The Effect of Material, Release Angle, and Focal Point on the

Rebound Height and Sound Intensity of a Drumstick

Madeline Burgin and Claire Orlando

Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center

AP Physics

12B

Mr. McMillan / Mrs. Cybulski / Mr. Acre

19 December 2016
 The Effect of Material, Release Angle, and Focal Point on the
Rebound Height and Sound Intensity of a Drumstick

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of

material, release angle, and focal point on a drumsticks rebound height

and sound intensity when it strikes a snare drum and to determine which

combination would yield the greatest rebound height and sound intensity.

This experiment can lead to new information that will aid percussionists in

selecting the correct drumstick type and drumming style to best suit each

drumming situation.

The experiment was performed with three drumsticks of different

materials (oak, hickory, and aluminum). The sticks were tested using

different combinations of release angle (0, 30, and 60) and focal point

(15 cm, 13 cm, and 11 cm from the base of the stick). After each drumstick

was released, the sound intensity was measured using a Vernier Sound

Level Meter and the rebound height was measured from a video on the

Logger Pro computer software. The data was analyzed using a three-

factor design of experiment.

The data collected showed that the trials with aluminum material,

60release angle, and 11 cm focal point produced the greatest rebound

height and sound intensity. The effect of release angle was the only factor

that significantly affected rebound height, while the effects of release angle

and focal point both had a significant effect on the sound intensity. The

material of the drumstick did not have a significant effect on either

response variable.
 Table of Contents

Introduction1

Review of Literature.4

Problem Statement.12

Experimental Design..13

Data and Observations........................................................................................16

Data Analysis and Interpretation..25

Conclusion...45

Acknowledgements52

Appendix A: Prediction Equations...53

Appendix B: Decibel Meter54

Appendix C: Analyzing Rebound Height.55

Appendix D: Prediction Equations...56

Works Cited.5
 Burgin Orlando 1

Introduction

A Swedish study conducted at the Karolinska Instutet shows that there is a

clear link between drumming and a persons intelligence, good timing and the

part of the brain used for problem-solving. Although drummers are often

stereotyped as unintelligent members of the band, this research shows that they

have a sense that most other musicians do not have. In the study, researchers

had drummers play a variety of different beats, then had them complete a simple

60-problem intelligence test. The drummers who were able to keep a steady beat

scored the highest on the test (Sloan). In order to create music based off a

drummers innate sense of rhythm, they need the perfect stick. A drumstick is

considered to be an extension of a drummers arm, and it is an essential part of

creating music. Without their drumsticks, drummers are incomplete and unable to

show off their amazing sense of rhythm.

The purpose of this research was to determine which combination of

material, release angle, and focal point would yield the greatest rebound height

and sound intensity of a drumstick on a snare drum. The hypothesis was that the

combination of high material (aluminum), high release angle (60), and high focal

point (11 cm) would produce the highest rebound height and sound intensity. To

test this hypothesis, three types of drumsticks (oak, hickory, aluminum) were

released on a rotating wheel with varying release angles (0, 30, 60) and focal

points (15 cm, 13 cm, 11 cm). A three-factor Design of Experiment (DOE) was

conducted to determine the individual and interaction effect values and their

statistical significance. While release angle and focal point had significant effects
 Burgin Orlando 2

on the sound intensity and rebound height, material did not affect the response

variables. Changing the material of the drumstick changes factors including

density, mass, and its pitch when it strikes the drum. However, these factors do

not affect its change in mechanical energy.

There are many different musical environments that call for different styles

of drumming. For example, percussionists in a marching band need to play loud

so a stadium full of people can all hear the drum. Contrarily, percussionists in a

concert band must play quietly so they do not overpower the band. This research

can determine the best materials and playing styles to ensure that drummers

play with the correct volume for their situation. With the results from this

experiment, percussionists will be able to see how different factors affect their

drumming and be able to make decisions about their playing to get the optimal

sound intensity.

Sound intensity is not the only factor that percussionists look for in a

drumstick. Rebound height is also an important aspect of some drumming styles.

For instance, drummers in marching bands or drumlines often add visual effects

with the drumsticks to make the performance entertaining to the audience.

Drummers in these bands can use this research to determine which sticks

produce the highest rebound height to aid the visual aspect of their performance.

In concert bands and orchestras, visuals are not an important factor for

drummers to consider. For this reason, percussionists in these types of bands

may want to choose drumsticks that produce lower rebound heights.

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By researching this topic, percussionists are able to find the best

drumstick for many situations. Many drummers struggle with finding the perfect

stick to use, whether they play with a set, marching snare drum, concert snare

drum, or other styles of playing. When looking at this research, drummers can

select a stick more accurately by looking at the data collected. This will allow

them to have a better idea of what type of stick is the perfect one and make the

selection process easier. Also, this research adds to the research already done

on the music industry. The music industry is constantly growing and this research

will help it to continue to grow by making people more knowledgeable about

music and adding to the scientific analysis of drumming.

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Review of Literature

Drumsticks are classified using one number and one letter that show the

weight and diameter. The numbers, which represent the weight of the drumstick,

increase as the weight decreases. The letters, which represent the diameter,

progress as the diameter increases (Shannon). For example, a drumstick of size

5A is heavier than a drumstick of size 7A. Additionally, a drumstick of size 5A has

a smaller diameter than a drumstick of size 5B.

Percussionists choose different materials of drumsticks to obtain a specific

weight, feel, or durability. The materials that were tested in this experiment were

hickory, oak, and aluminum. Hickory is a hard wood. It has an average density of

around 800 kg/m3 (Seely), which allows it to absorb shock from hard drum hits.

Oak has an average density of 720 kg/m 3, so the drumsticks are less shock-

absorbent than hickory, and they are more likely to crack. However, drumsticks

made of both woods are considered to be highly durable. Due to their heavy

weights and high densities, hickory and oak drumsticks typically last much longer

than sticks made of other woods such as maple or beech.

Though less common than wood, some drumsticks are made from

aluminum. With an average density of 2700 kg/m 3 (Densities of Solids),

aluminum is much more durable than any type of wooden stick. Aluminum

drumsticks can reduce shock from the drum by up to 50%. According to AHEAD,

the most popular manufacturer of aluminum drumsticks, this reduction of shock

received from a drumstick can reduce the drummers risk of Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome or Arthritis (Why Use Aluminium Drum Sticks?). Due to the material,
 Burgin Orlando 5

however, aluminum drumsticks are heavy sticks and are considered better for

heavy playing styles, such as in rock music or a marching band. Lighter playing

situations are better suited for drumsticks made of light woods (How to Pick

Drumsticks).

