GEORGIA KENDALL
Chladni Table
Coffee Table with a built in Chladni Plate
A Chladni plate uses sound's vibrational frequencies to create sand patterns on a metal plate. When a certain frequency of sound is played it vibrates the metal plate. The different frequency creates different nodes on the plate which stay stationary while the rest of the plate vibrates, this causes the sand to settle in nodes displaying the variety of patterns. The higher the frequency the more complex the nodes become and more intricate patterns are displayed.
Chladni Plate
Initial Chladni Plate Test
Soundproofing
Metal Rod
Frame to hold everything together
Layer to prevent sound transfer
Soundproofing
The Chladni plate is created from a metal plate that vibrates, this is securely attached to a metal rod that is moved by the vibrating speaker. A vibration transfer (in this case a plastic bottle cap) connects to rod and speaker to allow for accurate vibration transfer. A plastic sheet is held in between the metal plate and the speaker to prevent alternative vibration transfer from the sound emitted which would affect the vibration on the metal plate. A frame holds the Chladni plate together.
As the noise required for the vibration is very loud sound proofing has been added around the entirety of the speaker.
Speaker to create vibration
Model
The coffee table design has to be large enough to encompass the Chladni plate. It has been designed to be not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. The chamfered corners soften the square design of the table, providing a flowing feature.
The cut out in the center of the table top is designed for the Chladni plate to be displayed. A lip was created to seat a toughened piece of glass which protects the Chladni plate from foreign objects and prevents sound from escaping. Finger holes were added to the top enabling removal of the glass for adjustment of the sand.
Coffee Table
Tasmanian Mesmate
Table Top
Tasmanian Messmate was chosen for its durability, beautiful grain and unique sap lines. Wood slabs were intentionally aligned in order to match the grain patterns. This provided a seamless wood design for the tabletop. The pieces were Dominoed and clamped together creating strong bond.
The center of the table top for the Chladni plate to be displayed in was cut out using a CNC machine for a precise design.
The stunning wood features were filled with clear resin to create a smooth, flat top, and increased durability. The resign allows the features to be displayed as an aesthetic feature.
Table Base
Sand Slide and Sand Draw
As the Chladni plate vibrates the sand falls over the edges. If the plate was surrounded by something to prevent the sand falling it would affect the patterns on the plate.
A sand slide has been added to the inside of the base to funnel the sand into two drawers. The drawers collect the sand which can then be returned to the metal plate again.
Details
CNC finger holes
CNC glass lip
Resin filled feature
Resin filled feature
Resin filled feature
Coffee Table
Final Product
Chladni Patterns
Wrap Around Base Grain
