Analysis of flow-structure coupling in a mechanical model of the vocal folds and the subglottal system

An analysis is made of the nonlinear interactions between flow in the subglottal vocal tract and glottis, sound waves in the subglottal system and a mechanical model of the vocal folds. The mean flow through the system is produced by a nominally steady contraction of the lungs, and mechanical experiments frequently involve a ‘lung cavity’ coupled to an experimental subglottal tube of arbitrary or ill-defined effective length L, on the basis that the actual value of L has little or no influence on excitation of the vocal folds. A simple, self-exciting single-mass mathematical model of the vocal folds is used to investigate the sound generated within the subglottal domain and the unsteady volume flux from the glottis for experiments where it is required to suppress feedback of sound from the supraglottal vocal tract. In experiments where the assumed absorption of sound within the sponge-like interior of the lungs is small, the influence of changes in L can be very significant: when the subglottal tube behaves as an open-ended resonator (when L is as large as half the acoustic wavelength) there is predicted to be a mild increase in volume flux magnitude and a small change in waveform. However, the strong appearance of second harmonics of the acoustic field is predicted at intermediate lengths, when L is roughly one quarter of the acoustic wavelength. In cases of large lung damping, however, only modest changes in the volume flux are predicted to occur with variations in L.     

An investigation of jet trajectory in flow through scaled vocal fold models with asymmetric glottal passages

Pulsatile two-dimensional flow through asymmetric static divergent models of the human vocal folds is investigated. Included glottal divergence angles are varied between 10° and 30°, with asymmetry angles between the vocal fold pairs ranging from 5° to 15°. The model glottal configurations represent asymmetries that arise during a phonatory cycle due to voice disorders. The flow is scaled to physiological values of Reynolds, Strouhal, and Euler numbers. Data are acquired in the anterior–posterior mid-plane of the vocal fold models using phase-averaged Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) acquired at ten discrete locations in a phonatory cycle. Glottal jet stability arising from the vocal fold asymmetries is investigated and compared to previously reported work for symmetric vocal fold passages. Jet stability is enhanced with an increase in the included divergence angle, and the glottal asymmetry. Concurrently, the bi-modal jet trajectory and flow unsteadiness diminishes. Consistent with previous findings, the flow attachment due to the Coanda effect occurs when the acceleration of the forcing function is zero.     

High-speed PIV measurements of the flow downstream of a dynamic mechanical model of the human vocal folds

The objective of the present study is the detailed analysis of the unsteady vortex dynamics downstream of the human glottis during phonation at typical fundamental frequencies of the male voice of about 120 Hz. A hydraulic respiratory mock circuit has been built, including a factor of three up-scaled realistic dynamic model of the vocal folds. Time-resolving flow measurements were carried out downstream of the glottis by means of high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV). The function of the human glottis is reproduced by two counter-rotating cams, each of which is covered with a stretched silicone membrane. The three-dimensional (3-D) geometry of the cams is designed such that the rotation leads to a realistic time-varying motion and profile of the glottis and waveform of the glottal cycle. Using high-speed PIV, the velocity field is captured with high spatial and temporal resolution to investigate the unsteady vortex dynamics of the cyclic jet-like flow in the vocal tract. The results help us to understand the vorticity interaction within the pulsating jet and, consequently, the generated sound in a human voice. In addition, changing the 3-D contours of the cams enables us to investigate basic pathological differences of the glottis function and the resulting alterations of the velocity and vorticity field in the vocal tract. The results are presented for typical physiological flow conditions in the human glottis. The frequencies of periodic vortex structures generated downstream of the glottis are fivefold higher than the fundamental frequency of the vocal folds oscillation. The highest vorticity fluctuations have a phase shift of 35% relative to the opening of the glottis. Finally, the flow field in the vocal tract is identified to be highly three-dimensional.     

