Beyond linear source-filter theory: how does the vocal tract affect the motion of the vocal folds? The human voice lies at the very core of human culture. Yet the way in which the vocal folds ('vocal cords') vibrate is only partly understood and the way in which sound waves within the vocal tract affect this vibration is almost unknown, beyond the fact that it is sometimes important. Using new and unique non-invasive techniques, we shall conduct acoustic experiments to measure properties of the ....Beyond linear source-filter theory: how does the vocal tract affect the motion of the vocal folds? The human voice lies at the very core of human culture. Yet the way in which the vocal folds ('vocal cords') vibrate is only partly understood and the way in which sound waves within the vocal tract affect this vibration is almost unknown, beyond the fact that it is sometimes important. Using new and unique non-invasive techniques, we shall conduct acoustic experiments to measure properties of the vocal folds and their interaction with the sound they produce in the vocal tract. This knowledge will solve some of the remaining puzzles about the voice. Practical applications will include exercises in voice control (especially for singers and orators) and potential applications in clinical diagnosis techniques.Read moreRead less
Vocal Quality, Projection and Perception. This project will quantify the vocal features of projection and loudness in experienced operatic soloists and actors and will examine how these features relate to emotional expression and how each of these qualities are perceived by the performers and by others. We will determine which respiratory and laryngeal techniques are associated with the ability to communicate emotional connection and to produce certain sound qualities, in particular associated ....Vocal Quality, Projection and Perception. This project will quantify the vocal features of projection and loudness in experienced operatic soloists and actors and will examine how these features relate to emotional expression and how each of these qualities are perceived by the performers and by others. We will determine which respiratory and laryngeal techniques are associated with the ability to communicate emotional connection and to produce certain sound qualities, in particular associated with the performer's ability to project a powerful voice unamplified within a large theatre, as well as over an orchestra.Read moreRead less
Flute properties without players, and without flutes. This project will measure how the acoustic impedance spectra of some flutes depend upon the detailed shape of the bore and the size, shape and position of the holes. It will develop a model to predict, for the benefit of instrument makers, the effect of proposed changes in the geometry of the instrument on the pitches and ease of playing of notes played on the instrument. Importantly, it will allow museum curators to determine tunings and (un ....Flute properties without players, and without flutes. This project will measure how the acoustic impedance spectra of some flutes depend upon the detailed shape of the bore and the size, shape and position of the holes. It will develop a model to predict, for the benefit of instrument makers, the effect of proposed changes in the geometry of the instrument on the pitches and ease of playing of notes played on the instrument. Importantly, it will allow museum curators to determine tunings and (uncompensated) temperaments of historic instruments that cannot readily be played.Read moreRead less
A study of vocal tract resonances in the singing voice to develop tools for teaching singing. The voice is our oldest and most widely used musical instrument, but it is incompletely understood because of the difficulty of studying the vocal tract precisely during singing. We shall determine the main techniques used by singers to control and to adapt the acoustic resonances of their vocal tracts. This advance in understanding will enhance Australia's scientific reputation in an area of wide publi ....A study of vocal tract resonances in the singing voice to develop tools for teaching singing. The voice is our oldest and most widely used musical instrument, but it is incompletely understood because of the difficulty of studying the vocal tract precisely during singing. We shall determine the main techniques used by singers to control and to adapt the acoustic resonances of their vocal tracts. This advance in understanding will enhance Australia's scientific reputation in an area of wide public interest. Further, when combined with developments of our novel techniques to operate in real time, it will provide a new tool for students of singing to adjust their resonances and prevent damage to the vocal tract. We shall publish our work not only in the top scientific journals, but also on our popular, multi-award winning web site.Read moreRead less
The behaviour of geochemical tracers during differentiation of the Earth. This project is aimed at providing fundamental data which Earth Scientists will use to understand the processes by which the Earth separated into its chemically-distinct layers (core, mantle, crust, atmosphere, oceans) and to determine the nature of the continuing interactions between the surface environment in which we live and the deep interior. It will provide training in modern high temperature-high pressure materials- ....The behaviour of geochemical tracers during differentiation of the Earth. This project is aimed at providing fundamental data which Earth Scientists will use to understand the processes by which the Earth separated into its chemically-distinct layers (core, mantle, crust, atmosphere, oceans) and to determine the nature of the continuing interactions between the surface environment in which we live and the deep interior. It will provide training in modern high temperature-high pressure materials-science techniques for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers. This will provide Australia with Earth Scientists who have both traditional skills and the ability to work with Materials Scientists on the synthesis of novel materials under extreme conditions.Read moreRead less
Origin and Evolution of the Earth's Chemical Reservoirs. The scientific aims of this project are to understand the processes by which the Earth separated into its chemically-distinct layers (core, mantle, crust, atmosphere, oceans) and to determine the nature of the continuing interactions between the surface environment in which we live and the deep interior. Experimental study of these processes will involve establishment of a world-class facility for materials synthesis at high pressures and ....Origin and Evolution of the Earth's Chemical Reservoirs. The scientific aims of this project are to understand the processes by which the Earth separated into its chemically-distinct layers (core, mantle, crust, atmosphere, oceans) and to determine the nature of the continuing interactions between the surface environment in which we live and the deep interior. Experimental study of these processes will involve establishment of a world-class facility for materials synthesis at high pressures and temperatures. This facility will provide the means to simulate the processes occurring within the Earth and will enable synthesis of new high density materials of technological interest.Read moreRead less