5
$\begingroup$

Could one arrange a simple candle or wick oil lamp in a way that it would make a sound while it is burning? A simple device without a Sterling engine etc.

Does the rising hot air have enough energy to play a musical instrument?

Bonus if it could make a dual tone or warble for an alarm signal.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
6
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I dont know if dry air is enough, but there already exist steam whistles. For example whistling tea kettles, or old train whistles. $\endgroup$
    – user190081
    Sep 8, 2018 at 15:53
  • $\begingroup$ I suppose if one had two almost identical units adjacent to each other the beat frequency could be distinctive. $\endgroup$
    – KalleMP
    Sep 8, 2018 at 16:32
  • $\begingroup$ I was also thinking that a petrol or paraffin burner could power a whistle but the complexity is going too high. I would have hoped for a disposable unit that has little of value. Imagine a haunted hilltop that stops automatically after a few hours. $\endgroup$
    – KalleMP
    Sep 8, 2018 at 16:35
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Google for "pyrophone." $\endgroup$
    – Solomon Slow
    Sep 8, 2018 at 16:49
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The haunted hilltop whistle reminds me of the natural nuclear fission reaction in Gabon. If the water boiled off and happened to cause a whistling noise at some point where it exited the ground... $\endgroup$
    – Michael
    Sep 8, 2018 at 22:43

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
8
$\begingroup$

Absolutely!

The classic example is the Rijke tube, where a Bunsen flame (in modern versions) acts as an energy source. When the flame is placed at a location where the heat release can couple with the pressure nodes, it will amplify the acoustic waves and make it "sing." It's a fun experiment and can be done with a candle and a pipe at home (like the original setup).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Those are loud! If one is a bit careful one can use a wide cardboard tube. $\endgroup$
    – user137289
    Sep 8, 2018 at 16:14
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ This is amazing, never heard of it but it is old news. Hmm, 1kW of electrical heat is a bit much. I was thinking of a candle powered haunted house :-) Can this be scaled down, I don't need a lot of noise. $\endgroup$
    – KalleMP
    Sep 8, 2018 at 16:30
4
$\begingroup$

Yes you can. the propane-fueled radiant space heater in my shop exhibits a very strong resonance while the flame is on which is loud enough to interfere with conversation.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Looking for compact examples. Though your heater sounds antisocial. $\endgroup$
    – KalleMP
    Sep 8, 2018 at 19:33
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ it is antisocial. the only antidote is vodka. $\endgroup$
    – niels nielsen
    Sep 8, 2018 at 22:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.