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Acoustic Noise (acoustic + noise)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	83%

Selected Abstracts

The acoustic hood: a patient-independent device improving acoustic noise protection during neonatal magnetic resonance imaging

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2009
Anders Nordell
Abstract Background:, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is today the imaging modality of choice to investigate the neonatal brain. However, the acoustic noise during scanning is very loud, often exceeding 100 dBA. Aim:, To reduce the acoustic noise during MRI for neonatal patients. If effective, this would create a safer environment and also result in fewer aborted examinations due to poor image quality from patient motion. Methods:, A passive acoustic noise protector, the acoustic hood, was built out of dampening material. Sound pressure measurements with and without the acoustic hood were performed using our clinical neonatal scan protocol, consisting of eight imaging sequences. The acoustic hood is placed over the newborn inside the MR scanner tunnel during the examination to absorb acoustic noise. Results:, The acoustic noise level was substantially reduced using the acoustic hood. Peak sound pressure was reduced 16.18,22.21 dBA depending on the pulse sequence. For the entire frequency spectra, reduction were between 4,13.59 dBA again varying with the pulse sequence. Conclusion:, Acoustic noise can be reduced further than before by using the patient-independent acoustic hood in addition to other noise protection. We recommend the use of three passive hearing protections during neonatal MRI: (1) dental putty, (2) paediatric ear muffs, and (3) the acoustic hood. [source]

Shaping and timing gradient pulses to reduce MRI acoustic noise,

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010
Marcel Segbers MSc
Abstract A method to reduce the acoustic noise generated by gradient systems in MRI has been recently proposed; such a method is based on the linear response theory. Since the physical cause of MRI acoustic noise is the time derivative of the gradient current, a common trapezoid current shape produces an acoustic gradient coil response mainly during the rising and falling edge. In the falling edge, the coil acoustic response presents a 180° phase difference compared to the rising edge. Therefore, by varying the width of the trapezoid and keeping the ramps constant, it is possible to suppress one selected frequency and its higher harmonics. This value is matched to one of the prominent resonance frequencies of the gradient coil system. The idea of cancelling a single frequency is extended to a second frequency, using two successive trapezoid-shaped pulses presented at a selected interval. Overall sound pressure level reduction of 6 and 10 dB is found for the two trapezoid shapes and a single pulse shape, respectively. The acoustically optimized pulse shape proposed is additionally tested in a simulated echo planar imaging readout train, obtaining a sound pressure level reduction of 12 dB for the best case. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Millimetre-scale bubble-like dielectric elastomer actuators

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2010
Federico Carpi
Abstract Hydrostatic coupling has recently been reported as a means to improve the versatility and safety of electromechanical actuators based on dielectric elastomers (DEs). Hydrostatically coupled DE actuators rely on an incompressible fluid that mechanically couples a DE-based active part to a passive part interfaced to the load. The work reported here was aimed at developing millimetre-scale bubble-like versions of such transducers. Silicone-made oil-filled actuators were manufactured as both single units and arrays of parallel elements. Bubbles had a base diameter of 6 mm and were driven up to a voltage of 2.25 kV, applied across a silicone film with a thickness of 42 µm. Active relative displacements and stresses up to 18% and 2.2 kPa, respectively, were recorded with static driving. Dynamic investigations reported a ,3 dB bandwidth of the order of 100 Hz and a resonance frequency of about 250 Hz. Millimetre-scale hydrostatically coupled DE actuators might play a useful role in several fields of application. Among them, we are currently exploring novel tactile displays and cutaneous stimulators, made of wearable, distributed and flexible devices. Although further miniaturization is required for high-resolution uses, this technology holds promise to properly combine performance with safe and compliant interfaces with users, low specific weight, no acoustic noise and low cost. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source]