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Finite element simulation of glottal flow and pressure
1National Center for Voice and Speech, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado 80204.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Computational fluid dynamics simulations of the larynx reveal key relationships between glottal shape, airflow, and pressure. This study validates a penalty finite element method for analyzing voice production aerodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Laryngeal Physiology
Background:
- Understanding laryngeal aerodynamics is crucial for voice production.
- Previous studies lacked detailed computational analysis of airflow and pressure dynamics within the larynx.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally simulate steady airflow and air pressure through the larynx.
- To clarify relationships between laryngeal configuration, airflow, pressure, and vocal fold movement.
- To assess the acoustic consequences of glottal airflow.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the penalty finite element method for simulation.
- Investigated 133 conditions varying glottal configurations and inflow rates.
- Compared computational results with empirical data from prior experiments.
Main Results:
- For constant divergence, translaryngeal pressure drop discrepancy was 6.8% compared to empirical data.
- Flow separation was observed downstream of the minimal glottal diameter.
- For constant diameter, results differed by 8.9% from the Scherer-Guo equation, suggesting an optimal glottal angle near 10 degrees.
Conclusions:
- The penalty finite element method is a sufficient tool for studying glottal aerodynamics under quasisteady flow assumptions.
- Findings provide insights into pressure recovery and optimal glottal geometry for efficient airflow.
- Computational models can enhance understanding of voice production mechanisms.