Models and methods for exploring anisotropy and inhomogeneity in vibrating vocal fold tissue

Synthetic vocal foldmodels have long been used to study features of human voice production that cannot reasonably be studied in vivo. Numerous models have been developed to study different aspects of voice production. Some models have focused, for example, on mimicking geometry or tissue layering while others have been used to study the effect of vibration on live cells. Two aspects of vocal fold structure that have yet to be fully explored are the anisotropic and the inhomogeneous qualities of vocal foldtissue. These features significantly influence vocal fold flow-induced vibratory characteristics. The purpose of this research is to develop and explore models that incorporate anisotropy and inhomogeneity to study their effects on vocal fold vibration. In this presentation, methods and models for studying these features will be discussed; one example is the creation of a fiber matrix via rotary jet spinning that is embedded within silicone vocal foldmodels to study materialanisotropy. Fabrication methodology and model response results will be presented, along with corresponding implications and possibilities for future use in the study of human voice production.

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