A comparison of two different sound intensity measurement principles

The dominating method of measuring sound intensity in air is based on the combination of two pressure microphones. However, a sound intensity probe that combines an acoustic particle velocity transducer with a pressure microphone has recently become available. This paper examines, discusses, and compares the two measurement principles with particular regard to the sources of error in sound power determination.

It is shown that the phase calibration of intensity probes that combine different transducers is very critical below 500 Hz if the measurement surface is very close to the source under test. The problem is reduced if the measurement surface is moved further away from the source. The calibration can be carried out in an anechoic room.