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Aerodynamic Consequences of a Pneumotachograph Mask Leak

May, Nicholas A
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467847573

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Communication Disorders.
Studies in airflow during speech production typically use a pneumotachographic mask system placed upon the face to measure the expired airflows. Accurate measures of airflow require mask calibration and a complete seal of the mask rim to the face. Literature frequently cites mask rim leaks as causing flow measure inaccuracies, but quantitative studies of inaccuracies are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of inaccuracy of flow measurement using a Glottal Enterprises aerodynamic system for a variety of leak sizes. The primary hypothesis was that the greater the air leak cross sectional area at the rim of the mask, the greater the reduction in measured flows through the mask (and therefore the greater the error in measuring the upstream airflow). A range of airflows was both pushed and pulled through the Glottal Enterprises mask system with leaks being simulated by metal tubes of various cross-sectional areas. Two leak locations (bridge-of-nose and corner-of-mouth), single vs. multiple leaks, and two different leak geometries (rectangular and elliptical) were studied. Results suggest the following conclusions: (1) As leak area increases, the amount of leak flow increases; (2) the amount of flow leak is not independent of location; (3) given equivalent leak area, multiple leak locations provide more airflow resistance and less leak flow; (4) elliptical tubes were found to be more resistive to airflow than rectangular tubes. A general equation was obtained that relates the amount of flow reduction (the leak flow) to the rim leak cross sectional area and the upstream flow: Leak(cc/s) = 0.4125*Area(cm2)*Flow(cc/s), for airway flow in the range of ±2000 cc/s. This equation may provide researchers and clinicians in the field with a tool for generalizing airflow leak effects.
Ronald Scherer, PhD (Advisor)
Alexander Goberman, PhD (Committee Member)
Jason Whitfield, PhD (Committee Member)
80 p.
Fluid Dynamics; Speech Therapy
mask leak; mask seal; pneumotachograph; aerodynamic measurement; voice and speech; measurement error; speech language pathology; voice science; clinical measurement

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • May, N. A. (2016). Aerodynamic Consequences of a Pneumotachograph Mask Leak [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467847573

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • May, Nicholas. Aerodynamic Consequences of a Pneumotachograph Mask Leak. 2016. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467847573.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • May, Nicholas. "Aerodynamic Consequences of a Pneumotachograph Mask Leak." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467847573

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1467847573
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.