Understanding the Mechanism of Falsetto Voice Onset
Author Information
Author(s): Shinji Deguchi
Primary Institution: Tohoku University
Hypothesis
The mechanism of falsetto voice onset may be essentially different from that explained by the mucosal wave theory.
Conclusion
The study provides a new explanation for falsetto voice onset that does not rely on glottal closure or mucosal wave motion.
Supporting Evidence
- The analysis demonstrated that a convective acceleration of flow induced by rapid wall movement functions as a negative damping force.
- The critical subglottal pressure and volume flow are expressed as functions of vocal fold biomechanical properties.
- The analytically derived conditions are qualitatively and quantitatively reasonable in view of reported measurement data.
Takeaway
This study explains how people can produce a falsetto voice without fully closing their vocal cords, which is different from how normal voices work.
Methodology
The study used analytical procedures based on general unsteady equations of motion for flow and solids to derive conditions for self-excitation of vocal folds.
Limitations
The study focuses on a single degree of freedom model and does not address large amplitude behaviors associated with modal voice.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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