting applications in fluid dynamics, acoustics, and beyond. Recently, advancements in CPU and GPU hardware technology by companies like Intel and NVIDIA have driven a surge in research interest in acoustic ray simulations. These innovations enable near-real-time solutions for complex physical problems, such as optical ray tracing in video games typically optimized for GPUs (Parker, et al., 2010) (Afra, Wald, Benthin, & Woop, 2016) (Shkurko, et al.,2017). This highlights the power of ray-based numerical solvers applied to wave propagation. These hardware advances open new possibilities for pressure wave simulations, with applications in real-time auralization, source localization, and more (Pereyra, 2000). Unlike optical ray tracing, where wavelengths are typically small compared to geometric bodies and diffraction can often be neglected, acoustic problems may involve longer wavelengths, and the diffracted wave field contributes significantly to the propagated wave field.

Diffraction theory has a rich foundation, with numerous expressions developed in the 20th century, particularly in electromagnetic and optical theory. A pivotal contribution came from physicist Wojciech Rubinowicz (Rubinowicz, 1957), who succeeded in splitting the Kirchhoff-Helmholtz integral into a diffraction line integral and an additive term, laying the groundwork for modern diffraction integrals (Skudrzyk, 1971). This theory is now experiencing a renaissance, thanks to its compatibility with efficient computational implementations and modern hardware. This emerging field of acoustic diffraction solvers offers exciting research opportunities with practical implications. By joining this project, the student will contribute to an active and promising area of acoustic research.

More information on the link below.