National Measurement System for Acoustics

Measurement, per se, is one of the fundamental activities upon which the functioning of human cultures depends. Over the past two years, the staff of the National Bureau of Standards has conducted a study of the role of acoustical measurements as an element in the National Measurement System. This system is conceived to be the network of measurement standards, techniques, procedures, personnel, and equipment through which all measurements are conducted. Conduct of a measurement operation, or reliance upon measurement data, thus makes one a participant in the National Measurement System. Most acousticians are participants. The emphasis of the present study has been to review the status of the system in order to determine the adequacy of these important physical measurements and to promote improvements within the measurement system. This paper outlines the significance of measurements in acoustics and indicates the relevant physical quantities. The roles of the acoustical standardization institutions and in...