Abstract
dc:description.abstractHair cells are transducers found found in the inner ear of vertebrates. They convert a mechanical signal, detected by the deflection of a bundle of cilia extending from their top surface, into an electrochemical signal. This dissertation studies the mechanical influence of the structure and materials on the function of the cells. I introduce two methods to conduct the mechanical analysis. The first uses strength of materials formulae to solve the simplified hair cell bundle models. The second is a finite element analysis, used to better account for the observed complexity of the structure. I then use these two techniques to build a fundamental understanding of the hair cell bundle structure. By first studying simplified models, then adding complexity, the effects of geometric and material variation can be deduced. I then study three actual bundles. These are all taken from vestibular organs of turtles, two from the posterior semicircular canal and one from the utricle. I present estimations of stiffness, tip link tensions, and nonlinear response. Finally, I investigate a single cilium forced by a fluid flow. The problem is solved by finite difference technique. Three different initial conditions are solved.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Ph. D.
- Level thesis:degree_level
- doctoral
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Engineering Science and Mechanics
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Engineering Science and Mechanics
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Virginia Tech
- Year dc:date.issued
- 1998
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Cotton, John R.
- Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
-
- Grant, John Wallace
- Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
-
- Batra, Romesh C.
- Inman, Daniel J.
- Peterson, Ellengene H.
- Ragab, Saad A.
Subjects
dc:subject × 3Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- In Copyright
- Licence dc:rights.uri
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Other
- etd-32298-104435
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/30417