Calculation of peak acoustic intensity (in water)

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SUMMARY

The calculation of peak acoustic intensity in water is confirmed to be accurate using the formula I = p^2 / (rho * c). Given a maximum pressure (p) of 2.5 MPa, water density (rho) of 0.9982E03 kg/m^3, and the speed of sound (c) at 20°C of 1482.3 m/s, the peak intensity (I) is calculated as 4.2241E06 W/m^2. The detailed calculations show that substituting the values correctly yields I = 4224023.67 W/m^2, validating the initial computation. Rounding discrepancies may account for minor differences in results.

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  • Understanding of acoustic intensity calculations
  • Familiarity with the properties of water at 20°C
  • Knowledge of pressure units and conversions (MPa to Pa)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Explore the implications of acoustic intensity in underwater acoustics
  • Learn about the relationship between pressure and intensity in fluid dynamics
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Acoustic engineers, physicists, marine scientists, and anyone involved in underwater acoustics or fluid dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

ireland01
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If we know the max. pressure (p) is 2.5 MPa and T = 20 C.

Peak intensity, I = p^2 / rho * c

where rho = density of water: 0.9982E03 kg/m^3 and c = speed of sound in water: 1482.3 m/s at 20 C

I = (2.5E06 [Pa])^2 / 1.4796E06 [kg/m^2/s] = 4.2241E06 W/m^2

Is this correct?
 
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Using the numbers you have specified, the correct substitution would be:

I = p^2 / rho * c
I = ((2.5 x 10^6)^2) / ((0.9982 x 10^3)*1482.3)
I = (6.25 x 10^12) / 1479631.86
I = 4224023.67 W/m^2

However, if you have rounded your final answer then your workings are fine.
Otherwise, it looks good to me!

Hope this helps.
 

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