Hit with mallet to one side clamped metal triangular plate

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the acoustics of a triangular metal plate designed as a musical instrument, specifically one that is 1 inch wide at the base and 42 inches tall. It is established that the plate will produce different notes depending on the location of the strike due to its various vibrational modes, each with distinct frequencies. The shape of the plate significantly influences the sound produced, while the striking point also affects the tonal quality. This highlights the importance of understanding vibrational modes in musical instrument design.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vibrational modes in physics
  • Knowledge of sound frequency and pitch determination
  • Familiarity with musical instrument acoustics
  • Basic principles of material properties affecting sound
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the vibrational modes of plates and their impact on sound quality
  • Explore techniques for tuning metal plates for musical applications
  • Learn about the physics of sound waves and frequency analysis
  • Investigate the effects of different striking locations on sound production
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for music instrument builders, acoustics engineers, and physics students interested in the principles of sound production and material properties in musical contexts.

Mustafa Umut
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Homework Statement


I want to build a musical instrument for homework . I want to cut triangular metal plate where triangle will stand vertical to ground , bottom of triangle is 1 inch wide and clamped , triangle height is 42 inches.

Does that triangle produce different notes when hitting from bottom to up , different locations or does it produce the same sound everywhere ?

Homework Equations


too much complicated

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Consider that no two sounds are actually the exact same- so every time you hit the plate: from a physics point of view; it will produce a different sound although you as a person may not be able to distinguish the difference.

What constitutes a certain sound? What determines pitch when hearing the sound?
 
Mustafa Umut said:

Homework Statement


I want to build a musical instrument for homework . I want to cut triangular metal plate where triangle will stand vertical to ground , bottom of triangle is 1 inch wide and clamped , triangle height is 42 inches.

Does that triangle produce different notes when hitting from bottom to up , different locations or does it produce the same sound everywhere ?

Homework Equations


too much complicated

The Attempt at a Solution

The plate will have a number of vibrational modes, each with its own frequency. The frequencies and the distribution of energy between them will be largely dictated by the shape (and the mix may or may not be harmonious), but the balance will also be influenced by where the plate is struck.
I read that drum skins have to be "tuned", i.e. tightened in a way which ensures the drum produces almost the same sound regardless of where it is struck.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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