Flow visualization in a model of the glottis with a symmetric and oblique angle

Modeling the human larynx can provide insights into the nature of flow within the glottis. This study reports intraglottal pressure profiles and flow visualization for a symmetric and an oblique glottis with a glottal angle of 10 deg divergence. For the oblique case, the glottis slanted at an angle of 15 deg. A Plexiglas model of the larynx was used. Each vocal fold had at least 11 pressure taps. The minimal glottal diameter was held constant at 0.04 cm. Each case was subjected to steady airflow corresponding to transglottal pressure drops of 3, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O. Pressure profile results showed that pressures were different on the two sides of the glottis; these data were strongly supported by an earlier study using a different model. Flow visualization in all cases showed that flow separated from one side of the glottis and remained attached to the other. For the oblique case, the separation point on the divergent wall moved upstream in the glottis with greater flows. The laminar core of the skewed j...