Material is the first independent variable that was tested in this

experiment. The most notable factor that changes as the material of a drumstick

changes is its mass. The mass of an aluminum drumstick is greater than that of a

hickory or oak drumstick. The mass of each drumstick should not affect its

rebound height; the rebound height of a falling object is affected by its

mechanical energy, which is the sum of an objects kinetic energy and

gravitational potential energy (Richmond). The Law of Conservation of Energy

states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can only change forms

(Hall). The conservation of mechanical energy is shown in the equation:

KEi + GPEi = KEf + GPEf

The equations for kinetic energy (KE = mv2) and gravitational potential

energy (GPE = mgh) can be substituted into the equation to find:

mv2i + mghi = mv2f + mghf

The mass of each individual drumstick does not change, so each side of

the equation can be divided by m to show that mass does not affect any objects

change in mechanical energy. Because the mass does not affect the drumsticks

mechanical energy, it does not affect the drumsticks rebound height.

 Burgin Orlando 6

As the material of a drumstick changes, the force it applies on the drum

also changes. This is due to the drumsticks changing mass. The equation seen

below shows how to calculate force, where m is mass and a is acceleration.

F = ma

As the mass increases, the force increases. The amount of energy that is

transported past a given area of the medium per unit of time is known as the

intensity of the sound wave (Henderson, Intensity). As the force on the drum

increases, the amplitude of the vibrations of the particles become greater, and

the rate at which energy is transported through is greater. This means that an

increase in an objects mass increases the sound intensity.

From this force equation, a new equation can be derived that shows

impulse. The impulse of an object is a change in momentum. By changing the

acceleration to equal velocity over time and then multiplying that equation by

time, the impulse-momentum change equation is found.

F t=m v

When an object experiences a force for a specific amount of time it results in a

change in momentum. The result of the force acting for the given amount of time

is that the object's mass either speeds up or slows down (or changes direction).

When an object changes direction a rebound happens. This rebound is a special

collision that that involves a change in direction as well as a velocity change

(Henderson, Momentum). This is the same collision that happens when a

drumstick hits a drum and rebounds. The force acting on the drumstick that m

causes a rebound is gravity. Gravity can then replace force in the impulse-

momentum equation.
 Burgin Orlando 7

mg t =m v

From this equation the mass cancels out showing that it does not affect

the rebound height. This then shows that material will not affect rebound height

as well.

Release angle is the angle at which the drumstick was pulled back. As the

release angle is increased the height from which the stick is dropped will also

increase. This relationship can be shown by triangle trigonometry relationships. If

there is a triangle where the hypotenuse is known and the angle is also known

the height from which the drumstick is dropped can be found using the sine

function as shown below.

height
sin()=
length of drumstick

As the height from which the drumstick is dropped increases the

gravitational potential energy of the stick also increases. The gravitational

potential energy is the energy an object possesses because of its position in a

gravitational field. The equation for gravitational potential energy as shown below

has height as one of the variables. This means that it has a direct relationship

with height (Nave, Gravitational Potential).

GPE=mass gravity height =mgh

Since the gravitational potential energy increases as the release angle

increases, then kinetic energy of the stick when it is dropped also increases.

When the drumstick is dropped the gravitational potential energy converts to

kinetic energy which is the energy an object possesses because of its motion.

This is due to the law of conservation of energy that states that energy cannot be
 Burgin Orlando 8

created or destroyed, but can be transformed from one type of energy to another

(Nave, Conservation Laws). The conservation of mechanical energy equation

that reflects this is shown below.

KEi + GPEi = KEf + GPEf

As the kinetic energy of an object increases, the net work done on the

drum increases which means the rebound height of the drumstick also increase

(Nave, Kinetic Energy). This means that as the release angle of the drumstick

increases the rebound height will also increase.

Work also helps to show that as the release angle of the drumstick

increases the sound intensity of the drumstick increases. Sound intensity is the

amount of energy that is transported past a given area of the medium per unit of

time. This sound intensity is given off by a sound wave that are introduced into a

medium by the vibration of an object. In this case, the drumstick is causing the

drum to vibrate, thus giving off a sound wave. As the drum vibrates, the

surrounding air molecules are compressed and expanded, creating a

disturbance. This disturbance then travels from particle to particle through the

medium, transporting energy as it moves.The energy that is carried by this

disturbance was originally caused by the drumstick. The amount of energy that is

transferred through the medium is dependent on the amplitude of vibrations

given off from the drum. If more work is done in order to displace the drumstick

from its starting position then the drum will give off sound waves with a bigger

amplitude (Henderson). Work is equal to the kinetic energy of the system which

increases as the release angle increases. Therefore, the work done will increase
 Burgin Orlando 9

as well (Nave, Kinetic Energy). Then, as the work increases, the amplitude of

the vibrations will be greater. The greater the amplitude of vibrations of the

particles of the medium, the greater the rate at which energy is transported

through it, and the more intense that the sound wave is (Henderson,

Intensity). Therefore, as the release angle is increased, the sound intensity

will also increase.

The third independent variable tested in this research was focal point. The

focal point of the drumstick is the point at which it rotates as it hits a drum. As the

focal point changes, the length of the lever arm also changes. The lever arm is

the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the

force (Nave). In the case of drumsticks, the lever arm length is the distance from

the focal point to the tip of the stick. A diagram can be seen in the following

figure.

Figure 1. Lever Arm Diagram

Figure 1 shows the focal point and lever arm of a drumstick. As the focal

point changes for each trial, the length of the lever arm also changes. Every

drummer holds drumsticks in different ways that are comfortable for them as well

as grip the stick in different places. This changes the lever arm depending on
 Burgin Orlando 10

where the drummers grip the stick. The change in the lever arm affects the

drumsticks torque, or the influence that changes an objects rotational motion.

Torque can be found using the following equation, where l is the lever arm, F is

force, and is the angle.

torque= =F l sin()

It can be seen in the equation that lever arm is directly related to the

torque of the stick. This means that as the lever arm increases, the torque will

also increase. This increase in torque increases the amplitude of vibration in the

produced sound waves, which means that there is a higher sound intensity. This

shows that as the focal point of the drumstick increases, the sound intensity

increases.

Torque can also be found using the following equation, where I is the

moment of inertia and is the angular acceleration.

=I

Using the same equation, it can be found that the moment of inertia and

the angular acceleration are inversely related.

