Vortex shedding in steady oscillation of a flue organ pipe

A simplified model for the prediction of the amplitude of the oscillation in a flue organ pipe is developed. The model is based on a flow visualisation study of the interaction of the jet with the labium in a small flue organ pipe with a recorder-like geometry. Experiments and theoretical analysis demonstrate that flow separation and subsequent vortex shedding at the edge of the labium is essential for the determination of the sound amplitude and spectral distribution. Further research should now investigate the validity of those conclusions for other flue instruments.