The Underwater Piano: A Resonance Theory of Cochlear Mechanics
Date
2005
Authors
Bell, James Andrew
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Abstract
This thesis takes a fresh approach to cochlear mechanics. Over the last quarter of a century, we have learnt that the cochlea is active and highly tuned, observations suggesting that something may be resonating. Rather than accepting the standard traveling wave interpretation, here I investigate whether a resonance theory of some kind can be applied to this remarkable behaviour.¶ A historical survey of resonance theories is first conducted, and advantages and drawbacks examined. A corresponding look at the traveling wave theory includes a listing of its short-comings.¶ A new model of the cochlea is put forward that exhibits inherently high tuning. ...
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Keywords
mechanotransduction, outer hair cell, surface acoustic wave, squirting wave, pressure wave, traveling wave
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Type
Thesis (PhD)