Aeroacoustics of Musical Instruments

Abstract

We are interested in the quality of sound produced by musical instruments and their playability. In wind instruments, a hydrodynamic source of sound is coupled to an acoustic resonator. Linear acoustics can predict the pitch of an instrument. This can significantly reduce the trial-and-error process in the design of a new instrument. We consider deviations from the linear acoustic behavior and the fluid mechanics of the sound production. Real-time numerical solution of the nonlinear physical models is used for sound synthesis in so-called virtual instruments. Although reasonable analytical models are available for reeds, lips, and vocal folds, the complex behavior of flue instruments escapes a simple universal description. Furthermore, to predict the playability of real instruments and help phoneticians or surgeons analyze voice quality, we need more complex models.