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The fluid mechanics of the semicircular canals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2006

W. C. Van Buskirk ,
R. G. Watts  and
Y. K. Liu
W. C. Van Buskirk
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
R. G. Watts
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
Y. K. Liu
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
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Abstract

A mathematical model for the unsteady fluid-dynamic response of the semicircular canals is developed. The endolymph is assumed to be an incompressible Newtonian fluid and the presence and effects of both the utricle and the cupula are specifically accounted for. A first approximate solution is obtained using a singular perturbation method. It is shown that the canal can be modelled as a heavily damped, second-order system which behaves as an angular-velocity meter. A comparison of the model response with experimental results is made; fairly good agreement is found.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 78 , Issue 1 , 5 November 1976 , pp. 87 - 98
Copyright
© 1976 Cambridge University Press

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