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This review identifies the three-dimensional knee loads that have the highest risk of injuring the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the athlete. It is the combination of the muscular resistance to a large knee flexion moment, an external reaction force generating knee compression, an internal tibial torque, and a knee abduction moment during a single-leg athletic manoeuvre such as landing from a jump, abruptly changing direction, or rapidly decelerating that results in the greatest ACL loads. While there is consensus that an anterior tibial shear force is the primary ACL loading mechanism, controversy exists regarding the secondary order of importance of transverse-plane and frontal-plane loading in ACL injury scenarios. Large knee compression forces combined with a posteriorly and inferiorly sloped tibial plateau, especially the lateral plateau-an important ACL injury risk factor-causes anterior tibial translation and internal tibial rotation, which increases ACL loading. Furthermore, while the ACL can fail under a single supramaximal loading cycle, recent evidence shows that it can also fail following repeated submaximal loading cycles due to microdamage accumulating in the ligament with each cycle. This challenges the existing dogma that non-contact ACL injuries are predominantly due to a single manoeuvre that catastrophically overloads the ACL.

Comprehensive experiments including monotonic tension and monotonic compression of specimens taken from a rolled AZ31B Mg thick plate along five different material orientations with respect to the rolled direction (RD), and free-end torsion of a tubular specimen machined along the thickness direction (ND) were conducted. The experimental results were used to evaluate an elastic-viscoplastic self-consistent model with the consideration of twinning and detwinning (EVPSC-TDT) on magnesium (Mg) alloys. The EVPSC-TDT model provides stress-strain curves and the hardening rates in close agreement with the experimental results of all the 11 loading cases. The model adequately predicts the textures after fracture of all the 11 loading cases and the evolutions of tension twins with increasing strains for tension in the ND, compression in the RD, and torsion along the ND. The Swift effect was observed in the experiment and was properly simulated by the model.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) are frequent injuries mostly related to bone fragility[1][1] and are successfully treated by cementoplasty, such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.[2 3][2] Vertebroplasty requires the use of two-dimensional (2D) imaging for intraoperative control of cement

Twinning-detwinning (TDT) behavior in a strongly basal-textured Mg-Li alloy during two-step compression (RD)-compression (ND) process was investigated using quasi-in-situ EBSD. TDT behavior and TDT variants selection were statistically discussed with the loading path for the first time. Non-Schmid twinning behavior was observed in the first step compression, owing to the local stress fluctuations by neighboring twins; in contrast, Schmid's law well predicted the detwinning variants selection. This asymmetrical TDT behavior was first investigated to date related with the strong basal texture and loading path. Besides, with the progress of compression, Schmid factors for twinning demonstrated a decreasing tendency; however, those for detwinning during the second step displayed an abnormally increasing trend, fundamentally stemming from prior twinning behavior.

Investigating the damage and ignition behaviors of polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) under a coupled impact and high-temperature loading condition is required for the safe use of charged PBXs. An improved combined microcrack and microvoid model (CMM) was developed for better describing the thermal effects of deformation, damage, and ignition responses of PBXs. The main features of the model under typical dynamic loadings (i.e. uniaxial tension and compression, and lateral confinement) at different initial temperature were first studied. And then the effects of temperature on impact-shear sensitivity of HMX-based PBXs were investigated. The results showed that the ignition threshold velocity of shear-crack hotspots exhibits an increase from 260 to 270 to 315–325 m/s when initial temperature increases from 301 to 348 K; and then the threshold velocity decreases to 290–300 m/s with the initial temperature continually increasing to 378 K. The predicted ignition threshold velocity level of the explosives under coupled impact and high temperature loading conditions were consistent with the experimental data.

YAG (Y3Al5O12) transparent ceramics have attractive application prospects for transparent armor protection modules because of their excellent light transmittance and anti-ballistic capability. Understanding the fracture behavior and damage mechanism of YAG is necessary for armor design. To explore the damage characteristics of YAG under compression and tension, shock compression and shockless spalling experiments with soft recovery technique are conducted. The spall strength of YAG is obtained and the recovered samples are observed by CT and SEM. It is shown that the macroscopic damage characteristic of YAG under compression is vertical split cracks with oblique fine cracks distributed in the entire sample, while that under tension is horizontal transgranular cracks concentrated near the main spall surface. The cracks generated by macroscopic compression, tension and shear stress extend in similar tensile form at the microscale. The proportion of transgranular fractures on spall surfaces is higher than that of cracks induced by macroscopic compression. Meanwhile, higher loading rate and longer loading duration increase the transgranular fracture percentage.

The compression behavior of the lattice-walled tubes under variable strain rates are investigated by numerical simulation, and the stress-strain relationship of the structure under quasi-static loading is theoretically analyzed. The finite element software LS-DYNA is used to simulate the structure established by the beam element, and the critical impact velocity is obtained when the structure collapses layer by layer. According to the plastic hinge theory and considering the combined action of the beam's bending moment and axial force in the structure, the stress-strain relationship of the structure under quasi-static loading is derived and compared with the experimental results. The numerical simulation results reveal that the structure of the single-layer gradient tube(SGC) does not undergo shear deformation under quasi-static and low-speed impact. The critical speed of the gradient square tube(GS) is higher than that of a cylindrical tube. The theoretical model can correctly reflect the mechanical response of the structure under uniaxial compression.

