A Wave Reflection Analog Extension for Reduced Order Vocal Fold Investigations With Asymmetric Intraglottal Flows

Voiced speech involves complex fluid-structure-acoustic interactions. When a critical lung pressure is achieved, the vocal folds are pushed apart inciting self-sustained oscillations. The interplay between the aerodynamic forces and the myoelastic tissue properties produces robust oscillation of the vocal folds. The pulsatile nature of the flow as it emanates from vocal folds creates an oscillatory pressure field which acoustically excites the vocal tract and ultimately forms intelligible sound. Recently, it has been shown that the acoustic pressures are high enough in magnitude that they modulate the static fluid pressures which drive the flow.¹ This coupling effect creates a feedback loop with the fluids, acoustics, and vocal fold dynamics becoming interconnected. Consequently, speech science investigations that aim to capture the relevant physics must consider all three components to yield credible, clinically-relevant results.