The engineering relevance of Acoustics

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The mathematical demands of acoustics research are wide: ranging from solution of partial differential equations to the methods of digital signal processing. Some of the mathematical basics are covered by undergraduate mathematics for engineers but many important topics such as Green's function methods, asymptotic methods, integral transforms and variational calculus lie outside the typical engineering mathematics syllabus. Most researchers in acoustics do not have access to master level courses to broaden their postgraduate study. Consequently, the fundamental mathematical methodologies taught at undergraduate level are often advanced through independent learning by individual researchers. They develop their mathematical skills on a 'need-to-know' basis rather than being made aware of the potential of advanced mathematical tools at the onset of their research career. Feedback from two previous Support Mathematics for Acoustics Research Training Summer Schools suggests that they have been successful. It is proposed to mount a third such school in 2007 for up to 40 attendees. The School will consist of an intensive 5 days, with a high tutor/student ratio, devoted to lectures on mathematical topics supported by graded tutorials and computing laboratory classes. The course will make use of a book Lecture Notes for the Mathematics of Acoustics edited by Matthew Wright and will feature Lecturers who have the benefit of experience from the previous SMART Schools where they achieved good levels of student satisfaction.