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September 10, 2025The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

Acoustics was physics in the United States—Until it wasn't

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AZAndrew ZangwillGeorgia Institute of Technology

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Implication

Survey reveals a decline in acoustics research in US physics departments, suggesting shifts to engineering. Less than a handful today maintain active acoustics research.

Key Points

Historically, nearly 25% of physics departments engaged in acoustics before World War II, reflecting its significance.
Bruce Lindsay criticized acoustics as a neglected area in physics back in 1942, highlighting its gradual decline.
Post-World War II, many universities shifted focus from acoustics to nuclear and solid-state physics, sidelining acoustic studies.
Comparison with optics illustrates the stark decline of acoustics research in US physics departments over the decades.

Cite This Study

Andrew Zangwill (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68c1b60654b1d3bfb60eae3a https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0037408

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Implication

Survey reveals a decline in acoustics research in US physics departments, suggesting shifts to engineering. Less than a handful today maintain active acoustics research.

Acoustics was physics in the United States—Until it wasn't

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Acoustics was physics in the United States—Until it wasn't

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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