= /I

As the focal point increases and becomes closer to the base of the

drumstick, the moment of inertia also increases. Due to their inverse relationship,

the angular acceleration decreases when the moment of inertia increases. The

increased angular acceleration leads to a greater angular velocity when the

drumstick strikes the drum. This increases the rotational kinetic energy, as seen

in the equation below. I represents the moment of inertia and represents the

angular velocity.
 Burgin Orlando 11

1
KE= I 2
2

When the kinetic energy increases, the rebound height of the drumstick

also increases due to the Law of Conservation of Energy. Therefore, as the

drumsticks focal point increases, its rebound height also increases.

Research in the field of acoustics and percussion instruments has been

progressing for many years. One experiment, conducted by Erik Aidukas for a

high school science fair in 2004, was performed to determine the effect of

drumstick material on the rebound height of the drumstick. The results of the

project concluded that there is not a clear relationship between drumstick

material and rebound height (Aidukas). This is different than the current research

because it tests only the effect of material. The current research tested the effect

of material of a drumstick on its rebound height to determine if the same results

would be found.

Another experiment was conducted to determine how much force was

needed to cause a drumstick to achieve a certain velocity before it struck a drum.

This experiment was completed and researched by Roberto Ayala, a student at

the University of Notre Dame. In the experiment, Ayala altered the force by

changing the drumsticks length, or lever arm. From the experiment, Ayala

determined that increasing the length of the drumstick not only increases the

force, but it also increases the drumsticks proportional mass and moment of

inertia (Ayala). This research can be applied to the current research due to the

change in focal point. Though different response variables are being measured,
 Burgin Orlando 12

the effects of the change in focal point and lever arm can be applied to both

experiments.

Overall, the material of the drumstick should not affect a drumsticks

rebound height due to conservation of mechanical energy. Changing the material

and therefore the mass of the drumstick, however, should have an effect on its

rebound height. The drumsticks release angle and focal point should affect both

the rebound height and sound intensity.

 Burgin Orlando 13

Problem Statement

Problem:

To determine which combination of drumstick material, pullback angle, and

drumstick length will yield the highest rebound height and sound intensity of the

drumstick.

Hypothesis:

The combination of aluminum, high pullback angle (60), and high

drumstick length (11 cm from the base) will yield the highest rebound height and

sound intensity.

Data Measured:

The independent variables for this experiment were drumstick material

(oak, hickory, and aluminum), pullback angle (0, 30, and 60), and drumstick

lever arm length (15 cm, 13 cm, and 11 cm). The dependent variables were

rebound height (cm) and sound level (dB). Two 3-factor Design of Experiments

(DOE) were conducted to find the combination of factors that gave the greatest

rebound height and sound intensity. A total of 15 DOEs were conducted with 11

trials in each DOE.

 Burgin Orlando 14

Experimental Design

Materials:

Drumsticks (5B, oak) (3) Beaker clamps

Drumsticks (5B, hickory) (3) Pulley wheels
Drumsticks (5B, aluminum) (6) Zip ties
Sound Level Meter (2) Metal stand
Snare drum (3) Dual clamps
Video camera (smartphone) Drum stand
Ruler Table

Procedures:

1. Set up the snare drum stand and place the drum on the stand. Adjust the
stand so the drum head is 1 meter from the ground.

2. Attach one beaker clamp to a vertical metal stand. The clamp should be
placed at a distance of 32 cm from the bottom of the vertical stand.

3. Using two zip ties, attach one hickory drumstick to the outside of the pulley
wheel. Clamp the pulley wheel to the metal stand using the existing
beaker clamp and place it next to the snare drum so the tip of the
drumstick rests on the center of the drum.

4. Using a dual clamp, attach a metal bar 29 cm from the bottom of a

separate stand to create two perpendicular metal bars. Attach the
remaining two beaker clamps to the parallel bar at distances
15 cm and 32 cm from the end of the bar.

5. Set up the smartphone to take video, and place it in the beaker clamp 15
cm from the end of the bar. The camera will be used along with
Logger Pro to measure the rebound height of the drumsticks.

6. Place the decibel meter in the beaker clamp that is 32 cm from the end of
the bar. Position the meter so that the microphone head is next to
the center of the drum.

7. Tape the ruler to the wall behind the drum. The meter stick will be used as
a scale for the video analysis.

8. Randomize the order of trials. Refer to Appendix A for details on how to

randomize.

9. Use a marker to make lines on each drumstick at the points 11 cm, 13 cm,
and 15 cm from the bottom of the stick.
 Burgin Orlando 15

10. For the standard trial, slide the drumstick so that the 13 cm mark is at the
center of the pulley wheel.

11. Start recording on the video camera and set the decibel meter to record
the maximum volume. Refer to Appendix B to set up the decibel
meter.

12. Raise the drumstick to an angle of 30 above parallel. Drop the drumstick,
and record the maximum volume shown on the decibel meter.

13. Save the video and import it into Logger Pro. Refer to Appendix C for
steps to finding the drumsticks rebound height. Record the
rebound height in the data table.

14. Repeat steps 8-13 for 9 more DOEs using the other drumstick materials
(oak, hickory, aluminum), angles (0, 30, 60), and focal points (11
cm, 13 cm, 15 cm). The random order found in step 8 will determine which
combination to use for each trial.

Diagram:

Figure 2. Experimental Setup - Front View

 Burgin Orlando 16

Figure 3. Experiment Setup - Side View

Figures 2 and 3 show the setup for this experiment. The pulley wheel with

the drumstick is placed on one stand so the end of the stick is directly above the

center of the drum. The sound level meter is placed near the center of the drum

to most accurately collect data. The video camera (phone) is placed so it can

view the maximum rebound height for each trial.

 Burgin Orlando 17

Data and Observations

Table 1
Level of Factors
Factors (+) Values Standards (-) Values

Material Aluminum Hickory Oak

Release Angle () 60 30 0

Focal Point (cm) 11 13 15

Table 1 shows the three factors of material of the drumstick, pullback

angle, and the length the focal point is from the end of the drumstick as well as

the high, standard, and low values used for each factor.

