The Measurement of Sound Scattering in a 1:8 Scale - Validation of the Measurement Stand and Procedure

The measurement of energetic sound scattering parameter in acoustical scale models is rather unpopular, despite its many clear advantages. It allows huge savings of time and money. A possibility to prepare a significantly smaller sample of a diffusing panel and considerably reduced dimensions of the measurement stand allow easier and more frequent control measurements during the design process of a diffuser. The aim of the study was to design, build and validate a functioning measurement stand for the needs of such measurements in the Technical Acoustics Laboratory in the Department of Mechanics and Vibroacoustics, AGH in Krakow. The paper describes innovative solutions applied at the stand, such as an omnidirectional sound source of an appropriate frequency and directional characteristics, and a rotating table mechanism. Those two compliment the stand, used previously for the needs of the sound absorption properties measurements. The paper describes the verification process of the stand and the procedure for sound scattering measurements in a 1:8 scale. The results obtained in a scale model will be compared with the full-scale measurements of the chosen diffusing systems. The paper also discusses the choice of the materials and technological processes used for the production of a scale diffusing panel.