Distributed Impact Simulation for Sound Design

DEL PhD Studentship 2013/14

Distributed Impact Simulation for Sound Design

Principal Supervisor: Dr Maarten van Walstijn

Project Description:

Many real-world sounds are the result of distributed mechanical impact between sound-emitting objects. This project investigates numerical techniques to simulate such events, which has applications in sound design for film, music, games, and related multi-media industries. Unlike with physics engines for games, object interaction has to be simulated at audio rate in order to reproduce the perceptually critical features. While techniques for modelling point impacts between objects have been developed for sound synthesis purposes in previous work, many of the sonically more interesting interactions are essentially of a distributed character. For example, the specific sound of many Eastern string instruments stems from the distributed interaction between a curved bridge and the vibrating string. Numerical methods for audio-oriented simulation of such systems with provable stability properties have yet to be developed. Moreover, very little is known about suitable interfaces for sound design with such methods.

The main focus of the project is therefore on developing new finite-difference based methods that afford rendering sounds created by distributed impacts, where the main challenges is to ensure well-defined stability properties. Once a methodology is established, a more practice-lead approach will be taken in investigating strategies for designing a software environment that is suited practical use by sound designers.

This studentship was assigned under the University’s strategic investments priority of on interdisciplinary research topics, and the project will be co-supervised by Prof Pedro Rebelo of the School of Creative Arts. The successful candidate will be based at the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), which has cutting-edge facilities for measurements and recording and projection of audio, and houses a vibrant group of multidisciplinary researchers working in the areas of music technology, audio signal processing, sound design, and music. The research outcomes are ideally placed for knowledge transfer and industry collaboration through ongoing links in both SARC and The School of Electronic, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science (EEECS) with companies such as Bohemia Interactive Simulations, a world leader in providing simulation technologies.

Objectives:

Investigate numerical methods in the context of sound synthesis and design.
Investigate the physics and simulation of colliding objects, and identify the limitations of standard numerical methods regarding provable stability.
Develop novel energy-corrective methods and investigate the conditions under which both stability and accuracy properties can be defined.
Develop an implementation and investigate interface strategies for sound design.

Academic Requirements:

A minimum 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or relevant degree is required.

General Information

This 3 year PhD studentship, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), commences on 1 October 2013, covers approved tuition fees and a maintenance grant (unknown for 2013/14) is approximately £13,000 - £14,000.

Applicants should apply electronically through the Queen's online application portal at: https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/

Further information available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/PhD/PostgraduateResearchScholarships/

Contact details:

Supervisor Name:	Maarten van Walstijn
Email:	m.vanwalstijn@qub.ac.uk
Tel:	+44 28(0) 9097 4842
Web:	http://www.somasa.qub.ac.uk/~mvanwalstijn/