Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
10:16
Synthetic, Multi-Layer, Self-Oscillating Vocal Fold Model Fabrication
Published on: December 2, 2011
14.6K
Computational Modeling of Fluid-Structure-Acoustics Interaction during Voice Production
Weili Jiang1, Xudong Zheng1, Qian Xue1
1Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Maine , Orono, ME , USA.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|March 1, 2017
Summary
A new computer model simulates voice production using realistic vocal fold and tract shapes. This high-fidelity model accurately captures vocal fold vibrations and can aid in understanding voice disorders and surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Bioacoustics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Accurate modeling of voice production is crucial for understanding laryngeal function and pathology.
- Previous models often simplified laryngeal and vocal tract geometries, limiting their physiological realism.
- Capturing complex fluid-structure-acoustics interactions is essential for high-fidelity voice simulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a three-dimensional, first-principle based computational model of voice production.
- To incorporate realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries into the model.
- To investigate the fluid-structure-acoustics interactions governing voice production.
Main Methods:
- A three-dimensional, first-principle based fluid-structure-acoustics interaction computer model was developed.
- The model employed realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries.
- Simulations captured self-sustained vocal fold vibrations, including convergent-divergent patterns and mode entrainment.
Main Results:
- The model successfully reproduced physiologically relevant voice quality parameters (frequency, quotients, flow rate).
- The vocal tract was demonstrated to function as a quarter-wave resonator.
- Strong source-filter interactions were identified, with acoustic pressures comparable to incompressible flow.
Conclusions:
- The high-fidelity computational model provides a realistic simulation of voice production.
- This model can be used to study voice pathologies like paralysis, nodules, and polyps.
- The model represents a significant advancement towards patient-specific surgical planning and virtual trial-and-error procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Typical Model Studies
665
Fluid mechanics model studies often utilize scaled-down systems to predict fluid behavior in full-scale environments, such as river flows, dam spillways, and structures interacting with open surfaces. Maintaining Froude number similarity in river models is crucial, as it replicates surface flow features like wave patterns and velocities.
665
01:12Modeling and Similitude
697
Scaled modeling is a fundamental technique in engineering, enabling the study of large and complex systems by creating smaller, manageable replicas that recreate critical characteristics of the original. In hydrology and civil infrastructure, for example, scaled models of dams help analyze water flow, turbulence, and pressure. This method allows for accurate predictions of real-world behavior within a controlled environment, significantly reducing the cost and time involved in full-scale...
697
01:09Deriving the Speed of Sound in a Liquid
1.0K
As with waves on a string, the speed of sound or a mechanical wave in a fluid depends on the fluid's elastic modulus and inertia. The two relevant physical quantities are the bulk modulus and the density of the material. Indeed, it turns out that the relationship between speed and the bulk modulus and density in fluids is the same as that between the speed and the Young's modulus and density in solids.
The speed of sound in fluids can be derived by considering a mechanical wave...
The speed of sound in fluids can be derived by considering a mechanical wave...
1.0K
01:09Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
478
Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
478
01:17Accelerating Fluids
2.4K
When a fluid is in constant acceleration, the pressure and buoyant force equations are modified. Suppose a beaker is placed in an elevator accelerating upward with a constant acceleration, a. In the beaker, assume there is a thin cylinder of height h with an infinitesimal cross-sectional area, ΔS.
The motion of the liquid within this infinitesimal cylinder is considered to obtain the pressure difference. Three vertical forces act on this liquid:
The motion of the liquid within this infinitesimal cylinder is considered to obtain the pressure difference. Three vertical forces act on this liquid:
2.4K
01:07Laminar and Turbulent Flow
11.3K
Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids in motion. Velocity vectors are often used to illustrate fluid motion in applications like meteorology. For example, wind—the fluid motion of air in the atmosphere—can be represented by vectors indicating the speed and direction of the wind at any given point on a map. Another method for representing fluid motion is a streamline. A streamline represents the path of a small volume of fluid as it flows. When the flow pattern changes with time, the...
11.3K