Description & Deliverable
For our final project, we will explore sound resonance through computational fabrication, focusing on 3D-printing vessels with varying infill patterns, densities, and materials.
We propose creating two sets of three vessels, each set in a different material, to analyze the effects of shape, infill pattern, and density on resonance. The vessel set will include one vessel designed to amplify sound, one to mute it, and one to alter its pitch, each modifying the sound to a specific extent.
Team Members
- Justin Nelson
- Andrea Torres
Timeline
| Week 1 : Nov 13-17 | Test materials in basic shape measuring resonance. |
| Week 2 : Nov 18-24 | Test infill patterns and the impact to volume and tone, still utilizing basic uniform shape. |
| Week 3 : Nov 25- Dec 1 | Print and test materials and shapes, alter based on results |
| Week 4 : Dec 2-8 | Printing out final shapes and writing results. |
Materials
- Filaments TBD
- Sound meter/Decibal Meter
- Small speaker
Resources and Inspiration
Three-Dimensional Printing Process for Musical Instruments: Sound Reflection Properties of Polymeric Materials for Enhanced Acoustical Performance
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10181013
This related piece of work discusses the process of printing instruments and outlining the various materials to enhance acoustic performance. The study goes into sound reflection, 3D printing and surface textures. This directly applies to our project by providing a foundation for all three of our vessels. We would like test various materials, infill patterns, and sound reflection, on different objects.
Study of the Sound Absorption Properties of 3D-Printed Open-Porous ABS Material Structures
The previous study we looked at discussed sound reflection and this one discusses sound absorption. It goes into further detail about different structures, materials, and sound absorption behavior. Our final vessel will explore these characteristics, and attempt to reduce the volume of sounds passed through it.
Hello Justin and Andrea,
This project seems really cool and interesting. I really like how this expands on the audio project that Justin did earlier and I found that really fascinating. I found it really cool how with audio how it moves in various mathematical ways like sine waves, so I am really fascinated to see how your prints come out. Great work so far and I’m looking forward to seeing your guys final project.
Ian
Ian,
Thanks for the comment. It should be a really interesting project. I am curious to see if it will come out how we are envisioning. This project will be a little different than the one I did earlier. Should have more to do with the actual tone and sound alteration versus the sound data. However, we might be able to use some of the same techniques. Again, thanks for the comment.
Justin
Hi Justin and Andrea, this is a cool idea for your final project. I think, if you two weren’t planning so already, it would probably be cool to include a video or sound clips in the final post, just so you two aren’t tied to the in-person presentation to showcase the change in the sound. Can’t wait to see the final result!
Hi Luka, thanks for the comment! Also, for the idea to include a video clip in for the final presentation! I really hoping we are able to show the sound in person to, I was able to find a small speaker on amazon.
Luka,
Thank you for the comment, that is a really good idea. I haven’t even thought about the final post so I imagine it will be easier to explain our findings with just a video. I also hope it works in person for the presentation! Anyways, thank you for the comment!
Justin
Hello,
I think your guy’s idea of altering sound is very interesting, it will be nice research to see how noise and sound is manipulated in various ways to achieve different outcomes. I wonder if you can get inspiration from various instruments, blow horns, and even animals’ horns and how their usage has been utilized and improved upon over the years. I think even getting inspiration from sound dampening materials like foam and analyzing their structure can help with one of your vessels and how it traps noise.
Maybe some inspiration: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/anechoic-chamber-worlds-quietest-room/index.html
Hi Andrew,
I appreciate the further inspiration you provided you can never have enough 🙂 ! I was also think and have been looking into instruments for inspo. Thanks for the comment you left!
Andrew,
Thank you for the post and your recommendations. We are hoping that different materials will have different sound properties through absorption, resonance and so forth. We will definitely have a lot of research to do based on different horn shapes and such. Thank you for the link as well we really appreciate it.
Justin