Solving Rubens’ Flame Tube

Authors

Michael Gardner, Brigham Young University
Dr. Kent L. Gee, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Rubens flame tube, acoustic standing behavior, frequency shifts

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

The Rubens flame tube is a teaching demonstration that is over 100 years old that allows observers to visualize acoustic standing wave behavior1. Flammable gas inside the tube flows through holes drilled along the top, and flames are then lit above. The tube is closed at one end and is driven with a loudspeaker at the other end. When the tube is driven at one of its resonance frequencies, the flames form a visual standing wave pattern as they vary in height according to the pressure amplitude in the tube (see figure 1).

Recommended Citation

Gardner, Michael and Gee, Dr. Kent L. (2013) "Solving Rubens’ Flame Tube," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2770.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2770