PhD : Active Noise Control for Double-Glazed Partitions

Supervisors: Prof. Philippe Micheau and Prof. François Grondin

Expected start date: Winter semester 2027 (January 2027)

Funding: Fully funded PhD scholarship for 3 years

Project Background

This project was initiated in collaboration with a Montreal-based industrial partner specializing in double-glazed office partition systems. Such products are widely used in modern buildings because they combine acoustic insulation with visual openness. Technically, a partition consists of two thick glass panes separated by an air cavity.

Conventional double-glazed systems provide broadband sound insulation and typically achieve a sound reduction index between 30 and 45 dB. However, their performance deteriorates at low frequencies, where sound attenuation may fall below 20 dB, potentially compromising speech privacy.

To address this limitation, active noise control using loudspeakers integrated within the glazing cavity offers an innovative solution. For the anti-noise generated by the loudspeakers to effectively compensate for the weaknesses of passive glazing systems, precise control is required. This necessitates the integration within the cavity of not only loudspeakers, but also error microphones and real-time signal-processing electronics.

Overall Project Objective

The objective of this project is to design, develop, and experimentally validate a fully integrated active noise control system embedded within a double-glazed partition. The project builds upon previous work completed in 2025, which led to a first functional prototype through the development of an original error-microphone compensation method.

Following this proof of concept, the goal is to significantly improve both the performance and robustness of the proposed approach. The project will involve a multidisciplinary team composed of PhD and MSc students, undergraduate interns, a research professional, and two faculty supervisors.

The long-term objective is to develop an active control solution whose performance is independent of the number of loudspeakers and microphones deployed inside the cavity, while relying on an electronic control system that can be fully integrated into a commercial partition. Ultimately, the tuning procedure for active partitions should eliminate the need for any on-site calibration during installation.

PhD Research Objectives

The PhD candidate will contribute to the following tasks:

• Optimize loudspeaker and microphone placement using numerical simulation tools (COMSOL Multiphysics)
• Develop the integration of the active control solution within the double-glazed partition
• Improve error-microphone compensation methods using machine-learning techniques
• Experimentally validate the active partition system in a transmission-loss test facility

Candidate Profile – Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in acoustics, mechanical engineering, applied physics, signal processing, or a related field
• Strong background in vibro-acoustic numerical modeling using COMSOL Multiphysics
• Interest in real-time controller prototyping, multichannel adaptive FD-FxLMS algorithms (MATLAB/Simulink), and machine learning
• Experience with acoustic measurements in transmission-loss or reverberation chambers
• Ability to analyze acoustic data using MATLAB
• Strong autonomy, scientific rigor, and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent command of French (spoken and written) and proficiency in scientific English

Why Join This Project?

• Acquire highly sought-after expertise in the design and validation of advanced active noise control systems applicable to a wide range of industries
• Join CRASH-UdeS, one of the largest acoustics research centers in North America, with access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities
• Benefit from strong international visibility through participation in leading conferences and publications in top-tier journals
• Work within a stimulating multidisciplinary environment combining mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering
• Receive full PhD funding for three years
• Collaborate directly with an industrial partner located in Montreal

Application Procedure

Please send the following documents to philippe.micheau@usherbrooke.ca:

• Cover letter
• Two-page curriculum vitae
• Official university transcripts
• Contact information for two references who can comment on your qualifications and research potential
• Any additional relevant material (publications, internships, research projects, etc.)