Microphone array geometry optimization for traffic noise analysis

Area of Science:

• Acoustics and Signal Processing
• Urban Environmental Science

Background:

• Traffic noise analysis requires precise microphone array geometry.
• Existing solutions can be costly and complex.
• Understanding sound energy distribution is crucial for urban planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a cost-effective microphone array with fewer microphones for traffic noise analysis.
• To optimize the irregular array geometry for reduced beampattern sidelobes.
• To facilitate the analysis of angular sound energy distribution impacting urban facades.

Main Methods:

• An optimization procedure was employed to determine the irregular 24-microphone array geometry.
• The optimization focused on minimizing beampattern sidelobes within the 300 Hz to 2000 Hz frequency band.
• The traffic noise characteristics defined the relevant frequency band for optimization.

Main Results:

• A novel, irregular microphone array geometry with 24 microphones was successfully obtained.
• The optimized geometry effectively minimizes beampattern sidelobes.
• The designed array is suitable for analyzing the angular distribution of traffic noise.

Conclusions:

• The developed microphone array offers a more economical approach to traffic noise analysis.
• The optimized irregular geometry enhances the accuracy of sound energy distribution measurements.
• This research contributes to better understanding and mitigating urban noise pollution.