Effect of indented growth rings on spruce wood mechanical properties and subsequent violin dynamics

In this study, the influence of “bear claw” or indented growth ring anatomical patterns on the vibro-mechanical behavior of spruce wood have been investigated, particularly in the context of utilizing these singularities/specific features for the construction of violins. By employing vibrometry and modal analysis followed by finite element model updating, the vibro-mechanical properties (specific stiffness in longitudinal (L) and radial (R) directions and shear LR plane, and associated damping) of the indented growth rings spruce were identified and implemented in a numerical model of a violin. Results have revealed a significant increase in specific moduli in R direction and LR plane and decrease in L direction of spruce wood in the presence of indented growth rings, therefore accompanied by a reduction in anisotropic elastic properties, in comparison to spruce without these patterns. These properties led to changes in violin dynamics, globally increasing resonance frequencies and changing the shape of the vibration modes. The simulated frequency response function of the violin at the bridge suggested a global shift of the admittance of the bridge toward higher frequencies. These results suggest a potential impact of indented growth rings of spruce on the acoustic properties of instruments.