Numerical method for estimating finger force on a violin fingerboard confirmed through finite element analysis

Name: K. Wanglertpanich

Organization : Thamasart University. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering

Email : wkiatbod@engr.tu.ac.th

Name: Han, Y.

Organization : Imperial College London. Department of Bioengineering

Name: S. Vongpradubchai

Organization : Thamasart University. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering

Name: Kedgley, A. E.

Organization : Imperial College London. Department of Bioengineering

keyword: Force plate

LCSH: Bioengineering

LCSH: Biomechanics -- Research

LCSH: Finite element method

LCSH: Human mechanics -- Data processing

LCSH: Musculoskeletal system -- Wounds and injuries -- Prevention

LCSH: Orthopedics -- Equipment and supplies

Abstract: Overuse syndrome is prevalent among string instrumentalists due to the rapid and repetitive nature of their hand movements, despite the minimal force applied by fingers on the fingerboard. Conventional force plates, used to measure reaction forces, are unsuitable for integration into string instruments due to their size, weight, and incompatibility with the curved surface of the fingerboard. This study presents a numerical approach for determining the magnitudes, directions, and location of finger forces on the geometry of a 4/4 violin fingerboard, validated through finite element (FE) modelling. Sixteen contact areas were embedded in the base of FE model representing the violin’s neck to measure perpendicular reaction forces. Six unknowns—including three components of the applied force, two coordinates representing the point of application of the force, and a free moment—were determined. Results showed that the custom-designed force plate accurately measured finger force reactions with less than 0.01 percent error, although the calculated positions of the finger force exhibited exact errors of up to 24.3 percent. Despite this, the approach demonstrates strong potential for future applications in capturing realistic three-dimensional finger forces during string instrument performance, offering valuable insights into the biomechanics of musicians and contributing to the prevention and understanding of overuse injuries.

King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library

Address: BANGKOK

Email: library@kmutnb.ac.th

Created: 2025

Modified: 2026-06-25

Issued: 2026-06-25

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BibliograpyCitation : In Thai Society of Mechanical Engineer (TSME) and Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT). The 15th TSME International Conference on Mechanical Engineering (TSME-ICoME 2025) (CST0003). Bangkok : Mahanakorn University of Technology

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