Abstract:
Experimental results are presented demonstrating the effect of moisture on the fundamental flexural wave frequency of clamped-end cane reeds. The flexural wave velocity decreases as the moisture level increases. The change in flexural wave velocity seems to be dominated by softening of the cane rather than by the added water mass. Plots are presented comparing the dependence of flexural wave fundamental frequency on moisture for different types of cane reeds. The results indicate that the fundamental frequency of a cane reed may decrease by as much as 30% as it becomes saturated with water. The flexural rigidity diminishes when the cane is moistened. The findings are important for the characterization and evaluation of reeds where hidden uncontrolled trapped moisture significantly affect the response, vibration, and stiffness of the reed.