Contribution
Wavefront: A TLM-based Simulation Platform for Teaching Basic Wave Propagation Principles
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Visualizing acoustic wave propagation for educational purposes can help students understand acoustic phenomena such as diffraction, refraction, and reflection of the superposition of multiple sound sources. In contrast to methods used in research and industrial applications, this platform prioritizes ease of use and versatility over high precision, catering specifically to educational needs. In this context, TLM (Transmission Line Matrix) based models have been developed and used for many years, some of which only consider two-dimensional sound transmission.We introduce Wavefront, a novel educational tool that facilitates hands-on teaching and learning of fundamental acoustic wave propagation concepts. Key features include real-time visualization of wavefront propagation, simulation of multiple sound sources, virtual microphone placement for signal analysis, cross-platform compatibility, and browser execution. Wavefront has been implemented using the Rust programming language, which offers high performance and memory safety, making it an ideal choice for developing a simulation platform. The code is open source and published under a permitting license, allowing users to study and customize the source code to suit their needs.