Deep and high-stress mining results in stress transfers onto the previously placed backfill, and mines have recorded several MPa induced backfill stress. Understanding the backfill-rock mass interaction is therefore critical. Previous work considered tabular ore bodies undergoing primarily one-dimensional compression and showed how the backfill reaction curves could be estimated from oedometer laboratory test results. This work considers massive orebodies and develops a similar approach based on isotropic compression curves. Isotropic compression tests exceeding 6 MPa are carried out on samples with 3.0–11.1% binder content, tested at 1-day cure time to 28-day cure time. The compression curve is characterized in three stages: initial elastic compression up to a yield point, followed by a transition stage to the start of a final stage with a linear post-yield compression line in \({\epsilon }_{v}-\text{l}\text{o}\text{g}\left({p}^{\text{'}}\right)\) space. Because these isotropic compression tests are rare (the reported results are the first for Cemented Paste Backfill), attempts are made to relate the isotropic compression test parameters to parameters from the more commonly used Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) tests. Unifying equations as functions of binder content and cure time are found to determine the initial yield stress and the peak strength from UCS tests. These are then related to the corresponding parameters in isotropic compression. Finally, the slope of the post-yield compression line is found as a function of UCS, thereby enabling complete reconstruction of the isotropic compression response based on parameters from carefully controlled UCS tests, as functions of binder content and cure time. Although the calibrated parameters are specific to the studied mine’s materials, the framework is general and applicable to other mines’ CPBs.

The texture profile analysis test is an imitative test to determine texture properties of food, which quantify the consumer’s perception of eating food. The instrumental texture parameters obtained from this test depend on the specimen size and the nonstandardized test conditions. To overcome this problem, texture properties are here related to intrinsic mechanical properties, which are independent of the test conditions. Two types of materials are used to investigate the effect of viscoelasticity, plasticity and damage on the texture parameters for varying test conditions. Analytical relations between mechanical properties, test conditions, and the instrumental hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness are determined. The hardness is obtained from the stiffness of the material, which is potentially rate-dependent, and the yield stress of a material in case of plasticity. The springiness is determined by the recoverable or irrecoverable strain in the material, which results from the mechanical properties in combination with the test conditions. Cohesiveness and springiness are found to be strongly related, unless structural damage is present in the material. Adhesiveness is only an indirect measure of the adhesion between the material and compression plate and depends on the test conditions and stiffness of the material. Finite element simulations reveal a decrease of hardness in case of a nonflat top surface, indicating the importance of geometrical effects.

Preforming process would change yarn angle and yarn orientation, its influence on the material properties and material orientations needs to be considered in the performance analysis. However, most current performance models fail to account for the preforming effect. An integrated performance model accounting for the impact of preforming has been developed in this research. In this integrated model, part geometry, yarn angle and orientation after preforming of multiple prepreg layers are predicted by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using a non-orthogonal constitutive law. Experiments were conducted to validate the preforming simulation for a single dome composites structure made by two prepreg layers with different initial fiber orientations. Performance analysis until failure was then conducted for the single dome structure to validate the integrated performance model. Comparison between simulation and experiment shows that not only the failure mode and failure zone, but also the force-displacement curve during compression process are captured correctly by the performance model, demonstrating the effectiveness of the newly proposed model in accounting for the impact of preforming process.

The release and dissolution of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from the solid oral formulation into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is critical for the drug's absorption into systemic circulation. Extended-release (ER) solid oral dosage forms are normally subjected to physical shear and grinding forces as well as pressure exerted by peristaltic movements when passing through the GI tract. The complex physical contraction and sample friction exerted by the GI tract are not simulated well by compendial dissolution methods. These limitations render traditional in vitro dissolution testing unable to discriminate and predict a product's in vivo performance. The objective of this study was to develop a dissolution method that better simulates the GI environment that products are subject to when taken by patients. A newly designed Mechanical Apparatus under GI Conditions (MAGIC) was assembled with a dissolution platform and mechanical capabilities to allow in vitro dissolution testing under sample contractions and friction. The dissolution platform, with medium flow-through configuration, was manufactured by 3D printing. A 60 mg polymer matrix-based ER nifedipine product was tested. To simulate GI physiological conditions during the dissolution testing, the flow rate of the medium, and a combination of mechanical compression with rotation induced sample friction at various rotation frequencies were explored. The polymer matrix-based nifedipine ER formulation used here failed its controlled release functionality in the simulated GI environment under mechanical compression and sample friction. The results showed that the MAGIC system, with flow-through configuration under compression and sample friction, has advantages over compendial methods in testing ER solid oral formulations.

Background Giant aneurysms of the intracranial vertebral artery are very rare cerebrovascular lesions. Due to the rarity of these aneurysms, we know little about them. Methods We performed a systematic review of the English literature by searching the PubMed database. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) the full text was available and (b) complete clinical data were available. Results A total of 45 articles were identified, containing 53 patients (53 aneurysms). The patients were aged from 5 to 77 years (48.8 ± 20.8 years). Four patients receiving conservative treatment died. The remaining 49 patients were divided into the aneurysm removal group ( n = 17) and the aneurysm reserve group ( n = 32). The outcomes of the 49 treated cases could be obtained in 45 cases, 31 of which (68.9%, 31/45) had a Glasgow outcome scale score of 4–5. Conclusions It is still difficult to treat intracranial giant vertebral artery aneurysms, regardless of the treatment selected. Because of the malignant natural history, aggressive treatment is still advocated.

