A finite‐element model of the cat eardrum is presented which includes the effects of the
three‐dimensional curved conical shape of the drum. The model is valid at low frequencies
(below 1–2 kHz) and within the range of linear vibration amplitudes. The material properties
used are based on a review of the literature. The critical material parameters are the stiffness
(2× 108 dyn cm− 2) and thickness (40 μm) of the pars tensa. The model exhibits a vibration
pattern and amplitude very similar to those observed experimentally using laser holography …

Presently available models of the eardrum are inadequate either to provide insight into the
principles of the mechanical operation of the drum, or to permit quanti-tative analysis of
pathological conditions as an aid in the planning and evaluation of corrective techniques. In
a thesis (Funnell, 1975) and two conference papers (Funnell and Laszlo, 1974, 1975) we
have introduced the use of the finite-element method as a powerful tool for the study of the
eardrum (and of other parts of the auditory system as well). This paper describes the re-sults …