Optimization of natural frequencies for fabrication-aware shape modeling

Abstract

Keyboard percussion instruments such as xylophones and glockenspiels are composed of an arrangement of bars. These are varied in some of their geometrical properties---typically the length---in order to influence their acoustic behavior. Most instruments in this family do not deviate from simple geometrical shapes, since designing the natural frequency spectrum of complex shapes usually involves a pain-staking trial-and-error process and has been reserved to gifted artisans or professional manufacturers.