Fluid structure interaction simulations to investigate asymmetrical vocal fold vibration

Human phonation is the result of the interaction between a pair of vocal folds and the airflow flowing through the glottis. The airflow is responsible for activating and maintaining vocal fold vibration, and the vibration of the vocal folds in turn regulates the airflow flow pattern. Many voice disorders are caused by the significantly asymmetrical vocal folds, such as unilateral vocal fold paralysis and muscle atrophy. In this work, we develop a Multiphysics model tool to simulate the fluid structure interaction (FSI) process of vocal fold vibration using COMSOL Multiphysics, while a two-dimensional simplified vocal fold model will be utilized. FSI simulations have been performed on the symmetrical vocal fold model first, while asymmetrical vibration can also be found in this condition. It could be caused by the flow separation after leaving the glottis. After that, the FSI simulations have been performed for the asymmetrical vocal folds to mimic the disease condition, while asymmetrical vibration have been achieved as expected. The results are informative for the future treatment of voice disorder.