Real-Time Implementation of a Friction Drum Inspired Instrument Using Finite Difference Schemes
Physical modelling sound synthesis is a powerful method for constructing virtual instruments aiming to mimic the sound of realworld counterparts, while allowing for the possibility of engaging
with these instruments in ways which may be impossible in person.
Such a case is explored in this paper: particularly the simulation
of a friction drum inspired instrument. It is an instrument played
by causing the membrane of a drum head to vibrate via friction.
This involves rubbing the membrane via a stick or a cord attached
to its center, with the induced vibrations being transferred to the
air inside a sound box.
This paper describes the development of a real-time audio application which models such an instrument as a bowed membrane
connected to an acoustic tube. This is done by means of a numerical simulation using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods in which the excitation, whose position is free to change in
real-time, is modelled by a highly non-linear elasto-plastic friction
model. Additionally, the virtual instrument allows for dynamically
modifying physical parameters of the model, thereby allowing the
user to generate new and interesting sounds that go beyond a realworld friction drum.