Scientific principles involved in Pan flute

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the scientific principles related to the pan flute, specifically addressing the Helmholtz resonance phenomenon. Participants clarify that pan flutes do not function as Helmholtz resonators, despite the resonance principles being applicable to various musical instruments. Key concepts such as acoustic impedance and overtones are highlighted as relevant to understanding the physics of the pan flute. The book "The Physics of Musical Instruments" by Fletcher and Rossing is recommended for further exploration of musical acoustics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Helmholtz resonance
  • Familiarity with acoustic impedance
  • Knowledge of overtones in musical instruments
  • Basic principles of musical acoustics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Helmholtz resonance in various musical instruments
  • Explore acoustic impedance and its effects on sound quality
  • Study the role of overtones in the timbre of musical instruments
  • Read "The Physics of Musical Instruments" by Fletcher and Rossing
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, physics students, and anyone interested in the acoustics of musical instruments will benefit from this discussion, particularly those studying the principles behind the pan flute and similar instruments.

zabachi
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I am doing a physics project on finding the scientific principles involved in pan flute. Could people just put down some phenomenon that is relevant to this? One I know I think is the helmholtz principle, but can I use those equations, becuase from what I read, it seems like there is water invloved for it?
 
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This can be like a discussion and its quite interesting the physics behind music
 
Anyone can help or tell me how i can use Helmholt resonance
 
No, pan flutes do not work like a Helmholtz resonator.
Can you please explain what the water is for in a pan flute? I´ve not heard of this before.

There was a thread about pan flutes here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3806786
You´ll find formulae and references there.
 
Sorry its not in a panflute but one of my friend said that he would push something and this pitch of the sound changed as the volume decreased but I am not sure. I had seen that link before and already included those in my project. I wanted more like acoustic impedance, overtone and maybe more. And i wasnt talking about helmholtz resonator but helmholtz resonance(phenomenon) Here is the wiki link:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_resonance
 
To my way of thinking a Helmholtz resonator is something in which the "Helmholtz resonance phenomenon" happens, not only the devices Helmholtz used.
A blown bottle is a Helmholtz resonator and you can tune it by changing the amount of water in it. This may be what your friend was talking about.
An ocarina also uses Helmholtz resonance.
In guitars and string instruments the Helmholtz resonator made by the soundhole/f-holes and the body volume is quite important in determining sound and timbre.
I recommend the book by Fletcher/Rossing: The physics of musical instruments. It is a very good introduction to musical acoustics.
 
Thanks a lot!
 

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