Design and Validation of Low-Cost Intensity Probe 2019-01-1462

Sound intensity measurement techniques that used a two-microphone configuration, were first developed in the late 1970s. Originally, the focus was on improving precision during testing or post-processing. However, with the advent of modern, sophisticated equipment, the focus has shifted to the apparatus. Availability of phase-matched microphones has made post-test correction obsolete as the microphones eliminate a majority of the errors before the data is even collected. This accuracy, however, comes at a cost, as phase-matched microphones are highly priced. This paper discusses employing the method of improving post-processing precision, using inexpensive, current equipment. The phase error of the system is corrected using a simple calibration technique and a handheld phase calibrator that is similar to the one used for amplitude calibration of microphones. The intensity probe and calibrator is manufactured using rapid prototyping and the executable software that goes with the probe is designed in NI LabVIEW. The entire setup uses inexpensive parts to lower the cost and modern software to compensate for the errors due to these parts. The design of the probe and the accompanying software will be discussed in the paper. Additionally, the accuracy of the probe will be compared to a commercially available sound intensity probe and the results will be discussed.