Background Focusing on compression fractures of bone by finite elements, we evaluated bone strength based on the computed tomography-based finite element method. However, the exposure dose is an issue. We aimed to investigate the quantity of reduction of the radiation dose with respect to the reference dose by comparing the calculation results of compression fractures of the vertebral body using experimental data obtained from the spine of a pig. Methods Computed tomography images of a self-made phantom that enclosed the lower lumbar vertebra of edible wild pigs were obtained under baseline-dose conditions using various lower tube currents. Images obtained under reference-dose conditions were reconstructed using the filtered back-projection method, whereas images obtained under low-dose conditions were reconstructed using both the filtered back-projection method and the iterative reconstruction method. Computer simulations involving the creation of finite element models using all images were implemented for the compression load calculation for vertebral body parts. Based on the calculated results, images of the low-dose and reference-dose conditions were compared. Results Using pigs’ lower lumbar vertebrae, finite element model analysis of low-dose X-ray computed tomography images showed that equivalent results can be obtained with a dose of approximately 40% of the standard radiographic reference doses. As for the compression stress intensity, the same results as those under reference-dose conditions were obtained using the iterative reconstruction method in combination with computed tomography-based finite element method. Conclusions The combination of the iterative reconstruction method with the computed tomography-based finite element method is an effective image reconstruction method for achieving dose reduction.

The demand for a load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) in construction sites has been increasing, owing to its high bearing capacity and removable steel strands. As an LDCA comprises multiple anchor bodies and unbonded steel strands, the load applied to the strands generates a distributive compressive stress in the grout, preventing high concentration of grout–ground shear stress. Unlike in the conventional anchors, in an LDCA, independent load transfer of each anchor body induces interference effect between adjacent anchor bodies. Therefore, for an efficient design of an LDCA, it is necessary to investigate the load transfer mechanism considering the effect of multiple anchor bodies. In this study, a series of anchor pull-out field tests was conducted for LDCAs consisting of a single anchor body, and double and triple anchor bodies spaced by 1, 2, and 3 m. According to the test results, the LDCA showed a stiffer load–displacement behavior with an increase in the number and spacing of the anchor bodies. The multiple anchor bodies of the LDCA generated an overlapping of the grout axial load and induced its rapid dissipation, increasing the grout–ground shear stress. This interference effect was more clearly observed with a decrease in the anchor body spacing.

A diagnosis of lymphedema comes with a lifetime requirement for careful self-care and treatment to control skin deterioration and the consequences of excessive fluid and protein buildup leading to abnormal limb volume and an increased risk of infection. The burden of care and psychosocial aspects of physical disfiguration and loss of function are associated with compromised quality of life (QoL). The current standard therapeutic intervention is complex decongestive therapy with manual lymph drainage and frequent wearing of compression garments. With insurance limitations on therapy visits and the time and travel required, additional home treatment options are needed. Pneumatic compression pumps that mimic the manual massage pressure and pattern are sometimes prescribed, but these are bulky, difficult to apply, and require immobility during treatment. An open-label pilot study in 40 subjects was performed to evaluate the QoL and limb volume maintenance efficacy of a novel wearable compression system (Dayspring™) that is low profile, easy to use, and allows for mobility during treatment. After 28 days of use, subjects had a statistically significant 18% (

For estimating the long-term stability of underground framework, it is vital to learn the mechanical and rheological characteristics of rock in multiple water saturation conditions. However, the majority of previous studies explored the rheological properties of rock in air-dried and water saturated conditions, as well as the water effects on compressive and tensile strengths. In this study, andesite was subjected to direct shear tests under five water saturation conditions, which were controlled by varying the wetting and drying time. The tests were conducted at alternating displacement rates under three vertical stresses. The results reveal that the shear strength decreases exponentially as water saturation increases, and that the increase in shear strength with a tenfold increase in displacement rate is nearly constant for each of the vertical stresses. Based on the findings of the shear tests in this study and the compression and tension tests in previous studies, the influences of both water saturation and loading rate on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion for the andesite was examined. These results indicate that the brittleness index of the andesite, which is defined as the ratio of uniaxial compressive strength to tensile strength, is independent of both water saturation and loading rate and that the influences of the water saturation dependence and the loading rate dependence of the failure criterion can be converted between each other.

Janus particles (JPs) and surfactants express different behaviors at the oil-water interface under compression. When both are present at the interface, their synergies result in a different collapse mechanism than when present individually depending on the concentration of the JPs and surfactants.Coarse-grained modeling methods were used to probe the synergies between Janus nanoparticles and nonionic surfactants on the stability of an oil-water interface under compression. When both JPs and surfactants were present, the interface was covered at 0-55% area by JPs and contained surfactants at 0-40% of the interfacial surfactant concentration corresponding to the critical micelle concentration (CMC).Compression of the interface with only surfactants resulted in the expulsion of surfactant molecules to the water phase once the interfacial concentration of surfactant molecules reached the CMC value. Compression of a Janus particle-laden interface past the closed-packing point led to a buckled interface, so that the total interfacial area remained constant upon further compression. When both surfactants and JPs were present on the interface, JPs still caused buckling, which helped retain the surfactant molecules on the interface. The interface exhibited a higher level of deformation in presence of surfactants. When the surfactant concentration was high, under compression, the surfactants partitioned into the water phase, but the buckling of the interface persisted.

An interaction function was constructed based on the axial compression/tension and shear loads of orthotropic plates. The coefficients of the polynomial function were determined by uniaxial test results. Buckling interaction and failure interaction formulae under combined axial tension/compression and shear loads were established. Based on the uniaxial load test results of orthotropic plates, the buckling load and bearing capacity under any proportion of the combined loads could be predicted by using the proposed interaction formulae. The buckling interaction curves and failure envelopes predicted by the proposed interaction formulae were in excellent agreement with the test results.

