Failure Mode Analysis
One of the three light bulbs in my new kitchen just burnt out. As I was sitting at my computer in the next room I became aware of a high-pitched ringing noise. By process of elimination I ruled out my electronics and most of my kitchen appliances before I realized that the sound was coming from above my head. When I switched off the lights, it stopped. When I switched them back on, one did not light.
I find it to be a curious failure mode. I suspect that part of the filament or its support was warming and cooling in a cycle that caused it to vibrate against the glass of the bulb. I find it surprising, though, that the bulb remained lit until I turned off the power. It is unfortunate that the bulb is frosted; were it clear, I would have been fascinated to have observed the mechanics of a ringing incandescent lamp.
