Physics - Faculty : Andrew A. Piacsek

Andrew A. Piacsek Assistant Professor Director, Science Honors Research Program Lind 300-D 509-963-2723 piacsek@cwu.edu

Educational Background

B.A., Physics, Johns Hopkins University, 1986
M.S., Acoustics, Penn State University, 1991
Ph.D., Acoustics, Penn State University, 1995

Teaching
These are the classes that I teach on a fairly regular basis:

• PHYS 101 Introductory Astronomy
• PHYS 103 Physics of Musical Sound
• PHYS 111-113 Introductory Physics
• PHYS 181-183 General Physics
• PHYS 351-352 Analytical Mechanics
• PHYS 361 Computational Physics
• SHP 301 Science Honors Junior Seminar
• SHP 401 Science Honors Senior Seminar

•• I have also taught Freshman seminars for the Douglas Honors College and for the STEP program.

Research Interests

My primary area of interest and expertise is physical acoustics, which is the study of mechanical waves and related phenomena. I am interested in waves of all kinds, from sound waves in a trumpet to sonic booms to tsunamis; that such disparate phenomena are united by similar mathematics is especially intriguing. Most of my experience is theoretical: I like to develop and work with computer models to explore how one thing depends on another. However, I am currently developing an acoustics laboratory at CWU to study vibrations in unusual structures and to investigate the properties of musical instruments.

Another area of interest is the epistomological basis of science, the role of science and society, and how to improve scientific literacy and understanding among non-scientists. I am interested in the ways in which society develops its perceptions of science, including the perseverance of pseudo-scientific and unscientific beliefs. My main work in this area is developing curriculum at the university level that specifically addresses our understanding of how science works and why this is important.

Selected Publications

** Smith, A., and Piacsek, A. "Elastic and vibrational properties of a regular tensegrity structure," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 119, 3390 (abstract) (2006).

** Piacsek, A., and Wagner, G. "Environmental impact of modern wind farms," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 115, 2414 (abstract) (2004).

Piacsek, A., "Using acoustics to lure high school students into a career in science," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 114, 2311 (abstract) (2003).

** Grogan, J., Braunstein, M., and Piacsek, A., "An experimental study of changes in the impulse response of a wood plate that is subject to vibrational stimulus," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 113, 2315 (abstract) (2003).

Piacsek, A.A., "Using computers to overcome math-phobia in an introductory course in musical acoustics," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 112, 2344 (abstract) (2002).

Piacsek, AA, "Atmospheric turbulence conditions leading to focused and folded sonic boom wave fronts," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 111 , 520-529 (2002).

** Piacsek, AA, and Roberts, K., "Influence of wall curvature on the resonance behavior of glass bowls," Proc. of 17th International Congress on Acoustics, Rome (2001).

Piacsek, AA, "Measurements of wineglass resonance using a fiber-optic probe," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 108, 2623 (abstract) (2000).

Piacsek, A. A., "Nonlinearity vs. diffraction within a focusing weak shock," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 99, 2539 (abstract) (1996).

Clarke, D. B., Piacsek, A. A., White, J. W., "Propagation of signals from strong explosions above and below the ocean," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 99, 2525 (abstract) (1996).