Flow Patterns in Three-Dimensional Laryngeal Models

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Abstract
A three-dimensional model of the larynx was created based on morphometric measurements of replica human casts. The larynx is simulated as a 6-cm-long cylinder with circular entrance and exit cross sections of 1.8 cm diameter. The ventricular folds are 2.5 cm from the entrance, and the vocal folds are 2.1 cm further down-stream. The ventricular folds cross section is modeled as an ellipse with axes of 1.8 and 1.0 cm. The vocal folds cross section is also assumed to be an ellipse where one axis is fixed at 1.6 cm and the length of the other axis is dependent on the inspiratory flow rate. For flow rates representing sedentary, light, and heavy breathing activities (15, 30, and 60 liters/min) these lengths are 0.70, 1.11, and 1.93 cm, respectively. The major axis of the ventricular and the fixed axis of the vocal folds are perpendicular. Preliminary flow studies have been performed using a finite element analysis. Velocity vector plots have been produced using a turbulence model of the flow field for the case of heavy breathing activity. They reveal a swirling circumferential flow that is caused by the alternating major axes of the ventricular and vocal folds.

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