Acoustic Properties of a Two-Mass Model of the Vocal Cords

Abstract

The acoustic theory of a two-mass model of the vocal cords is outlined. An interactive DDP-516 laboratory computer is used to implement the vocal-cord model and a coupled vocal tract. The digital simulation shows the two-mass model to correspond in acoustic behavior to observations made on human vocal cords. Realistic results are obtained for fundamental frequency of vibration, duty factor, waveform of glottal volume velocity, source-system interaction, and dependence upon subglotta1 pressure, cord tension, and phonation-neutral area.