The potential of physics-based synthesis algorithms for developing computer-based musical instruments relies on the inclusion of articulatory elements that enable physically plausible and musically meaningful interactions. In this paper, non-excitational interaction with a rectangular vibrating plate is modelled through time variation in distributed contact parameters. For numerical simulation a finite difference approach is taken, enabling efficient modelling of local interactions. Comparison

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... etween the continuous- and discrete-domain system power balances confirms conditional stability and a match in the source terms due to parameter time-variance. The methodology is exemplified with a few case studies, and its potential for application in the design of a virtual-acoustic plate-based musical instrument is discussed.