Göttingen Collection of Mathematical Models and Instruments

Picked string (violin string)

Model 843

 Size: Constructor: Category: 33 × 7 × 26 Schellenberg J 46

Description

Picked string (violin string)

This model depicts the solution of the one-dimensional oscillation equation: $\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2}= c^2 \cdot \frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial x^2}\ .$

This equation describes for example the oscillation of a piano string or a guitar string. For this model, a triangular shaped displacement in one of the intervals was selected as initial condition.

This kind of displacement happens frequently while picking strings. The inital condition then has been extended periodically.

Identically constructed models were exhibited at a mathematical congress in Heidelberg in the year 1904 by the company Martin Schilling. Model 844 shows the same solution, the boundaries of the intervals are marked.

Text written by: Tim Bodenstein

Translated by: Lea Renner

Showcase of this model is Case number 50

References

Schilling, Martin(Hrg.): Catalog mathematischer Modelle, Leipzig(Verlag von Martin Schilling) 1911, 7.Auflage. p. 168.