The Harmonoise Sound Propagation Model

The Harmonoise model for predicting environmental noise is expected to provide a basis for the development of a future method for environmental noise mapping in Europe. In this article a detailed description is presented of all steps involved in a calculation with the Harmonoise sound propagation model. The description is restricted to point-to-point propagation, which is a basic element of a full (engineering) model for environmental noise. The description provides all details that are required for developing a computer code for the Harmonoise point-to-point model. The development and the theoretical justification of the model was described by D. van Maercke and J. Defrance in Acta Acustica united with Acustica 93 (2007) 201–212. In the present article some recent improvements of the model are included. Numerical examples are also presented. Results of the Harmonoise model are compared with results of the Nord2000 model, and also with accurate reference results. Also included are reference results that illustrate the effect of linearizing logarithmic wind profiles, which is relevant as Harmonoise and Nord2000 assume linearized wind profiles.