Acoustic Vibration and Control

Our acoustics vibration and control research is focused on the management of sound and vibrations, including through automated control systems.

Acoustics vibration and control

Our acoustics vibration and control researchers specialise in:

  • active noise and vibration control
  • structural health monitoring
  • dynamics and control
  • thermoacoustics
  • ultrasound
  • underwater acoustics
  • vibration isolation
  • vibro-acoustics
  • waves and oscillating systems.

With sound surrounding us at all times, our work is of direct benefit in virtually all fields of endeavour. Some industries for which it is especially relevant include aerospace, automotive, maritime, rail, defence, construction, manufacturing, power generation and consumer electronics.

To enquire about consulting or working with us on a research project, please contact Professor Carl Howard.

  • Research impact

    Our acoustics vibration and control researchers undertake fundamental and applied research to solve significant industry challenges, and consistently deliver tangible, real-world impact.

    A couple of recent examples include the use of our innovation include:

    • commercial active noise and vibration controllers
    • acoustic and vibration technologies.
  • Consulting services

    We offer a comprehensive range of services including testing to Australian, ISO, ASTM and MIL standards:

    • Airborne sound insulation testing in reverberation rooms (random incidence sound transmission loss) to AS 1191/ ISO 140 / ISO 10140
    • Normal incidence transmission loss testing (in an impedance tube) to ASTM E2611
    • Random incidence sound absorption testing (in a reverberation room) to AS ISO 354
    • Normal incidence sound absorption testing (in an impedance tube) to ASTM E1050 and ISO 10534-2
    • Static airflow resistance testing for porous materials to ASTM C522-03 and ISO 9053
    • Porosity and Density measurements of porous media (based on ISO 4590)
    • Sound power testing in a laboratory reverberation room (both direct and comparison methods) to ISO 3741
    • Sound power testing using sound pressure in anechoic and hemi-anechoic rooms to ISO 3745
    • Sound power testing using sound intensity to ISO 9614
    • Environmental laboratory testing to MIL-STD-810
    • Hydrodynamic valve noise measurement based on IEC_60534-8-2
    • Measurement of speed of sound in a fluid in a pipe to ISO_15086-2
    • Vibration testing with an LDS 721shaker, using sinusoid, random vibration, and classical shock excitations against criteria such as NASA-STD-7001B
    • Noise monitoring and control.
    • Bespoke sound and vibration measurements and analysis to suit your needs.

    Acoustics and Vibration Laboratory flyer

    We have access to a range of specialist equipment and facilities, including acoustic chambers and wind tunnels.

    Please contact the Laboratory AVL@adelaide.edu.au, Professor Carl Howard or Professor Ben Cazzolato, for more information.

  • Our researchers

    We have expertise across a wide range of areas. Many of our researchers are available to assist with research project supervision for Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy students.

    Research Team Expertise
    Professor Benjamin Cazzolato Acoustics; Vibrations; Control and signal processing
    Dr Mergen Ghayesh  
    Professor Carl Howard Acoustics; Vibrations; Condition monitoring
    Dr Will Robertson Magnetic levitation; Vibration control; Biomechanics
    Professor Anthony Zander Acoustics; Vibrations
    Emeritus Professor Colin Hansen Acoustics; Vibrations
  • Publications and software

    We have produced the following textbooks and software to assist with solving acoustic problems.


    MATLAB and ANSYS textbook cover

    Acoustic Analyses Using MATLAB® and ANSYS® (2014)

    By Carl Q. Howard and Benjamin S. Cazzolato
    ISBN-10: 1482223252 / ISBN-13: 978-1482223255

    This textbook can be purchased from: Google BooksAmazon or CRC Press.

    Software accompanying the book:


    Engineering Noise Control, 5th Edition textbook cover

    Engineering Noise Control, 5th Edition (2017)

    By David A. Bies, Colin H. Hansen and Carl Q. Howard
    ISBN-10: 1498724051 / ISBN-13: 978-1498724050

    This textbook can be purchased from: Amazon.

    Software accompanying the book:

    Engineering Noise Control, 6th Edition (2023)

    Engineering Noise Control, 6th Edition (2023)

    By David A. Bies, Colin H. Hansen, Carl Q. Howard, and Kristy L. Hansen
    ISBN-10: 0367414783 / ISBN-13: 978-0367414788

    This textbook can be purchased from: Amazon  or CRC Press.

    Software accompanying the book:

    Download MATLAB source files

Higher degree by research opportunities

Higher degree by research opportunities

Be involved in engineering discovery, invention, and cutting-edge research through a higher degree by research. Join our Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy programs. 

HDR opportunities