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Investigating the Three-dimensional Flow Separation Induced by a Model Vocal Fold Polyp
Published on: February 3, 2014
Analysis of flow-structure interaction in the larynx during phonation using an immersed-boundary method
Haoxiang Luo1, Rajat Mittal, Steven A Bielamowicz
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. haoxiang.luo@vanderbilt.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|July 31, 2009
Summary
This study models human phonation using an immersed-boundary method, revealing vocal fold vibration modes linked to structural properties. The findings offer insights into the biomechanics of voice production.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Acoustic Science
Background:
- Human phonation involves complex interactions between airflow and vocal fold structures.
- Accurate modeling of these interactions is crucial for understanding voice production and disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the flow-structure interaction in human phonation using a novel immersed-boundary method.
- To investigate the relationship between vocal fold vibration modes, structural properties, and phonation onset.
- To analyze glottal airflow dynamics and their influence on vocal fold behavior.
Main Methods:
- A sharp-interface immersed boundary method was employed to solve fluid dynamics and viscoelasticity on fixed Cartesian grids.
- The glottal airflow was modeled as 2D incompressible flow driven by subglottal pressure.
- Vocal folds were represented as 3-layered, 2D viscoelastic structures.
Main Results:
- Vocal fold vibration modes and frequencies were found to correlate with the structural eigenmodes.
- A transition in vibration mode was observed during the onset of sustained vibration.
- Computed glottal waveforms for volume flux, velocity, and pressure showed realistic patterns.
- The glottal jet was characterized as unsteady and influenced by supraglottal vortices.
Conclusions:
- The developed immersed-boundary method provides a realistic simulation of human phonation.
- The study elucidates the biomechanical coupling between vocal fold structure and vibration dynamics.
- Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of voice production.
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