Mechanics of Voicing

Vijay Gupta
Human Vocal Apparatus
The Functional Components
Nasal Cavity
Nostrils
Glottis
Trachea
Lungs
Tongue
Oral Cavity
Lips
Pharynx
Diaphragm with rib cage
Vocal cords in action
Mechanism of Voicing
Van den Berg (1863): Aerodynamic nature
Husson (1953): Neuro-chronaxic theory
- does not explain why the frequency depends
on flow parameters
By 1970 it was generally accepted that the
phenomenon is aerodynamic in nature
Medial Section through the
Larynx
Air flow
Forces
k c
m
x
Sharp Edged One-mass Model
x
y
Gap = a
A
B

b
d
Round-edged One-mass Model
A
B
Round-edged One-mass Model
Larger area
Lower velocity
Higher pressure
Round-edged One-mass Model
Smaller area
Higher velocity
Lower pressure
Test Assembly
Decay and Growth Envelopes
Water Tunnel Experiment
Cam driver
Pump
Screens
One Mass Analytic Model
x
y
a
b
V
x
y
a
b
V
=

+
1

+
1

Predicted And Measured
Pressure Distribution
p
1
/
a
1

Velocity V
o
, m/s
Volume = 70 cm
3
a
o
= 0.075 cm
f = 100 Hz
Phases
P
h
a
s
e

Volume = 70 cm
3
a
o
= 0.075 cm
f = 100 Hz
Velocity, m/s
C
P,s
C
p
,
s

Weibels Model
Idealization of Trachea and Oral
Cavity for Input Impedance
V
L
Measurement of Input
Impedance at Mouth
Input Impedance at Mouth
I
n
p
u
t

i
m
p
e
d
a
n
c
e

Frequency
Input Phase at Mouth

Frequency, f
One-mass Model
x
y
Gap = a
A
B

b
Lungs
Trachea
Vocal fold
Centre line of trachea
L
The Larynx
Stages in Glottal
Wave
a c b
a
f e d
Vocal cords in action
Two-mass Model
Operating Modes of Two-mass
Model
A Model Larynx
Measured Frequency vs. Length
Length, cm
Thanks.