Computational approach towards structural investigations for the restoration of historical keyboard instruments

Within this paper, research on static structural analysis of historical keyboard instruments is introduced. First, the structural modelling of these objects and the required steps to obtain an adequate simulation approach are described. The underlying simulation procedure is the Finite-Element-Method, which is standard in engineering analyses. Furthermore, the special characteristics of wood concerning the hygro-mechanical behaviour and the models used for the numerical simulation are introduced. The loadings, the instruments are subjected to, are specified. Subsequently, the simulation results of two particular pianofortes of very different construction are shown. The load bearing behaviour of both instruments is analysed and compared.