[Please click on any image to see it full-screen!]
This page is dedicated to The Volume Experiment. The Volume Experiment is an ongoing experiment into how different physical qualities of a mock “instrument body” affect the volume produced when a bouncy ball is dropped onto the body from a height of one metre.
The below gallery is a written plan for the experiment, including the individual dependent, independent and control variables. LATER REPORTS WILL INCLUDE A HYPOTHESIS FOR EACH VARIABLE AND MY RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS.
Here is the current edition of the volume experiment report. TheVolumeExperimentV2.docx
Please note that the above link will take you to a new tab.
The below video is a 4-minute demonstration of the construction of a box (it also includes some professional practice as I work with an experiment assistant and receive advice from course leaders!) and how the volume experiment works. Please do not increase your volume until the first clip of me at the lab, as there was an error in editing that affected the volume of the first clip.
As the experiment evolved, the microphone seen on the floor in the above video became a decibel meter, and it no longer became necessary to calibrate the experiment by dropping the ball onto a professionally made instrument.
Box 2D Design:
[Created using https://jeromeleary.com/laser/ ]
UNFORTUNATELY due to time restraints the volume experiment was unable to be completed. According to the risk assessment in the report, in the event that I am unable to perform the experiment I should turn to external research and data in order to draw my conclusion. Through my pre-existing research and the data I already have I am able to determine that the volume and material of the box are what most affect the volume produced by dropping a rubber ball onto the soundboard. The size of the hole has a lesser affect (bigger hole = slightly bigger sound) and the presence of braces and joints just affect the timbre of the sound (for example, secure joints and braces would produce a more solid sound in contact, as opposed to a more hollow thud.)
In the future I need to be less hesitant to ask for help when I need it, so that I don’t fall behind in my work. My focus next year will be on overcoming shyness so that I have the confidence and skills to excel in any industry.