Forces on a singing wineglass rim

Abstract

The characterization of friction is a multiscale problem involving a balance between asperity contacts and fluid film forces, most commonly modeled with a velocity-dependent coefficient of friction. Periodic stick–slip phenomena are often associated with the friction force that causes mechanical vibration. This type of vibration can cause noise to radiate via structural modes of a system. Notable examples include journal bearings, brake squeal, turkey calls, and wineglasses. Singing wineglasses have been used for centuries as musical instruments, so musical acousticians have studied the structural vibrations and acoustic output. However, the tri-axial force applied to the rim has not been measured. A test rig was designed to measure the vertical, tangential, and radial dynamic forces applied to the spinning glass rim and simultaneously capture the radiated noise. The sound radiated from the wineglass was observed to depend on the relative velocity at the rim and applied vertical load, so a stability region for a clear sound was determined. Additionally, the strongest radiating modes and harmonics in the pressure were found in the concurrently measured nonlinear force. This work may be extended to confirm the force measurement by existing friction models, a water medium, and more complicated systems.