Experimental study of fluid-structure interaction which mimics phonation.
Michael Krane, Zachary Cates, Shane W. Lani · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2009
This presentation will detail some measurements of a fluid-structure interaction in a physical model of the human vocal folds. The goal of the study is to empirically determine the partition of incident airstream energy into vocal fold kinetic and potential energy, acoustic field energy, and dissipation in the glottal jet and the vocal tract resonator. The vocal system model is life-scale, and the working fluid is air. The model is made of acrylic and aluminum, with a compliant coating on the model vocal fold to simulate the mucosal layer. Airflow through the model is provided by a compressed air supply. Experiments are performed in an anechoic chamber. Measurements presented include subglottal pressure, optical characterization of model vocal fold wall motion, and sound pressure outside the “mouth” of the model. The measurements are then used as empirical input for a theoretical model of the energy flow. Trends showing the relationship between the various mechanisms of energy transfer are presented, and the implications for vocal efficiency are discussed.