Acoustical coupling in self-oscillating computational vocal fold models

Scott Thomson

One class of synthetic models used to study vocal fold vibration includes models with two layers that are fabricated using different silicone compounds with differing stiffness. It has been demonstrated, however, that unlike the human vocal folds, these two-layer models exhibit acoustic coupling with their subglottal flow supply tubes. A synthetic vocal fold model has been recently developed that may not exhibit this acoustic coupling. The model includes four layers of different silicone materials, including epithelial and very flexible superficial lamina propria layers. Its vibratory response is similar to that of the human vocal folds. To determine whether this new multi-layer model exhibits subglottal tube acoustic coupling, a corresponding finite element model has been developed. The model includes fully-coupled fluid and solid domains for flow-induced vibration simulation. The solid domain includes layers corresponding to each of the synthetic model layers and allows for large strain and stress. The fluid domain is governed by the slightly-compressible Navier-Stokes equations, allowing for exploration of acoustic coupling. In this paper, simulation results for models with varying subglottal tube lengths will be reported and used to predict the extent to which acoustic coupling plays a role in governing the model’s flow-induced vibration.

Mots clés: Synthetic vocal fold models; Acoustic coupling; Flow-induced vibration; Finite element modeling

Domaines: Acoustique [physics.class-ph]

Scott Thomson. Acoustical coupling in self-oscillating computational vocal fold models. Acoustics 2012, Apr 2012, Nantes, France. ⟨hal-00811109⟩