The tympanic membrane in cross section: a finite element analysis.

This paper applies the technique of finite element analysis to the tympanic membrane. A two-dimensional cross-sectional model of the tympanic membrane and malleus is described. A variety of experiments have been performed on this model, and the displacements under a uniform load are analysed. The shape of the displaced membrane and the movement of the umbo were found to be sensitive to a number of factors. These include the elastic modulus of the membrane, the presence and position of the axis or rotation of the malleus, and the size of the pars flaccida. Some implications of these results are discussed.