Measurement of absorption with a p-u sound intensity probe in an impedance tube

An alternative method of measuring the normal-incidence sound absorption of a sample of material in an impedance tube is examined. The method is based on measurement of the sound pressure and the normal component of the particle velocity using a “p-u” sound intensity probe. This technique is compared with the traditional, well-established “transfer function method” based on two pressure microphones. The results suggest that the new method can be as accurate as the established method, but whereas the influence of transducer mismatch on the transfer function method can be eliminated using a simple “sensor-switching technique,” the method based on a p-u intensity probe relies on accurate calibration of the probe.