1st Edition

Loudspeaker Modelling and Design A Practical Introduction

By Geoff Hill Copyright 2019
    390 Pages 440 Color Illustrations
    by Routledge

    390 Pages 440 Color Illustrations
    by Routledge

    In this book, Geoff Hill demonstrates modern software and hardware being applied to the processes behind loudspeaker design and modelling. Modern computing power has progressed to the point that such analyses are now practical for any interested individual or small company. Loudspeaker Modelling and Design: A Practical Introduction examines the process from initial concept through specifications and theoretical simulations and onto detailed design. It demonstrates the processes of design and specification, by using detailed simulations of a loudspeaker driver; sufficient to give re-assurance that a design is practical and will perform as expected.This book brings together many different strands of modelling from electro-magnetic through to mechanical and acoustic, without getting bogged down in theoretical discussions and arguments. This practice-based book shows the techniques used in designing modern loudspeakers and transducers.

    I INTRODUCTION

    What tools do I need to design loudspeakers?

    II BASIC THEORY

    1 How Does a Loudspeaker Work?

    2 Frequency Response

    3 Frequency versus Time

    4 Resonance & Damping

    5 Finite Element Analysis

    6 Young’s Modulus

    III LOUDSPEAKER MODELS

    7 Small Signal Model

    8 Polynomial Models

    9 Thiele-Small Parameters

    10 Large Signal Domain and Model

    IV THE DESIGN PROCESS

    11 There is a Job To Do - But exactly what?

    12 Common Questions for Most Loudspeakers

    13 Specifying a loudspeaker driver

    14 Project Planning and a Bill of Materials

    15 Designing a Subwoofer

    V WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON INSIDE A LOUDSPEAKER?

    16 Driver Design

    17 Magnet

    18 Voice Coil

    19 Bl(x)

    20 Le(x)

    21 Motor Unit

    VI FEA, BEM AND INTEGRATION

    22 Material Specifications

    23 Mechanical Finite Element Analysis or FEA

    24 Cms(x)

    25 Suspension

    26 Mechanical Simulations

    27 PafLS

    28 Linkwitz Transform

    VII MECHANICAL DESIGN

    29 Visual and Mechanical Design

    30 Chassis

    31 Cabinet

    VIII MEASURING A LOUDSPEAKER

    32 Acoustical Measurements

    33 A Universal Loudspeaker Driver Test System

    34 Tetrahedral Test Chamber - White Paper

    IX APPENDICES

    A Glossary

    B References

    C ABEC and VACS Tutorial

    D FEMM Tutorial

    E Fusion 360 Tutorial

    F HOLMImpulse Tutorial

    G Klippel LPM Tutorial

    H Mecway Tutorial

    I Microcap Tutorial

    J Appendix PafLS

    K Appendix Theoretical Bl(x)

    L Statistical Analysis of Loudspeakers

    M WinISD

    Biography

    Geoff Hill is a passionate engineer, active member of the Audio Engineering Society, and a consultant working with a wide range of companies in the UK, Europe, and Asia. His latest venture, Hill Acoustics, marks in many ways a return to his roots, combining his 40+ years of experience with a determination to make a difference and do things better.

    Geoff can be contacted at www.geoff-hill.com or through his business www.hillacoustics.com.

    "[Hill] includes a good section and advice on design considerations for the application of the speaker and the constraints of the design with lots of frequently asked questions to satisfy the budding designer. [...] I enjoyed this book and found it a useful reference." - Tim French, audio specialist

    "The book is written in an easy-to-read and informative style, offering many practical asides and interesting anecdotes that make it even more readable." - Peter Mapp, Sound and Communications

    "Geoff Hill’s book fills a unique niche in providing insight into the methods actually used in designing loudspeaker drivers. If you’re interested in loudspeakers, you should certainly consider buying a copy!" - Richard Honeycutt, audioXpress

    "This is a unique book written by a veteran of loudspeaker design from a novel and practical perspective. Geoff Hill is a passionate engineer and active member of the Audio Engineering Society and is able to bring the topic to life using his 40 years of practical experience. The book is well worth the cost and is worthy of a place on any loudspeaker designer’s, electroacoustics consultant’s or enthusiast’s bookshelf.’’ - Peter Mapp, Peter Mapp Associates