The increase in solid fraction (SF) of a packed granule bed with pressure applied during the in-die compression process results in an evolution of the tablet's matrix and mechanical strength. In this case study, the tensile strength (TS) of a dry granulated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/mannitol (MNT)-based formulation was modeled in light of the deformation potential, ∆ (tablet SF – initial granule bed SF). Results showed that the TS of tablets linearly decreased as SF of granules (produced as mini-tablets of an ibuprofen formulation) increased. The formulated granules achieved a measurable tablet strength at a slightly lower critical deformation potential (∆c) than the pure MCC granules. Beyond ∆c, tablet TS increased almost linearly as the deformation potential increased, and the rate was higher for tablets with higher SF. Compared to the simple MCC system, the granules of the MCC/MNT-based formulation were weaker, and TS of tablets increased with deformation potential at a lower rate.

The use of nanoparticles in fuels provides new opportunities for modification of fuel properties, which may affect the operational parameters of engines, in particular the efficiency and fuel consumption. The paper presents comparison of compression ignition engine performance fuelled with neat diesel and nano-diesel. Alumina (Al2O3) was used as nanoparticles. Surface-active substances, including Span 80 surfactant, as well as water admixture were used to improve the stability of the produced fuel. Measurements of the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of the produced mixtures were conducted. In this study was used naturally aspirated, water cooled, four-stroke diesel engine. Addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles result in 4% reduced fuel consumption, addition of TiO2 nanoparticles result in 10% reduced fuel consumption with respect to neat diesel fuel.

A novel yield criterion based on CPB06 considering anisotropic and tension-compression asymmetric behaviors of magnesium alloys was derived and proposed (called M_CPB06). This yield criterion can simultaneously predict the yield stresses and the Lankford ratios at different angles (if any) under uniaxial tension, compression, equal-biaxial and equal-compression conditions. Then, in order to further describe the anisotropic strain-hardening characteristics of magnesium alloy, the proposed M_CPB06 criterion was further evolved to the M_CPB06ev model by expressing the parameters of the M_CPB06 model as functions of the plastic strain. As the model was developed, the stresses and Lankford ratios of AZ31B and ZK61M magnesium alloys at different angles under tensile, compressive and through-thickness compressive conditions were used to calibrate the M_CPB06/M_CPB06ev and the existing CPB06ex2 model. Calibration results reveal that compared with the CPB06ex2 yield criterion with equal quantity of coefficients, the M_CPB06 criterion exhibits certain advancement, and meanwhile the M_CPB06ev model can relatively accurately predict the change of the yield locus with increase of the plastic strain. Finally, the M_CPB06ev model was developed through UMAT in LS-DYNA. Finite element simulations using the subroutine were conducted on the specimens of different angles to the rolling direction under tension and compression. Simulation results were highly consistent with the experimental results, demonstrating a good reliability and accuracy of the developed subroutine.

Flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) is the most used polyurethane, but the highly flammable characteristic limits its widespread usage. In this work, ZIF-8@Ti3C2Txwas synthesized to reduce the heat and toxic gases of FPUF. Flame-retardant FPUF was characterized by cone calorimeter (Cone), thermogravimetric analysis/fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR), tensileand compression tests. Compared with pure FPUF, these results showed that the peak of heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), CO and HCN of FPUF6 decreased by 46%, 69%, 27% and 43.5%, respectively. Moreover, the tensile and compression strength of FPUF6 demonstrated a 52% and 130% increment, respectively. The superior dual metal catalytical charring-forming effect and physical barrier effect of ZIF-8@Ti3C2Tx were achieved. In summary, a simple and reliable strategy for preparing flame-retardant FPUF with reinforced mechanical and fire safety properties was provided.

This paper examines the effect of an external preheating system for an internal combustion engine on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and cabin temperature of a Euro4 vehicle. A 1 kW electric system powered by 220 V was installed in series in the cooling system of a vehicle with a compression-ignition engine of 2.5 dm3 capacity. The tests were carried out in simulated urban driving conditions (distance of 4.2 km), extra-urban driving conditions (distance of 17 km), and during idling at cold-start temperatures ranging from -10 oC to 2 oC. Preheating the engine under simulated city conditions reduces fuel consumption by 2.64 dm3/100 km and increases the supply air temperature immediately after engine start-up. Due to the preheater being powered from an external power grid, the cost per trip and total CO2 emissions are increased. Assuming renewable energy sources, CO2 emissions would be reduced the most for the stationary tests after engine preheating. In contrast, emissions would be reduced the least for extra-urban driving.

Ozone (O3) was introduced into the intake air to control the ignition in a gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine. An early fuel injection at −68 °CA ATDC was adopted to mix the fuel with the reactive O-radicals decomposed from the O3, before the reduction of the O-radicals due to their recombination would take place. The second injection was implemented near top dead center to optimize the profile of the heat release rate. The engine experiments were performed around the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of 0.67 MPa with a primary reference fuel, octane number 90 (PRF90), maintaining the 15% intake oxygen concentration with the EGR. The quantity of the first injection, the second injection timing as well as the ozone concentration were changed as experimental parameters. The results showed that the GCI operation with the ozone addition makes it possible to reduce the maximum pressure rise rate while attaining high thermal efficiency, compared to that without the ozone. Appropriate combinations of the ozone concentration and the first injection quantity achieve low smoke and NOx emissions. Further, the ozone-assisted GCI operation was compared with conventional diesel operation. The results showed that the indicated thermal efficiency of the ozone-assisted GCI combustion is slightly lower than that of the conventional diesel combustion, but that GCI assisted with ozone is highly advantageous to the smoke and NOx emissions.

