There are interesting facts, especially for those who like playing loud music: the sound can kill you! With the condition, the noise power is greater than 135 decibels. Of course, you will not be exposed to such a powerful sound waves from the iPod. But, it turns out there is a sound system that can kill humans, i.e the giant horn sounds of the European Space Agency (ESA) in the depths of a vast spaceflight simulation in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
 |
| European Space Agency’s sound system is so loud it could kill you. (Picture from: http://www.odditycentral.com/) |
The horn is the strongest of its kind in Europe. At maximum volume, there was no chance to save themselves. The sound trigger is part of the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF) - a sound testing chamber of ESA to test the acoustic noise on the spacecraft - to ensure no damage occurs in a rocket launch.
The ESA's sound testing facility has a height of 16.4 meters, width 11 meters, and depth of 9 meters and the horn mouthpiece mounted in one wall. "When nitrogen was fired into the funnel, it will produce sound with incredible power - more than 154 decibels. Effect is like standing near multiple jets which is taking off at once - enough to permanently deafen a human," said the ESA in their release as quoted from Oddity Central, on February 5, 2014.
 |
| Engineer Kees van Zijtveldt (pictured) stands beside the largest sound horn of ESA's Large European Acoustic Facility (Leaf), which is capable of subjecting satellites and spacecraft to the same noise a launcher produces as it takes off and flies through the atmosphere. (Picture from: http://www.odditycentral.com/) |
The deafening sound which could be damaging the human ear drum also can be used as a weapon. Less powerful sound waves are released to control crowds, theft deterrent, and counterterrorism actions. The sound waves can make humans to experience nausea or discomfort.
 |
| The Herschel spacecraft (pictured) successfully passed its acoustic tests in June 2008. During the tests it was subjected to acoustic noise generated by the Leaf sound system. (Picture from: http://www.odditycentral.com/) |
For example, an acoustic grenade can cause more severe damage. Its strength between 120-190 decibels. According to researchers in Germany, sounds of the powerful blast more than 210 decibels can damage internal organs, cause injury and even death.
Fortunately, the ESA's horn mouthpiece wasn't designed to be a weapon. It only operates when all safety doors are closed. Steel-reinforced concrete walls encapsulate the test chamber to further block the sound, and the entire room is supported by rubber pads to prevent vibration from being transferred to the rest of the building.
So, there is no man who will never be able to hear the true power of the horn. If it gets there, they probably will not live to tell us the tale. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ODDITY CENTRAL]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
