15.1 Pulses on a Rope Wave Harmonics-Plucking a String |
| Instructions: Click on the "Start Simulation" button to open the applet window. You can click anywhere in the box to pluck the string. The resulting pulse and the corresponding Fourier analysis are shown. You can click elsewhere to repeat the process. Clicking on 'more' increases the accuracy of the simulation by adding more harmonics in the Fourier analysis. The MultiPlot button allows plotting of multiple frames at fixed time intervals. Navigation: You can come back to this window by pressing the "Close Simulation" button on the bottom frame of the utility. |
| Explanation: This applet simulates the behavior of a plucked string. It shows the fundamental frequency of vibration as well as the harmonics. Concepts relating to this applet are discussed in sections 15.1 and 15.9. Note how the fundamental frequency and distribution of harmonics changes when the string is plucked at different positions relative to the center. The parameters used in the simulation correspond to those for a guitar unwound g-string with the following values : String Length: 65 cm, String Linear Density: 1.6 gm/m, String Tension: 104 Newtons, Wave Velocity: 255 m/s, Fundamental Frequency: 196 Hz, and Fundamental Period: 5.1 ms. |
| Source: Michel Gallant, Ottawa, Canada Go to the web site and link to the Online Library for further information. |