Vibration Analysis of Tonewoods Using Finite Element Methods

Abstract

The acoustic and mechanical properties of tonewoods commonly used in traditional instrument making – such as mahogany, oak, maple, and walnut – play a crucial role in shaping the sound characteristics of musical instruments. The aim of this research is to comprehensively analyze the vibration dynamics of these wood types through experimental measurements and finite element simulations. A further objective is to explore the potential substitution of these materials (primarily their acoustic functions) using advanced additive manufacturing technologies. In the initial phase of the study, harmonic excitation was applied to determine the vibration characteristics of the individual wood specimens. This enabled the quantitative evaluation of parameters such as amplitude, acceleration, damping behavior, and the distribution of natural frequencies. Based on the measured data, parametric material models were constructed in the ANSYS finite element simulation environment to validate the experimental results. During the refinement of the numerical models, special attention was paid to the anisotropic nature of the materials, accurate geometric representation, and realistic implementation of boundary conditions. The long-term goal of the research is to develop an alternative geometry - manufactured using 3D printing technology - that can mimic the mechanical and acoustic functions of traditional tonewoods. The geometric optimization of such prototypes is based on simulation outcomes, while also considering their acoustic performance.