Interdisciplinary undergraduate education: Edge tone experiments inspired by Chinese classical literature

Abstract In the advanced Chinese language curriculum, there is a classic prose titled Shi Zhong Shan Ji. This prose documents an interesting phenomenon that water flowing through a hollow and porous boulder will create instrumental sounds. Inspired by these ancient texts, we have conceived an acoustic experiment aimed at investigating the auditory properties of water flowing through porous materials. We designed an experimental setup using commonly available household materials, which ensures both cost-effectiveness and practicality. This device successfully simulates the process described in the prose that lake water flow through a hollow and porous boulder by using water to flush a teacup strainer. Utilizing sound analysis software, we recorded and analyzed the acoustic signals generated by the water passing through the strainer. Our results demonstrate that these sounds exhibit characteristics consistent with the edge tone instruments. This experiment not only provides a practical approach to the study of acoustics, but also seamlessly integrates Chinese classical literature with physics education, allowing students to appreciate the unique charm of Chinese classical culture while exploring acoustics.