1. Physical principles involved in absorption mechanisms

Absorption is the phenomenon resulting from the dissipation of sound waves. This dissipation can occur either when the wave comes into contact with a wall or obstacle, or during propagation.

The acoustic quality of a room depends to a large extent on the characteristics of the reverberant field (level, duration, homogeneity, etc.). Controlling this quality therefore involves controlling all the parameters likely to modify absorption, particularly those of the materials making up the room walls.