Publication Date
Spring 5-23-2024
School
School of Engineering and Computational Sciences; School of Music
Major
Engineering: Mechanical
Keywords
Mechanical properties, vibrational mode, acoustics
Disciplines
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls | Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics | Computer-Aided Engineering and Design | Energy Systems | Engineering | Engineering Physics | Engineering Science and Materials | Harmonic Analysis and Representation | Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Music
Recommended Citation
Osterhus, Jonah, "A Computational Investigation of Wood Selection for Acoustic Guitar" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1438.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1438
Abstract
The acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument, often made of wood, that transduces vibrational energy of steel strings into coupled vibrations of the wood and acoustic pressure waves in the air. Variations in wood selection and instrument geometry have been shown to affect the timbre of the acoustic guitar. Computational methods were utilized to investigate the impact of material properties on acoustic performance. Sitka spruce was deemed the most suitable wood for guitar soundboards due to its acoustic characteristics, strength, and uniform aesthetic. Mahogany was deemed to be the best wood for the back and sides of the guitar body due to its greater sensitivity to pressure difference, strength, and impedance matching with Sitka spruce.
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Commons, Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Energy Systems Commons, Engineering Physics Commons, Engineering Science and Materials Commons, Harmonic Analysis and Representation Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Music Commons
