This paper on "Optimisation of Musical Structures" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on The Evolution of Product Simulation From Established Methods to Virtual Testing & Prototyping - 24-28 April 2001, The Grand Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.

Summary

This paper discusses the use of numerical optimisation in the field of musical acoustics. We discuss the contrasting approaches that are taken by an instrument maker and an engineer for designing musical instruments. As a particular example, we consider the design of a xylophone bar.