Non-linear behaviour and chaos on an electronically simulated steelpan note

The non-linear equations governing the vibrations of the notes on the steelpan as given by Achong have been implemented on an analog computer. This is perhaps the first electronic simulation of a musical instrument in which the full tonal properties of the notes are produced through direct solution of the governing differential equations. A working musical instrument consists of a plexus of these non-linear oscillators, either in the form of these non-linear circuits or as thin shallow steel shells as found on the panface of the steelpan. When the system (simulated or real) is driven by a suitable harmonic force. the intrinsically non-linear effects of Hopf bifurcation and the jump phenomenon are observed. On the electronic circuits, almost-periodic oscillations and transitions to chaotic motion are observed.