10 february 2026 14h00-14h30
Davide De Carvalho & Filippo Tosato (MECA)
Military jets and firearms generate some of the most intense sounds encountered in operational environments, producing acoustic signatures that pose significant risks to both personnel and surrounding communities. Understanding how these high-amplitude signals are produced, propagated, and perceived is essential for developing effective mitigation and protection strategies. This webinar provides an overview of the physics and perception of such noise, highlighting why traditional linear acoustic models fail to predict impulsive waveforms, shock formation, and high-frequency content. After reviewing the societal and operational motivations—including the prevalence of hearing loss, cases of acoustic trauma within the Belgian Defence, and psychoacoustic sensitivity—we examine the human auditory system and the metrics that explain why acoustically similar sounds can produce very different subjective responses and annoyance levels, and how nonlinear signals are perceived. Using measurement data and simulations, we demonstrate how nonlinear propagation models, such as the Nonlinear Progressive Wave Equation (NPE), more accurately reproduce outdoor weapon and jet noise signatures. We also discuss environmental uncertainties that influence prediction accuracy. By integrating physical modelling, psychoacoustic understanding, and real-world measurements, this webinar provides a comprehensive foundation for improved risk assessment, hearing protection, and noise-mitigation strategies within Defence contexts.
Teams Link will be communicated soon.