Ines Lopez Arteaga
Professor in acoustic engineering
Excessive noise levels affect the financial and technical development of the West in many ways. By 2020 noise will be the greatest environmental problem in Europe. Over-exposure to noise can lead to health problems such as heart attacks, high blood pressure or poor learning ability. There are already stringent requirements on the noise levels of consumer products; everything from cars to electric tooth brushes. Acoustic disturbances can also affect complex systems such as turbines and limit the performance of high-tech precision machinery.
Ines Lopez Arteaga's research focuses on optimising the acoustic design of complex systems. This optimisation takes place by characterising the sources of noise, acoustic modelling and the development of noise-limiting measures. Artega's research into acoustic cameras originally aimed to extract information from sound in order to identify noise and vibration sources, but has shifted towards contact-free vibration detection, real-time acoustic image processing and subjective audio imaging.
One application for acoustic cameras is the measurement of the vibrations in tyres when in contact with the road. The research group also develops models for the friction between tyre and road that will help road builders to design quieter and more energy-efficient roads.