The application of the lattice Boltzmann model to simulating nonlinear prop
agative acoustic waves is considered. The lattice Boltzmann model, and its
application to the study of nonlinear sound propagation, are discussed. Lat
tice Boltzmann simulations of the development of a shock front are performe
d when a sound wave is emitted from a high-amplitude sinusoidal source. For
a number of parameters, representing different physical situations, the wa
ve development is compared with inviscid shock theory and with the solution
of Burgers' equation for a fully viscous fluid. The simulations show good
agreement with Burgers' equation and with the inviscid theory when propagat
ion at high Reynolds number is considered. These results suggest that the l
attice Boltzmann model is a useful technique for studying a range of proble
ms in nonlinear acoustics.