Ph.D. - Thesis Topic: Experimental and theoretical study of double reeds for bombard and biniou

Le Mans Université; France; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Le Mans Université is seeking a motivated candidate for a 36-month PhD in acoustics focused on double reeds (bombarde and biniou). The project combines experimental measurements and physical modelling to reconstruct historical temperaments used in Brittany.

You will perform reed and instrument characterization, develop an artificial player, and work with a multidisciplinary team to advance reed dynamics and musical acoustics.

Qualifications

• This thesis requires a Master’s degree in acoustics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong motivation, rigorous mindset, and ability to develop experimental setups and models.
• Background in musical acoustics is an asset but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental characterization of double reeds, resonators, and reeds under various conditions.
• Develop and apply physical models to interpret measurements and predict reed behavior.
• Collaborate with lab members and external partners to advance project goals.

Skills

Measurement techniques

Programming skills

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in acoustics, mechanical engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

Octave

Matlab

Job description

Organisation/Company Le Mans Université Department LAUM Research Field Physics » Acoustics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project title (thesis topic) : Experimental and theoretical study of double reeds for bombard and biniou

Description : This thesis aims to accurately model the intonation of double-reed instruments (biniou and bombarde) in order to reconstruct the musical temperaments used in Brittany in the early 20th century. The approach relies on measurements and physical models carried out on period instruments.
In a first stage, an experimental characterization of the instruments, resonators, and reeds will be conducted, both under quasi-static conditions (without self-sustained oscillations) and using an artificial player to be developed (with self-sustained oscillations). The data collected will be used to enrich existing physical models, which will need to be specifically adapted to the biniou and bombarde.
The results obtained can then be related to the intonation study conducted within another component of the ANR project.

Keywords : acoustics / cane reed / measurement / Musical acoustics

Project issues

This thesis is part of a collaborative project funded by the ANR (French National Research Agency), bringing together specialists in acoustics, psychoacoustics, signal processing, and musicology. The project explores the musical scales used by Breton bombarde and biniou players in the early 20th century. Its objective is to characterize these scales through several approaches: physical measurements on old instruments (without their reeds), an experimental and theoretical analysis of old reeds, the study of historical recordings, as well as a theorization of these old scales, while also paving the way for application to other instruments and musical traditions.
The challenges of this thesis lie in designing and building measurement setups specific to double reeds, characterizing a large number of reeds, developing new models describing reed behavior, and predicting the playing frequency as a function of control parameters.

• Candidates must demonstrate strong motivation, along with a rigorous and creative approach to implementing technically demanding experimental setups and proposing new physical models.
• They must hold a Master's degree in acoustics, mechanical engineering, or arelated field.
• Strong skills in measurement techniques and programming (Python, Octave, Matlab) are expected.
• Knowledge of musical acoustics would be an asset.
• Close collaboration between the various members of the laboratory and the consortium is essential to the success of this project.

Specific Requirements

This thesis draws on the following resources and means:

• A solid theoretical foundation: the scientific literature and existing work provide a basis for understanding the properties of reeds (single and double) as well as the functioning of self-sustained oscillating systems, particularly through continuation methods.
• Scientific and technical support: a dedicated team, composed of two teacher-researchers and a research engineer, ensures regular follow-up of the project and provides concrete support for the design of experiments, the development of analytical models, and the conduct of numerical simulations.
• Adapted experimental resources: the support of teams specialized in instrumentation and mechanical systems enables the design, implementation, and operation of measurement setups dedicated to characterizing reeds under various conditions.
• A research group in musical acoustics fosters regular scientific interactions between researchers working on different topics, thereby contributing to the mutual enrichment of knowledge.

Additional Information

The contract is for a term of 36 months beginning January 1, 2027, and the gross monthly salary is €2,300.