Numerical wave propagation in complex acoustical environments using hybrid wave-based and geometrical acoustics methods

Accurate modeling of sound propagation in realistic environments presents significant challenges due to the wide frequency range of interest and the intricate details of the boundary interactions. Wave-based methods excel at low frequencies but become expensive at higher frequencies. In contrast, geometrical acoustics (GA) methods are highly efficient for high-frequency modeling, yet they may lack accuracy compared to its wave-based counterparts. This study presents a hybrid approach that combines these two methodologies to offer a practical, but highly accurate, solution for sound propagation in complex acoustic environments, such as fully furnished multi-room apartments. By integrating both methods, we achieve high accuracy without the expense of using a wave-based technique across the entire frequency range. The hybrid method is applied to a multitude of multi-room apartment scenarios, showcasing how it effectively handles complex geometries that influence sound propagation. Key to the success of this method is the tuning and implementation of the GA method to ensure it's compatibility with the wave-based method. The method's efficiency and accuracy makes it well-suited for practical applications where computational resources are limited but high-fidelity results are required across a broad range of frequencies making it a cost-efficient and more scalable alternative to measuring real-world scenarios.