Validation of a flow–structure-interaction computation model of phonation

•Full 3D flow–structure interaction in vocal fold.•Model employs realistic material and gas property data.•Successfully validate model via wall pressures on data from rigid vocal fold models.•Successfully validate model via 3D deformation data from a silicone vocal fold model.•Model can be used as a predictive capability.

Computational models of vocal fold (VF) vibration are becoming increasingly sophisticated, their utility currently transiting from exploratory research to predictive research. However, validation of such models has remained largely qualitative, raising questions over their applicability to interpret clinical situations. In this paper, a computational model with a segregated implementation is detailed. The model is used to predict the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) observed in a physical replica of the VFs when it is excited by airflow. Detailed quantitative comparisons are provided between the computational model and the corresponding experiment. First, the flow model is separately validated in the absence of VF motion. Then, in the presence of flow-induced VF motion, comparisons are made of the flow pressure on the VF walls and of the resulting VF displacements. Self-similarity of spatial distributions of flow pressure and VF displacements is highlighted. The self-similarity leads to normalized pressure and displacement profiles. It is shown that by using linear superposition of average and fluctuation components of normalized computed displacements, it is possible to determine displacements in the physical VF replica over a range of VF vibration conditions. Mechanical stresses in the VF interior are related to the VF displacements, thereby the computational model can also determine VF stresses over a range of phonation conditions.