6-7 Structural Influence On A Pipe

Will waves in a pipe be reflected or radiated?

Whether a wave is reflected or radiated depends on the wavelength of the standing wave and the diameter of the tube itself. If the wavelength is much larger than the diameter of the tube it becomes "stuck" in the tube and little sound comes out. To solve this problem, most cylindrical instruments will have a bell at the end. (This can be seen on a clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, tuba, etc.)

How does a bell work?

A bell radiates energy/ sound out to the audience. It will alternate the resonant frequencies inside the tube and squeeze the resonance peaks closer together. This resonance will radiate more effectively at higher frequencies (pitches).

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