Sound Intensity - A New National Measuring Standard

摘要

The CSIR's National Metrology Laboratory (NML) as the custodian of the national measurement standards, is empowered by the Measuring Units and National Measuring Standards Act1, to realize, maintain and disseminate the national measurement standards. In keeping with the NML's mandate, the Acoustics Laboratory realizes, maintains and disseminates the national standards in the field of acoustics. Currently the only national measurement standard which is being realised and maintained for acoustics in South Africa is sound pressure in air. For the Acoustics Laboratory of the NML to fulfil its role, it has to acquire and implement a sound intensity (SI) standard, which will be a new addition to the national standards already maintained and disseminated. This new parameter will serve in industry's interest, as currently traceability for sound intensity does not exist in South Africa and measurement traceability for SI has to be imported from overseas calibration laboratories or other NMIs.