3D Ray Tracing - Auditorium
Acoustic ray tracing is based on the idea of discrete sound rays or sound particles propagating on straight lines from wall to wall (Source: Krokstad1968). It works on the assumption of Ray theory, i.e. at a constant speed sounds travel in straight lines radiated from a source sphere. The theory is based on Snell's Law, a formula which can be used to derive the relationship between angle of incidence and angle of reflection for a ray hitting a surface.
In architecture and design, acoustic ray tracing offers the potential to enhance and optimize the acoustics and sightline conditions for auditoria design through Realtime feedback and manipulation.
Trajectory mapping for rays in a room
In the geometric model, sound rays radiated from the source sphere travel in straight lines. hit the environment surfaces(walls, ceilings etc. ) and undergo numerous reflections. In the process a fraction of energy of a ray is absorbed depending on the absorption coefficient of the surface.
The primary reflected rays also referred to as early reflections further hit different surfaces and lose more energy. The process of reflection continues till the sound ray reaches the receiver or it decays. Upon every impact of a primary ray with the surface multiple secondary reelections or reverberations also radiate from the surface. These rays mimic the same behavior as the primary rays but build up to ambient sound and echo.
3D Ray Tracing - Auditorium
The model was tested with multiple varying conditions such as altering the location of source and receiver, number of rays radiating from the source, base geometry, surface material values etc.
3D Ray Tracing - Room
With further research and scripting, the concept of acoustic ray tracing can be encoded into the design (orientation, positioning etc.) of walls and ceiling surfaces for an auditorium or a room. The angle of incidence and reflection of a ray to and from a surface can help align the surfaces accordingly in order to minimize the sound transmission loss and optimize the acoustic conditions of the space.