Table 2
Data: DOEs 1 and 2
DOE 1 DOE 2

Angle Length
Material Rebound Sound Rebound Sound
() (cm) Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)

Standard 1 24.39 100.3 1 18.61 99.4

+ + + 8 33.32 103.1 10 29.58 104.5

+ + - 5 29.11 98.4 7 32.02 98.5

+ - + 10 8.204 96.2 4 8.59 96.8

+ - - 4 7.78 92.3 2 4.68 89.0

Standard 6 22.30 100.0 6 21.76 100.3

- + + 9 24.10 100.4 3 26.17 101.8

- + - 7 10.96 89.7 5 16.36 93.0

- - + 2 6.40 92.1 8 5.09 92.8

- - - 3 5.12 84.6 9 3.262 82.5

Material Angle Length
() (cm) DOE 1 DOE 2
 Burgin Orlando 18

Rebound Sound Rebound Sound

Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)

Standard 11 26.80 101.7 11 26.23 101.7

Table 2 shows the rebound height (cm) and the sound intensity (dB)

measured in the first and second DOEs.

Table 3
DOEs 3 and 4

DOE 3 DOE 4
Angle Length
Material
() (cm) Rebound Sound Rebound Sound
Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)

Standard 1 21.77 99.3 1 19.14 98.9

+ + + 10 29.51 103.0 5 27.76 102.4

+ + - 5 24.39 97.0 4 21.36 95.5

+ - + 7 8.73 97.1 10 9.63 98.4

+ - - 3 6.30 89.9 8 5.66 87.8

Standard 6 20.10 99.1 6 22.20 100.1

- + + 4 25.35 100.1 7 22.67 99.5

- + - 9 17.39 92.9 9 17.37 94.8

- - + 2 7.90 93.4 3 6.12 92.3

- - - 8 6.95 87.9 2 5.66 86.2

Standard 11 18.83 98.9 11 24.99 100.6

Table 3 shows the rebound height (cm) and the sound intensity (dB)

measured in the third and fourth DOEs

Table 4
DOEs 5 and 6
 Burgin Orlando 19

DOE 5 DOE 6
Angle Length
Material
() (cm) Rebound Sound Rebound Sound
Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)

Standard 1 26.38 101.5 1 20.45 99.4

+ + + 2 29.22 103.3 2 26.40 102.7

+ + - 9 22.01 98.1 9 24.56 98.6

+ - + 5 5.727 94.6 5 8.148 96.6

+ - - 7 6.557 91.7 7 5.085 89.4

Standard 6 22.64 98.1 6 18.20 99.4

- + + 4 23.54 100.9 4 23.79 99.7

- + - 8 16.37 94.0 8 14.93 94.4

- - + 3 8.54 95.5 3 3.514 93.3

- - - 10 3.839 85.4 10 8.713 94.2

Standard 11 23.94 100.8 11 18.42 98.7

Table 4 shows the rebound height (cm) and the sound intensity (dB)

measured in the fifth and sixth DOEs.

Table 5
DOEs 7 and 8

DOE 7 DOE 8
Angle Length
Material
() (cm) Rebound Sound Rebound Sound
Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)
 Burgin Orlando 20

Standard 1 18.26 98.0 1 22.22 99.6

+ + + 8 28.67 104.3 7 29.23 104.2

+ + - 2 26.13 99.1 8 27.11 99.3

+ - + 9 8.734 97.3 4 7.96 97.0

+ - - 4 6.854 91.9 5 8.60 92.4

Standard 6 19.73 99.3 6 22.67 102.0

- + + 5 23.00 100.3 10 21.98 98.8

- + - 3 14.99 93.4 3 11.87 91.3

- - + 7 7.453 94.1 9 4.045 92.6

- - - 10 5.29 87.1 2 3.210 83.7

Standard 11 23.04 100.4 11 20.77 99.2

Table 5 shows the rebound height (cm) and the sound intensity (dB)

measured in the seventh and eighth DOEs. The sound intensity in DOE 8 Trial 6,

a standard trial, is 102.0 dB. This is an irregularity in the standards, which may

have been caused by an error in the drumsticks release.

Table 6
DOEs 9 and 10

DOE 9 DOE 10
Angle Length
Material
() (cm) Rebound Sound Rebound Sound
Trial Height Intensity Trial Height Intensity
(cm) (dB) (cm) (dB)

Standard 1 20.11 98.8 1 21.69 99.4

 Burgin Orlando 21

+ + + 10 26.97 103.4 5 27.81 103.7

+ + - 9 24.04 98.2 7 24.55 98.2

+ - + 5 3.71 93.0 2 6.72 96.1

+ - - 4 6.67 91.6 3 4.48 89.6

Standard 6 18.10 98.9 6 23.18 100.2

- + + 2 26.42 100.5 10 21.94 100.2

- + - 8 13.70 91.7 4 13.64 91.7

- - + 3 6.67 92.7 8 7.93 94.4

- - - 7 4.15 84.4 9 4.31 85.3

Standard 11 22.14 100.0 11 19.04 99.5

Table 6 shows the rebound height (cm) and the sound intensity (dB)

measured in the ninth and tenth DOEs.

Table 7
Average Rebound Height and Sound Intensity
Average
Angle Length
Material Rebound Height
(degrees) (cm) Sound Intensity (dB)
(cm)

Standard 20.02 99.33

+ + + 28.85 103.5

Average
Angle Length
Material Rebound Height
(degrees) (cm) Sound Intensity (dB)
(cm)

+ + - 25.53 98.09

+ - + 7.615 96.31

+ - - 6.267 90.56

Standard 21.09 99.74

- + + 23.90 100.2
 Burgin Orlando 22

- + - 14.76 92.69

- - + 6.366 93.32

- - - 5.050 86.13

Standard 21.094 99.87

Table 7 shows the average rebound height and sound intensity for each

combination of material, angle, and length. The averages were calculated from

the 10 different DOEs. Table 7 is the final set of data that was used in the 3-

factor DOE analysis.

Table 8
Observations
DOE Trial Type Observation

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

1 11 Standard
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

2 10 (+,+,+)
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

2 11 Standard
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

4 9 (-,+,-)
be analyzed

DOE Trial Type Observation

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

5 1 Standard
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

5 10 (-,-,-)
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

5 11 Standard
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

6 2 (+,-,-)
be analyzed

6 3 (+,-,+) Video error; the trial was redone so the video could
 Burgin Orlando 23

be analyzed

Drumstick rebound was outside of the camera view;

6 5 (+,+,+)
trial was redone

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

6 7 (-,+,-)
be analyzed

Drumstick rebound was outside of the camera view;

7 8 (+,+,+)
trial was redone

Sound Intensity on this trial was abnormally large

8 6 Standard
and may be an outlier

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

8 8 (+,+,-)
be analyzed

Video error; the trial was redone so the video could

8 9 (-,-,+)
be analyzed

Drumstick rebound was outside of the camera view;

9 10 (+,+,+)
trial was redone

Table 8 shows important observations made during the course of the

experiment.

