Air Flow Observation: Wind Instruments

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the visualization of airflow through wind instruments, specifically the desire to observe streamlines and standing waves within the instruments. Jeremy Bloom seeks a facility in the New York area capable of conducting such experiments, ideally using clear materials to replicate the instruments for better visibility of airflow. Participants highlight the challenges of achieving clear streamlines due to turbulence but suggest that visualizing standing waves may be feasible. Resources for further research on acoustics and airflow are provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with airflow visualization techniques
  • Knowledge of acoustics related to wind instruments
  • Experience with experimental setups in aerodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research airflow visualization methods using clear materials
  • Explore facilities specializing in fluid dynamics experiments in New York
  • Investigate techniques for visualizing standing waves in wind instruments
  • Study the principles of turbulence in fluid dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, acoustics researchers, fluid dynamics engineers, and anyone interested in the aerodynamics of wind instruments.

jeremyb
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I would like a way to be able to observe the air flow through wind instruments. I was thinking a lab where the do tests on the aerodynamics of cars. any other ideas.

also does anyone know of a facility in the New York area that might be capable of such a technique. I would like to video tape the movement. I would also need to come to the lab twice in the period of a few months

thanks
Jeremy Bloom
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What exactly are you hoping to visualize? Do you simply want to measure the velocities or pressures at certain points or do you hope to see streamlines flowing through the instrument?
 
FredGarvin said:
What exactly are you hoping to visualize? Do you simply want to measure the velocities or pressures at certain points or do you hope to see streamlines flowing through the instrument?

Not measurements, visualizations: I'd like to see streamlines
 
Honestly, I don't think you'd get anything like a nice streamline. I'd suspect it would be a turbulent mess except possibly near the holes. You may be able to see the standing waves in the instrument though. That would be neat to see. That's just an off the cuff opinion though.

I can't say that I have seen wind instruments examined like this. You'd obviously have to make a replica out of a clear material so you could see the flow inside. After that it's pretty easy to introduce a flow and see what comes up.

Have you done any searches on Google, etc...for what you are looking for? I did a quick one and came up with this:

http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/acoustics/
http://www.chg.ru/SC95PROC/722_PSKO/SC95.HTM
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I just wanted to bump this to the top again. . . does anyone know of a lab that can do this?
 

Similar threads

High School Beam of air: Extending the range of a fan
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Audio/Video Fluid Dynamics—Building a better MIDI Breath Controller
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
7K
Graduate What are the effects of overblowing on wind instruments?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
10K
High School Why is there a reverse wind current inside my convertible?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
High School Questions About Wind: Get Answers Here
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Graduate How does a Western free reed work? (musical instruments)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
High School Help understanding the physics of airflow
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Downdraft table -blocking off part of table surface to increase flow?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
A few questions about airflow and filters...
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Other Wind Tunnel Research at a Community College
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K