An investigation of bimodal jet trajectory in flow through scaled models of the human vocal tract

Pulsatile two-dimensional flow through static divergent models of the human vocal folds is investigated. Although the motivation for this study is speech production, the results are generally applicable to a variety of engineering flows involving pulsatile flow through diffusers. Model glottal divergence angles of 10, 20, and 40° represent various geometries encountered in one phonation cycle. Frequency and amplitude of the flow oscillations are scaled with physiological Reynolds and Strouhal numbers typical of human phonation. Glottal velocity trajectories are measured along the anterior–posterior midline by using phase-averaged particle image velocimetry to acquire 1,000 realizations at ten discrete instances in the phonation cycle. The angular deflection of the glottal jet from the streamwise direction (symmetric configuration) is quantified for each realization. A bimodal flow configuration is observed for divergence angles of 10 and 20°, with the flow eventually skewing and attaching to the vocal fold walls. The deflection of the flow toward the vocal fold walls occurs when the forcing function reaches maximum velocity and zero acceleration. For a divergence angle of 40°, the flow never attaches to the vocal fold walls; however, there is increased variability in the glottal jet after the forcing function reaches maximum velocity and zero acceleration. The variation in the jet trajectory as a function of divergence angle is explained by performance maps of diffuser flow regimes. The smaller angle cases are in the unstable transitory stall regime while the 40° divergent case is in the fully developed two-dimensional stall regime. Very small geometric variations in model size and surface finish significantly affect the flow behavior. The bimodal, or flip-flopping, glottal jet behavior is expected to influence the dipole contribution to sound production.     

Nonlinear Dynamical Systems in Speech Perception and Production

Research examining the nonlinear, dynamical-systems aspects of speech production and perception is reviewed. Examples are provided from studies of phonation, speech respiration, vocal tract acoustics, speech gestures, and auditory-phonetic perception. Results support a conclusion that nonlinear, dynamical system behaviors and principles are represented in speech production and perception at several levels of system behavior. The results are interpreted as suggesting that the communicative distinctions in speech are represented in task-relevant, order parameters which are preserved over a wide range of sets of task-irrelevant, control parameters. The control parameters, in turn, define the domains of behavior for each of the relevant acoustic, biological, or psychological systems. More specifically, it is proposed that speech order parameters may be understood in terms of collective variables defined, in production, over the degrees of, and opening/closing rates of, the vocal tract and, in perception, over the rates, amounts, and relative phases of the broad-band temporal modulations in speech signals.     

Dimensionless modeling and nonlinear analysis of a coupled pitch–plunge–leadlag airfoil-based piezoaeroelastic energy harvesting system

In this paper, an airfoil-based piezoaeroelastic energy harvesting system is proposed with an additional supporting device to harvest the mechanical energy from the leadlag motion. A dimensionless dynamic model is built considering the large-effective-angle-of-attack vibrations causing (1) the nonlinear coupling between the pitch–plunge–leadlag motions, (2) the inertia nonlinearity, and (3) the aerodynamic nonlinearity modeled by the ONERA dynamic stall model. Cubic hardening stiffness is introduced in the pitch degree of freedom for persistent vibrations with acceptable amplitude beyond the flutter boundary. The nonlinear aeroelastic response and the average power output are numerically studied. Limit cycle oscillations are observed and, as the flow velocity exceeds a secondary critical speed, the system experiences complex vibrations. The power output from the leadlag motion is smaller than that from the plunge motion, whereas the gap is narrowed with increasing flow velocity. Case studies are performed toward the effects of several dimensionless system parameters, including the nonlinear torsional stiffness, airfoil mass eccentricity, airfoil radius of gyration, mass of the supporting devices, and load resistances in the external circuits. The optimal parameter values for the power outputs from the plunge and leadlag motions are, respectively, obtained. Beyond the secondary critical speed, it is shown that the variations of the power outputs with those parameters become irregular with fluctuations and multiple local maximums. The bifurcation analysis shows the mutual transitions between the limit cycle oscillations, multi-periodic vibrations, and possible chaos. The influences of these complex vibrations on the power outputs are discussed.     

Three-dimensional laryngeal flow fields induced by a model vocal fold polyp

Pathological laryngeal flow fields are investigated in a dynamically-driven, scaled-up model of the vocal folds. Disruption of the flow field due to the presence of a geometric protuberance, representative of a sessile unilateral polyp, is investigated in both the streamwise and transverse flow directions using phase-averaged particle image velocimetry. It is shown that the protuberance disrupts the normal flow behavior of the glottal jet throughout the phonatory cycle. During the divergent portions of the glottal cycle, the flow is characterized by the formation of hairpin vortices downstream of the protuberance. The protuberance also introduces significant velocity gradients in the anterior-posterior direction, which cover ∼30 − 40% of the vocal fold length. It is proposed that the disruption of the normal velocity behavior owing to the presence of a polyp will adversely impact the aerodynamic loadings that drive vocal fold motion, contributing to the temporal and spatial vocal fold asymmetries that are clinically-observed in patients with unilateral polyps.     

