Modeling of steeldrum sounds using finite element and finite difference methods

Abstract

The Caribbean steeldrum, which was developed over 60 years ago in Trinidad, is one of the most novel music instruments. It is made of leftover oil drums. On the bottom of these drums, dents can be formed with a specialized technique, to get playing areas with a definite pitch. The tonal range of a whole orchestra can be reached with different models, covering a tonal range from bass to soprano. Despite the usage of the same material and even if they are made by the same tuner, the instrument can sound very different. Good instruments can be played in various striking strengths, without producing interfering noise. Instruments of weaker quality tend to produce interfering noice, even at small striking strengths. The sound of the instrument can be simulated with the finite difference method and finite element method . With the finite element method, a model of the vibration system can be formed by small rectangular plate elements. To simulate the sound of a note, a transient response analysis can be calculated. The simulation takes various production techniques into account, e.g., different shapes of the dent.