Limitations of Source-Filter Coupling In Phonation
This work addresses the problem of understanding vocal production mechanisms for researchers in speech science and biomechanics, but it is incremental as it builds on existing models without introducing a new paradigm.
The paper tackles the limitations of source-filter coupling in phonation by analyzing how acoustic loading affects vocal fold vibration and glottal flow, comparing various biomechanical models based on mechanical design, acoustic characteristics, and aerodynamic simulation.
The coupling of vocal fold (source) and vocal tract (filter) is one of the most critical factors in source-filter articulation theory. The traditional linear source-filter theory has been challenged by current research which clearly shows the impact of acoustic loading on the dynamic behavior of the vocal fold vibration as well as the variations in the glottal flow pulses shape. This paper outlines the underlying mechanism of source-filter interactions; demonstrates the design and working principles of coupling for the various existing vocal cord and vocal tract biomechanical models. For our study, we have considered self-oscillating lumped-element models of the acoustic source and computational models of the vocal tract as articulators. To understand the limitations of source-filter interactions which are associated with each of those models, we compare them concerning their mechanical design, acoustic and physiological characteristics and aerodynamic simulation.