Dr Ian Drumm

Lecturer

Ian's photo

Contact details

Telephone: 0161 295 4433

Location: Newton Building

Profile

Following a BSc in Physics in 1989, I worked as a software engineer for a number of years. I later completed a PhD in Computer based Acoustic Modelling, subsequently lecturing and researching in Visualisation at Manchester University and later Acoustics at Salford University. Research interests include…

FDTD-FETD methods

The research models sound propagation within air and surfaces using numerical techniques and is finding application in Room Acoustic Prediction, Musical Acoustics and Environmental Acoustics. Some of my recent work has been published in Acta Acustica Vol 93 2007.

Development and Implementation of a Wave Field Synthesis System

I'm currently project leader and PhD supervisor for the development and implementation of a Wave Field Synthesis system within our acoustics test facilities. Our WFS system will use 128+ speakers controlled via our own in house developed drivers utilising the new Vista Audio stack. Much of the preliminary software has been implemented and we are currently installing the system. Watch this space.

IMPRINtS - Internet and Mobile technologies for a Public Role In Noise Surveying

I'm the principal investigator on this EPSRC funded Partnerships for Public Engagement Project (EP/E06552X/1). Using mobile phone software and web services the project which aims to enable and encourage public participation in a large scale environmental noise survey thus raising awareness of environmental noise science and the impact of soundscapes on quality of life. Such raised awareness being a driver for better urban planning, construction and development. With the aid of secondary school pilot studies the project also aims to encourage and inspire young people to engage with physical sciences.
Interwoven with primary aim is a research aim facilitated by large scale public participation that seeks to better understand the public's relationships with their soundscapes and how those relationships vary with location, demographics, etc. Such research will also provide a case study for the wider research community in developing public engagement activities of this kind.

www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/imprints

Physical modelling of musical instruments

The research aims to investigate, develop and evaluate a modular and extensible paradigm for the software-based construction of physical models of real musical instruments. Together with the ongoing experimental analysis of acoustic instruments and the interrelationship of their physical components such as excitation mechanisms, wave-guides, resonators; the project will use results to develop flexible, user-friendly software for the study and synthesis of musical instrument sounds.

Adaptive beam tracing

The most popular models to predict sound propagation in architectural spaces involve the tracing of rays or images. I have developed a new method involving the tracing of geometric beams. Unlike conical beams which overlap or produce holes in the theoretical wave front, I have divided the wave front in such a way as to produce a geometrically perfect description of the sound propagation. The model compares well with ray tracing, image method and measured data.

Virtual Reality

I'm currently using OpenGL, EAX2 and in house developments to apply room acoustics and binaural rendering to virtual environments. On going development of ‘Virtual environments application’ has proved useful for education and research (notably acoustic design and speech intelligibly tests).

Modules taught include Musical Acoustics, Audio Components and Systems, Math and Vibrations (MSc Acoustics), Transducers for Music, Java and C Programming.

Teaching

Acoustics of Music, Mathematics, Mathematics and Vibrations, Object Orientated Programming.

Publications

I. A. Drumm, R. G. Oldfield, ‘The prediction of synthesised wavefields within realistic room acoustics scenarios’, 20th International Congress on Acoustics, 23-27, Sydney, Australia, 2010

I. A. Drumm, 'A hybrid finite element / finite difference time domain technique for modelling the acoustics of surfaces within a medium', Acta Acustica, Vol 93, p804-809 (2007)

I. A. Drumm, Y. W. Lam, 'Development and assessment of a finite difference time domain room acoustic prediction model that uses hall data in popular formats', Proceedings, Internoise-Turkey, (2007)

I. A. Drumm, (2006),'Simulating Virtual Environments for Musical Performance', Futures in Acoustics IOA 2006 Spring Conference

I. A. Drumm, S. Von Hunerbein, S. G. Bradley, T. Marsh, J. D. Martin, (2006), 'Meeting Individual Mathematical Needs in a Mass HE Market', MSOR Connections, Vol 6 No 1 Feb 2006

I. A. Drumm, (2005), 'The Application of Adaptive Beam Tracing and Managed DirectX for the Visualisation and Auralisation of Virtual Environments', Information Visualisation (IV05) Conference Proceedings 2005

I. A. Drumm, (2003),'Development of a modular paradigm for the physical modelling of musical instruments', Proceedings of SMAC03 Stockholm Music Acoustic Conference 2003

I. A. Drumm,Y. W. Lam, (2002), 'The Development and Implementation of Adaptive Beam Tracing', Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics

I. A. Drumm, Y. W. Lam, "The adaptive beam tracing algorithm", J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 107, 1405 (2000)

I. A. Drumm, P. Philipson, ‘The implementation and application of virtual environments in teleconferencing’, IOA Proceedings, Reproduce Sound 16

I. A. Drumm, Y. W. Lam, 'The development of adaptive beam tracing', IOA Proceedings, Auditoria 1999

I. A. Drumm, Y. W. Lam, 'The real-time simulation of the acoustics of virtual environments on personal computers', IOA Proceedings, Reproduce Sound 15

I. A. Drumm, ‘The Development and Application of an Adaptive Beam Tracing Algorithm to Predict the Acoustics of Auditoria’, Ph.D. Thesis 1997