The current understanding of the mechanism of origin and propagation o
f impulse noise from sources such as-blasting, high speed train in a t
unnel, sonic boom, muzzle blast and engine:exhaust is reviewed. The st
ate of the art on prediction methods and control techniques available
are described. The need to develop a further understanding of the impu
lse noise is stressed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.