Friday, May 22, 2026 3:30 pm
-
5:00 pm
EDT (GMT -04:00)
Boris Li, University of Waterloo, Pure Mathematics
On the physics of bells
We shall discuss the acoustics and resonance of bells from the perspective of physics. After a short review ofnormal modes in musical instruments, we shall compare bells with one-dimensional systems such as strings andwinds. In contrast to these systems, bells exhibit strongly inharmonic partials due to its curved geometry. Wediscuss some consequences of this structure, including some prominent partials and the psychoacousticphenomenon of the strike note. Time permitting, we shall examine how bell geometry and thickness profilesaffect tuning.
Refreshments at 3:30pm. The talk starts at 4:00pm.
MC 5403