Acoustics and Fluid Dynamics Group

School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh

You are here: Acoustics & Fluids > Group Members > Rob MacDonald

Site Navigation:

Home

Research

Teaching

Publications

Resources

Group Members

Musical Acoustics Network

Postgraduate & Postdoctoral Opportunities

MSc in Acoustics and Music Technology

Dr Rob MacDonald

Key Research Areas: Optical measurement of acoustic fields, particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser doppler anemometry (LDA), woodwind toneholes, acoustic streaming.

About

Rob MacDonald graduated with a 1st class degree in Physics with Music from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 and commenced a PhD in the area of woodwind acoustics. The research uses the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to examine the airflow around toneholes in models of woodwind instruments at high sound levels when non-linear flow effects such as vortex formation and acoustic streaming are present. PIV maps are analysed to study the effect of tonehole geometry on non-linear losses and resonating length.

Rob also collaborates with members of LAUM (France) in a project using Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) to calibrate microphones. The particle velocity in front of the microphone membrane is measured and the pressure calculated. PIV is used to obtain an overall picture of the velocity field around the membrane. Rob also has experience of using PIV to measure Rayleigh streaming in a closed tube, a subject of relevance to the field of thermoacoustics.

Publications

• Suitability of laser Doppler velocimetry for the calibration of pressure microphones.
  A. Degroot, R. MacDonald, O. Richoux, B. Gazengel and D. M. Campbell.
  

  Applied Acoustics 69(12), 1308-1317

  (2008).
• Etalonnage de microphones par Vélocimétrie Laser Doppler
  A. Degroot, R. MacDonald, D.M. Campbell, B. Gazangel and O. Richoux.
  

  In proceedings of the 8ème Congrès Français d'Acoustique; Tours, France

  (2006).
• Non-linear losses at woodwind tone holes
  R. MacDonald.
  

  In the proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics Spring Conference

  (2006).
• PIV applied to the measurement of the acoustic particle velocity at the side hole of a duct
  D.J. Skulina, R. MacDonald and D. M. Campbell.
  

  In proceedings of Forum Acusticum Budapest

  (2005).
• Visualisation of acoustic flows around a square duct side hole using PIV.
  D. Skulina and R. MacDonald.
  

  In proceedings of the 18th Annual Scottish Fluid Mechanics Meeting

  (2005).