In this study the effects of thermal shock on the impact damage resistance, damage tolerance and flexural strength of Nextel 610/alumina silicate ceramic matrix composites were experimentally evaluated. Composite laminates with balanced and symmetric layup were gradually heated to 1200°C in an air-based furnace and held for at least 30 min before being removed and immersed in water at room temperature. The laminates were then subjected to low velocity impacts via a hemispherical steel impactor. The resultant damage was characterized non-destructively, following which the laminates were subjected to compression tests. Three-point bend tests were also performed to evaluate the effect of thermal shock on the flexural strength and related failure modes of the laminates. Thermally shocked laminates showed smaller internal damage and larger external damage areas in comparison to their pristine counterparts. For the impact energy and resultant damage size considered, the residual compressive strengths for the thermally shocked and pristine laminates were similar.

Background: Cerclage fixation is a known orthopedic technique shown to be beneficial for circumferential augmentation when screw fixation cannot be used or is undesirable. However, ongoing advances in suture materials and knot techniques exist, and there is a paucity of evidence existing which evaluates comparisons between the two. The objective of this study was to investigate the strength and durability of cerclage fixation between the Nice knot suture technique and monofilament wire. Methods: Static displacement over time and compression load testing were analyzed. Compression testing was conducted with the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Distraction testing was conducted using the Instron test system with its associated program. The Nice knot was tied using number 2 and number 5 FiberWire (Arthrex) and compared to monofilament wire. Clinical failure (displacement of 10 mm), absolute failure (opening of the knot or material failure), maximum compression achieved, and steady state compression maintained were the outcomes of interest. Results: Double-stranded monofilament wire produces maximum consistent compression of 90 kg, followed by single-stranded monofilament wire (60 kg). Number 5 FiberWire has a higher maximum compression load than number 2 FiberWire (50 kg vs. 22 kg), but it is lower than that of the double-stranded monofilament wire constructs. When compared to the single-stranded monofilament construct, the number 5 FiberWire Nice knot is comparable (P < .05). Average steady state compression achieved after 10 minutes of resting showed double-stranded monofilament wire to be 65 kg compared to single- stranded monofilament wire at 42 kg, which when, compared to suture, number 5 FiberWire measured at 15 kg and number 2 FiberWire at 8 kg. Average tension results from Instron distraction testing showed the double-stranded monofilament wire construct was able to withstand greater forces up to a displacement of 6 mm, after which the number 5 FiberWire Nice knot was stiffer. Number 5 FiberWire shows the most linear tension relationship, revealing it more efficiently withstands elastic forces. Load to failure was higher in the number 5 FiberWire Nice knot construct than that in both the monofilament wire constructs. The modes of failure for the Nice knot were always at the knot suture interface rather than at the knot. Conclusion: We propose this suture technique to be a viable alternative method for cerclaging to fix upper limb long-bone fractures.

The increase in demand and introduction of stringent emission regulations resulted in the need to develop and implement innovative technologies towards improving the emission and performance characteristics of compression ignition engines. A hybrid metal matrix composite piston (HMMC) of Al7075 reinforced with 6% of 100 μm Silicon Carbide (SiC) and 4% of 100 μm Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) was fabricated. The HMMC piston was mounted on a compression ignition (CI) four stroke single-cylinder constant speed engine and the test was carried out with eddy current dynamometer attached with computerized data acquisition system. This paper is focused on the study of performance of Al7075-SiC-Alumina composite piston for compression ignition engine application. Experimental investigations were performed at injection pressure of 200 and 220 bar on both standard piston and HMMC piston and analysed the performance, combustion and emission behaviour of CI engine. From the results it was found that the HMMC piston exhibits an improved efficiency and thereby improving the lifetime of the engine. Though a little compromise in performance and emissions has been accepted, the implementation of HMMC pistons will reduce the carbon foot print of running an internal combustion engine.

In this paper we study numerically and experimentally non-reversible deformation of anisotropic, semi-flexible fibre networks. We formulate a Discrete Element Model (DEM) with bonded particles to simulate uniaxial compression of such networks and use this model to describe and quantify the effect of elasto-plastic fibre contacts and fibre-fibre adhesion on non-reversible deformation. Our results show that inter-fibre adhesion plays a role for compression in a low solid volume fraction range where adhesive forces can overcome fibre deformation forces and moments. Also, elasto-plastic contacts between fibres become important at higher solid volume fractions when the yield criterion is exceeded. The combined case of fibres having elasto-plastic contacts and adhesion shows a significant synergetic effect leading to a degree of non-reversible deformation of the network far beyond that of networks with only elasto-plastic fibre contacts or inter-fibre adhesion.

In this article, assistance to bone cement in- jection is studied, with a focus on vertebroplasty, a procedure dedicated to the treatment of painful vertebral compression fractures. A robotic system that can remotely be operated at pressures up to 140 bar is presented. It is specifically designed to improve cement polymerization control, combining a cold passive exchanger that slows down the cement curing in the syringe, and an active exchanger that controls the injected cement temperature. The cement remote injection uses a rate control teleoperation strategy, particularly well suited for very slow injection speeds. During the injection, force feedback is rendered to the radiologist to help monitor the cement viscosity increase. A first assessment in laboratory conditions has been achieved to quantify the performance of the thermal exchanger. Then, cadaver experiments have been performed to illustrate the satisfactory operation of the whole system.

