The Effects of Negative Pressure Induced by Flow Separation Vortices on Vocal Fold Dynamics during Voice Production

Abstract

This study used a two-dimensional flow-structure-interaction computer model to investigate the effects of flow-separation-vortex-induced negative pressure on vocal fold vibration and flow dynamics during vocal fold vibration. The study found that negative pressure induced by flow separation vortices enhances vocal fold vibration by increasing aeroelastic energy transfer during vibration. The result showed that the intraglottal pressure was predominantly negative after flow separation before gradually recovering to zero at the glottis exit. When the negative pressure was removed, the vibration amplitude and flow rate were reduced by up to 20%, and the closing speed, flow skewness quotient, and maximum flow declination rate were reduced by up to 40%. The study provides insights into the complex interactions between flow dynamics, vocal fold vibration, and energy transfer during voice production.