Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T067
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T067
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, T067 (2023)
Human middle ear – fem and lumped parameter models comparison
Robert Zablotni1*, Rafal Rusinek1
1 Department of Applied Mechanics; Mechanical Engineering; Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: r.zablotni@pollub.pl
Abstract
Human ear can be divided into three basic parts sequentially: external ear, middle ear and internal ear. Through auditory canal sonic waves reaches tympanic membrane which sets in motion three bones of a middle ear – the malleus, the incus and the stapes. The stapes transfers waves to the internal ear. Next in semicircular canals mechanical vibrations are converted into nerve impulses. Modelling of the human ear and sound conduction through the human middle ear is essential to investigate aspects of hearing that are difficult to discover from experimental research. Model of the human middle ear can be used to determine the basic mechanisms related to the hearing process and to investigate the states of hearing disorders. The main purpose is to build and compare lumped parameter model of the middle ear with Finite Elements Method model. There are three types of models in research – Lumped Parameter Model with the Kelvin–Voigt type of viscoelasticity, Lumped Parameter Model with Maxwell type of viscoelasticity and Finite Elements Method Model. In Lumped Parameter Model there are three masses mm, mi and ms. Each mass corresponds to one of the bones of the human middle ear: mm – the malleus, mi – the incus and ms – the stapes. All masses are connected to each other by springs and dampers that correspond to joints, ligaments and tendons in human middle ear. An exciting harmonic force was applied to first mass. The FEM model was created by Micro CT scanning of the human middle ear. Three bones: the malleus, the incus, the stapes and the eardrum was separated and then they have undergone a scanning procedure. Parts that were obtained were connected in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to build 3D model used for FEM simulation. Finally, the numerical models are compared to experimental results obtained by the Laser Doppler Vibrometer on the human temporal bones. Resonance curves obtained from simulations and from experimental results were compared. Comparison of the numerical results with the experimental results allows to determine the correctness of the models. The advantage of the FEM model is the geometric representation of the human middle ear. The advantage of the Lumped Parameter Model is obtaining more data for description in the field of mechanical engineering.
How to cite
R. Zablotni, R. Rusinek, 2023. Human middle ear – fem and lumped parameter models comparison. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.T067