Application of the method of lines to the wave equation for simulating vibrating strings

This paper presents simulations of continuous dynamic models of vibrating strings for several different instruments: a guitar, a piano and a violin. The basis for all three models is the wave equation and is differentiated by the initial and boundary conditions imposed. The models are implemented as part of a Graphical User Interface. The simulations are presented as animations that are conveyed in the paper as a sequence of vibrating string profiles for different times. This paper promotes the idea that using music generation as a framework for teaching dynamics makes the teaching of dynamics a more engaging process.