Pressure waves and basilar membrane vibrations in human inner ear calculated by means of Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) model
Konrad Kamieniecki1, Janusz Piechna2, Paweł Borkowski2
1Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics , Warsaw University of Technology
2Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics , Warsaw University of Technology
2Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics , Warsaw University of Technology
The work presents the results of our research on human inner ear modelling. The inner ear mechanics, particulary cochlear mechanics, is not fully understood yet. Our new FSI model creates the possibility to virtually explore cochlear macro-mechanics, taking into account the interaction between the soft tissues and pressure distributions in the cochlea.A 3D FSI model of the uncoiled cochlea was built and validated based experimental data. The new FSI model was used to study basilar membrane deflections and pressure distribution in the cochlea at three excitation frequencies: 2.5, 5 and 10kHz. The model was validated against experimental data. The model gives interesting information which can be helpful in the inner ear mechanics study.The cochlea physiology can be well simulated by our new FSI model. Differential perilymph pressures, derived from the FSI model may be used to analyse the effectiveness of cochlear stimulation by various hearing reconstruction
Keywords: Computational methods, Biofluids, Inner ear
Figure 1:
Pressure distribution in the scala vestibuli of the cochlea measured on points placed along the basilar membrane. Length on the charts is measured in reference to the basilar membrane