XVII. On a peculiar class of acoustical figures; and on certain forms assumed by groups of particles upon vibrating elastic surfaces

Abstract

1. The beautiful series of forms assumed by sand, filings, or other grains, when lying upon vibrating plates, discovered and developed by Chladni, are so striking as to be recalled to the minds of those who have seen them by the slightest reference. They indicate the quiescent parts of the plates, and visibly figure out what are called the nodal lines. 2. Afterwards M. Chladni observed that shavings from the hairs of the exciting violin bow did not proceed to the nodal lines, but were gathered together on those parts of the plate the most violently agitated, i. e. at the centres of oscillation. Thus when a square plate of glass held horizontally was nipped above and below at the centre, and made to vibrate by the application of a violin bow to the middle of one edge, so as to produce the lowest possible sound, sand sprinkled on the plate assumed the form of a diagonal cross; but the light shavings were gathered together at those parts towards the middle of the four portions where the vibrations were most powerful and the excursions of the plate greatest.