A Laboratory for Introductory Musical Acoustics

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

An acoustics laboratory is being developed for inclusion in a five-week intensive course on musical acoustics. Non-science majors are the primary target audiences. Twenty-four students are meeting five days a week for a two-hour session of lecture, demonstration and discussion. Students working in pairs complete a two-hour laboratory experiment each day, in two shifts of 12 students each. In the first two weeks of the course, experiments are being developed to introduce concepts of mechanics, including vibrations and waves, necessary to understand acoustic phenomena. Resonances in mechanical and acoustic systems are a primary focus, using instruments such as photogate timers, oscilloscopes, microphones, function generators and sound level meters. Spectral analysis of a variety of instruments and sound generators is the topic of the second group of experiments. Each of six lab stations includes a Fast Fourier Transform spectrum analyzer for real-time analysis, a high-quality microphone with preamplifier, and a plotter. These stations allow students to explore a wide range of acoustic phenomena in quantitative detail. Acquired techniques are being used in independent student projects. The equipment is also providing senior thesis opportunities.