Aerodynamic interaction between the vocal folds and the ventricular bands
Résumé
The ventricular bands are laryngeal structures located above and close to the glottis. Several hypotheses considering an aerodynamic interaction between the vocal folds and the ventricular bands during sound production can be found in the literature. The present work aims at studying and modelling such a possible interaction. In particular the influence on the glottal flow and resulting pressure drop will be objectively evaluated taking into account relevant physiological quantities. A two-mass model accounting for this additional pressure drop downstream to the glottis is proposed. The model outcome is validated on a suitable ‘in-vitro' experimental set-up. The presented study emphases the significance of unsteady flow phenomena. It shows that the ventricular constriction can either facilitate or impede the glottal vibrations.