On Tymbal Vibrations in Cicada

Abstract

The paper reports the frequencies of the different modes of vibrations of the tymbal in cicada theoretically. The two-dimensional wave equation in elliptical coordinates is set up. Since the tymbal is elliptical the solution of the modified Mathieu's equation is considered. In order to obtain the different frequencies the pulsatance equation is used. The study suggests that elliptic membrane produces