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Distinguishing between similar tubular objects using pulse reflectometry: a study of trumpet and cornet leadpipes

J M Buick1, J Kemp1, D B Sharp2, M van Walstijn1, D M Campbell1 and R A Smith3

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This paper considers the measurement of the internal radius of a number of similar, short, tubular leadpipes using pulse reflectometry. Pulse reflectometry is an acoustical technique for measuring the internal bore of a tubular object by analysing the reflections which occur when an acoustical pulse is directed into the object. The leadpipes are designed to form the initial, or lead, part of a trumpet or cornet and their internal radii differ by less than 0.1 mm between similar pipes. The ability of the reflectometer to detect these small differences, which are considered by players to produce a noticeable difference in the sound of an instrument, are investigated. It is seen that the pulse reflectometer is able to distinguish between leadpipes with different nominal radii varying by as little as 0.03 mm, demonstrating its potential in the study of musical instruments and showing that it can be used as a diagnostic tool by the instrument manufacturer to detect defects which are significant enough to acoustically alter performance. The absolute accuracy of the radius measurements is also considered at the end of the leadpipe, where the uncertainty is ±0.05 mm.


PACS

43.75.+a Music and musical instruments

06.30.Bp Spatial dimensions (e.g., position, lengths, volume, angles, and displacements)

07.64.+z Acoustic instruments and equipment

43.58.+z Acoustical measurements and instrumentation

Subjects

Instrumentation and measurement

Dates

Issue 5 (May 2002)

Received 13 August 2001, accepted for publication 11 March 2002, in final form 11 March 2002

Published 18 April 2002



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