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Re: [Phys-L] rms / conic / arithmetic / geometric averages



Regarding where Dan B wrote:

... From page 214 of "The Physics of Musical Instruments"
2nd ed., the Bessel horn is defined by
S=Bx^(-2*epsilon) where

x is the geometric distance measured from the reference point
x = 0,

If epsilon = 0 you have a cylindrical horn. If x = 1 you have a
conical horn.

Dan, why does the above formula have a negative exponent rather than positive? And what is the factor of 2 in the exponent for? Is S supposed to be the surface area of the cross section at a distance x from the reference point? If S is the radius or diameter at a distance x along the tube then I don't see the point of the factor of 2 in the exponent (or the negative sign).

From page 432, applied to a brass instrument the relationship
for a bessel horn can be written

a = b(x + x0)^(-gamma)

where a is the bore radius of the horn and x0 is the small end
of the horn.

b and x0 are chosen to give the correct radii at the small and
large ends of the horn and gamma defines the rate of flare.
...

Again, why isn't the above formula isn't supposed to be

a = b(x + x0)^(+gamma)

with a positive exponent?

David Bowman