Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Physics of Sound and Music
Code PHYS321
Coordinator Professor RKM Herzberg
Physics
R.Herzberg@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

• To gain the ability to place concepts from classical mechanics into context
• To understand the interplay of vibrations, resonances, wave generation and propagation
• To apply numerical models to understand real-world scenarios
• To apply computer modelling techniques to analyse complex mechanical structures

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Ability to understand the sound generation in a range of instruments (Chordophones, Aerophones, Idiophones and Membranophones)

(LO1) Ability to understand the sound generation in a range of instruments (Chordophones, Aerophones, Idiophones and Membranophones)

(LO2) Knowledge of the mechanical concepts of coupled damped resonances and wave propagation in complex situations

(LO2) Knowledge of the mechanical concepts of coupled damped resonances and wave propagation in complex situations

(LO3) Appreciation of analysis techniques to investigate and understand sound

(LO3) Appreciation of analysis techniques to investigate and understand sound

Syllabus
 

L1: Recap: history of music & mathematics, damped harmonic oscillators, free and forced vibration, coupled harmonic oscillators,
L2: Sound: waves, beats, fourier analysis, convolution theorem, harmonic content, envelope (attack, sustain, decay, release) phase, volume, power, sound intensity level, decibel scale.
L3: One-dimensional oscillators: strings and bars, tuning systems
L4: Two-dimensional vibrations: membranes, plates and shells, Chladni figures
L5: Plucked and bowed stringed instruments. Interplay between resonances, sound generation.
L6: Pipes, differences in sound generation and quality. Transmission of acoustic energy.
L7: Woodwinds. Vibrating columns of air, Bessel horns, reeds, Interaction with lips and mouth, impedance matching.
L8: Brass. Natural harmonic spectrum in horns. Tubes and valves in trumpets and trombones.
L9: Further worked examples from L2-8
L10: Sound Perception, the human ear and voice, vocal formants
L1 1: Drums. Tuning and interplay between volume and surface modes.
L12: Cymbals, gongs, plates and steel drums
L13: Mallet percussion instruments: xylophones, vibraphones, bells
L14: Electronic music: Synthesizers, magnetic pickups, digital vs analogue signal processing
L15: Psychoacoustics
L16: lossy compression (mp3).
L17: Further worked examples from L10-16
L18: Revision
Problem Classes (2hr):

Week 2 (2 hr): Python toolbox for sound generation, analysis, and visualisation.
Week 4 (2 hr): Sound Analysis workshop
Week 6 (2 hr): Workshop generating electronic instruments

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture & problem classes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

         6

 24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 51
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
formal examination  120    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
CA, assessed workshops, groupwork.  0    20       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.