Figure 4. (+,+,+) Trial Before Release

 Burgin Orlando 24

Figure 4 shows an aluminum stick from DOE 6 Trial 5 being pulled back to

the largest angle (60) at the focal point of 11 cm from the base of the stick. This

is before the stick was dropped.

Figure 5. (+,+,+) Trial After Release

Figure 5 shows an aluminum stick from DOE 6 Trial 5 being pulled back to

the largest angle (60) at the focal point of 11 cm from the base of the stick. This

is after the stick was dropped when the tip of the stick hit its maximum rebound

height. When analyzing the data, this is the point we would use to determine the

rebound height.
 Burgin Orlando 25

Figure 6. Decibel Meter

Figure 6 shows a measurement from the Vernier sound level meter. The

meter is set to max to record the maximum sound intensity from each trial.
 Burgin Orlando 26

Data Analysis and Interpretation

In this experiment, three factors were tested to determine their effects on

the rebound height and sound intensity produced by a drumstick on a snare

drum. The rebound height was found by analyzing a video of each trial on Logger

Pro software, and the sound intensity was measured using a Vernier Sound

Level Meter. The three factors that were altered in the experiment were the

material of the drumstick, the drumsticks release angle (), and the drumsticks

focal point (cm). These factors were altered to determine their individual and

interaction effects on the rebound height and sound intensity. A three-factor

Design of Experiment (DOE) was conducted in order to manipulate several

factors at one time and determine important interactions between the factors. To

ensure validity, the DOE was repeated ten times and the order of the trials was

randomized using TI-nspire software for each DOE (refer to Appendix A for a

detailed description of randomization method). This randomization reduces bias

in the data by ensuring that the trials are completed under the same conditions.

Replication reduces variability by repeating each trial multiple times. Three

standard trials were run in the first, middle, and last trials as a basis of control

and comparison for the other trials, which shows that the data collected remains

consistent throughout the trials.

 Burgin Orlando 27

Table 9
Level of Factors
Factors (+) Values Standards (-) Values

Material Aluminum Hickory Oak

Release Angle () 60 30 0

Focal Point (cm) 11 13 15

Table 9 shows the three factors: material of the drumstick, pullback angle,

and the length the focal point is from the end of the drumstick as well as the high,

standard, and low values used for each factor.

Figure 7. Dot Plot of Standards for Rebound Height

Figure 7 shows the trends in rebound height for the 30 standard trials

conducted throughout the experiment (3 from each DOE). There appears to be

an average amount of variability amongst the data points, but there is enough

variability to maybe have caused some bias in the effect values for each factor..

The range of standards is 6.89 cm.

 Burgin Orlando 28

Table 10
Effect of Material on Rebound Height
(-) Material (+) Material

23.90 28.85

14.76 25.53

6.366 7.615

5.050 6.267

Average: 12.52 Average: 17.06

Table 10 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for the

high and low materials (aluminum and oak) of the drumsticks.

Figure 8. Effect of Material on Rebound Height

Figure 8 shows the average low and high rebound height (cm) for the

material of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of material is 4.546. This

means that as the material of the drumstick changed from oak to aluminum, its

rebound height increased by 4.540 cm.

 Burgin Orlando 29

Table 11
Effect of Release Angle on Rebound Height
(-) Release Angle (+) Release Angle

7.615 28.85

6.267 25.53

6.366 23.90

5.050 14.76

Average: 6.325 Average: 23.26

Table 11 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for the

high and low release angles (60 and 0) of the drumsticks.

Figure 9. Effect of Release Angle on Rebound Height

Figure 9 shows the average low and high rebound height (cm) for the

release angle of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of release angle is 16.94.

This means that as the angle the drumstick was released from increased from 0

to 60, its rebound height increased by 16.94 cm.

 Burgin Orlando 30

Table 12
Effect of Focal Point on Rebound Height
(-) Focal Point (+) Focal Point

25.53 28.85

6.267 7.615

14.76 23.90

5.050 6.366

Average: 12.90 Average: 16.68

Table 12 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for the

high and low focal points (11 cm and 15 cm) of the drumsticks.

Figure 10. Effect of Focal Point on Rebound Height

Figure 10 shows the average low and high rebound height (cm) for the

focal point of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of focal point is 3.781.

This means that as the focal point of the drumstick changed from 15 cm from the

end to 11 cm from the end, its rebound height increased by 3.781 cm.
Burgin Orlando 31
 Burgin Orlando 32

Table 13
Interaction Effect of Material and Release Angle on Rebound Height
Release Angle

(-) 0 (+) 60

Line Segment (+)

6.941 27.19
(Solid) Aluminum
Material
Line Segment
(-) Oak 5.708 19.33
(Dotted)

Table 13 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for

each combination of low and high material and release angle. Each combination

was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included the

combination.

Figure 11. Effect of Material and Release Angle on Rebound Height

Figure 11 shows the interaction between material and release angle of the

drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high material (aluminum), and the

dotted segment represents the low material (oak). To calculate the interaction

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid
 Burgin Orlando 33

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 10.13, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 6.811, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is 3.314. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small compared to the range of standards, this shows that the effect of

material most likely does not depend on the drumsticks release angle to have an

effect.

Table 14
Interaction Effect of Material and Focal Point on Rebound Height
Focal Point

(-) 15 cm (+) 11 cm

Line Segment
(+) Aluminum 15.90 18.23
(Solid)
Material
Line Segment
(-) Oak 9.905 15.13
(Dotted)

Table 14 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for

each combination of low and high material and focal point. Each combination

was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included the

combination.
 Burgin Orlando 34

Figure 12. Effect of Material and Focal Point on Rebound Height

Figure 12 shows the interaction between material and focal point of the

drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high material (aluminum), and the

dotted segment represents the low material (oak). To calculate the interaction

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 1.165, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 2.613, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is -1.448. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small, this shows that the effect of material most likely does not depend on

the drumsticks focal point to have an effect.

Burgin Orlando 35
 Burgin Orlando 36

Table 15
Interaction Effect of Release Angle and Focal Point on Rebound Height
Focal Point

(-) 15 cm (+) 11 cm

Line Segment
(+) 60 20.15 26.38
Release (Solid)
Angle Line Segment
(-) 0 5.659 6.991
(Dotted)

Table 15 shows the average measurements of rebound height (cm) for

each combination of low and high release angle and focal point. Each

combination was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included

the combination.

