APPLICATION OF THE WAVE EQUATION IN ACOUSTIC AND VIBRATION ENGINEERING: A GLOBAL BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Abstract

The wave equation serves as a fundamental mathematical framework in acoustic and vibration engineering, supporting analyses of wave propagation, sound transmission, vibration control, and structural dynamics. Despite its importance, global research on this topic has not been systematically mapped through bibliometric analysis, leaving limited insight into its knowledge structure, emerging themes, and collaboration patterns. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of research on the application of the wave equation in acoustic and vibration engineering. Data were extracted from the Scopus database using the keywords “wave,” “acoustic,” and “equation,” resulting in 883 publications. The Scopus Analyzer was used to examine publication trends, leading countries, institutions, and journals, while OpenRefine ensured data accuracy. VOSviewer further visualized co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic clusters. Findings reveal a steady increase in publications over the past decade, largely driven by technologically advanced countries with strong international collaborations. Major research themes include computational modeling of wave propagation, acoustic material design, vibration mitigation, and digital simulation integration. Overall, this study provides a quantitative and visual overview of global research activity, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to identify gaps, strengthen collaborations, and guide future research directions.