Ganglion cysts are fluid filled sacs which develop near joints and tendons and are usually asymptomatic. Lower limb ganglion cysts are rare occurrences especially those situated around joint spaces causing nerve compression. We present the case of a 68 year-old female with history of progressive swelling in the left antero-lateral leg, associated with pain, and neurological symptoms of peroneal nerve compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large proximal tibiofibular joint ganglion cyst causing peroneal nerve compression. One year following the left sided presentation, the patient presented with similar but less severe symptoms in her right antero-lateral leg. MRI revealed a small juxta-articular ganglion cyst in the right proximal tibiofibular joint space. We discuss etiology, symptoms, and management of lower limb ganglion cysts.

This paper presents a novel framework of modeling crushable granular materials under mechanical loadings based on the discrete element method (DEM). The framework is featured with the construction of the one-to-one model in which every particle in a physical experiment has its own numerical twin and allows the modeling of irregular shaped fragments during the continuous breakage process. First, image processing techniques and spherical harmonic (SH) analysis were adopted, respectively, to segment and label particles and to construct a one-to-one model mathematically in DEM. Then, a particle crushing criterion based on the maximum interparticle contact force was used to predict the crushing events, showing fitting results that agreed very well with a large number of single particle crushing tests. Next, a statistical approach for the generation of particle fragmentation modes of a given type of sand particles based on the principal component analysis (PCA) was proposed. The aim of the PCA was to analyze the statistical trends of the coefficient matrix, which was composed of the SH coefficients of all the particles involved in the analysis. Finally, a successful modeling of a particle crushing event was achieved by replacing the particle, which was judged by the crushing criterion to undergo crushing, with a few subparticles chosen randomly from a specific fragment template constructed using the microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) data.

For metal-intermetallic laminated composites, various types of defects often occur during the preparation process. This paper studied the evolution and formation mechanism of defects, such as pores, tunnel cracks, and delamination cracks in Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites prepared by vacuum hot-pressing method. Moreover, quasi-static and dynamic compression tests were performed to study the effects of pores and delamination cracks on the compression properties of the composites. The results showed that for Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites prepared at 710 ℃, their Al3Ti layers exhibit a porous structure, and the porosity of Al3Ti layers firstly decreases and then increases under the combined action of press, the self-propagating reaction and Al3Ti grain coarsening. The tunnel cracks in Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites are resulted by tensile residual stresses and the inherent brittleness of Al3Ti. For Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites prepared at 680 °C, the formation of delamination cracks is mainly related to the diffuse reaction of Ti/Al atoms and the Kirkendall effect, and the numbers of delamination cracks increase with the increasing of sintering time. Moreover, the pores and delamination cracks greatly deteriorate the compression properties of Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites. Crack-free and dense Ti-Al3Ti laminated composites exhibit the highest compression properties.

Objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the controlled distraction-compression technique using an expandable titanium cage (ETC) in posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK).Methods : We retrospectively studied and collected data on 20 patients with PTK. From January 2014 to December 2017, the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC was consecutively performed in 20 patients with PTK of the thoracolumbar zone (range, 36–82 years). Among them, nine were males and 11 were females and the mean age was 61.5 years. The patients were followed regularly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and the last follow-up was more than 2 years after surgery.Results : The mean follow-up period was 27.3±7.3 months (range, 14–48). The average operation time was 286.8±33.1 minutes (range, 225–365). The preoperative regional kyphotic angle (RKA) ranged from 35.6° to 70.6° with an average of 47.5°±8.1°. The immediate postoperative mean RKA was 5.9°±3.8° (86.2% correction rate, p=0.000), and at the last follow-up more than 2 years later, the mean RKA was 9.2°±4.9° (80.2% correction rate, p=0.000). The preoperative mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 49.1°±9.2° and was corrected to an average of 8.8°±5.3° immediately after surgery (p=0.000). At the last follow-up, a correction of 11.9°±6.3° was obtained (p=0.000). The preoperative mean back visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.9±0.8 and at the last follow-up, the VAS score was improved to a mean of 2.3±1.0 with a 70.9% correction rate (p=0.000). The preoperative mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 32.3±6.9 (64.6%) and the last follow-up ODI score was improved to a mean of 6.85±2.9 (3.7%) with a 78.8% correction rate (p=0.000). The overall complication was 15%, with two of distal junctional fractures and one of proximal junctional kyphosis and screw loosening. However, there were no complications directly related to the operation.Conclusion : Posterior vertebral column resection through the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC showed safe and good results in terms of complications, and clinical and radiologic outcomes in PTK. However, to further evaluate the efficacy of this surgical procedure, more patients need long-term follow-up and there is a need to apply it to other diseases.

