The ribbon microphone multi‑physics educational aid

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Engineering education has historically been mostly mathematics based, with advanced mathematics used to derive simple models for physics phenomena and then using these models to study basic behaviour. However, recent years have seen a proliferation in numerical multi-physics analysis software that performs finite element and finite volume analysis to provide high accuracy solutions to problems. It provides visualisation of solutions that were not possible earlier, thereby giving engineers new insight into problems and solutions. Only using analysis software can however easily cause dissociation from real-world physics and prevent early identification of flawed solutions. To correctly interpret simulation results it is important to first understand how the practical model behaves.The ribbon microphone is a real-life example that can serve as a laboratory tool for students to make the link between theory, computer simulation and the physical world. Simulation of this seemingly simple device is not trivial. The ribbon microphone is an all-in-one example for simulations in acoustics, mechanics, magnetics and electromagnetics – and the interaction between these disciplines. The value of the ribbon microphone as a teaching aid can be extended by adding transformers and electronic amplifiers to the model. The complete model can be used to illustrate the importance of impedance matching and noise suppression.The thesis argues a case for the ribbon microphone as a laboratory aid in engineering education. The case for good laboratory examples is supported by related information from engineering education publications. The thesis is structured around a selection of experiments to illustrate how students can learn different aspects of four physics domains through exercises concerned with the ribbon microphone. The experiments consist of computer simulations and real-world exercises. Theory is provided for each physics domain as an introduction to the experiments.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University