What is the potential for using a conductive flame in audio technology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the potential applications of conductive flames in audio technology, particularly in the context of using flames as speakers. Participants share insights on the properties of flames, their conductivity, and possible real-world applications, including safety features in appliances and audio fidelity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a natural gas pizza oven that uses electrodes to measure flame resistance as a safety feature, suggesting that different flames may have different resistance values.
  • Another participant recalls a concept of creating a speaker using two probes in a flame, noting that this method could provide high fidelity due to the low mass of the flame.
  • There is mention of carbon nanotube speakers as an alternative technology, indicating ongoing exploration in audio technology.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of flame-based speakers, particularly regarding bass response due to frequency attenuation when the distance between electrodes is too short.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the concept of using flames in audio technology, but there is no consensus on the feasibility or practical applications of such technology. Multiple competing views on the effectiveness and limitations of flame-based speakers are present.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention assumptions about flame conductivity and the impact of oxygen levels on the properties of different flames, but these aspects remain unresolved and depend on further exploration.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in audio technology, experimental physics, and innovative applications of combustion may find this discussion relevant.

jmatejka
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Many years ago I worked on a natural gas pizza oven. The oven had electrodes that measured resistance of the flame. If too high, the oven assumed loss of flame and shut down. This was a safety feature.

My College General Physics text shows a flame distorted by the field from a nearby Van De Graaff Generator.

I can think of many potential applications of altering a flame, perhaps varying the flame spread in an internal combustion engine?

Any other real world applications you know of?

My assumption is different flames = different resistance values

Would an Oxy Acetylene flame be more conductive when rich on oxygen?, or when sooty from lack of oxygen?

Thanks for any input, Regards, John
 
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Years ago I read of making a speaker using two probes in a flame, connected to a sound source. It is supposed to provide very good fidelity due to the low mass of the flame.
 
Integral said:
Years ago I read of making a speaker using two probes in a flame, connected to a sound source. It is supposed to provide very good fidelity due to the low mass of the flame.

To even further side track us they have made speakers out of carbon nanotubes.

 
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Integral said:
Years ago I read of making a speaker using two probes in a flame, connected to a sound source. It is supposed to provide very good fidelity due to the low mass of the flame.

Fascinating idea!
 
Integral said:
Years ago I read of making a speaker using two probes in a flame, connected to a sound source. It is supposed to provide very good fidelity due to the low mass of the flame.

The down side, as I recall, was that frequencies whose half wavelength was longer than the distance between the electrodes were severely attenuated. This meant that unless you were willing to have a spectacular 10 foot pulsating flame in your living room, you wouldn't get good bass response.
 

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