Tuning fork sound waveform and spectral analysis

http://video_demos.colostate.edu/

Sound measurements, waveform properties, and spectral analysis of a vibrating tuning fork.

NOTE - the frequency C523.3 corresponds to the C an octave above middle C, not middle C.

More engineering and physics-related video demonstrations can be found here:

http://video_demos.colostate.edu/

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• tuning
• fork
• vibration
• physics
• spectral
• analysis
• FFT
• sound
• waveform
• volume
• frequency
• harmonics

[youarelackluster]

This was a fun watch. Could you do one where you make one tuningfork ring and put it next to another tuningfork and get it to respond by starting to ring by itself? Also, d'you reckon you can then record the original signal and get the second fork to ring by replaying the recorded signal?

[DrDaveBilliards]

@youarelackluster

I'll add this to my list ... but no promises.

[Nabo00o]

I'm pretty sure that the beat is caused by the fact that a tuning fork consists of two oscillators, one at each end, and, since it is 'very' hard to make them exactly equal in length and quality, one will have a pitch slightly lower or higher than the other, creating the beats you recorded.

Also, of topic that Audition program looks like a ripoff of CoolEditPro....

Great video btw!

[DrDaveBilliards]

@Nabo00o

That's a good idea, but I don't think that's what's going on (although, I'm not sure). See my other videos dealing with the tuning fork. In the super-slow-motion video clip, the tines clearly seem to be perfectly in sync. If the tines were out of sync, the motion would no longer be balanced and it would damp out quickly (due to motion of the handle). The beating could have been an issue with the microphone, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for the comments!

[DrDaveBilliards]

@Nabo00o

I think any beat frequency resulting from slight differences in the tines would be extremely small (very low frequency). The beating observed is much too fast to be explained by small differences in tine vibration, IMO.

[TheWhisperingCactus]

This video is great! I commend you for making such a simple, accurate and well-presented vid on a topic that is genuinely interesting when explained well. The world needs more minds like yours.

[DrDaveBilliards]

@TheWhisperingCactus

Thank you very much for your supportive comments.

Dr. Dave

[DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but I feel uncomfortable recommending a commercial source for vibrators. ;) !

... just kidding.

Sorry, but I have not seen those.

[ruan228]

nice vid!!!!!

[youarelackluster]

@DrDaveBilliards Thank you :)

[Nabo00o]

@Gameboygenius

It was a great editor, me and my cousins had so much fun time playing with it ; )

[Gameboygenius]

@Nabo00o Adobe bought Syntrillium in 2003, so Audition is literally Cool Edit Pro. The first version was just a rebrand, while later versions have been further developed. I personally prefer v 1.5.