Figure 13. Effect of Release Angle and Focal Point on Rebound Height

Figure 13 shows the interaction between release angle and focal point of

the drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high release angle (60), and

the dotted segment represents the low material (0). To calculate the interaction

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid
 Burgin Orlando 37

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 3.115, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 0.666, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is 2.449. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small compared to the range of standards, this shows that the effect of

release angle most likely does not depend on the drumsticks focal point to have

an effect.

Table 16
Effect Values for Rebound Height
Factor Effect Value

Material (M) 4.546

Release Angle (A) 16.94

Focal Point (F) 3.781

Interaction of Material and Release Angle (MA) 3.314

Interaction of Material and Focal Point (MF) -1.448

Interaction of Release Angle and Focal Point (AF) 2.449

Table 16 displays each factor and its effect on the rebound height of the

drumstick. The table also shows an abbreviation for the name of each factor that

will be used in the dot plot below and the prediction equations in Appendix D.

Figure 14. Dot Plot of Effects

 Burgin Orlando 38

Figure 14 shows each individual and interaction effect plotted on a line

graph. Effects outside the fences, which show double the range of standards

(6.89) are considered significant. Double the range of standards is 13.78, so the

individual effect of release angle is considered significant. A sample calculation to

predict the acceleration of future trials can be seen in Appendix D.

Figure 15. Dot Plot of Standards for Sound Intensity

Figure 15 shows the trends in sound intensity for the 30 standard trials

conducted throughout the experiment (3 from each DOE). There appears to be

variability amongst the data points. The range of standards is 2.8 dB. The sound

intensity of 102.0 dB, which is the result of Standard Trial 23 (DOE 8, Trial 6), is a

statistical outlier because it is more than 1.5 times the interquartile range plus the

third quartile. It was not used to compute to range of standards.

 Burgin Orlando 39

Table 17
Effect of Material on Sound Intensity
(-) Material (+) Material

100.2 103.5

92.69 98.09

93.32 96.31

86.13 90.56

Average: 93.09 Average: 97.11

Table 17 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (dB) for the

high and low materials (aluminum and oak) of the drumsticks.

Figure 16. Effect of Material on Sound Intensity

Figure 16 shows the average low and high sound intensity (dB) for the

material of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of material is 4.03. This

means that as the material of the drumstick changed from oak to aluminum, its

sound intensity increased by 4.03 dB.

Burgin Orlando 40
 Burgin Orlando 41

Table 18
Effect of Release Angle on Sound Intensity
(-) Release Angle (+) Release Angle

96.31 103.5

90.56 98.09

93.32 100.2

86.13 92.69

Average: 91.58 Average: 98.62

Table 18 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (dB) for the

high and low release angles (60 and 0) of the drumsticks.

Figure 17. Effect of Release Angle on Sound Intensity

Figure 17 shows the average low and high sound intensity (dB) for the

release angle of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of release angle is 7.04.

This means that as the angle the drumstick was released from increased from 0

to 60, its sound intensity increased by 7.04 dB.

Burgin Orlando 42
 Burgin Orlando 43

Table 19
Effect of Focal Point on Sound Intensity
(-) Focal Point (+) Focal Point

98.09 103.5

90.56 96.31

92.69 100.2

86.13 93.32

Average: 91.87 Average: 98.33

Table 19 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (dB) for the

high and low focal points (11 cm and 15 cm) of the drumsticks.

Figure 18. Effect of Focal Point on Sound Intensity

Figure 18 shows the average low and high sound intensity (dB) for the

focal point of the drumsticks. The difference between the low and high

measurements indicates the effect value, so the effect of focal point is 6.46. This

means that as the focal point of the drumstick changed from 15 cm from the end

to 11 cm from the end, its sound intensity increased by 6.460 dB.

Burgin Orlando 44
 Burgin Orlando 45

Table 20
Interaction Effect of Material and Release Angle on Sound Intensity
Release Angle

(-) 0 (+) 60

Line Segment
(+) Aluminum 93.44 100.8
(Solid)
Material
Line Segment
(-) Oak 89.73 96.45
(Dotted)

Table 20 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (dB) for

each combination of low and high material and release angle. Each combination

was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included the

combination.

Figure 19. Interaction of Material and Release Angle

Figure 19 shows the interaction between material and release angle of the

drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high material (aluminum), and the

dotted segment represents the low material (oak). To calculate the interaction

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid
 Burgin Orlando 46

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 3.680, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 3.360, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is 0.320. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small, this shows that the effect of material most likely does not depend on

the drumsticks release angle to have an effect.

Table 21
Interaction Effect of Material and Focal Point on Sound Intensity
Focal Point

(-) 15 cm (+) 11 cm

Line Segment (+)

94.33 99.91
(Solid) Aluminum
Material
Line Segment
(-) Oak 89.41 96.76
(Dotted)

Table 21 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (ddB) for

each combination of low and high material and focal point. Each combination

was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included the

combination.
 Burgin Orlando 47

Figure 20. Interaction of Material and Focal Point

Figure 20 shows the interaction between material and focal point of the

drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high material (aluminum), and the

dotted segment represents the low material (oak). To calculate the interaction

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 3.675, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 2.790, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is 0.855. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small, this shows that the effect of material most likely does not depend on

the drumsticks focal point to have an effect.

 Burgin Orlando 48

Table 22
Interaction Effect of Release Angle and Focal Point on Sound Intensity
Focal Point

(-) 15 cm (+) 11 cm

Line Segment
(+) 60 95.39 101.9
Release (Solid)
Angle Line Segment
(-) 0 88.35 94.82
(Dotted)

Table 22 shows the average measurements of sound intensity (dB) for

each combination of low and high release angle and focal point. Each

combination was found by taking the average of the two trial types that included

the combination.

Figure 21. Interaction of Release Angle and Focal Point

Figure 21 shows the interaction between release angle and focal point of

the drumsticks. The solid segment represents the high release angle (60), and

the dotted segment represents the low material (0). To calculate the interaction
 Burgin Orlando 49

effect, the slope of the dotted segment was subtracted from the slope of the solid

segment. The slope of the solid segment is 3.235, and the slope of the dotted

segment is 3.255, so the effect of the interaction between material and release

angle is -0.020. Because the slopes are different, it is possible that there is an

interaction between these two factors. However, because the difference in slopes

is so small, this shows that the effect of release angle most likely does not

depend on the drumsticks focal point to have an effect.

