Re: [Harp-L] free reed physics

[joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Feb 1, 2011, at 7:23 PM, sheltraw@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Hi Joe
>
> I am not planning on writing a paper for publication nor am I  
> ruling it
> out.

Hi, it's just that I had seen your base (berkeley.edu) and the  
detective in me thought that you might be in education. Especially  
since your posts always seem both technical and inquisitive. :)

> Presently I just want to know what the state of the art is with
> respect to the mathematical physics of the free reed.

Unfortunately I can't tell you right now. It would have to 'come' to  
me. (shhhh, I'm what some might call a savant..but don't let that out.)
Since you are in the right area, I suggest a query aimed at the sound  
lab at Cal Tech.
jo-jo
> Cheers!
>
>
>
> > What are you doing? a paper?
> >
> > Skippy D. Deaudaux
> >
> > On Feb 1, 2011, at 3:59 PM, sheltraw@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> >
> > > This is a question for the physicists, engineers and mathematicians
> > > amongst us.
> > >
> > > I am looking for a concise description of harmonica physics. This
> > > description
> > > should include the differential equations which describe the
> > > dynamics of the
> > > system. My understanding is that harmonicas are classified as free-
> > > reed
> > > instruments so any concise description of free-reed physics would
> > > probably
> > > do nicely as well. My initial interest is not does not include the
> > > dynamics
> > > of bending notes on diatonic harps - single free-reed bending  
> > > would be
> > > sufficient.
> > >
> > > My suspicion is that an adequate description of the free-reed  
> > > dynamics
> > > would be described by coupled ordinary differential equations with
> > > constant coefficients. One equation would Newtons Second Law
> > > applied to
> > > the reed and the second equation would be the Second Law applied to
> > > the
> > > air column which is forced through the slot.
> > >
> > > I have texts which give non-concise and unnecessarily complicated
> > > descriptions. I'm looking for something better.
> > >
> > > Any help is appreciated.
> > >
> > > Cheers!