The vibrational behavior of a violin is studied using modal analysis techniques. The violin was considered to be an input-output system, and impact testing was used to measure the frequency response functions for the instrument over the frequency range of 0-1300 Hz. Both the input force and the response acceleration were recorded and analyzed. The results provide a complete modal 695 J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 77 (2), February 1985 0001-4966/85/020695-15500.80
Modal analysis techniques were used to take a “first look” at how the presence of the musician alters the vibrational behavior of a violin. Animated mode shapes of a freely suspended violin will be presented, and compared to the response of the same instrument when held by five different players. The results show that the player imposes a constraint, or boundary condition, to the neck and lower bout of the violin, consisting primarily of a strong viscous damper acting in parallel with a weak spring. The resonant frequencies and mode shapes are only slightly affected, but the amplitude of the response of the violin is significantly lowered. It is concluded: (a) A variety of different violins should be measured for comparison purposes and to establish a decent data base. (b) A violin should always be measured freely suspended. Boundary conditions can always be added later in a mathematical model, but it is extremely difficult to remove a constraint that is present in the test data.
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