MODELLING OF THE VIBRATION PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN VOCAL FOLDS

Abstract eng:
A 3D finite element model of the human larynx including the vocal folds was developed. The model enables to take into account phonation position (tension and adduction) of the vocal folds by positioning of the arythenoid and thyroid cartilages. Anisotropic properties of the three layers of the vocal fold living tissue (epitel, ligament and muscle) are modelled respecting the material nonlinearities with increasing prolongation of the tissue in longitudinal direction. The frequency-modal characteristics of the model are computed for increasing tension of the vocal folds and an influence of 20% changes in uncertain values of material characteristics of the tissues is modelled. The fundamental mode shapes of vibration are qualitatively similar like for other simplified models in literature and the obtained increase of the eigenfrequencies by increasing the vocal fold tension is also realistic. The considered changes in the material properties were not found important. The motion of the vocal folds is numerically simulated for a prescribed subglottal pressure loading the vocal folds by a periodic function in the time domain. The generated motion of the vocal folds seems to be qualitatively similar to a vibration mode known from clinical measurements. The intention is to introduce the contact elements of the vocal folds surface and to model the impact stresses in the vocal fold tissue layers during the vocal folds collision.

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