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Musical Instruments As Sensors.

Heran C Bhakta1, Vamsi K Choday1, William H Grover1

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, California 92521, United States.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study repurposed the African mbira instrument into a low-cost density sensor. The mbira sensor precisely measures sample density, offering accessible, lifesaving applications in pharmaceuticals and consumer safety.

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Acoustics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Musical instrument pitch is determined by physical properties.
  • Measuring pitch allows inference of an instrument's physical characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a low-cost, accessible sensor for measuring sample physical properties.
  • To demonstrate the application of modified musical instruments as precision measurement tools.

Main Methods:

  • Modified an African mbira by replacing metal tines with steel tubing filled with a sample.
  • Recorded sound using a smartphone and analyzed frequency with free software to determine sample density.
  • Achieved a density resolution of approximately 0.012 g/mL.

Main Results:

  • Successfully distinguished between diethylene glycol and glycerol, chemicals often confused in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated potential for detecting counterfeit and adulterated medications in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Validated the mbira sensor's capability for precision physical property measurements.

Conclusions:

  • Modified musical instruments, like the mbira, can serve as effective and accessible sensors.
  • This technology offers significant potential for global health and safety applications.
  • Further exploration of other musical instruments as sensors is warranted.