Considerable activity in the acoustics of wood has occurred since the first edition of this book in 1995. An informal survey of a number of the published articles and papers presented at international conferences revealed that the interest of the wood science community is continually increasing. In this context, I felt c- pelled to revise the text in accordance with newer findings and this prompted the addition in the present book of 159 new references added to the existing 850 in the first edition. As a result of the favorable comments upon the first edition, from students and colleagues, I have included a part on mathematical theory related to wave pro- gation in orthotropic solids in the general text, in order to enable the interested reader to follow the essentially physical aspects of the subject. A new chapter related to “acousto-ultrasonics” is introduced; Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 have been considerably expanded and a significant redistribution of the subject matter from the earlier edition has been made.

Acoustics of Wood offers a detailed treatment of numerous topics that are valuable to those working with wood in architecture, engineering, acoustics, and the crafting of musical instruments. It presents a comprehensive account of the progress and current knowledge concerning wood acoustics, outlining the anatomy and physiology of wood and the specific applications in which its acoustic properties are relevant. Acoustics of Wood reviews state-of-the-art measurement systems and includes material that has not been widely published. Divided into three main parts, the book describes environmental acoustics, presents acoustics methods for the characterization of the elastic behavior of wood, and discusses acoustic methods for the assessment of wood quality.

The book explains sound insulation in buildings at a level suitable for both graduate students and expert consultants. Theoretical models are set out for sound transmission in buildings, with an emphasis on thick and heavy constructions. Thus, the description is not restrained by the common assumption of bending waves which is characteristic of thin plates, only. A general description is provided, with the modal density in the structures as a key parameter. At low frequencies statistical energy analysis is replaced by modal energy analysis. Sound transmission through windows and facades is represented by a model that allows any angle on incidence, including the special case of grazing incidence. One chapter is devoted to the subjective evaluation of sound insulation, particularly noise from neighbours, and how this can be applied in a sound classification scheme for dwellings. Measurement methods in building acoustics are presented with emphasis on modern methods using MLS signals or sine sweeps. The analysis and estimation of measurement uncertainty is discussed in detail. In a final chapter examples of experimental buildings with high sound insulation are explained.

Trees can reduce noise by sound reflection and absorption and this is the first book bringing together the widely scattered literature on noise abatement by urban trees. The book will interest those concerned with environmental management, noise control, and urban forestry. It is an invaluable source of information for environmental managers, foresters, acousticians, engineers, architects, scientists, and students.

Acoustics of Wood offers a detailed treatment of numerous topics that are valuable to those working with wood in architecture, engineering, acoustics, and the crafting of musical instruments. It presents a comprehensive account of the progress and current knowledge concerning wood acoustics, outlining the anatomy and physiology of wood and the specific applications in which its acoustic properties are relevant. Acoustics of Wood reviews state-of-the-art measurement systems and includes material that has not been widely published. Divided into three main parts, the book describes environmental acoustics, presents acoustics methods for the characterization of the elastic behavior of wood, and discusses acoustic methods for the assessment of wood quality.