Fluid Dynamics of Phonation.

Abstract: This thesis aims at presenting the studies conducted using computational modeling for understanding physiology of glottis and mechanism of phonation. The process of phonation occurs in the larynx, commonly called the voice box, due to the self-sustained vibrations induced in the vocal folds by the airflow. The physiology of glottis can be understood using fluid dynamics which is a vital process in developing and discovering voice disorder treatments. Simulations have been performed on a simplified two-dimensional version of the glottis to study the behavior of the vocal folds with help of fluid structure interaction. Fluid and structure interact in a two-way coupling and the flow is computed by solving 2D compressible Navier-Stokes equations. This report will present the modeling approach, solver characteristics and outcome of the three studies conducted; glottal gap study, Reynolds number study and elasticity study.