Transients in wind instruments modeled with the Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract

Transient components make an important contribution to the “color” of a musical tone. While such transients can be observed in experiments, realistic modeling can be very challenging. We describe a modeling study of initial transients in the tone produced by a recorder using Navier-Stokes-based simulations. We have studied how the harmonic content of a recorder tone during the attack portion of the tone depends on a variety of factors including the labium position, the presence of chamfers at the exit of the windway, and the initial dynamics of the blowing pressure. While our results are obtained for a realistic model of the recorder, they should also be applicable to similar instruments such as flue organ pipes. [Work supported by NSF Grant PHY1513273.]Transient components make an important contribution to the “color” of a musical tone. While such transients can be observed in experiments, realistic modeling can be very challenging. We describe a modeling study of initial transients in the tone produced by a recorder using Navier-Stokes-based simulations. We have studied how the harmonic content of a recorder tone during the attack portion of the tone depends on a variety of factors including the labium position, the presence of chamfers at the exit of the windway, and the initial dynamics of the blowing pressure. While our results are obtained for a realistic model of the recorder, they should also be applicable to similar instruments such as flue organ pipes. [Work supported by NSF Grant PHY1513273.]