Yup, all very true, which is why I said rule of thumb, but even that may
be too strong :)
- Steve
On Tue, Mar 16, 2004 at 02:08:27 -0800, davidrclark(a)earthlink.net wrote:
Regarding the inverse square law: Be careful!
This law applies to idealized situations such as point sources in isotropic,
homogeneous media. For a speaker in a tunnel, for example, it does not hold
true. Speakers have radiation patterns as do electromagnetic devices such as
antennae. Boundaries are also important. You will also have interference
effects, etc. I would anticipate that the inverse square law to be quite
inaccurate, but being outside will help. I love theory myself, but this
situation calls for the voice of experience. (Now if that voice says,
"Always use the inverse square law," please let me know.) The best thing
I can think of from a theoretical perspective (sort of) is to obtain the
speaker patterns if you can.