A Comparative Study of Human Response, Indoors, to Blast Noise and Sonic Booms

For the past two decades, blast sounds and sonic booms have been assessed in a like manner in the United States using a C-weighted day-night level. Recently, a new method which replaces the C-weighted day-night level had been recommended (Schomer, Nov. 1994), and reviewed and recommended (NRC, 1996). In this new method, as in the old, blast sounds and boom sounds are once again assessed in a like manner. However, while available evidence suggested that in an indoor setting, blast sounds and sonic booms could be treated similarly, evidence in the form of a side-by-side comparison was lacking. The purpose of the study reported herein was to provide the lacking side-by-side data. The study tested if subjects indoors responded in a like manner to both blast and boom sounds. This study also tested if the response of subjects to sonic booms followed the new method suggested in Schomer (Nov. 1994).
Prepared in collaboration with Eagle Aeronautics, Inc., Newport News, VA.