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2.4 BIOMECHANICAL MODEL OF THE SEMICIRCULAR DUCTS 27

3.4E-05 8.7E-06

5.8E-07 6.2E-08
t=0.025s
t=0.032s

4.5E-03 9.2E-05

t=0.085s
t=0.1s
9.2E-05 7.3E-07
5.0E-03 2.7E-03

1.9E-03 t=0.25s 1.4E-04
t=0.3s
6.5E-03 5.6E-03

t=0.6s 2.8E-03 t=0.51s 1.8E-03

(A) (B) (C)

FIG. 2.4 (A) Fluid velocity (m/s) along time with profile ω1, (B) fluid velocity (m/s) along time with profile ω2, and (C) 3-D velocity field in
section S1.

It was found that the use of SPH allows a more realistic representation of the fluid behavior. The applied method-
ology permitted to obtain promising results, according to the biomechanical properties of the vestibular system com-
ponents available in the literature.
After the promising results, two more complex models of the vestibular system were built (Fig. 2.5) with the same
methodology. The second model (Fig. 2.5A) was a semicircular duct with a closed shape to the real duct and with the
cupula. The third model (Fig. 2.5B) was the organic vestibular system with three SCCs, a vestibule, and cupulas.
The results obtained with both models were similar to the first model, allowing us to perform new inner ear disorder
simulations mainly due to the new structures.
One particular case of BPPV is cupulolithiasis, which occurs when the otoconia get lost in the SCC and attach to the
cupula, inducing a false sensation of movement and leading to vertigo [38]. In the present chapter, generalized dis-
placements of the cupula (free vibrations) will be applied to the obtained modal. The main goal was to understand the
mechanical implications of the attached otoconia to the cupula.

I. BIOMECHANICS