Structural acoustic characterization of a tenor trombone

An investigation into the sound-producing characteristics of the Conn 44H “Vocabell” tenor trombone has been initiated at Texas Christian University. This model was selected for its distinctive rimless bell design. A detailed 3-D model of the instrument was developed using Autodesk Inventor and subsequently imported into COMSOL Multiphysics for coupled structural-acoustic simulations. The study focuses on how the instrument’s geometry and material properties influence sound generation and the resulting frequency spectrum. Particular attention is given to the interaction between bell vibrations and radiated sound, with the goal of identifying how the Vocabell’s unconventional design contributes to its tonal characteristics. Experimental measurements of both structural response and radiated sound have been performed on the physical instrument to support model validation. Once validated, the numerical model will serve as a platform for exploring advanced design concepts in brass instruments, potentially guiding innovations in acoustic performance.