Author(s)

ZiChen Xu, EnZe Liu^*

Affiliation(s)

Student Affairs Office, Shanghai Nanyang Model School, Shanghai 200030, China.

Corresponding Author

EnZe Liu

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the vibration mechanism of violin strings and the associated influencing factors by integrating theoretical analysis with experimental measurements.

A mechanical model describing string vibration was developed, indicating the relationship among the natural frequency and key parameters including tension, linear density, and effective string length. Using a smartphone as the recording device, the experimental measurements of string vibration signals were conducted under various conditions, such as differing string materials, excitation positions, forces, excitation methods, and effective lengths. Subsequent spectral analysis was performed utilizing Fourier transform theories. The results demonstrate that: (1) the natural frequencies of the string are determined by its physical properties and remain unaffected by the position or magnitude of excitation. (2) There exists an inverse relationship between effective string length and natural frequency, with the fundamental frequency exhibiting a remarkable decrease as the length increases. (3) While the frequency domain components remain consistent across different excitation methods (plucking versus bowing), the distribution of harmonic energy varies. This research offers an experimental validation approach for the acoustic properties of stringed instruments and elucidates the underlying physical mechanisms by which string vibration affects timbre. The results provide a scientific foundation for instrument manufacturing, performance enhancement, and pedagogical practices in music education.

KEYWORDS

Violin string; Vibration mechanism; Natural frequency; Fourier analysis; Acoustic properties; Experimental validation

CITE THIS PAPER

ZiChen Xu, EnZe Liu. Vibration mechanism and experimental verification of violin strings. World Journal of Engineering Research. 2025, 3(4): 37-45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjer3047.

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