Influence of subglottic stenosis on the flow-induced vibration of a computational vocal fold model

The effect of subglottic stenosis on vocal fold vibration is investigated. An idealized stenosis is defined, parameterized, and incorporated into a two-dimensional, fully coupled finite element model of the vocal folds and laryngeal airway. Flow-induced responses of the vocal fold model to varying severities of stenosis are compared. The model vibration was not appreciably affected by stenosis severities of up to 60% occlusion. Model vibration was altered by stenosis severities of 90% or greater, evidenced by decreased superior model displacement, glottal width amplitude, and flow rate amplitude. Predictions of vibration frequency and maximum flow declination rate were also altered by high stenosis severities. The observed changes became more pronounced with increasing stenosis severity and inlet pressure, and the trends correlated well with flow resistance calculations. Flow visualization was used to characterize subglottal flow patterns in the space between the stenosis and the vocal folds. Underlying mechanisms for the observed changes, possible implications for human voice production, and suggestions for future work are discussed.     

Experimental investigation on aerodynamic performance of a flapping wing vehicle in forward flight

The aerodynamic performance of a flexible membrane flapping wing has been investigated here. For this purpose, a flapping-wing system and an experimental set-up were designed to measure the unsteady aerodynamic forces of the flapping wing motion. A one-component force balance was set up to record the temporal variations of aerodynamic forces. The flapping wing was studied in a large low-speed wind tunnel. The lift and thrust of this mechanism were measured for different flapping frequencies, angles of attack and for various wind tunnel velocities. Results indicate that the thrust increases with the flapping frequency. An increase in the wind tunnel speed and flow angle of attack leads to reduction in the thrust value and increases the lift component. The aerodynamic and performance parameters were nondimensionalized. Appropriate models were introduced which show its aerodynamic performance and may be used in the design process and also optimization of the flapping wing.     

Experimental classification of nonlinear dynamics in microfluidic bubbles’ flow

A nonlinear analysis method based on the evaluation of d-infinite and largest Lyapunov exponent was used to study the complex dynamics of air bubbles carried by water and flowing in a microfluidic snake channel. A rich variety of nonlinear dynamics and flow patterns was found through the experimental observation of bubbles’ motion. The results and their graphical representation show the capability of the proposed set of dimensionless parameters to classify the nonlinearity of the process showing also its sensitivity to input flow variations.     

Validation of a flow–structure-interaction computation model of phonation

Computational models of vocal fold (VF) vibration are becoming increasingly sophisticated, their utility currently transiting from exploratory research to predictive research. However, validation of such models has remained largely qualitative, raising questions over their applicability to interpret clinical situations. In this paper, a computational model with a segregated implementation is detailed. The model is used to predict the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) observed in a physical replica of the VFs when it is excited by airflow. Detailed quantitative comparisons are provided between the computational model and the corresponding experiment. First, the flow model is separately validated in the absence of VF motion. Then, in the presence of flow-induced VF motion, comparisons are made of the flow pressure on the VF walls and of the resulting VF displacements. Self-similarity of spatial distributions of flow pressure and VF displacements is highlighted. The self-similarity leads to normalized pressure and displacement profiles. It is shown that by using linear superposition of average and fluctuation components of normalized computed displacements, it is possible to determine displacements in the physical VF replica over a range of VF vibration conditions. Mechanical stresses in the VF interior are related to the VF displacements, thereby the computational model can also determine VF stresses over a range of phonation conditions.     

Non-linear vibration of a single link viscoelastic Cartesian manipulator

In this present work, the non-linear behavior of a single-link flexible visco-elastic Cartesian manipulator is studied. The temporal equation of motion with complex coefficients of the system is obtained by using D’Alembert's principle and generalized Galarkin method. The temporal equation of motion contains non-linear geometric and inertia terms with forced and non-linear parametric excitations. It may also be found that linear and non-linear damping terms originated from the geometry of the large deformation of the system exist in this equation of motion. Method of multiple scales is used to determine the approximate solution of the complex temporal equation of motion and to study the stability and bifurcation of the system. The response obtained using method of multiple scales are compared with those obtained by numerically solving the temporal equation of motion and are found to be in good agreement. The response curves obtained using viscoelastic beams are compared with those obtained from a linear Kelvin-Voigt model and also with an equivalent elastic beam. The effect of the material loss factor, amplitude of base excitation, and mass ratio on the steady state responses for both simple and subharmonic resonance conditions are investigated.     

