Diffraction of Sound Waves by a Circular Aperture

Diffraction of an acoustic wave by an aperture in a plane reflecting screen has been investigated experimentally at a wavelength of about 3 cm. The pressure amplitude distribution within a circular aperture illuminated by a plane, progressive sound wave exhibits oscillations which do not conform to theoretical requirements. A possible explanation for the disagreement offered. Diffraction measurements made in the near-field of the circular hole were found to be in fair agreement with the Fresnel-Kirchhoff theory. A modified theoretical expression, valid for apertures large as compared to the wavelength, is also presented. It is concluded that this theory is capable of predicting the diffraction effects to a greater degree of accuracy and over a larger region of space than Kirchhoff's classical formula.