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Environmental
and Applied Physics
The research
in the Department of Environmental and Applied Physic focuses
on Atmospheric Physics and Acoustics, including these
areas:
Radiative
Transfer Theory
The flow of solar radiation through the Earth's atmosphere
is strongly influenced by clouds and aerosols. We are developing
a number of computer codes to calculate radiative transfer,
in order to study the influence of aerosols on this flow.
We have also pioneered a perturbation technique to streamline
such calculations.
Satellite
Observations of Aerosols
The only source of global data on aerosol variability is space-based
observation. A new generation of satellites is now in orbit
with the sensitivity to provide quality data. We are accessing
such data, and processing it using a number of unique algorithms
which offer new insights.
Properties
of Aerosol Particles
The physical, chemical and optical properties are important
on both a global and a local scale. We are using a radiometer
to monitor the variation of aerosol optical properties in Sydney,
and along with this, we are developing methods for predicting
optical properties from their physical and chemical properties.
See also Aerosols
Central
Ionospheric
and Upper Atmosphere Physics
Electric currents flowing in the ionosphere give rise
to magnetic variations which are recorded by magnetometers
on the ground. A relationship is being sought between the
magnetometer records and the tidal winds which drive the ionospheric
currents. A computer model of the process gives some insight
and various methods are used to study the records. Several
analyses of lunar tides in the upper atmosphere are being
used, along with the same computer model, to seek an understanding
of this tide in the upper atmosphere.
Flutes,
reeds, didjeridus and other wind instruments
We study the physics and the interaction among them. Some studies
are supported by instrument makers but many are looking at
fundamental questions, such as the playing interaction. The
interaction of the player's vocal tract with the instrument
is fundamental in playing the dijeridu, but it is also important
in other instruments: it is one of the reasons why good and
bad players make different sounds. We are studying these interactions
using techniques developed in the laboratory. We also use these
techniques to study the acoustical properties of the instruments.
See Music
Acoustics
Voice Acoustics
What goes on acoustically in singing and speech? In these
projects, acoustical measurements are made of the vocal tract
(using a synthesized acoustic current signal as a probe) and
the results are compared with the speech signal (see http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/speech.html).
Academic
Staff and Research Fields
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Dr.
Gail P. Box BSc. PhD. N’cle NSW, Cert. HEd
UNSW
My research area is the optical, physical and chemical properties
of aerosols. We are making measurements of Sydney aerosols
using particle samplers for the chemistry, a nephelometer
and a radiometer for optical parameters. These measurements
are being used to study the variations of aerosol properties
over time, and the relationships between the different properties,
especially prediction of optical properties from chemistry. |
Associate
Professor Michael A. Box BSc. Monash, PhD. Sydney,
MAIP
My work covers all aspects of atmospheric aerosols and their
interaction with solar radiation. Ground based (and airborne)
measurements provide data on the aerosol physical, chemical
and optical properties, which can be used improve the analysis
of satellite observations, and also help understand aerosol
climatic effects. My group has also developed a number of
powerful techniques to perform radiation transport calculations
which are central to this work. |
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Associate
Professor John Smith BSc. Sydney, PhD. UNSW
My research in acoustics is centred on applications of a
novel acoustic impedance spectrometer developed by the acoustics
group. We are currently making a detailed experimental study
of the linear acoustics of some wind instruments (flute,
clarinet, didjeridu) and using these data to develop theoretical
models that predict their behaviour. This spectrometer is
also being used to study the acoustics of the vocal tract
during speech and whilst playing a musical instrument. |
Associate
Professor Robert J. Stening MSc. Sydney, PhD Qld.,
DipTertEd N.E. ThC (Moore Coll) FAIP
Electric currents in the ionosphere. These are generated
at around 110 km altitude when winds blow the ionized atmosphere
at these heights across the Earth’s magnetic field,
generating emfs. The currents are observed as small magnetic
changes on magnetometers at ground-based magnetic observatories
and on satellites. Ultimately I would like to be able to
infer from the magnetic variations what the winds are doing,
which should, in turn, tell us something about the general
state of the upper atmosphere. We use computer models to
tell us what magnetic variations are produced by different
expected wind systems. The relation between Science and
Christianity. |
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Professor
Joe Wolfe BSc. Qld, BA. UNSW, PhD. ANU.
My research in acoustics concerns musical instruments, the
vocal tract and information in music. Our acoustics group
has developed techniques for rapid, precise measurement
of acoustic impedance spectra and transfer functions. We
use these to study the acoustics of musical instruments
and of the vocal tract. The research on instruments is supported
by instrument makers. |
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