Abstract
Brass instruments sound when the coupling between the acoustical resonator (the instrument) and the mechanical oscillator (the lips) results in a self sustained oscillation. It is the aim of this investigation to characterize experimentally the mechanical response of the lips and to examine its influence on the lip motion observed under near-threshold playing conditions. In this investigation artificial latex rubber lips replace the lips of a human player. Particular emphasis is placed on studying the development of the mechanical response as the embouchure is tightened or as airflow through the lips is introduced. The effect of the acoustical coupling provided by the mouthpiece is investigated. Also presented are playing test measurements, carried out at a level just above the threshold of oscillation. The artificial lips are used to excite resonators of various acoustical lengths; for each resonator the relation of the playing frequency to the nearest lip and resonator resonance frequencies is examined and the measured phase difference between lip opening area and mouthpiece pressure is compared with the phase angles of lip mechanical response and resonator input impedance at the playing frequency. The observed oscillation threshold behavior is compared with that predicted by theoretical physical models.
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