Can Closed Pipes Produce Overtones from a Single Frequency Vibration?

In summary, when vibrating a tuning fork over a closed pipe, it is possible to get overtones in the pipe despite the tuning fork only vibrating at one frequency. This is due to end effects, causing the pressure wave to not be purely sinusoidal. The strength of the overtones depends on the length and radius of the pipe, with a narrower pipe producing a purer tone. However, even a low level of overtones can affect the overall quality of the sound.
  • #1
alan4cult
5
0
If you vibrate a tuning fork over a closed pipe (a pipe with one end closed and the other open) is it possible to get overtones in the pipe even thought the tuning fork only vibrates at one frequency
For example if you have a tuning fork of freq 300HZ and you allow it too vibrate above a closed pipe is it possible to get 3 times the frequency e.g. 900Hz?
 
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  • #2
Because of end effects, the pressure wave is not purely sinusoidal, leading to some overtones. That is why the sound from the pipe has a different quality than the pure tuning fork.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply. That is what I imagined. However wouldn't the overtones be very diminished? I mean would the fundamental frequency appear the loudest?
 
  • #4
The strength of the overtones would depend on the length/radius of the pipe.
A narrower pipe would have a purer tone, but even a low level of overtones can affect the quality of the sound.
 

1. What are harmonics in a closed pipe?

Harmonics in a closed pipe refer to the different frequencies or pitches that can be produced by a column of air vibrating in a closed tube, such as a flute or organ pipe.

2. How are harmonics in a closed pipe produced?

Harmonics in a closed pipe are produced by the standing waves that form within the tube when air is blown across an opening. These standing waves have nodes, or points of no vibration, and antinodes, or points of maximum vibration.

3. What is the relationship between the length of a closed pipe and its harmonics?

The length of a closed pipe determines the wavelengths of the standing waves, which in turn determines the frequencies of the harmonics. As the length of the pipe increases, the wavelengths and frequencies of the harmonics decrease.

4. How do harmonics in a closed pipe relate to musical notes?

Each harmonic in a closed pipe corresponds to a specific musical note. The first harmonic, or fundamental frequency, is the note produced when all of the nodes and antinodes line up. The higher harmonics produce higher pitches, with the second harmonic being an octave above the first, and so on.

5. Can harmonics in a closed pipe be manipulated?

Yes, the harmonics in a closed pipe can be manipulated by changing the length of the pipe or by covering and uncovering holes to change the effective length. This is how different notes are produced on instruments such as flutes and organs.

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