Simulation of unsteady laminar flow in models of terminal aneurysm of the basilar artery

Blood flow dynamics play an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The evaluation of the velocity field in the aneurysm dome and neck is important for the correct placement of endovascular coils, in addition the temporal and spatial variations of wall shear stress in the aneurysm are correlated with its growth and rupture. The present numerical investigation describes the hemodynamics in two models of terminal aneurysm of the basilar artery. Aneurysm models with an aspect ratio of 1.0 and 1.67 were studied. Each model was subject to a steady, sinusoidal and physiologically representative waveform of inflow for a mean Reynolds number of 560. Symmetric and asymmetric outflow conditions in the branches were also studied.

The three-dimensional continuity and the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible, unsteady laminar flow with Newtonian properties were solved with a commercial software using non structured grids with 61334 and 65961 cells for models 1 and 2, respectively. The grids were primarily composed of tetrahedral elements.

The intra-aneurysmal flow was unsteady for all input conditions and in both models, the flow always showed a complex vortex structure. The inflow and outflow zones in the aneurysm neck were determined. The wall shear stress on the aneurysm showed large temporal and spatial variations. The asymmetric outflow increased the wall shear stress in both models.     

Aeroacoustics of musical instruments

Musical sound can be generated from numerical solutions obtained from simple physical models of wind-instruments. We call such synthesizers virtual instruments. Crude caricatures capture the global oscillation behaviour of original instruments, providing the musician with a means of expression comparable to that obtained when playing real instruments. Music is, however, produced by details of the flow which correspond to much smaller temporal and spatial scales than the control of the global oscillation. This suggests that one has to split the physical model into two distinct parts: a simple numerical oscillator followed by a complex sound production module, driven by the output of the first module. We illustrate the background of this idea by a discussion of the clarinet, the human voice, and the trombone.General invited lecture presented by A. Hirschberg at the 12th Italian Congress on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics AIMETA '95, Napoli, 3–6 October 1995.     

Numerical modeling of downslope flows of different rheology

Naturally occurring flow along a long homogeneous slope is numerically simulated. It is taken into account that the flow is able to capture the slope material and to entrain it into motion. The flow depth and velocity increase with time at the expense of the capture. The medium in motion is simulated using different rheological models including those of Herschel & Bulkley and Cross, as well as the power-law fluid model. For all the models the time dependences of the total depth and the mean flow velocity are obtained. The slope inclination effect on the dynamic flow parameters is studied. For the Herschel–Bulkley model the yield strength effect is also investigated. On the basis of the numerical calculations some assumptions are made and then used to derive asymptotic formulas for the bottom material entrainment rate at large times from the entrainment onset for all the above-listed rheological models.     

Transient motion of a liquid in a fissured porous stratum subject to periodic pressure variation at the boundary

To determine the physical parameters in a fissured porous stratum, it is necessary to produce periodic pressure variations. This requirement is met by adjusting the rate of flow of liquid into a out of the well. A discussion is given concerning one-dimensional periodic motion of a homogeneous liquid with reference to parameter determination.     

Vortex dipolar structures in a rigid model of the larynx at flow onset

Starting jet airflow is investigated in a channel with a pair of consecutive slitted constrictions approximating the true and false vocal folds in the human larynx. The flow is visualized using the Schlieren optical technique and simulated by solving the Navier-Stokes equations for an incompressible two-dimensional viscous flow. Laboratory and numerical experiments show the spontaneous formation of three different classes of vortex dipolar structures in several regions of the laryngeal profile under conditions that may be assimilated to those of voice onset.     

无壁面参数低雷诺数非线性涡黏性模式研究

建立了一个低雷诺数的非线性涡黏性湍流模式,该模式的一个显著特性是它不包含壁面参数（如y^ ,n等）,因而特别适用于复杂几何流场的计算,本模式在几种包括回流、分离、激波等典型流动中进行了验证,结果令人满意。