Atmospheric Absorption of Sound: Theoretical Predictions

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Abstract
By assuming that air is composed of four gases (i.e., nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide) and applying energy transfer rates for the binary collisions inherent in such a system, absorption of sound in the atmosphere has been predicted. The calculated curves based upon 24 energy transfer mechanisms are compared with experimental data over the humidity range of 0–100% relative humidity. Agreement between theory and experiment is very good. By including classical absorption and rotational relaxation effects, the total atmospheric absorption is also predicted at 20°C. Calculations made for various concentrations of CO2 indicate that low CO2 levels (less than 0.1%) do not significantly affect absorption of audible sound at high humidities. At very low humidities, however, CO2 is an important factor.

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