This book is a practical guide for researchers and advanced graduate students in biology and biophysics who need a quantitative understanding of acoustical systems such as hearing, sound production, and vibration detection in animals at the physiological level. It begins with an introduction to physical acoustics, covering the fundamental concepts and showing how they can be applied quantitatively to understand auditory and sound-producing systems in animals. Only after the relatively simple mechanical part of the system is explained does the author focus his attention on the underlying physiological processes. The book is written on three levels. For those wanting a brief survey of the field, each chapter begins with a nonmathematical synopsis which summarizes the content and refers to the figures, all of which are designed to be understood apart from the main text. At the next level, the reader can follow the main text, but need not give close attention to anything but the general concepts and techniques involved. At the third level, the reader should follow the mathematical arguments in detail and attempt the discussion of questions at the end of each chapter. The author has provided detailed solutions which serve to expand the discussions of particular cases.

Acoustic Systems in Biology

Science & Math

Fletcher, Neville H.

Biological Sciences

Oxford University Press

An ideal text for advanced undergraduates, the book provides the foundations needed to understand the acoustics of rooms and musical instruments as well as the basics for scientists and engineers interested in noise and vibration. The new edition contains four new chapters devoted primarily to applications of acoustical principles in everyday life: Microphones and Other Transducers, Sound in Concert Halls and Studios, Sound and Noise Outdoors; and Underwater Sound.

Principles of Vibration and Sound

Rossing, Thomas D.

Physics

Springer

This book discusses the physics of vibrating systems, emphasizing mechanics rather than electrodynamics. Beginning with the basics of free and forced motions of a simple harmonic oscillator (both mechanical and electrical) it goes on to discuss vibrations in one-dimensional systems, such as strings and bars, and two-dimensional systems such as membranes and plates. The discussion of coupled systems includes strong as well as weak coupling, and presents both mechanical and electrical examples. The analysis includes nonlinear systems, dispersion, and other topics. The concluding third of the book discusses the propagation of sound in air; the radiation from various sources (points, planes, lines, baffled planes, and so forth); and the propagation of sound in various kinds and shapes of pipes.

While the history of musical instruments is nearly as old as civilisation itself, the science of acoustics is quite recent. By understanding the physical basis of how instruments are used to make music, one hopes ultimately to be able to give physical criteria to distinguish a fine instrument from a mediocre one. At that point science may be able to come to the aid of art in improving the design and performance of musical instruments. As yet, many of the subtleties in musical sounds of which instrument makers and musicians are aware remain beyond the reach of modern acoustic measurements. This book describes the results of such acoustical investigations - fascinating intellectual and practical exercises. Addressed to readers with a reasonable grasp of physics who are not put off by a little mathematics, this book discusses most of the traditional instruments currently in use in Western music. A guide for all who have an interest in music and how it is produced, as well as serving as a comprehensive reference for those undertaking research in the field.

The Physics of Musical Instruments

Arts & Photography

Music

Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Fletcher, Neville H.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Fletcher, Neville H.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Fletcher, Neville H.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Acoustic Systems in Biology

Principles of Vibration and Sound

Principles of Vibration and Sound

The Physics of Musical Instruments

Principles of Vibration and Sound