Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
05:11
Multimodal 3D Printing of Phantoms to Simulate Biological Tissue
Published on: January 11, 2020
8.1K
Structural contributions to phantom partial generation in the piano
Thomas R Moore1, Lauren M Neldner1, Eric Rokni1
1Department of Physics, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|November 15, 2018
Summary
Phantom partials in piano sound originate from nonlinearities in the instrument. Both the piano string and wooden parts contribute, but the wood
Area of Science:
- Acoustics and Musical Instrument Physics
Background:
- Piano sound exhibits anomalous frequency components known as phantom partials.
- These partials are related to the complex vibrational modes of the instrument.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of phantom partials in piano acoustics.
- To identify the specific components responsible for generating these anomalous frequencies.
Main Methods:
- Experimental analysis of piano sound.
- Measurement of frequency components related to transverse string motion.
- Assessment of nonlinearities in piano components.
Main Results:
- Phantom partials arise from nonlinearities in both the piano string and wooden components.
- The wooden components contribute significantly more to phantom partials than the string itself.
- Observed overtones occur at sum and difference frequencies of string motion.
Conclusions:
- Nonlinearities in the piano's construction are the primary source of phantom partials.
- Understanding these nonlinearities is crucial for piano sound synthesis and analysis.
- The study elucidates the physical mechanisms behind complex piano sound characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Binet's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
1.7K
Alfred Binet, along with his student Théophile Simon, was tasked by the French Ministry of Education in 1904 to create a method for identifying students who struggled to learn through conventional classroom instruction. This initiative aimed to address overcrowding by placing such students in specialized schools. Binet and Simon developed an intelligence test comprising 30 tasks, ranging from simple commands, like touching one's nose or ear, to more complex tasks, such as drawing...
1.7K
01:28Partial Fractions
220
A partial fraction is a component of a rational expression represented as the sum of simpler fractions. When a rational function is expressed as a ratio of two polynomials, it can often be decomposed into a sum of fractions whose denominators are simpler polynomials, typically linear or irreducible quadratic factors. This process is called partial fraction decomposition, and it is used to simplify complex expressions for integration, solving equations, or analysis.Partial fraction decomposition...
220
01:23Wechsler's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
2.1K
David Wechsler, a psychologist who worked with World War I veterans, developed a significant IQ test in 1939 called the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale. This test was innovative because it combined several subtests that measured both verbal and nonverbal skills, reflecting Wechsler's belief that intelligence is a global capacity involving purposeful action, rational thinking, and effective interaction with the environment. This test later evolved into the Wechsler Adult Intelligence...
2.1K
02:22Structures of Solids
17.7K
Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
17.7K
01:56Structural Protein Function
30.0K
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
30.0K
03:03Mixtures of Gases: Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures and Mole Fractions
44.1K
Unless individual gases chemically react with each other, the individual gases in a mixture of gases do not affect each other’s pressure. Each gas in a mixture exerts the same pressure that it would exert if it were present alone in the container. The pressure exerted by each individual gas in a mixture is called its partial pressure.
44.1K