Stuart Cumming
Sound has been a significant part of my life, from my fascination with rockets and fighter planes to playing in a rock band during my teenage years, despite being sensitive to loud noises. This probably led me to pursue a BSc(Hons) in Music Technology at UWIC in Cardiff. For about 12 years, I have worked as an acoustician and studied for an MSc in Applied Acoustics at the University of Derby on a part-time basis. I continue to write and perform music, and attending concerts remains my favourite activity outside of research.
What is your PhD is about?
My project is on the Auralisation of Acoustic Metamaterials. It’s got a few large words involved, so I’ll break it down as much as I can. Auralisation is the creation of a soundfield using a digital environment. This is an excellent tool for hearing how something will sound before it is made. Think of, say, a concert Hall where you can listen to the orchestra play in full 3D, and it sounds like you are actually there. How about Acoustic metamaterials? Meta is from ancient Greek for ‘after’, so pretty much after-materials or beyond materials. Why beyond materials? Well, metamaterials give us the ability to effectively ‘fine-tune’ a surface so that we can block low-frequency sound with thin materials, focus sound into specific areas, or bend sound around an object, effectively creating an acoustic invisibility cloak.
Why is it important to do this research?
A lot of research has been done on simulating the physics of metamaterials. I’m attempting to create software that allows users to hear the difference subjectively. This is important because human perception is very… human. Some people are more sensitive to certain sounds than others. There may also be traits of certain materials that aren’t captured in the data, but we can perhaps still hear them.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
I like a challenge. I have experience in auralisation throughout my career, and I see significant potential in this research beyond its current scope. I think it may open up avenues to more research projects after I’m done.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
Environmentally, I think it’s as simple as using less embodied carbon, working with local suppliers, and saving energy. Metamaterials can help with this by making structures thinner and lighter, and by enabling 3D modelling, potentially locally produced. Socially, I think we should aim to create spaces that are fit for purpose and adaptable, by reducing noise from industry, traffic, and construction, and by preserving tranquil areas.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
I was working as an acoustic consultant, with a virtual reality Project, designing schools, offices, etc. I finished my job early and then spent some time working with the sound team at a few concerts, making sure we stayed within the limits.
What do you do on a typical PhD day so far?
I’m enjoying the freedom to explore new topics and update my skills as I see fit. To give my days structure, I’ve set myself regular 9-5 hours, and I’m taking full advantage of both the CDT and university PGR personal skills training. This, along with the CDT cohort sessions, gives me some structure to base my research on.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Keeping in line with the current sustainability theme. There’s an eco-friendly way to induce rainfall called acoustic agglomeration. It’s sometimes used in arid areas. Low-frequency sounds with very high amplitudes are fired into clouds, making water molecules vibrate and collide, creating bigger droplets and increasing the likelihood of rain!