Characterization of acoustic pressure field in a saxophone mouthpiece using fast pressure-sensitive paint

Characterizing the acoustic pressure distribution and the air flow in saxophone mouthpieces is valuable input for parameter-driven design improvement. Such improvements can enhance sound quality, playability and instrument performance. In this study, fast pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) is used to experimentally measure the time-varying acoustic pressure field inside a saxophone mouthpiece while the reed vibrates. Simultaneously, the motion of the reed is captured to analyze the phase relationship between the reed’s vibration and the acoustic pressure field. The experiments are conducted using a 3-D-printed transparent mouthpiece to allow clear visualization of the pressure distribution. The spatial distribution of acoustic pressure fields inside the mouthpiece will be shown as a function of time. Challenges remain in further improving the sensitivity of the paint to detect finer pressure variations, and to measure superimposed static pressure variations caused by air flow.