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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Construction and Characterization of a Novel Vocal Fold Bioreactor
Published on: August 1, 2014
Physical parameter estimation from porcine ex vivo vocal fold dynamics in an inverse problem framework
Pablo Gómez1, Anne Schützenberger2, Stefan Kniesburges2
1Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstraße 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany. pablo.gomez@uk-erlangen.de.
This study introduces an improved two-mass model (2MM) for vocal fold dynamics, successfully replicating porcine vocal fold behavior and enabling direct comparison with experimental data. The model accurately predicts fundamental frequency and trends in subglottal pressure.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Acoustic Science
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Accurate modeling of vocal fold dynamics is crucial for understanding voice production and pathologies.
- Existing two-mass models (2MM) often lack the precision to fully capture complex vocal fold behaviors.
- Direct comparison between experimental data and numerical models is challenging due to parameter variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a framework for directly comparing experimental vocal fold dynamics with a numerical two-mass model (2MM).
- To improve the 2MM with features like variable stiffness and modified collision force for enhanced physiological realism.
- To assess the model's ability to replicate experimental data, focusing on subglottal pressure, fundamental frequency, and amplitude.
Main Methods:
- Developed an improved two-mass model (2MM) with variable stiffness and modified collision force.
- Utilized an inverse problem approach to determine model parameters matching experimental vocal fold dynamics.
- Compared three optimization algorithms on synthetic trajectories and validated the framework using 288 high-speed video recordings of porcine larynges.
Main Results:
- The improved 2MM accurately replicated the behavior of excised porcine vocal folds.
- Model fundamental frequency matched experimental data in 94% of recordings; average relative amplitude error was 13%.
- The model showed a tendency to underestimate subglottal pressure but captured trends, with an average absolute error of 2.90 cmH2O.
Conclusions:
- The proposed framework enables robust comparison between experimental vocal fold dynamics and numerical models.
- The enhanced 2MM demonstrates high fidelity in replicating vocal fold biomechanics and acoustic outputs.
- The study highlights the model's capability in inferring physiological parameters like subglottal pressure trends.
