Finite Element Modeling of Setar, a Stringed Musical Instrument

This paper introduces a finite element model of Setar, a Persian long-necked lute. Setar is modeled as a transfer function between the imposed force on the bridge and the near-field resulted sound. Numerical modeling of stringed musical instruments is a computationally challenging task which has always been done with extreme simplifications. Phenomena such as fluid-structure interaction, composite structure, preload effect and infinite boundary are considered in this model. The cycle of Software used in here is CATIA, HyperMesh, Nastran, and HyperGraph. The frequency response between the force of string and generated sound in near field are obtained, taking into account the fluid inside and outside of the soundbox. This model is useful to predict the effect of modification in specific parts to the sound generated by the instrument. The numerical results have excellent agreement with the experimental ones. The modeling procedure can be extended to other musical instruments as well as less complicated problems such as passenger compartment of vehicles.