Seeing the piano sound Exploration on utilizing finite element analysis to visualize piano sound

Abstract

The study aims to provide a way for impaired people to learn music better through music visualization. We established a relationship between piano key frequencies and Chladni patterns. Firstly, we performed modal analysis simulations using ANSYS, covering the full range of excitable modes in the frequency range of the piano keys. However, since the natural frequencies of the simulation results were slightly different from experimental results, we used the hammering method to validate the simulation results and to demonstrate that the finite element modal analysis was able to simulate the dynamic properties of the circular plate well. Subsequent studies have found that different excitation frequencies in the lower frequency range may also affect the generation of Chladni patterns. Using harmonic analysis in ANSYS, we confirmed that tones of similar frequency on the same plate can produce different Chladni patterns, thus greatly simplifying the previous problem of having to use multiple plates of different shapes and sizes in order to visualize most of the piano keys. Based on the graphical simulation of a single tone, we have successfully extended it to a melody. This result provides strong support for effectively helping the hearing impaired to learn to play musical instruments, makes it possible to present music in a visual form, and opens up new possibilities for the wider use of music education tools in the hearing-impaired community.