The violin as a statistical energy analysis network.
Evan B. Davis · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2010
This paper applies elementary statistical energy analysis (SEA) concepts to the violin. Modern makers have been experimenting with ultra-light violins trying to solve the problem increasing the overall output while maintaining the spectral balance of the classical violin. Anecdotal experimental evidence suggests the traditional bridge is not “appropriate” for the ultra-light violins. The ultra-light design problem is used as a case study for hybrid-SEA model. SEA modeling applies a high-modal destiny, high-frequency, approach which complements the low-frequency, low-modal density, finite element approach. The focus of the SEA modeling is the top plate or belly of the violin addressing the interaction of the cross-arching, plate thickness, wood material properties, and the dynamics of the bridge. The cross-arch of the violin is seen as a critical design feature in the violin. The current approach is more properly a “hybrid method” where the belly and box volume are represented as SEA subsystems and the bridge is represented with a two mode subsystem. The hybrid-SEA analysis demonstrates that the ultra-light’s bridge mass must be in the same bridge-mass to belly-mass ratio as the traditional violin to maintain the spectral balance of the classical violin.