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Sibilant /s/ simulator based on computed tomography images and dental casts
K Nozaki1, T Yoshinaga, S Wada
1Osaka University, Dental Hospital, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-087, Japan.
Journal of Dental Research
|December 5, 2013
Summary
This study used a 3D-printed oral replica to investigate sibilant /s/ sound production. Turbulent airflow near the incisors generates /s/ sounds, with implications for speech science and dental treatments.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Speech Science
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- The precise mechanism and location of sibilant /s/ sound generation in the vocal tract remain incompletely understood.
- Existing models lack detailed physical explanations for the acoustic properties of /s/ sounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To physically model and investigate the aerodynamic and acoustic processes involved in the production of the sibilant /s/ sound.
- To identify the specific location and conditions within the oral tract responsible for generating /s/ sound turbulence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a realistic, 3D-printed replica of the human oral tract.
- Simulated airflow at physiological rates (333-667 cm(3)/sec) through the replica.
- Analyzed the generated airflow patterns and acoustic spectra using fluid dynamics principles.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the generation of turbulent airflow within the oral tract near the incisors and lips.
- Confirmed that sufficiently developed turbulence produces sound sources up to 20,000 Hz.
- Observed that the generated sound spectra characteristics closely matched those of natural /s/ sounds.
Conclusions:
- Turbulent flow near the incisors is the primary mechanism for sibilant /s/ sound generation.
- This physical model provides insights into the acoustic consequences of oral tract morphology.
- Findings have potential applications in oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and speech science for understanding and predicting speech alterations.
