Coupled Fluid-Structure Model for Improved Evaluation of Vestibular FunctionDuring in-Flight Conditions

摘要

The feasibility of developing a signal transduction mechanics model for theperipheral vestibular system, which simultaneously accounts for complex fluid-structure interactions between the membranous cupula, the endolymph and the otolith organs, was shown. The cupula-endolymph interactions enable the vestibular system to sense rotational head motions. The endolymph-otolith interactions allow for the perception of linear acceleration and gravitational forces. Detailed investigation of the vestibular function is important because it influences eye movements, locomotion and posture, which are all crucial to the astronauts functioning in space. In the Phase I study, a numerical fluid-structure interaction model was developed for predicting the mechanical response of the vestibular end organs to angular and linear accelerations of the skull and gravitational loading. The model simultaneously accounted for the structural dynamics of the cupula and otoliths, fluid dynamics of endolymph motion and complex interactions between these phenomena. Computations were performed in simplified and anatomic geometric models of the human horizontal semicircular canal, utricle and ampulla.