• Technology
• + Voice Coil Impedance
• Introduction
• Glossary
• Lumped Impedance Modelling
• Measurement
• Fem Modelling
• Prediction of Distortion
• Conclusion
• Download as PDF
• + Surround Sound with Fewer Speakers
• Introduction
• Sound Quality Objectivies
• Creating Virtual Soundfields
• Practical systems
• Conclusion
• + Optimum Diapragm Waveguide Geometry
• Introduction
• Sperical Waves
• Analysis Stategy
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Download as PDF
•   Pod Technology
• + Uni-Q White Paper
• Introduction
• Background
• Co-Axial Drivers
• Co-Incident Drivers
• Magnetic Design
• Acoustics
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• References
• Full Paper (PDF)
• + High End Uni-Q
• Coincident Source Array
• Finite Element Analysis
• Dome Profile
• Wavefront Analysis
• Motor Systems
• Laser Vibrometry
• References
• + Reference Paper
• Introduction
• Research & Development
• Reference 207
• Production
• System Design
• Boundary Control Device
• + ACE Technology
• Introduction
• How Does ACE Work?
• Adsorption
• Improvements
• Performance
• Applications
• Technology
• References
• Full Paper (PDF)

Research and Development

For all information on the Uni-Q Driver, including sections on finite element analysis, laser vibrometry and motor analysis, please go to the High End Uni-Q White Paper>>

3D Solid Modelling and Rapid Prototyping

3D CAD is an integral part of all KEF's new product development. The ability to produce rendered visual images for concept approval and to carry out virtual assembly tests has significantly reduced the design cycle, allowing products to reach the market in very short timescales.

Rapid Prototyping automates the fabrication of a prototype from a 3D CAD model. This physical model conveys more complete information about the product earlier in the development cycle.

Typical turnaround time for a rapid prototype part can be just a day or two. Conventional prototyping may take weeks or even months, depending on the method used.

Two Rapid Prototyping methods currently used by KEF are stereolithography and laser sintering.

Materials

KEF has an extensive history of acquiring and deploying a detailed knowledge of materials. The Reference 207 embodies the latest understanding of the behaviour of engineering materials.

The critical properties of a vibroacoustic material are mass, (bending) stiffness and damping. These are directly related to measurable quantities density and complex modulus of elasticity. Furthermore it is often overlooked that stiffness and damping are frequency dependent.

KEF pioneered measurement research in this field in the 1970s and are now pioneering complementary simulation techniques. To characterize our materials we use a process called Dynamic Mechanical Analysis which measures the complex modulus. This defines the temperature-dependent stiffness and damping of the sample and, to some extent, the frequency-dependent behaviour. The technique, combined with a detailed understanding of material behaviour, provides us with the necessary data to feed into Finite Element models. Without this information we would be guessing material properties for our models. On the 'garbage in, garbage out' principle the models would otherwise be worse than useless - they would be very dangerous because they would give false impressions.

The Eureka Project

From 1987 to 1993 KEF was a partner in the EC-supported Eureka research project Archimedes, which aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the influence of rooms upon loudspeaker performance.

This project directly influenced both the Uni-Q array development and the revival of the KEF low-diffraction pod concept, driven by the need for ‘pure’ sources with which to conduct the Eureka research

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