Propagation of Sound Outdoors - Attenuation vs. Distance
Calculate sound pressure level (Lp) for outdoor sound propagation considering attenuation due to distance, atmospheric conditions, and barriers. Supports single point sources (spherical and hemi-spherical radiation) and linear sources.
Sound Propagation Calculator
This tool calculates the sound pressure level (Lp) for different radiation patterns and source types using the formula:
Lp = LN - 20 log(r) + K' + DI - Aa - Ab
where:
- Lp = Sound pressure level (dB)
- LN = Sound power level of source (dB)
- r = Distance from source (m)
- K' = Constant depending on radiation pattern
- DI = Directivity index (dB)
- Aa = Attenuation due to atmospheric conditions (dB)
- Ab = Attenuation due to barriers (dB)
Key Notes:
- For single point sources (spherical): K' = -11
- For single point sources (hemi-spherical): K' = -8
- For linear sources: Use Lp = LN - 10 log(4π r)