ON THE INCORPORATION OF MOIRE SHAPE MEASUREMENTS IN FINITE-ELEMENT MODELS OF THE CAT EARDRUM

The mechanical behavior of the eardrum has previously been shown to de pend critically on its shape, but accurate shape measurements have bee n difficult to make. Phase-shift moire topography provides a valuable technique for measuring such shapes, and measurement in the presence o f large static pressures facilitates the determination of the boundari es of the pars tensa, pars flaccida, and manubrium. New measurements o f the shape of the cat eardrum are presented. The presence of hysteres is in the pressure-displacement response is demonstrated. The shapes a re incorporated in individualized finite-element models for four diffe rent ears, and the variability between and within animals is examined. Fixed-manubrium low-frequency displacements are simulated and compare d for the different models. (C) 1996 Acoustical Society of America.