Mass-Spring-Damping units

The classic method for source modelling mentioned in the introduction to this chapter is embodied by physical modelling techniques. Physical modelling emulates the behaviour of an acoustic device using a network of interconnected mechanical units, called mass-spring-damping, or MSD units (Figure 4.13). On a computer, this network is implemented as a set of differential equations, whose solution describes the waves product by the model in operation. Sound samples result from the computation of these equations. 

Figure 4.13 A string can be modelled as a series of masses connected by spring-damping units...

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