Acoustic Testing and Characterisation
From materials to sensors, from air to underwater environments: independent acoustic testing and characterisation services that turn measurements into engineering decisions
The University's Acoustic Testing and Characterisation Services can help you understand how your products performs in real acoustic environments.
Whether you are developing a new acoustic material, validating a sensor design, characterising an underwater transducer, or verifying signal performance, our independent testing service provides accurate, repeatable, and research-grade acoustic measurements.
Based at Brunel University's Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC), our facilities combine advanced acoustic testing equipment, signal generation and analysis capabilities, dedicated impedance tube facilities, and specialist expertise in airborne and underwater acoustics.
Our Services
Acoustic Material Characterisation
Measure and quantify the acoustic properties of materials for product development, quality control, and performance verification.
Services include:
- Sound absorption coefficient measurement
- Sound reflection coefficient measurement
- Acoustic impedance determination
- Frequency-dependent acoustic response
- Comparative material performance testing
- Research and product validation studies
Applications:
- Building materials
- Acoustic panels
- Noise barriers
- Automotive materials
- Aerospace components
- Sustainable and recycled materials
Underwater Acoustic Testing
Characterisation of transducers, hydrophones and acoustic devices operating in water or other liquids.
Measurements include:
- Frequency response
- Sensitivity
- Signal transmission characteristics
- Acoustic pressure measurements
- Performance verification
- Comparative benchmarking
Applications:
- Marine technologies
- Underwater sensing
- Environmental monitoring
- Water treatment systems
- Defence and security applications
- Ocean engineering
Airborne Acoustic Measurements
Testing and validation of acoustic devices and systems operating in air.
Capabilities include:
- Loudspeaker and transducer characterisation
- Sensor performance testing
- Signal response measurement
- Acoustic field analysis
- Frequency-domain analysis
- Time-domain waveform measurements
Applications:
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial monitoring systems
- HVAC equipment
- Product development
- Research and development projects
Custom Signal Analysis & Electronic Characterisation
Using programmable waveform excitation and high-resolution signal acquisition, we can assess the response of acoustic and electronic systems under realistic operating conditions.
Capabilities include:
- Custom excitation signals
- Waveform generation
- Oscilloscope-based signal capture
- Time and frequency domain analysis
- FFT analysis
- Signal integrity verification
- Electronic and electromechanical system testing
Bespoke Liquid Acoustic Testing
Unlike many conventional laboratories, we can support testing in media beyond air and water.
Potential applications include:
- Process liquids
- Industrial fluids
- Slurries
- Waste streams
- Research-specific liquid environments
This allows customers to evaluate acoustic performance under conditions that closely replicate real operating environments.
Why Work With Us?
Independent Testing
Receive objective, third-party measurements to support product development, certification, customer confidence, and technical due diligence.
Research Expertise
Our team combines academic excellence with practical industrial experience, enabling us to support everything from routine validation through to complex R&D challenges.
Flexible Project Scope
We can provide:
- Single measurements
- Material screening studies
- Full characterisation campaigns
- Consultancy support
- Collaborative research projects
Rapid Turnaround
Testing programmes can be tailored to project timescales, from short feasibility studies through to long-term development partnerships.
Typical Deliverables
Customers receive a professional test report that may include:
- Experimental methodology
- Test conditions
- Calibration details
- Frequency response data
- Acoustic property calculations
- Graphical results and interpretation
- Engineering recommendations
- Raw data (available on request)
Industries We Support
- Construction and Building Products
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Marine and Offshore
- Energy
- Electronics
- Advanced Materials
- Environmental Technologies
- Defence and Security
- Research Organisations and Universities
For more information or to discuss your acoustic testing requirements, please contact Dr Wayne Lam at wayne.lam@brunel.ac.uk
You can return to our main Commercial Services page to see what else we have that could support your requirements.