Influence of numerical model decisions on the flow-induced vibration of a computational vocal fold model

Computational vocal fold models are often used to study the physics of voice production. In this paper the sensitivity of predicted vocal fold flow-induced vibration and resulting airflow patterns to several modeling selections is explored. The location of contact lines used to prevent mesh collapse and assumptions of symmetry were found to influence airflow patterns. However, these variables had relatively little effect on the vibratory response of the vocal fold model itself. Model motion was very sensitive to Poisson’s ratio. The importance of these parameter sensitivities in the context of vocal fold modeling is discussed.

► Selected vocal fold modeling decisions were explored.
► A finite element model of coupled fluid–solid interactions was used.
► The model experienced flow-induced vibrations.
► Poisson’s ratio strongly influenced model vibration.
► Flow symmetry and contact line location had less of an impact on model vibration.