Measurement of Vibration Patterns of Excised Larynxes
Thomas E. Baer · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1973
Experiments are described in which excised dog larynxes are used to simulate normal voice production. The larynx is mounted on a pseudo-trachea with a subglottal window so that the vocal folds may be viewed from both their superior and inferior aspects. Minute particles are placed on the vocal folds to locate distinct points and the positions of these points are tracked through a microscope in both the vertical and horizontal directions under stroboscopic illumination. Preliminary results have led to some insight into the complex wavelike nature of the vibration patterns. Motions of points on the superior borders of the vocal folds are primarily vertical, while motions of points on the lower medial surfaces have a larger horizontal component. Detailed pressure and airflow measurements will ultimately be made in conjunction with the mechanical measurements. The goal of this research is to understand better the detailed mechanism of phonation and to gather quantitative data for modeling. [This work was supported by NIH grants.]