The Nonlinear Acoustics of Musical Instruments

Abstract

While linear considerations suffice to determine many of the design and performance parameters of musical instruments, such as the shapes of horns, the placing of finger holes, and the resonances of vibrating structures, it is essential to take into account- the nonlinearity of the system in order to understand such things as radiated sound power, relative intensity of harmonics, and attack transients. This paper discusses some aspects of nonlinear behaviour, with particular reference to wind instruments.