Cartilage loses, recovers, and maintains its thickness, hydration, and biomechanical functions based on competing rates of fluid loss and recovery under varying joint-use conditions. While the mechanics and implications of load-induced fluid loss have been studied extensively, those of fluid recovery have not. This study isolates, quantifies, and compares rates of cartilage recovery from three known modes: (1) passive swelling – fluid recovery within a static unloaded contact area; (2) free swelling – unrestricted fluid recovery by an exposed surface; (3) tribological rehydration – fluid recovery within a loaded contact area during sliding. Following static loading of adult bovine articular cartilage to between 100 and 500 μm of compression, passive swelling, free swelling, and tribological rehydration exhibited average rates of 0.11 ± 0.04, 0.71 ± 0.15, and 0.63 ± 0.22 μm/s, respectively, over the first 100 seconds of recovery; for comparison, the mean exudation rate just prior to sliding was 0.06 ± 0.04 μm/s. For this range of compressions, we detected no significant difference between free swelling and tribological rehydration rates. However, free swelling and tribological rehydration rates, those associated with joint articulation, were ∼7-fold faster than passive swelling rates. While previous studies show how joint articulation prevents fluid loss indefinitely, this study shows that joint articulation reverses fluid loss following static loading at >10-fold the preceding exudation rate. These competitive recovery rates suggest that joint space and function may be best maintained throughout an otherwise sedentary day using brief but regular physical activity. Statement of Significance : Cartilage loses, recovers, and maintains its thickness, hydration, and biomechanical functions based on competing rates of fluid loss and recovery under varying joint-use conditions. While load-induced fluid loss is extremely well studied, this is the first to define the competing modes of fluid recovery and to quantify their rates. The results show that the fluid recovery modes associated with joint articulation are 10-fold faster than exudation during static loading and passive swelling during static unloading. The results suggest that joint space and function are best maintained throughout an otherwise sedentary day using brief but regular physical activities.

A new axisymmetric CFD model capable of describing pumping loss is proposed for free piston Stirling engine (FPSE). Inclusion of clearance seals, bounce space, heater, cooler and regenerator in a single model is the unique strength of this work. For transient simulation of engine, dynamic mesh was utilized for catering needs of moving boundaries. The model was validated with 12.5 kW component test power converter (CTPC) and successfully predicted indicated power, efficiency, pressure amplitude, pressure drop, and gas temperature in expansion and compression space at different piston amplitudes with 6% maximum deviation. The results showed that the heat exchange at heater and cooler was minimized at each flow reversal and was strongly influenced by oscillating gas flow rate. The results also present optimum displacer and piston seal clearance at different charge pressure and operating frequencies. The displacer seal clearance could be increased up to 125μm without compromising power: however, engine output was severely affected with increasing piston seal gap.

OBJECTIVE S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw fixation effectively enhances stability in long-segment constructs. Although S2AI fixation provides a single transarticular sacroiliac joint fixation (SIJF) point, additional fixation points may provide greater stability and attenuate screw and rod strain. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in stability and pedicle screw and rod strain with extended distal S2AI fixation and with supplemental bilateral integration of two sacroiliac joint fusion devices implanted using a traditional minimally invasive surgical approach. METHODS Eight L1–pelvis human cadaveric specimens underwent pure moment (7.5 Nm) and compression (400 N) tests under 4 conditions: 1) intact (pure moment loading only); 2) L2–S1 pedicle screw and rod with L5–S1 interbody fusion; 3) added S2AI screws; and 4) added bilateral laterally placed SIJF. Range of motion (ROM), rod strain, and screw-bending moment (S1 and S2AI) were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with S1 fixation, S2AI fixation significantly reduced L5–S1 ROM in right lateral bending by 50% (0.11°, p = 0.049) and in compression by 39% (0.22°, p = 0.003). Compared with fixation ending at S1, extending fixation with S2AI significantly decreased sacroiliac joint ROM by 52% (0.28°, p = 0.02) in flexion, by 65% (0.48°, p = 0.04) in extension, by 59% (0.76°, p = 0.02) in combined flexion-extension, and by 36% (0.09°, p = 0.02) in left axial rotation. The addition of S2AI screws reduced S1 screw-bending moment during flexion (0.106 Nm [43%], p = 0.046). With S2AI fixation, posterior L5–S1 primary rod strain increased by 124% (159 μE, p = 0.002) in flexion, by 149% (285 μE, p = 0.02) in left axial rotation, and by 99% (254 μE, p = 0.04) in right axial rotation. Compared with S2AI fixation, the addition of SIJF reduced L5–S1 strain during right axial rotation by 6% (28 μE, p = 0.04) and increased L5–S1 strain in extension by 6% (28 μE, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Long-segment constructs ending with S2AI screws created a more stable construct than those ending with S1 screws, reducing lumbosacral and sacroiliac joint motion and S1 screw-bending moment in flexion. These benefits, however, were paired with increased rod strain at the lumbosacral junction. The addition of SIJF to constructs ending at S2AI did not significantly change SI joint ROM or S1 screw bending and reduced S2AI screw bending in compression. SIJF further decreased L5–S1 rod strain in axial rotation and increased it in extension.

Level ice acting on vertical structures can impose large loads and cause damage. Phenomenological models have been developed to simulate ice-structure interaction and predict ice loads, however due to oversimplification of ice properties and interaction mechanisms, existing models either cannot predict the interaction well or are applicable to limited situations, such as when ice is brittle. This paper first presents observations from existing experiments to identify key features and underlying mechanisms. Using these insights, a new phenomenological model is developed that captures the important phenomena under different strain rates. The proposed model comprises three essential components. The first is a strain rate-dependent stress-strain relationship that controls ice failure and the failure length. A new equation is proposed for the stress-strain relationship, and the empirical parameters are calibrated from published compression tests. The second component entails the modeling of ice failure length as a random variable. The third component accounts for spatial correlation of the failure lengths, by dividing the ice edge into multiple zones, and imposing correlation between zones. The model is validated against rigid indentation tests, and the predictions are found to match the experimental data well in terms of effective pressure, peak pressure, and time series of ice load. By artificially removing each component and comparing the simulation result with experimental data, it is demonstrated that all three components are crucial for good performance of the proposed method.

