ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Over a few decades of playing with chladni plates, we've found that mild
steel plate ( of around 1/8th inch) works fine for plates of about 1 to
1.5 feet ( on an edge). The actual edge should be quiet smooth (easier
to produce patterns, and gives the bow some longivity) Aluminium can
work, but you need to use a high silicon grade aluminium, to get the
stiffness/weigh ratio right.. These tend to favour higher frequency
patterns. The key to getting good results is more in the mounting system
( and the bow). The plate needs to be firmly held, but at the same time
you need the central brace to be as small as possible ( otherwise it
dampens the entire plate too much.making it harder to get any patterns,
and giving fuzzy patterns). For bows used by the public we have modified
hacksaws, replacing the blades with several strands of 100 lb mono
fishing line ( using the saws adjustment to tension to the strings)..
And of course a supply of rosin to give the strings the slip-stick to
drive the plates vibrations.


Hope this helps
Stuart Kohlhagen
Leader New Concepts
Questacon-the National Science and technology Centre
Canberra
Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Explorit Exhibits
Sent: Wednesday, 30 November 2005 8:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Chladni plate/sound cannon

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****

Does anyone know the best materials for making a chladni plate and/or a
sound cannon?

Thanks so much,
Anna Grace
--
-----------------------
Anna Grace
Exhibit Developer

Explorit Science Center
3141 5th Street
P.O. Box 1288
Davis, CA 95617
530.756.0191
fax 530.756.1227
http://www.explorit.org

Explorit's expanding!  Read more about the four gallery spaces, how the
building connects to Explorit's current site and when construction will
begin at http://www.explorit.org/expansion/index.html.  Think it.  Try
it. 
Explorit.

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