Applications of Acoustic Technologies: A Multidisciplinary Forensic Engineering Freshman Project

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of a multidisciplinary project focused on application of acoustic technologies in the discipline of forensic engineering. This freshman project was developed by faculty in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering to highlight collaboration between disciplines and provide students a highly interactive hands-on experience. The course objectives were to: identify the broad range of applications of acoustics in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering to solve complex technical problems, apply acoustic and ultrasonic technologies to collect and analyze data for material classification and flaw detection, nondestructively evaluate material characteristics of products and structures, construct and destructively evaluate reinforced concrete beams, and to clearly and succinctly present technical data in written, visual, and oral formats. The format of the lectures, hands-on laboratory exercises, and homework assignments are provided. Course and teacher survey data highlight the many aspects of the project that were successful and data comparisons between other courses are made. Recommendations for how this topic could be included in other discipline-specific courses and potential modifications due to Covid-19 are presented. © Forensic Engineering 2022: Elevating Forensic Engineering - Selected Papers from the 9th Congress on Forensic Engineering.All rights reserved.