Project: Sourcing small/lightweight high-travel bass speaker

[gmackugler]

Hi!
I am building a device at school that utilizes waves of pressurized air (less than 0.03 psi) at frequencies ranging 5-20 Hz. I believe that a high-travel bass speaker may work for this application. I am, however, limited to using a small/lightweight speaker (about one inch radius).

Would you have any recommendations of speakers that may work for my needs?

Thanks so much!

 

[slipperybidness]

Hi!
I am building a device at school that utilizes waves of pressurized air (less than 0.03 psi) at frequencies ranging 5-20 Hz. I believe that a high-travel bass speaker may work for this application. I am, however, limited to using a small/lightweight speaker (about one inch radius).

Would you have any recommendations of speakers that may work for my needs?

Thanks so much!

I think you need to start by reading about Hoffman's Iron Laws:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subwoofer
http://www.salksound.com/wp/?p=56

It would seem that you are trying to violate the laws of physics.

But, as far as a source for raw drivers, I like PE:
https://www.parts-express.com/cat/hi-fi-woofers-subwoofers-midranges-tweeters/13

Edit: Also, note that we typically refer to Sound Pressure Level (SPL) in decibels (dB) in this field, not as psi.

 

[slipperybidness]

Hi!
I am building a device at school that utilizes waves of pressurized air (less than 0.03 psi) at frequencies ranging 5-20 Hz. I believe that a high-travel bass speaker may work for this application. I am, however, limited to using a small/lightweight speaker (about one inch radius).

Would you have any recommendations of speakers that may work for my needs?

Thanks so much!

Where did you come up with that 0.03psi number as your target here?

Assuming that my math is correct, I calculate that as 140dB!

I ran through the math using excel, I'm much more confident when I can do it on my scientific calculator, but I suspect that my numbers are correct!

LOL! Good luck, it ain't gonna happen! And, you do not want/need 140dB! We are talking serious problems at these levels.
http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I am building a device at school that utilizes waves of pressurized air (less than 0.03 psi) at frequencies ranging 5-20 Hz.

I am, however, limited to using a small/lightweight speaker (about one inch radius).

The problems achieving 140 dB aside, the same physics say you’ll never get anything close to 20 Hz with a 2-inch speaker. You’d have problems getting even 200 Hz with a speaker that size.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[zieglj01]

Here is your 2" with specs - will be little bass for sure
http://www.parts-express.com/celestion-an2075-2-full-range-compact-array-driver--294-2044

• Nominal Diameter 2"
• Power Handling (RMS) 20 Watts
• Power Handling (max) 40 Watts
• Impedance 8 ohms
• Resonant Frequency (Fs) 160 Hz
• 
  
• Sensitivity 80 dB 1W/1m
• Voice Coil Diameter 0.75"

The best way to have traveling bass with small speakers is to wear headphones while you move.