Institute of Sound and Vibration Research

The world's leading centre for teaching, research and consultancy in sound and vibration



 

     
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INSTITUTE OF SOUND AND VIBRATION RESEARCH

Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics

"A range of audio-related research projects are carried out within the ISVR. Much of this work is involved with perception and recreation of ‘3D sound’, trying to model how we hear sounds from different directions, and trying to recreate convincing three-dimensional soundscapes. Many students and researchers perform sensitive experiments inside the ISVR’s large anechoic chamber: a special room that absorbs sound energy reaching the walls and floor so that no reflections can be heard"

Lara Harris

  Research Teaching
 

Sound and vibration increasingly impact on all of our lives, from listening to music or the intrusion of warning sounds to noise from cars and aircraft. Click here to see an overview or below to visit our research group pages.

Dynamics Group: In ISVR, our research is focused on the development and experimental validation of methods to predict structural vibration using a combination of wave, modal, finite element and hybrid methods.

Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Group:
Takes projects from fundamental science to real-world applications. and is active in three major areas - aero-acoustics of aircraft engines, ultrasonics and underwater acoustics, noise source imaging and virtual acoustics. (Includes Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise)

Signal Processing and Control Group:Clinical investigations are increasingly based on the analysis of signals and images measured in response to a stimulus or activity or, in some cases, under normal, resting conditions.

Human Sciences Group
Human Factors Research Unit: We conduct fundamental and applied research, provide training, and offer advice in all matters related to human responses to vibration-health effects, discomfort, performance, biodynamics, seating dynamics and motion sickness.

Hearing and Balance Centre: We strive to improve people's Quality of Life by research in hearing, hearing aids, cochlear implants and balance.

Cochlear Implant Centre: So far more than 460 people have benefited from receiving a Cochlear Implant in our clinic.

“Studying acoustics gives a unique and fascinating angle on the broader subject of engineering, one which employers will love ”

Toby Park, Acoustical engineering student

Educational Programmes
Many of our academic staff are world leaders in areas such as acoustics, vibration, signal processing and human sciences. Their work provides the practical focus of our programmes.

Undergraduate Programmes:
Acoustical Engineering, Acoustics & Music, Audiology

Postgraduate Taught Courses and Research:
Degrees:M.Sc. and Diploma Courses, Audiology, Sound and Vibration Studies, Structural Dynamics, Engineering Acoustics, Automotive Noise and Vibration, Applied Digital Signal Processing

Postgraduate research, leading to MPhil, PhD, EngD or DClinP degrees, underpins ISVR’s activities and plays a key role in sustaining our research excellence. Recent developments are the Engineering Doctorate which is a four year programme in which the student spends two years at a sponsoring company, and the Doctor of Clinical Practice for experienced audiologists wishing to develop research and leadership skills.

Continuing education short courses: The Institute also hosts an extensive programme of short courses and symposia, which cover a wide range of topics in acoustics, vibration and signal processing.

 

  Our spin-offs & research centres: The consulting unit and the Cochlear Implant Centre help keep our research in touch with the real needs of industry and clinical practice and as public engagement programmes are designed to show the relevance and practical relevance of our research.
  In 2006, ISVR was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education ‘for improving the quality of life for the profoundly deaf and reducing noise pollution’. This honour reflects the successful integration of engineering and medical research in sound and vibration within the institute.

South of England Cochlear
Implant Centre

Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University Road, SOUTHAMPTON S017 1BJ |Tel:+44 (0) 23 8059 2294 |Fax: +44 (0) 23 8059 3190