Experimental and numerical determination of the surface deformation of a synthetic model of the human vocal folds.

Abstract

A model of human vocal folds was fabricated using a three‐component liquid platinum‐catalyzed silicone solution. The size, idealized shape, and mechanical properties of the homogeneous synthetic model were selected based on the available data. The superior surface displacement of the synthetic model during self‐oscillations was measured using the digital image correlation technique. A finite element model of the synthetic model was created to calculate the state of the deformable solid. Modal testing of the synthetic model was performed to establish the material properties and to verify boundary conditions in the simulation. The self‐oscillation of the synthetic model was simulated by imposing a sinusoidal pressure loading over model surfaces, with frequency and amplitude determined from the direct measurement. From the simulation, the von Mises stress over the inferior surface was found to be around 2.2 kPa during the maximum orifice opening, which is around twice of that over the superior surface. So far, only the superior surface deformation data have been available because of technical limitations in clinical studies. The current study may provide additional information, such as the maximum amplitude and location of the peak stress, which is useful for diagnostic and treatment purposes. [Work supported by NIH.]