Fourier analysis of Plucked and Struck String

Consider a uniform flexible string of length L and linear density μ, stretched with a tension T
between its two rigidly fixed ends at x = 0 and x = L. Such a string can be made to vibrate
transversely with an infinite number of frequencies. These frequencies bear a simple relation
with the fundamental frequency, i.e. the frequencies of the higher harmonics are multiples of
the fundamental frequency.
If such a string is set into vibration in just the right manner, it will vibrate with just one of these
frequencies. But, under arbitrary initial conditions, the general motion of the string is given by
the superposition of all the “Normal Modes”.
For a continuous system of masses, like a string, there are infinitely many normal modes:
i. The frequencies and shapes of the normal modes of the system are determined by
the boundary conditions.
ii. Any or all the normal modes of vibrations can co-exist with amplitudes and phases
which are determined by the prescribed initial conditions.
Thus, the general displacement of the string is a superposition of all the normal mode
displacements as
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑𝑛=∞
𝑛=1 𝐴𝑛 sin 𝑘𝑛 𝑥 cos(𝜔𝑛 𝑡 + 𝜑𝑛) (1)

𝑛𝜋 𝑇
where, kn = nπ/L and ωn = √𝜇
𝐿

The above equation can be re-written in the following form:

𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑∞
𝑛=1 sin 𝑘𝑛 𝑥 (𝐵𝑛 cos 𝜔𝑛 𝑡 + 𝐶𝑛 sin 𝜔𝑛 𝑡) (2)
where, Bn and Cn are related to constants An and φn as Bn = An Cos(φn )& Cn= -An Sin(φn )
Particle velocities are given by
𝜕𝑦(𝑥,𝑡)
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑡) = = ∑∞
𝑛=1 𝜔𝑛 sin 𝑘𝑛 𝑥 (−𝐵𝑛 sin 𝜔𝑛 𝑡 + 𝐶𝑛 cos 𝜔𝑛 𝑡) (3)
𝜕𝑡

The constants Bn and Cn in equations (2) and (3) are infinite arbitrary constants which are
determined from the initial conditions corresponding to the infinite number of points along the
string whose displacements and velocities must all be specified at time t = 0.
By initial conditions we mean how the string is set to vibrate. Two possible ways are by
‘Plucking’ the string or by ‘Striking’ the string.
A string is said to be ‘plucked’ if it is given a finite initial displacement but zero initial velocity.
A string is said to be ‘struck’ if it is given a finite initial velocity but zero initial displacement.
Fourier Technique: The constants Bn and Cn can be evaluated by the Fourier technique under
any arbitrary initial displacements and velocities. Once these constants are determined, the
general motion, i.e. y(x,t) is determined, since the constants, namely, kn and ωn in equation (1)
are known.
Some observations about the motion of the vibrating string:
From equation (1) it can be seen that the vibrations of the string are periodic in character. This
is because all overtones are harmonic, i.e. ωn=nω1. So, by the time fundamental mode (of
frequency ω1) has completed one cycle, the second harmonic (of frequency ω2 = 2 ω1) has
completed two cycles and the third harmonic (of frequency ω3 = 3 ω1) has completed three
cycles and so on. Thus, during the second of the fundamental, the motion is an exact repetition
of the first cycle. In other words, the motion is periodic. But the motion is not harmonic
because the resultant of a superposition of harmonic oscillations of different frequencies is not
a harmonic oscillation.
Evaluation of constants Bn and Cn by Fourier analysis:
𝜕𝑦(𝑥,𝑡)
Let 𝑦(𝑥, 0) = 𝑦𝑜 (𝑥)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉(𝑥, 0) = |𝑡=0 = 𝑉𝑜 (𝑥) (4)
𝜕𝑡

Respectively be the initial (at t=0) displacements and velocities of all the particles of the string
(with x in the range 0 to L).
Substituting equation (4) in (2) & (3), we have,
∞
∞
𝑛𝜋
𝑦𝑜 (𝑥) = ∑ 𝐵𝑛 sin 𝑘𝑛 𝑥 = ∑ 𝐵𝑛 sin 𝑥 (5)
𝑛=1 𝐿
𝑛=1
∞
∞
𝑛𝜋
𝑉𝑜 (𝑥) = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝜔𝑛 sin 𝑘𝑛 𝑥 = ∑ 𝐶𝑛 𝜔𝑛 sin 𝑥 (6)
𝑛=1 𝐿
𝑛=1

The initial conditions, thus, must satisfy equations (5) & (6). The R.H.S. of these equations
can be recognised as Fourier series. These are the Fourier series expansion of the functions
yo(x) and Vo(x) which have a periodicity of 2L in space, since,
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
sin (𝑥 + 2𝐿) = sin ( 𝑥 + 2𝑛𝜋) = sin( 𝑥)
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
It may be remarked that the initial displacement shape yo(x) and the velocity profile Vo(x) can
be any sort of functions of x; the only restriction is that they go to zero at x=0 and x=L, for a
string rigidly fixed at its ends.
Thus we have,
∞
𝑛𝜋
𝑦(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑ sin( 𝐿 𝑥) (𝐵𝑛 cos 𝜔𝑛 𝑡 + 𝐶𝑛 sin 𝜔𝑛 𝑡) (7)
𝑛=1
2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋
𝐵𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫0 𝑦𝑜 (𝑥) sin( 𝐿 𝑥)𝑑𝑥 (8)
2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋
𝐶𝑛 = 𝜔 ∫0 𝑉𝑜 (𝑥) sin( 𝐿 𝑥)𝑑𝑥 (9)
𝑛 𝐿