1. Striking the bell:
- The tubular bell is struck by a mallet or hammer.
2. Vibration:
- Upon impact, the metal tube or cylinder vibrates at its natural frequency, causing it to produce sound.
3. Standing waves:
- The vibration creates standing waves within the tube. Standing waves are stationary wave patterns that form when the reflected waves from both ends of the tube interfere with the original waves, resulting in specific resonant frequencies.
4. Sound generation:
- As the tube vibrates, it pushes and pulls the surrounding air, creating sound waves. The shape and material of the tube, as well as its dimensions and tension, determine the pitch and tone of the sound.
5. Harmonics and overtones:
- In addition to the fundamental pitch, the vibration of the tube also produces harmonics and overtones. These are additional frequencies that are related to and accompany the fundamental frequency, enriching the overall sound.
6. Resonance and sustain:
- The tubular bell continues to vibrate for a period after it is struck, sustaining the sound. This is due to the energy stored in the vibrating tube and its resonant properties. The sustain time depends on factors like the material and shape of the tube, as well as the damping mechanisms present in the design.
7. Harmonic structure:
- The timbre and tonal characteristics of tubular bells are influenced by the specific frequencies present in the sound spectrum, including the fundamental pitch, harmonics, and overtones. Different tubular bells have distinct harmonic structures that contribute to their unique sounds.
8. Sound projection and decay:
- The sound produced by tubular bells projects resonantly in the surrounding environment. As the vibrations gradually decrease, the sound decays until it is no longer audible.