Fluid–structural interactions in the inner ear

This paper presents a finite element fluid–structural interaction model for the lateral semicircular canal system of the inner ear. The endolymph is modeled as a slightly compressible Newtonian fluid and the cupula partition is represented by a linearly elastic solid. The fluid–structural interaction problem is treated rigorously with a strong coupling between the fluid flow and the structural displacements. The time evolution of the endolymphatic velocity and pressure fields and cupular displacement and stress fields are closely examined to reveal the intricate dynamics that takes place in the vestibular system during the caloric irrigation test.