Modeling the frequency response of an acoustic cavity using the method of images

We demonstrate the ability of a simple algorithm based on the venerable method of images (MOIs), to accurately model the detailed frequency response of a multidimensional, rectangular, lossy resonant cavity. The convergence properties of the model's infinite series solution are shown to be determined by the cavity's quality factor Q. A 1D example demonstrates that the MOI series converges to the exact solution. Next, a comparison to precisely measure 2D cavity data confirms that a straightforward extension of the 1D algorithm to multiple dimensions provides accurate results. The algorithm is short, easily understandable by undergraduate students and relatively undemanding to code. An example using ®mathematica is provided.