Analysis of sound propagation in human head for bone-conduction headphones using finite element method

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluated the characteristics of the bone-conducted sound propagation in the human head through computer simulation using a reduced head model with finite element method. The model was made of three spheres, which represent the skin, skull and brain, and the brain was represented by the water for simplicity. The step response of the head was investigated to show that the sound propagation would be generated in the form of longitudinal and bending wave through the head. From the simulation results, the sound speed of the longitudinal and bending waves were approximately 1500 m/s and 260 m/s, and the latter was compatible with the previously measured sound speed of bone-conduction.