Table 23
Effect Values
Factor Effect Value

Material (M) 4.030

Release Angle (A) 7.040

Focal Point (F) 6.460

Interaction of Material and Release Angle (MA) -0.320

Interaction of Material and Focal Point (MF) 0.855

Interaction of Release Angle and Focal Point (AF) -0.020

Table 23 displays each factor and its effect on the sound intensity of the

drumstick. The table also shows an abbreviation for the name of each factor that

will be used in the dot plot below and the prediction equations in Appendix D.
 Burgin Orlando 50

Figure 22. Dot Plot of Effects

Figure 22 shows each individual and interaction effect plotted on a line

graph. Effects outside the fences, which show double the range of standards

(2.8) are considered significant. Double the range of standards is 5.6, so the

individual effects of focal point and release angle are considered significant. The

prediction equations can be seen in Appendix D.

Overall, the effect of release angle is the only significant effect on the

drumsticks rebound height. The effects of release angle and focal point both

significantly affect the drumsticks sound intensity. The effect of material does not

have a significant effect on either response variable.

 Burgin Orlando 51

Conclusion

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of material,

release angle, and focal point of a drumstick on its rebound height and sound

intensity when it strikes a snare drum. During the experiment, three different

drumstick materials (oak, hickory, aluminum) were tested with three different

release angles (0, 30, 60) and three different focal points (15 cm, 13 cm, 11

cm). To determine the effects of each factor, a three-factor DOE was conducted

on each response variable using the average data from each trial type.

This experiments hypothesis stated that the combination of aluminum,

high pullback angle (60), and high drumstick length (11 cm from the base) will

yield the highest rebound height and sound intensity. The hypothesis was

accepted, as the trials where all factors were held high had the highest average

rebound height of 28.85 cm and the highest average sound intensity of 103.5 dB.

The hypothesis is further supported by the data because the trials where all

factors were held low had the lowest average rebound height of 5.050 cm and

the lowest average sound intensity of 86.13 dB.

When looking at the individual effect values for rebound height

(4.540 cm, 16.94 cm, and 3.781 cm) it was found that as each of the factors

increased the rebound height increased as well. Also when looking at the

individual effect values for sound intensity (4.03 dB, 7.04 dB, and 6.46 dB) it was

found that as each of the factors increased the sound intensity increased as well.

The only factors in the experiment that were found significant were release

angle and focal point. When comparing the effect values of rebound height to
 Burgin Orlando 52

double the range of standards (13.78 cm) the only factor found significant was

release angle (16.94 cm). Two factors were found significant when comparing the

sound intensity factors to double the range of standards (5.6 dB). The factors that

were found significant are focal point (6.46 dB) and release angle (7.040 dB).

This shows that release angle is the only factor that consistently changes

rebound height and sound intensity of a drumstick.

This experiment determined that the material of a drumstick did not have a

significant effect on its rebound height. This agrees with previous research by

Erik Aidukas, who has a bachelors degree in chemistry and is currently a

quality engineer at Halyard Health, which concluded that there is no clear

relationship between material of a drumstick and its rebound height (Aidukas).

The rebound height of a falling object is affected by its mechanical energy, which

is the sum of an objects kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy

(Richmond). The conservation of mechanical energy is shown in the equation:

KEi + GPEi = KEf + GPEf

The equations for kinetic energy (KE = mv2) and gravitational potential

energy (GPE = mgh) can be substituted into the equation to find:

mv2i + mghi = mv2f + mghf

The mass of each drumstick remains constant, so each side of the

equation can be divided by m to reveal that mass does not affect the objects

change in mechanical energy. In the experiment, the sizes and shapes of each

drumstick were held constant, so the mass of the drumstick was the most

significant factor that changed when the material was altered. Because the mass
 Burgin Orlando 53

does not affect an objects mechanical energy, it does not affect the objects

rebound height. This agrees with the results of the experiment which state that

the drumsticks material does not affect its rebound height.

This experiment also concluded that the material of the drumstick does not

significantly affect its sound intensity. However, this disagrees with scientific

concepts and current research in the field. The force of each drumstick can be

found using the equation

F = ma

where m is the drumsticks mass and a is the acceleration, which is equal to the

acceleration of gravity (9.8 m/s2) for each trial. Because the mass of the

aluminum drumstick is greater than the mass of the hickory drumstick, the force

applied by the drumstick increases as the material increases. In real drumming,

the drummer applies a force on the stick, that is greater than the force when the

drumstick falls on its own. The force applied by the drummer does not always

depend on the material, but the difference in material still applies as long as the

drummer keeps the applied force constant. As the drumstick strikes the drum

head, some of the energy from the drumstick is absorbed by the head. The drum

head absorbs more energy from the drumstick when the mass increases, which

increases the sound intensity. Another experiment conducted in the field

concluded that as the force applied on the drum increased, the number of excited

modes also increased, which caused the sound intensity of the drum strike to

increase (Dahl). Based on the equation and the research, the material of the

drumstick should affect its sound intensity. The material of the drumsticks on the
 Burgin Orlando 54

sound intensity in the experiment at hand did have an effect of 4.030 dB on the

sound intensity, but it was not great enough to be considered statistically

significant.

The release angle had a significant effect on both the rebound height and

the sound intensity of the drumstick. As the release angle increases, the distance

the drumstick falls also increases. Because the initial height is much higher for a

trial with high release angle than a trial with a low release angle, the drumstick is

allowed more room to rebound. This causes a significant difference in the

rebound height between the trials with a low (0) and high (60) release angle. In

addition, the higher initial height causes the drumstick to spend more time in the

air, which allows it to gain more velocity as it falls. As the velocity of a drumstick

increases, more work is done on the drum which would also increase the sound

intensity., its sound intensity on the drum also increases (Wagner). This is

consistent with the results from the experiment, as the release angle had a

statistically significant effect on both factors.

The focal point caused a significant impact on the sound intensity given

out. As the focal point changes the length of the lever arm also changes. The

lever arm is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of

action of the force. This lever arm length in this experiment is the distance from

the focal point to the tip of the stick. A diagram can be seen in Figure 1 in the

Review of Literature.

In order to understand the effect of focal point the concept of torque is

needed to be understood as well. Torque is an influence which tends to change

 Burgin Orlando 55

the rotational motion of an object. The equation to calculate torque is shown

below.

torque= =F l sin()

It can be seen in the equation that radius is directly related to the torque of

the stick. The radius in this case is the length of the lever arm. The length of the

lever arm is also known as the placement of the focal point. According to the

equation as the radius, or lever arm, increases the torque will also increase. This

increases the amplitude of vibration in the produced sound waves, which means

that there is a higher sound intensity. This would then create a louder sound than

the sound created from the lower focal point.

