How Weather and Environment Can Change the Way Sound
Propagates in the Atmosphere

Diego Turo
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Catholic University of America

Wed, October 16, 2018 - 4:00 PM
Karl Herzfeld Auditorium of Hannan Hall - Rm 108

turo_photo_sm.jpgThe Wind, temperature, humidity, vegetation, soil and topography of a region are just a few factors that affect atmospheric sound propagation. 
 A correct modeling of sound propagation in complex environments can allow, for instance, detectability of military targets.

Dr. Turo’s research interests are in atmospheric acoustics and acoustics of porous media. Dr. Turo has been recently working on modeling atmospheric sound propagation in littoral zone. This project, that will be the focus of his talk, has been supported by the Office of Naval Research for the past 4 years. The goal of his research is to build an acoustic model that can reliably predict the sound pressure level at shore caused by a vessel at sea. The model that will be presented accounts for weather conditions, shore topography, and sea state. This capability will allow the US Navy to estimate the distance from the shore that a vessel at sea can reach before being detected. This is a fundamental tool the US Navy needs for defense and stealth missions!

Refreshments served at 3:45 PM

If you have any questions about the Colloquium Series  or would like to make a donation please contact the Department of Physics, cua-physics@cua.edu or (202) 319-5315.