A finite-element model of vocal-fold vibration

A finite-element model of the vocal fold is developed from basic laws of co ntinuum mechanics to obtain the oscillatory characteristics of the vocal fo lds. The model is capable of accommodating inhomogeneous, anisotropic mater ial properties and irregular geometry of the boundaries. It has provisions for asymmetry across the midplane, both from the geometric and tension poin t of view, which enables one to simulate certain kinds of voice disorders d ue to vocal-fold paralysis. It employs the measured viscoelastic properties of the vocal-fold tissues. The detailed construction of the matrix differe ntial equations of motion is presented followed by the solution scheme. Fin ally, typical results are presented and validated using an eigenvalue metho d and a commercial finite-element package (ABAQUS). (C) 2000 Acoustical Soc iety of America. [S0001-4966(00)05112-2].