University of Texas at Arlington

Title: Determination of the Shape of a Human Vocal Tract

Director(s): Tuncay Aktosun and Minerva Cordero

Email: aktosun@uta.edu

Dates of Program: June 11 - July 22, 2006

Summary: The research topic is the direct and inverse problems for determining the shape of a human vocal tract from some sound measurements at the lips. The direct problem consists of determining the sound pressure created at the lips when a unit amplitude, sinusoidal volume velocity of sound wave is sent from the glottal end of the vocal tract. The inverse problem is to determine the cross sectional area of the vocal tract as a function of the distance from the glottis to the lips when the sound pressure at the lips is known.

In addition to participating in quality research, the student researchers will develop basic research and computational skills, learn about opportunities at the graduate level, and gain skills to present and disseminate research findings.

For more information, visit http://omega.uta.edu/~aktosun/nreup/

Student Researchers Supported by MAA:

• Ms. Eunice Gray Alvarenga, Sam Houston State University
• Ms. Nora Castaneda, University of Texas at Arlington
• Mr. Joaquin Noyola, University of Texas at Arlington
• Mr. Michael Puente, University of North Texas

Program Contacts:

Bill Hawkins
MAA SUMMA
bhawkins@maa.org
202-319-8473

Michael Pearson
MAA Programs & Services
pearson@maa.org
202-319-8470

Support for NREUP is provided by the National Science Foundation's Division of Mathematical Sciences, the National Security Agency, and The Moody's Foundation.