A simulation of factory noise

A computer model has been developed to predict noise levels in factories. It will be used to solve noise problems in existing factories by looking at the effects on the noise level of erecting barriers or enclosures around machines, or introducing sound absorbing materials to the roof or walls. In the same way, it will be possible to use the model to predict noise levels in factories at the design stage, and thus to recommend the most effective method of preventing high noise levels in the future.The work follows a study of the sound levels in workshops containing work-in-progress storage racks (Corlett, Morcombe and Chanda, 1969). The noise level was found to drop considerably behind the racks, and it was suggested that a computer model be developed to predict whether the racks could be repositioned to act as effective noise barriers in the workshop.