Postgraduate Studentships
Proposed Project Title: Extraction of Spatial Audio Formats from Simulated Sound Fields
Principal Supervisor: Dr Maarten van Walstijn

Project Description:

Finite difference methods and other numerical techniques are often employed for discrete-time simulation of wave fields such as sound fields and electromagnetic fields. This project explores methods for extracting acoustic signals from a simulated, gridded sound field with specified directional sensitivity, which can be achieved by first performing plane wave decomposition. For acoustic simulations, this will allow generating audio formats (binaural, ambisonics, wave field synthesis) with embedded directional information, thus enabling realistic, dynamic auralization of virtual spaces.

The successful applicant will be based at the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC), which has cutting-edge facilities for measurements and recording and projection of audio, and houses a vibrant group of multidisciplinary researchers in the area of music technology.

Objectives:

• Investigating and developing new approaches to plane-wave decomposition of finite-difference sound fields
• Developing specific formulations for 2D/3D configurations for multichannel and binaural reproduction
• Developing strategies for dynamic “walk-through” auralization

Academic Requirements:

A minimum 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or other relevant degree is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This 3 year PhD studentship, potentially funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), commences on 1 October 2015.

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£13,863 in 2014/15, 2015/16 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship. Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

Please note: DEL awards are available for Home and EU candidates only.

Applicants should apply electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at:
https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/

Further information available at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/StudyattheSchool/PhDProgrammes

Contact details:

Supervisor Name: Maarten van Walstijn
Tel: +44 (028) 9097 4842
QUB Address: Sonic Arts Research Centre
Email: m.vanwalstijn<στο>qub.ac.uk
Web: www.socasites.qub.ac.uk/mvanwalstijn        

Deadline for submission of applications is 27 February 2015

For further information on Research Area click on link below:
www.socasites.qub.ac.uk/mvanwalstijn