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An aeroacoustic approach to phonation
1Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 1, 1988
Summary
This study reveals a novel sound source during phonation, beyond simple volume velocity. This oscillating force, arising from fluid dynamics in the vocal tract, impacts sound production.
Area of Science:
- Fluid mechanics
- Acoustics
- Bioacoustics
- Speech science
Background:
- Phonation involves complex fluid dynamics within the vocal tract.
- Understanding sound generation in the vocal tract is crucial for speech science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sound sources during phonation from a fluid mechanical perspective.
- To identify and characterize novel sound generation mechanisms in the vocal tract.
Main Methods:
- A fluid mechanical (aeroacoustic) approach was employed.
- The study focused on the abrupt area change at the glottis and the finite vocal tract length.
- A simplified geometric model of the vocal tract was used.
Main Results:
- A distinct sound source, separate from volume velocity, was identified.
- This source is an oscillating force generated by the interaction of rotational fluid motion.
- The finite length and area changes of the vocal tract significantly influence sound production.
Conclusions:
- Volume velocity alone is insufficient to fully describe sound sources in phonation.
- Fluid dynamics, specifically oscillating forces, play a critical role in vocal sound generation.
- Further research is needed to refine models of vocal tract acoustics.