Acoustic generation and measurement set-up at high frequency

Abstract

The use of acoustic as a non-lethal weapon has gained significant interest within the field of engineering for many years. However, the capabilities of acoustic attacks to inflict significant damage on technological devices and humans have remain widely speculated. Therefore, this study aims to further the current research on acoustic systems through conducting two different experiments that explore the possibilities of deploying disruptive overt and covert acoustic attacks, and if such attacks are capable of achieving damage-inducing ranges. Through various experimental manipulations of sound frequencies and distances across different mediums, this study utilizes two different experimental set-ups, to assess if acoustic and ultrasounds can occur at a high enough intensity to inflict harm on both MEMS gyroscope sensors and humans. Through the experiments, the study aims to provide preliminary results and insights into the (1) resonant frequency ranges of a MEMS gyroscope and; (2) characteristics of ultrasound as it transmits through a tubular PVC pipe filled with either air or water. Ultimately, analysis of the data from these two experiments will provide additional perspectives of the possibilities in designing a LRAD capable of both overt attack operations on MEMS-embedded technology and covert attack operations on enemies. This study has provided significant positive results on the (1) identification of MEMS gyroscope’s resonant frequencies and; (2) reduction of acoustic loss from the propagation of ultrasound through a PVC pipe (tubular channel) filled with water.