I’m Ed, and I’ve just joined the CDT at the University of Salford. I came to acoustics through music: my first degree was in Creative Music Technology, and I’ve stayed interested in how sound is made, shaped and controlled ever since.
Project title: Improving Noise and Vibration in Cars
Project Partner: Jaguar Land Rover
University: University of Salford
Supervisors: Dr Deepak Akiwate and Dr Olga Umnova
Briefly, what is your PhD project about?
I’m researching acoustic metamaterials for reducing noise in electric vehicle cabins, in collaboration with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). Without an engine to mask them, sounds like tyre and road noise become much more noticeable in EVs (some refer to this as “draining the lake”, which reveals all the nasty stuff you couldn’t see before). Acoustic metamaterials are engineered structures whose shape, rather than what they’re made of, gives them unusual control over sound. I’m exploring how they could tackle that low-frequency noise without adding the weight and bulk of conventional treatments.
Why is it important to do this research?
EVs are central to a cleaner future, but their quieter powertrains expose other noise that affects passenger comfort. Traditional ways of blocking low-frequency noise need lots of mass, which costs range. I’m looking into whether metamaterials could offer quieter cabins that are also light, compact and sustainable, which is good for passengers, manufacturers and the environment.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
It brings together the things I enjoy most: the physics of sound, designing for positive human experience, and solving real problems with industry. My MSc work on acoustic black holes got me interested on the vast potential of engineered structures to control sound and vibration in a sustainable way. Working with JLR means the research could make it into a real vehicle, keeping the project grounded.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
To me, a sustainable sound future means quieter, more comfortable places for people, achieved without costing the planet. Our ears are always on, and noise affects how we feel more than we think it does. The challenge is delivering it sustainably: lighter, recyclable materials, and solutions that support cleaner technologies like electric vehicles.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
I’ve just completed an MSc in Acoustics at Salford, with a dissertation on acoustic black hole absorbers. Before that, I worked in the professional audio industry with MasterSounds, a manufacturer of bespoke loudspeakers and audio mixers.
What do you do on a typical PhD day so far?
At this early stage, lots of reading. I’m working through the literature on vehicle NVH and acoustic metamaterials, building up my notes, and also preparing a presentation ahead of a meeting with JLR, as well as brushing up on Python for acoustics.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Pound for pound, one of the loudest animals on Earth is the lesser water boatman, a water insect only about 2 mm long. Males “sing” to attract mates by rubbing their penis against their abdomen, reaching up to around 99 dB, it can actually be loud enough to be heard by people walking along the riverbank (despite the impedance mismatch between water and air)!.