A literature review:
The acoustics of the violin
Lei Fu April, 2015 Instructor: Prof. Gary P. Scavone
Final project of Seminar MUMT 618 Schulich School of Music, McGill University
1.Introduction
'To understand the design and function of the violin requires investigation of a range of scientific questions. '
The relevant physics covers the nonlinear vibration of a bowed string. 'a bowed string'
The vibration of the instrument body, and the consequent sound radiation. 'the instrument body'
Questions of discrimination and preference by listeners and players require additional studies using the techniques of experimental psychology. 'perception'
To address the concerns of players and makers of instruments requires study of the interaction of all these factors, coming together in the concept of ‘playability’ of an instrument. ‘playability’
2. The bowed string
2.2 The first simulation models
2.2.1 Helmholtz motion, higher types, and variation with bow
2.2.2 The flattening effect
2.2.3 The effect of finite bow width
2.2.4 The wolf note
2.3 The ingredients of a full bowed-string model
2.3.1 Details of string physics
2.3.2 Dynamics of the violin body
2.3.3 Dynamics of the bow
2.4 The physics of rosin friction
2.4.1 Overview of friction models
2.4.2 The tribology of rosin
3. Vibration and sound radiation of a violin body
3.2 The low modes of a violin body
3.2.1 Measurement methods
3.2.2 Modal results
3.2.3 The origin of the signature modes
3.3 Higher frequencies, statistical and hybrid methods
3.3.1 Frequency responses and bridge admittance
3.3.2 Stastical and hybrid theories of structural vibration
3.3.3 The 'Bridge hill' and other hybrid features of violin response
3.4 Acoustical measurement and violin making
Reference
Woodhouse, J. 2014. The acoustics of the violin: a review. Reports on Progress in Physics 77 (11).
doi: 10.1088/0034-4885/77/11/115901