Loudspeaker Modelling and Design: A Practical Introduction

In this book, Geoff Hill demonstrates modern software and hardware being applied to the processes behind loudspeaker design and modelling. Modern computing power has progressed to the point that such analyses are now practical for any interested individual or small company. Loudspeaker Modelling and Design: A Practical Introduction examines the process from initial concept through specifications and theoretical simulations and onto detailed design. It demonstrates the processes of design and specification, by using detailed simulations of a loudspeaker driver; sufficient to give re-assurance that a design is practical and will perform as expected.This book brings together many different strands of modelling from electro-magnetic through to mechanical and acoustic, without getting bogged down in theoretical discussions and arguments. This practice-based book shows the techniques used in designing modern loudspeakers and transducers.

Table of Contents:
I INTRODUCTION What tools do I need to design loudspeakers? II BASIC THEORY 1 How Does a Loudspeaker Work? 2 Frequency Response 3 Frequency versus Time 4 Resonance & Damping 5 Finite Element Analysis 6 Young’s Modulus III LOUDSPEAKER MODELS 7 Small Signal Model 8 Polynomial Models 9 Thiele-Small Parameters 10 Large Signal Domain and Model IV THE DESIGN PROCESS 11 There is a Job To Do - But exactly what? 12 Common Questions for Most Loudspeakers 13 Specifying a loudspeaker driver 14 Project Planning and a Bill of Materials 15 Designing a Subwoofer V WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON INSIDE A LOUDSPEAKER? 16 Driver Design 17 Magnet 18 Voice Coil 19 Bl(x) 20 Le(x) 21 Motor Unit VI FEA, BEM AND INTEGRATION 22 Material Specifications 23 Mechanical Finite Element Analysis or FEA 24 Cms(x) 25 Suspension 26 Mechanical Simulations 27 PafLS 28 Linkwitz Transform VII MECHANICAL DESIGN 29 Visual and Mechanical Design 30 Chassis 31 Cabinet VIII MEASURING A LOUDSPEAKER 32 Acoustical Measurements 33 A Universal Loudspeaker Driver Test System 34 Tetrahedral Test Chamber - White Paper IX APPENDICES A Glossary B References C ABEC and VACS Tutorial D FEMM Tutorial E Fusion 360 Tutorial F HOLMImpulse Tutorial G Klippel LPM Tutorial H Mecway Tutorial I Microcap Tutorial J Appendix PafLS K Appendix Theoretical Bl(x) L Statistical Analysis of Loudspeakers M WinISD

About the Author :
Geoff Hill is a passionate engineer, active member of the Audio Engineering Society, and a consultant working with a wide range of companies in the UK, Europe, and Asia. His latest venture, Hill Acoustics, marks in many ways a return to his roots, combining his 40+ years of experience with a determination to make a difference and do things better. Geoff can be contacted at www.geoff-hill.com or through his business www.hillacoustics.com.

Review :
"[Hill] includes a good section and advice on design considerations for the application of the speaker and the constraints of the design with lots of frequently asked questions to satisfy the budding designer. [...] I enjoyed this book and found it a useful reference." - Tim French, audio specialist "The book is written in an easy-to-read and informative style, offering many practical asides and interesting anecdotes that make it even more readable." - Peter Mapp, Sound and Communications "Geoff Hill’s book fills a unique niche in providing insight into the methods actually used in designing loudspeaker drivers. If you’re interested in loudspeakers, you should certainly consider buying a copy!" - Richard Honeycutt, audioXpress "This is a unique book written by a veteran of loudspeaker design from a novel and practical perspective. Geoff Hill is a passionate engineer and active member of the Audio Engineering Society and is able to bring the topic to life using his 40 years of practical experience. The book is well worth the cost and is worthy of a place on any loudspeaker designer’s, electroacoustics consultant’s or enthusiast’s bookshelf.’’ - Peter Mapp, Peter Mapp Associates