Finite-element simulations of self-oscillation mechanisms in human phonation

The fluid-structure interactions which occur during human phonation were investigated using a commercially available finite-element program. Both lumped mass and continuous structural models were coupled with viscous fluid flow. The simulated behavior was analyzed. The addition of viscous flow was not sufficient to induce self-oscillation of a single degree-of-freedom lumped mass model but did contribute to the steady vibration of the continuous model. This observation reinforces the conclusion that structural complexity is an essential mechanism of self-oscillation. The influence of false folds on the oscillation patterns of the continuous model was also examined.