On the damped frequency response of a finite-element model of the cat eardrum

This article presents frequency responses calculated using a three-dimensional finite-element model of the cat eardrum that includes damping. The damping is represented by both mass-proportional and stiffness-proportional terms. With light damping, the frequency responses of points on the eardrum away from the manubrium display numerous narrow minima and maxima, the frequencies and amplitudes of which are different for different positions on the eardrum. The frequency response on the manubrium is smoother than that on the eardrum away from the manubrium. Increasing the degree of damping smooths the frequency responses both on the manubrium and on the eardrum away from the manubrium. The overall displacement magnitudes are not significantly reduced even when the damping is heavy enough to smooth out all but the largest variations. Experimentally observed frequency responses of the cat eardrum are presented for comparison with the model results.