Senior Theses
Publication Date
5-24-2016
Document Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Department
Physics
Faculty Advisor(s)
Michael S. Crosser (Thesis Advisor)
Tianbao Xie & William Mackie (Committee Members)
Subject Categories
Harmonic Analysis and Representation | Music | Non-linear Dynamics | Physics
Abstract
Steel strings used on electric and acoustic guitars are non-ideal oscillators that can produce imperfect intonation. According to theory, this intonation should be a function of the bending stiffness of the string, which is related to the dimensions of length and thickness of the string. To test this theory, solid steel strings of three different linear densities were analyzed using an oscilloscope and a Fast Fourier Transform function. We found that strings exhibited more drastic nonlinear harmonic behavior as their effective length was shortened and as linear density increased.
Recommended Citation
Wenrich, Joel, "Nonlinear Harmonic Modes of Steel Strings on an Electric Guitar" (2016). Senior Theses. 21.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/physstud_theses/21
Included in
Harmonic Analysis and Representation Commons, Music Commons, Non-linear Dynamics Commons, Physics Commons
