National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA)

Overview of Services

National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA)

Founded by Congress in 1987, NCPA is the nation's first and only center exclusively dedicated to physical acoustics. Our pioneering research and strategic partnerships with governmental, military, and industry leaders are designed to meet and surpass the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. These alliances propel national capabilities forward, enhance systems and technologies and drive transformative innovation.

Our mission is to:
◦Innovate through vigorous basic and applied research programs in acoustics to ensure a viable national source of expertise.
◦Educate graduate and undergraduate students with knowledge and experience on the frontiers of acoustics.
◦Produce future researchers, teachers, practitioners and leaders in acoustics.
◦Enhance the overall educational and research mission of the University of Mississippi.
◦Promote economic growth through partnerships with industry and government. 

Our expansive 85,000-square-foot facility is designed to foster innovation and features an anechoic chamber, a Mach 5 wind tunnel, and an anechoic hot-jet laboratory. low-speed wind tunnels for aerodynamic studies. Additional facilities include low-speed wind tunnels, an underwater acoustics tank, Faraday lab spaces, 3-D printing for prototype development, and a high-tech machine shop equipped with state-of-the-art CAD services for precision in-house design. 

NCPA facilities are
◦CUI (NIST 800.171) Compliant
◦Secret (non-possessing) FCL
◦Energetic Materials: DCMA approved for Class 1.3 

Notable Capabilities Highlights:
◦Design of custom imbedded controllers and acoustics sensor systems with real-time, power-optimized processing.
◦Experts in complex phenomena in long-range sound propagation include air/ocean interface dynamics.
◦Laser and optics-based non-intrusive diagnostics of complex flow phenomena.
◦Multi-spectral images and spectroscopy-based diagnostics of combusting flows including particle-laden gas-solid flows.
◦Ultrasonic materials characterization in extreme conditions.
◦Expertise in sediment transport and acoustic monitoring in environmental systems.
◦Geophysical monitoring with acoustic and electromagnetic phenomena.
◦Low-dimensional modeling in fluid-acoustic and fluid-structural interactions.
◦Oceanic acoustic propagation and modeling.
◦Prototyping and ground testing of advance aerodynamics and propulsion systems.

Leadership

Dr. Nathan Murray; Director    (662) 915-5889    nmurray@olemiss.edu

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. https://olemiss.edu/ncpa/
2. (20) National Center for Physical Acoustics: Overview | LinkedIn

Contacts

Map