Using Novel Materials for Adaptable Acoustics
- Abhinav Ramkumar and William Deo
- College of Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Penn Engineering), Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER)
- Student Arts Innovation Grant
Bridging the gap between fundamental scientific research, modern computational techniques, and music, Abhinav Ramkumar and William Deo will be developing novel materials and devices that can be used to produce adaptable acoustics. These adaptable acoustics materials are such that they can be manipulated in real time using electronic controllers to produce amplified audio output. The project hopes to integrate these adaptable acoustics into existing instruments, which would allow for maintaining tuning, greater acoustic manipulation, and broader possibilities for musicians. Additionally, they are looking to develop a mechanism for fine control of the material properties in real time, which can lead to enhanced acoustics in performance, and music education. The impact of this project goes beyond developing experimental technology: working with researchers ranging from materials science to machine learning, all the way to music, Ramkumar and Deo hope that this project will enable them to pursue their passion for integrating STEM with music.
A video created by Abhinav Ramkumar and William Deo to explain their Sachs Program-supported project: