Professor Jim Woodhouse

Professor of Structural Dynamics
What is your subject and specific area of study?
Vibration and acoustics. I work on the acoustics of musical instruments, and also on other engineering vibration problems like vehicle brake squeal. I studied mathematics originally and moved to Engineering later in my career, so my college involvement has been with both subjects (and also occasionally with computer science).
What makes Clare College such a good place to study your subject?
In mainstream subjects like maths and engineering, the choice of college is mainly influenced by factors other than the academic subject. So all my positive feelings about Clare are to do with the social atmosphere, tolerance and inclusiveness that the college is so good at.
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Measuring the vibration response of a violin with a miniature impact hammer and a laser system. |
A set of 6 violins commissioned specifically for acoustical and psychoacoustical testing: very similar externally, but with small controlled differences of internal structure so that players and listeners can distinguish them. |
Main Publications:
Full list available here