Month/Year of Graduation

5-2019

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering (BSAE)

First Advisor

Dr. Erica Ryherd

Abstract

COMSOL Multiphysics is a simulation software for modeling engineering processes and designs. The software can be used to create applications that allow users to change variables in a model and see the effect on the physics phenomenon under investigation. COMSOL applications can provide an interactive learning experience and help students visualize engineering concepts. This project examines the use of COMSOL to develop applications related to noise control in buildings, focusing on making them useful for education. Two applications were developed based on existing COMSOL models. One simulates sound absorption by a porous foam, and the other simulates sound propagation through a duct with a right-angled bend. The applications were used to calculate the absorption coefficient across frequency for a melamine foam sound absorber and the insertion loss across frequency for a duct. To test the applications’ accuracy, these results were compared with data from other software and from product data sheets. The results from the porous absorber application were reasonably accurate when compared to published data for a foam absorber. For the duct application, the calculated insertion loss values were close to the results from other software without an absorptive liner, although there was a larger discrepancy with a liner.

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