Visualization of three-dimensional acoustic radiation of Stradivari and Guarneri Violins using finite element analysis

Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) and Guarneri del Gesù (1698-1744) are known for their remarkable violins.In this study, FE models were generated from computed tomography scan data of Willmotte Stradivari and Plowden Guarneri violins to visualize acoustic radiation into the air based on calculations of frequency response and mode shapes considering string tension preloading by numerical simulation. The results of the numerical simulation of the frequency response and mode shapes, mainly in the signature mode such as A0, CBR, B1-, and B1+, agreed with the measured data from the laser Doppler velocimeter.Furthermore, the acoustic radiation analysis results showed that the Stradivari and Guarneri results showed a difference in the tendency of sound radiation and suggested that the string tension preload may affect the directivity of the acoustic radiation. These results suggest the need for obtaining measured mode shapes from actual measurements and the importance of the influence of string tension preloading in considering geometry differences in Stradivari and Guarneri violins using FEA and acoustic numerical simulation.