Calibration and testing of measurement devices at infrasound frequencies: proof from malfunctioning devices at site

Abstract

With the growing prevalence of infrasound and potential for annoyance comes the need for noise assessment. Performance validation of measuring instruments is an established necessity for reliable measurement data at conventional frequencies. However, infrasound measurements are critically dependent on the integrity of the microphone. A case study is presented showing that errors in excess of 20 dB result if the microphone diaphragm is perforated, and that such a defect cannot be detected by visual examination or with a typical sound calibrator. A further laboratory study validates the findings, and a scheme is proposed for identifying when such an issue exists.