Finite-element modeling of otolith mechanics by means of COMSOL Multiphysics software package

Authors

  • Олександр Володимирович Кондрачук Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Prospect Nauki 46, Kiev, 03028, Ukraine
  • Людмила Миколаївна Бугаєва National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” Pobedy Ave., bld. 37 , Kiev, Ukraine, 03056, Ukraine
  • Ігор Іванович Бочкор National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” Pobedy Ave., bld. 37 , Kiev, Ukraine, 03056, Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2013.14817

Keywords:

Finite element modeling, otolith, gravity, macular surface, endolymphatic pressure

Abstract

A 3D finite element model (FEM) of the mammalian utricular otolith was developed. The otolithic membrane (OM) was considered as consisting of gel and otoconial layers. The macular surface was approximated as a plane. The deformation of the OM under static loads such as gravity and the change of endolymphatic pressure was analyzed using the FEM for different mechanical parameters of the OM and for different gravity vector orientations. The analytical dependence of OM displacements caused by the acceleration parallel to the macular plane was obtained. By comparison of the results of calculations with the known experimental data Young’s modulus of the gel layer was estimated to be of order of 10 N/m2. It was shown that static loads result in 3D local otolith displacements inhomogeneously distributed along the macular surface and across otolith thickness. Their distribution depends on the geometrical and mechanical parameters of the otolith components. The influences of the finite size of the OM, the Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and thickness of the gel layer on the local displacements distribution of the OM were analyzed. The results of simulation suggest that: a) the Young’s modulus of the thin lowest part of the gel layer adjacent to the macular surface is much smaller than that of the rest of the OM; b) the mechanical parameters of otoconial and gel layers have to be mutually correlated to provide correct functioning of otolith as a bioaccelerometer; c) a change of the endolymphatic pressure may result in significant deformation of the OM

Author Biographies

Олександр Володимирович Кондрачук, Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Prospect Nauki 46, Kiev, 03028

Senior Researcher

Department of Theoretical Physics

Людмила Миколаївна Бугаєва, National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” Pobedy Ave., bld. 37 , Kiev, Ukraine, 03056

Doctor of Sciences, associate professor

Department of Cybernetic chemical technological process

Ігор Іванович Бочкор, National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” Pobedy Ave., bld. 37 , Kiev, Ukraine, 03056

Master

Department of Cybernetic chemical technological process

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Published

2013-06-20

How to Cite

Кондрачук, О. В., Бугаєва, Л. М., & Бочкор, І. І. (2013). Finite-element modeling of otolith mechanics by means of COMSOL Multiphysics software package. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 3(7(63), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2013.14817

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 7(63) (2013): Applied mechanics

Section

Applied mechanics

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Copyright (c) 2014 Олександр Володимирович Кондрачук, Людмила Миколаївна Бугаєва, Ігор Іванович Бочкор

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