Computer tools to simulate acoustic phenomena

Abstract

Acoustics is a branch of science whose mathematical models require a great effort of abstraction and spatial visualization. There are several pieces of computational software that allow us to represent these phenomena by means of graphical animations. Some of them enhance their capacity of calculation obtaining more rigorous graphical representations of the acoustic phenomena. Others enhance graphical functions making quicker animations. Software used for specific acoustic situations are also analysed. Very different software has been chosen for the comparative study, with a brief analysis of their operations and their potential as resources for teaching. Some of these have a very extensive scope of applicability, as can be Mathematica software. Some examples of animations that justify the scope of application of each program are illustrated.