CT scanning and numerical modelling of an early piano’s soundboard

The characteristics of early pianos which are no longer in playable conditions can be an input to a virtual restoration of the instrument, which later can be experienced by the public. To gain knowledge about these pianos without any physical intervention, a CT scanning is performed.

Understanding the vibroacoustic characteristics of early pianos will support upcoming research projects that will produce a virtual model of pianos that are no longer in playable conditions. The vision is to allow researchers and the public to experience the original sounds of early pianos once again and pave ways for virtual restoration of musical instruments of the past. The aim of this project is to develop a numerical model for the soundboard of an early piano which geometry will be obtained by CT scanning.The scans were performed using different image resolutions, at the µ-VIS centre at University ofSouthampton. We had the assistance and support from Fernando Alvarez Borges and Ian Sinclair, who are experts in the field. The resulting data allowed for the reconstruction of the scanned samples, yielding into a CAD file which was used as an input for an available Finite Element Analysis software.This will allow the obtention of important variables for calculating the vibrational response of the soundboard. The modal parameters will be obtained, providing the Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) of the structure in different directions.Thanks to the resolution of the scanning, we could investigate the features of the piano without any physical intervention. We learned about the curvature of the soundboard and its peculiar stiffener configuration. The location of different elements in the piano and their dimensions were identified with satisfactory detail, allowing for imaging reconstruction and future analysis. It also provided information on the internal condition of the piano.For future research, the piano string forces from external models which account for the hammer-string-soundboard interaction, will be combined with the FRFs to get the vibration response at the FE early piano soundboard. The sound radiated from the instrument can then be modelled using classical techniques.

The significance of this project is not limited to musicians, historians and scientists but encompasses the wider society too. Through music, societies can preserve their cultural heritage, passing it on to future generations; for this, it is crucial to comprehend the music of former times accurately. The project will also give valuable contribution to the preservation of national heritage and archival efforts; this ensures that important works and traditions are documented, can be listened to, and can be passed on to future generations.

Pablo Miranda Valiente, PhD student at the Dynamics Group of the Institute for Sound and VibrationResearch, University of Southampton

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