[Study on Non-Destructive Testing of Guqin Interior Structure Based on Computed Tomography]

Area of Science:

• Acoustic Engineering: Investigating the impact of internal structure on musical instrument acoustics.
• Materials Science: Analyzing wood properties and their influence on Guqin quality.
• Non-Destructive Testing: Applying computed tomography for internal structural analysis.

Context:

• The quality and inheritance of the Guqin, a traditional Chinese string instrument, are significantly influenced by its wood properties, production processes, and internal cavity design.
• Understanding the internal structure is crucial for improving Guqin craftsmanship and preservation, but traditional methods are often destructive.
• Existing research lacks detailed, non-invasive analysis of the Guqin's complex internal geometry.

Purpose:

• To investigate the internal structure of the Guqin using computed tomography (CT) without damaging the instrument.
• To achieve three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the Guqin's cavity and obtain precise dimensional parameters.
• To compare the internal structural differences between Zhong-ni and Luo-xia Guqin types.

Summary:

• Computed tomography (CT) scanning was employed to analyze the Guqin's internal structure, including wood texture, component connections, and defects.
• 3D reconstruction using Mimics software enabled visualization and parameter extraction of the internal cavity.
• Significant differences were observed between Zhong-ni and Luo-xia types, with Zhong-ni exhibiting greater surface fluctuation and less internal volume, particularly in the neck region.

Impact:

• Provides crucial technical data for Guqin manufacturing, quality control, and restoration efforts.
• Establishes a non-destructive methodology for analyzing the intricate internal structures of valuable traditional instruments.
• Offers a reference for applying computed tomography (CT) to other precious cultural artifacts with complex internal designs.