Project

Music instruments from new materials 

Code
3F010616
Duration
01 October 2016 → 31 December 2020
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Other engineering and technology
Keywords
materials Music instruments
 
Project description

This research investigates which new materials (for example Styrofoam and carbon fibres) could be a durable and qualitative alternative for the building of musical instruments, as a replacement of the tone wood normally used. Acoustic and mechanical properties of suitable candidate materials will be measured, prototypes of instruments from the selected new materials will be made, and these prototypes will be investigated. The physical prototypes will be investigated by means like vibration analysis, measurement of sound volume, and sound colour analysis. Artistic possibilities of the prototypes will be explored by using them in productions with composers, musicians and other artists. The results of the subjective and objective tests will contribute to the making of the final instruments in the last phase of this research. The music instruments will not only be made by function of sound and playability, but a new design is also pursued.