Javanese Gong Acoustics and Its Modeling using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The Gong is a distinctive percussion instrument because of its wave-like sounds after being struck immediately due to its traditional manufacture procedures. Spectra for the gongs vary substantially due to variation in shape and size, and to dimensional irregularities created during manufacture and whilst tuning by soft-hammering or hand-grinding. Finite Element Analysis is used to predict the effect of a range of variations of gong geometries on modal shapes and modal frequencies. The radiated sound spectra of the gong are also measured and compared with the natural frequencies obtained from Finite Element Analysis. Through the finite element model, the effect of geometric dimensions and material properties of the gong on its sound characteristics can be studied.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v14i1.7402