In Reply to: By non-linear do you mean that compression and rarifaction are not exact mirrors of one another? nt posted by viridian on March 13, 2012 at 13:27:52:
Air follows the “gas law” which means it with a large change in pressure, it is not a linear “spring”.
In the case of what we call airborne sound we reach 194dB when the negative pressure =0 and the positive 2X ambient pressure. It is possible to have a greater positive pressure however but then it’s called a shock wave. In a normal sine wave, the non-linearity can be seen once the intensity is in the high 150’s or above (dB). Because the positive pressure is slightly warmer, it travels faster and over many wavelengths, the sine wave processes into a saw tooth wave.
In audio, one has horn throat distortion which is related to the high frequency sound intensity and how slowly the horn area expands (the more slowly, the worse it is).
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- RE: By non-linear do you mean that compression and rarifaction are not exact mirrors of one another? nt - tomservo 13:44:09 03/13/12 (3)
- RE: By non-linear do you mean that compression and rarifaction are not exact mirrors of one another? nt - Inmate51 14:26:58 03/13/12 (2)
- RE: By non-linear do you mean that compression and rarifaction are not exact mirrors of one another? nt - tomservo 14:59:12 03/13/12 (1)
- RE: By non-linear do you mean that compression and rarifaction are not exact mirrors of one another? nt - Inmate51 07:59:44 03/14/12 (0)