Wine glass acoustics - wavelength not what expected

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the acoustics of a wine glass, specifically the unexpected wavelength measurements obtained during a lab experiment using a latex glove to stimulate sound. The initial assumption was that the top part of the glass would represent a quarter of the wavelength, akin to an organ pipe with one closed end. However, findings indicated that the wavelength was closer to half the length, attributed to the rim of the glass vibrating like a bowstring rather than as a standing wave. Additionally, the observed quadrupole configuration of nodes and antinodes suggests a more complex interaction of waves than initially anticipated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and standing waves
  • Familiarity with the equation λ = v/f for wavelength calculations
  • Experience with audio spectrometer setups for frequency measurement
  • Basic knowledge of acoustics related to musical instruments and resonators
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of standing waves in different geometries, particularly in cylindrical structures
  • Explore the effects of boundary conditions on wave behavior in resonators
  • Investigate the phenomenon of quadrupole modes in acoustics
  • Learn about the interaction of multiple waveforms and their stability in resonant systems
USEFUL FOR

Acoustic engineers, physicists, musicologists, and anyone interested in the principles of sound production and resonance in glass and similar materials.

neural_jam
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I have been conducting a lab experiment using a piece of latex glove to stimulate a tone from a wine glass that is rotating on a turntable. I used the equation \lambda=v/f (using an audio spectrometer setup to find f) to find the wavelength of the emitted tone.
We expected the top part of the glass would be a quarter of the length of the wavelength, as in an organ pipe with one closed end. What I found though, was that it was very close to half.
Does anyone know why my initial assumption was wrong?

Thanks

-Jam
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The air in the glass isn't vibrating like a standing wave down the length of the glass as in an organ tube, the rim of the glass is vibrating like a bowstring.
Imagine that two opposite points on the rim are staionary and the curve between them vibrates.
 
omg thanks, that's been annoying me for weeks!
Thankyou!:biggrin:
 
ok, that leaves me with a second question;
I just did a rough calculation, and it turns out that the wavelength is about the same as the circumference of the glass, which would lead me to expect to observe two nodes and two antinodes as I moved a microphone around the glass, i.e., two 'quietest' points, and two 'loudest' points.
However, my previous research (and observation) suggests that there is in fact a quadrupole configuration, that is, there are four of each such nodes and antinodes.

Why would this be?
 
Perhaps 2 waves at the same time and this is the most stable configuration?
(only a guess)
 
hmm... that was my initial thought too, but then the wavelength of the wave on the glass rim is then half that of the emitted tone...
ok, thanks for your help :-)
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K