A Pedagogical Software for the Analysis of Loudspeaker Systems

In this paper, a pedagogical software for the design and analysis of loudspeaker systems is presented, with emphasis on training students in the interaction between system parameters. Loudspeakers are complex electromechanical system, whose behavior is neither intuitive nor easy to understand by inexperienced students. Although commercial simulation software provides computation of the equations governing loudspeaker systems, they are mainly focused on the final product and are intended for experienced audio engineers. The proposed software was intentionally designed for education and training purposes. This software allows students to investigate loudspeaker systems that involve complex interactions by illustrating their effects in real time, both in a graphical interface and in numeric values. Unlike other academic simulation tools in the technical literature, students can modify the system parameters, both graphically and numerically, and observe their impact on the loudspeaker responses: pressure, diaphragm behavior, and electrical impedance. Results obtained during two academic semesters showed educational improvement by comparing the outcomes generated by a commercial software and by the designed tool. Students reported very positive attitudes toward this experience and perceived their interaction with the simulation as being generally effective in improving their skills in dealing with loudspeaker system interaction.