Abstract:

An extension of experimental modal analysis techniques enables the representation of the radiated sound field of a grand piano in reference to the phase of the excitation on the bridge. Sound field representations are illustrated for locations directly above and below the sound board and, in addition, in a plane directly in front of the instrument. The frequencies are chosen to coincide with the lower normal mode frequencies of the sound board, and the animated visual representations of the sound field are juxtaposed for comparison with modal analysis animations for the normal modes of the sound board.