Sound energy density level

The sound energy density level gives the ratio of a sound incidence as a sound energy value in comparison to a reference level of 0 dB (DIN 45630). It is a logarithmic measure of the ratio of two sound energy densities.

The energy produced by vibrations is known as sound

$L(E)=10\, \log_{10}\left(\frac{E_1}{E_0}\right){\rm dB}$

where E₁ and E₀ are the energy densities. The unit of the sound energy density level is the decibel (dB).

If E₀ is the standard reference sound energy density of^[1]

$E_0 = 10^{-12} \mathrm{\frac{J}{m^3}}$

References

1. DIN 1320: Acoustics, Version 1997-06, Beuth publishing