Central Drumbeat

If the animation does not appear, click here.

This animation shows the vibrations of a drumhead after a single, centrally placed hit with a drumstick. (See notes below.)

The vertical scale is greatly exaggerated so that the effects of higher modes of vibration are discernable. A more complete visual analysis of the vibrating circular membrane is available; it includes a longer version of this animation, as well as others. It also includes depictions of over two dozen of the normal modes of vibration. Write for details.

I showed this animation and its companion—which shows a drumhead vibrating after being struck at a point offset from the center—to my brother, Jeff Talman, who is a trained musician. He said "No-one ever strikes a drum dead center. It doesn't sound good." (11/30/07)