The Diffraction of Acoustic Transients in the Nearfield of a Rectangular Aperture

Abstract

Working on this SIP has been somewhat of a tightrope act, balancing my efforts between the theoretical and experimental aspects of the undertaking. If either aspect of my work seems over-emphasized in this report, it is not because more of my time was spent in that area. I enjoyed equally both aspects of the problem,:and hope to be able to do some continued experimental work and analysis this winter and spring. Much of the early theoretical work involved in this project, which is not reflected in this report, involved basic background reading on the subject of diffraction. Much of this reading was in optics texts, and they often dealt with single frequency sine waves rather than transients, but the basic background reading proved invaluable in understanding the more complicated theory that was to come. These readings are included in the Bibliography. This, along with what is presented in the following"contributed to a unique learning experience.