Sound propagation in small diameter tubes

A detailed study of the propagation of sound in small diameter tubes has been made. The physical configuration studied, is typical of instrument systems. The transient response has been determined in addition to the frequency response. The solutions have been programmed on a high speed digital computer and evaluated. Several approximate solutions have been compared. Iberall's results have been expanded to provide a solution of the transient problem. The range of applicability of the various approximations, and their deviation from the more precise solution including heat conduction, has been determined. A detailed analysis of the restrictions that are made on the more precise solution is given. The results have been put in a dimensionless form to provide more general applicability. The proper parameter to describe the damping of the tube has been determined. A knowledge of this parameter and the volume on the end of the tube permits a quite accurate prediction of the response of the system. The value of this parameter required for optimization has been found