Numerical simulation based on three-dimensional model of inner stereocilia

A three-dimensional inner stereocilium model is established by PATRAN.According to the relevant data, the corresponding pressure is applied to one side of the inner stereocilia. The top displacement of the inner stereocilia along the cross section of the basilar membrane(the x-displacement) is similar to the available data in the literature, which verifies the correctness of the model. Based on Castigliano’s theorem,the displacement of a single stereocilium is achieved under the inverted triangle force.The results are in good agreement with the data obtained from the finite element(FE)model, which confirms the validity of the formula. With the FE model, the effects of the movement of the hair cells and fluid in the cochlear duct on the x-displacements of the inner stereocilia are studied. The results show that the movement of the hair cells affects the x-displacements of the inner stereocilia, especially for the shortest stereocilium, and the fluid in the cochlear duct affects the x-displacements of the inner stereocilia, especially for the middle stereocilium. Moreover, compared with the effects of the hair cells on the stereocilia, the effect of the cochlear duct fluid is greater.