The effect of temperature on the damping of a guitar string

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of temperature on the frequency and damping of a guitar string. The speaker has researched the relationship between temperature and elasticity/tension force but is now questioning how temperature affects the damping of the string. They mention a viscous damping coefficient and express uncertainty about the role of temperature in this coefficient. The conversation also touches on the impact of temperature on other materials in a guitar, such as the neck and wood. The second speaker brings up the drag equation as a potential factor to consider in the relationship between temperature and damping.
  • #1
SamuuLau
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TL;DR Summary
How does temperatue affect damping of a guitar string, assuming temperature doesn't change the other factors, such as the wooden guitar?
I am a high school student and recently I have been working on a project about how temperature affects the frequency of a string emits. I have read blogs like https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/tension-and-frequency-with-change-in-temperature.833185/ and completed the part of thermal expansion to the elasticity/tension force. However, another question that strikes me is how does temperature affect the damping of the string.
I looked up some formulas that might be related, such as the model of $$T\frac{\partial^2 y(x,t)}{\partial x^2} + \beta\frac{\partial y(x,t)}{\partial t}-\rho \frac{\partial^2 y(x,t)}{\partial t^2} = 0$$ Where 𝛽 is a viscous damping coefficient.

I searched about what affects the vicous damping coefficeint and I couldn't find temperature as one of the factors. Am I wrong assuming temperatue changes the damping of a guitar string?

Also, I am assuming the temperature has no effect on any material besides the string such as the guitar neck or wood. I am focusing solely on the metal string.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF.

Colder, more dense air, extracts more energy from the string, so it sounds louder initially, but is damped more quickly.
You need to study the drag equation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_equation
 

FAQ: The effect of temperature on the damping of a guitar string

How does temperature affect the damping of a guitar string?

Temperature can influence the damping of a guitar string by altering the material properties of the string and the surrounding air. Higher temperatures generally increase the internal friction within the string material and reduce air density, leading to increased damping. Conversely, lower temperatures typically reduce internal friction and increase air density, resulting in decreased damping.

What materials are most affected by temperature changes in terms of damping?

Materials with higher coefficients of thermal expansion, such as certain metals and synthetic polymers, are more susceptible to temperature changes. Steel, commonly used in guitar strings, can experience noticeable changes in damping properties with temperature fluctuations. Nylon strings also show variations in damping with temperature, though the effects can differ from those in metal strings.

Can temperature changes affect the tuning stability of a guitar?

Yes, temperature changes can affect the tuning stability of a guitar. As the temperature shifts, the string's tension and length can change due to thermal expansion or contraction. This can lead to the guitar going out of tune more quickly, requiring frequent readjustment to maintain the desired pitch.

What is the optimal temperature range for minimizing damping in guitar strings?

The optimal temperature range for minimizing damping in guitar strings is generally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Within this range, the material properties of the strings and the air density are relatively stable, resulting in consistent performance and minimal damping effects.

How can musicians mitigate the effects of temperature on guitar string damping?

Musicians can mitigate the effects of temperature on guitar string damping by storing and playing their instruments in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity levels. Using string materials less sensitive to temperature changes, such as coated strings, can also help. Additionally, regularly tuning the guitar and allowing it to acclimate to the performance environment can reduce the impact of temperature variations.

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