There were multiple errors in the experimental design that may have

caused errors in the experiment. For example, there were marks on each pulley

wheel to measure the angle for each trial. The wheel was removed from the

clamp and replaced for each trial, so it is possible that the marks were not in the

same position every time. Also, the drumsticks were pulled back by hand for

each trial, so it is possible that the pullback angle was not consistent. This could

cause variance in the recorded data. However, the effect of angle was found

significant, which was expected, so these errors most likely did not have a

significant impact on the data.

There are a few ideas for further research that will expand on the one

done here. One idea is the original experiment that was supposed to be done

using force as a factor. That experiment was unable to be done due to the failure

in finding a way to suspend weights in a way that consistently affected the

rebound of the drumstick. Future experiments could be conducted to determine

 Burgin Orlando 56

the ideal method of adding force to the drumstick. Another idea for future

research is changing just the materials of the tips of the drumsticks rather than

the entire drumstick. Using the wood in this experiment turned out well, but when

doing the experiment with the aluminum drumsticks it was a little unrealistic

considering the drumsticks were too heavy to be used consistently on a drum.

The full aluminum drumsticks would slowly wear away at the drum heads and

eventually break them due to the weight. Aluminum tips are commonly used to

get a different sound from the drums, so it would be reasonable to use them as

part of an experiment. Rather than testing the rebound height and sound intensity

of the drumstick, this future research could be done to determine which factors

affect the vibrations from the drum head.

Hickory is one of the most commonly used drumsticks by todays

percussionists. This research shows that this is a good choice, as hickory

provides rebound heights and sound intensities that are not too small or too

large. Hickory is considered by many professionals to be the most versatile

drumstick, so it can be used to achieve high rebound heights and sound

intensities when desired using different drumming styles.

The musical community is growing more and more each day. This

research and other research in the field of percussion will help percussionists

determine the optimal drumsticks to use in any situation. Research will progress

scientific knowledge of percussion instruments to keep up with the quickly

evolving world of music.

Acknowledgements
 Burgin Orlando 57

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Rod Nave for his contributions to our

experiment. He provided us with guidance that allowed us to create an efficient

experimental design and conduct successful research.

We would like to thank A&G Central Music for donating drumsticks to our

project. Without their generous donation, this experiment would not have been

possible.

We would like to thank Mrs. Cybulski for her help with our research. We

appreciate the support and guidance that she gave us with the paper and with

the entire research process.

Lastly, we would also like to acknowledge Mr. McMillan. We are thankful

for the guidance he provided to help us understand the scientific concepts related

to our research experiment.

 Burgin Orlando 58

Appendix A: Randomization

Materials:

Ti-NSpire calculator

Procedure:

1. From the Ti-NSpire home menu, open a calculator page.

2. Press menu button and select option 5: Probability.

3. On the probability menu, scroll to option 4: Random.

4. From the random menu, scroll to option 6: Seed.

5. The calculator page will now display RandSeed. To seed the calculator,
enter a random number after RandSeed and press enter.

6. Press the menu button and select option 5: Probability again, then select
option 2: Integer.

7. Enter 1,11 into the parentheses. Hit enter until 2, 3, 5, and 6 are
generated.The standard trials are in a fixed position, so if numbers 1, 4,
and 7 appear, disregard them and continue to the next number.

8. Repeat steps 1-7 for each DOE.

 Burgin Orlando 59

Appendix B: Decibel Meter

Materials:

Sound Level Meter

Procedure:

1. Slide the Power/Measurement Range Switch to the

appropriate measurement range (75-130 dB for all material of drumsticks).

2. Set the time weighting switch (S/F switch) to S.

3. Set the maximum hold switch (Max/Reset switch) to Max. In
between each trial reset the decibel meter by setting the switch to Reset
and then move the switch back to Max.

4. Set the frequency weighting (A/C switch) to A.

5. Make sure the sound level meter is pointed towards where
the tip of the drumstick will hit the drum.
 Burgin Orlando 60

Appendix C: Analyzing Rebound Height

Materials:

Logger Pro software

Procedures:

1. Open Logger Pro.

2. From the Insert menu, select Movie.
3. Select the video from the computer.
4. Set the scale on the video by selecting a portion of the ruler
and indicating its length in text box that appears.

5. Use the Next frame button to find the moment in the video
when the drumstick head first strikes the drum. Set the origin at this point.

6. Using the Next frame button, click through each frame and
add a point on the drumstick head in that frame.

7. Add points until the drumstick reaches its maximum rebound

height. At the maximum height, the drumstick will appear clearly in the
video because it is not moving at that point.

8. From the Analyze menu, select Statistics. Select

VideoAnalysis|Y on the prompted menu.

9. Record the maximum rebound height from the statistics

report.
 Burgin Orlando 61

Appendix D: Prediction Equations

4.540 16.94 3.780 3.314 1.448 2.449

y=14.79 GA + M+ A+ F+ MA + MF + AF +noise
2 2 2 2 2 2

Figure 23. Rebound Height Prediction Equation

Figure 23 shows the prediction equation. It includes the grand average, all

effect values divided by two, and noise, the unquantifiable variable that cannot be

seen or controlled.

16.94
y=14.79 GA + A+ noise
2

Figure 24. Rebound Height Parsimonious Prediction Equation

The parsimonious prediction equation seen in figure 24 contains only the

grand average, the significant effects, and noise. The effects are all divided by

two. Release angle was the only effect found significant ; this means that the

parsimonious prediction equation consists of only the grand average (14.79) and

the effect of release angle (16.94). When interpolated data, or data that is within

a known set of data points, is used, the parsimonious prediction equation can be

used to predict the results of future trials.

4.03 7.04 6.46 0.32 0.855 0.02

y=95.0975 GA + M+ A+ F+ MA + MF + AF+ noise
2 2 2 2 2 2

Figure 25. Sound Intensity Prediction Equation

Figure 25 shows the prediction equation. It includes the grand average, all

effect values divided by two, and noise, the unquantifiable variable that cannot be

seen or controlled.

7.04 6.46
y=95.0975 GA + A+ F+ noise
2 2

Figure 26. Sound Intensity Parsimonious Prediction Equation

 Burgin Orlando 62

The parsimonious prediction equation seen in figure 26 contains only the

grand average, the significant effects, and noise. The effects are all divided by

two. Release angle and focal point were found to be the only significant effects;

this means that parsimonious prediction equation consists of only the grand

average (95.0975), the effect of release angle (7.04), and the effect of focal point

(6.46). When interpolated data, or data that is within a known set of data points,

is used, the parsimonious prediction equation can be used to predict the results

of future trials.

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