The responses of Al/PTFE reactive materials (RMs) under shock compression were investigated by a single-stage gas gun. A 3D mesoscale-model was established based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) slice images and confirmed with experimental results. In the high-pressure stage, the composites reacted partially, whereas there were no deviations between the partially reacted Hugoniot and the inert simulation results. The simulation reveals that the Teflon matrix melting on the high shock pressure. Melts and decomposition of the PTFE accelerated the diffusion of the atoms. Thus, the reactions of the Al/PTFE composites are more like a combustion rather than a detonation.

Resin uptake plays a critical role in the stiffness‐to‐weight ratio of wind turbine blades in which sandwich composites are used extensively. This work examines the flexural properties of nominally half‐inch thick sandwich composites made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam cores (H60 and H80; PSC and GPC) at several resin uptakes. We found that the specific flexural strength and modulus for the H80 GPC sandwich composites increase from 82.04 to 90.70 kN · m/kg and 6.03 to 7.13 MN · m/kg, respectively, with 11.0% resin uptake reduction, which stands out among the four core sandwich composites. Considering reaching a high stiffness‐to‐weight ratio while preventing resin starvation, 32% to 38% and 40% to 45% resin uptakes are adequate ranges for the H80 PSC and GPC sandwich composites, respectively. The H60 GPC sandwich composites have lower debonding toughness than H60 PSC due to stress concentration in the smooth side skin‐core interphase region. The ailure mode of the sandwich composites depends on the core stiffness and surface texture. The H60 GPC sandwich composites exhibit core shearing and bottom skin‐core debonding failure, while the H80 GPC and PSC sandwich composites show top skin cracking and core crushing failure. The findings indicate that an appropriate range of resin uptake exists for each type of core sandwich composite, and that within the range, a low‐resin uptake leads to lighter blades and thus lower cyclic gravitational loads, beneficial for long blades.

Chronic physeal stress injuries in children can result from ongoing, repetitive compression, distraction and/or shear forces during sports-related activity, and manifest as physeal widening on imaging. We present an 11-year-old soccer athlete with focal physeal widening of her great toe metatarsal and postulate that ongoing or repetitive stress from soccer play may manifest as this imaging appearance. We suggest that recognition of this entity in growing children might explain pain, if present, and guide conservative treatment.

Desmoid tumor, also known as desmoid-type fibromatosis, is a rare, intermediate, locally aggressive tumor with a high possibility of local infiltration and recurrence, potentially leading to life-threatening problems. We report a case of a 15-year-old girl who visited the emergency department with a 1-week history of the left leg swelling. A point-of-care ultrasound on the leg showed dilated left femoral and popliteal veins. Subsequently, a computed tomography venogram demonstrated a large pelvic mass compressing the left external iliac vein. She underwent tumor resection, and was uneventfully discharged on day 12.

With decreasing system sizes, the mechanical properties and dominant deformation mechanisms of metals change. For larger scales, bulk behavior is observed that is characterized by a preservation and significant increase of dislocation content during deformation whereas at the submicron scale very localized dislocation activity as well as dislocation starvation is observed. In the transition regime it is not clear how the dislocation content is built up. This dislocation storage regime and its underlying physical mechanisms are still an open field of research. In this paper, the microstructure evolution of single crystalline copper micropillars with a $\langle1\,1\,0\rangle$ crystal orientation and varying sizes between $1$ to $10\,\mu\mathrm{m}$ is analysed under compression loading. Experimental in situ HR-EBSD measurements as well as 3d continuum dislocation dynamics simulations are presented. The experimental results provide insights into the material deformation and evolution of dislocation structures during continuous loading. This is complemented by the simulation of the dislocation density evolution considering dislocation dynamics, interactions, and reactions of the individual slip systems providing direct access to these quantities. Results are presented that show, how the plastic deformation of the material takes place and how the different slip systems are involved. A central finding is, that an increasing amount of GND density is stored in the system during loading that is located dominantly on the slip systems that are not mainly responsible for the production of plastic slip. This might be a characteristic feature of the considered size regime that has direct impact on further dislocation network formation and the corresponding contribution to plastic hardening., Comment: submitted, not yet accepted

One of the major advantages of using glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars as a replacement to the traditional steel-reinforced bars is its lightweight and high-resistant to corrosion. This research focuses on the performance of concrete beams partially/fully reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars with 50% of GFRP bars were used to reinforce partially concrete beams at flexural zone. While 100% of GFRP bars were used to reinforce fully concrete beams at flexural and compression zones with different concrete compressive strength.This study reported the test results of 6 reinforced concrete beams with dimensions 150 × 200mm and a 1700-mm clear span length subjected to a four-point loading system. The tested beams were divided into three groups; the first one refers to the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar effect. The second group is referring to the effect of concrete compressive strength, while the third group is referring to the effect of the GFRP bar volume ratio.Using longitudinal GFRP bars as a full or partial replacement of longitudinal steel bar reinforcement led to an increase in the failure load capacity and the average crack width, while a decrease in ductility was reported with a lower number of cracks. Increasing the concrete compressive strength is more compatible with GFRP bar reinforcement and enhanced the failure performance of beams compared with normal compressive strength concrete.

Objective To evaluate the the clinical efficacy of the preoperative digital design combined with three-dimensional (3D) printing models to assist percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) treatment for thoracolumbar compression fractures. Methods From January 2018 to August 2020, we obtained data of 99 patients diagnosed thoracolumbar compression fractures. These patients were divided into control group (n = 50) underwent traditional PKP surgery, and observation group (n = 49) underwent preoperative digital design combined with 3D printing model assisted PKP treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated with five parameters, including operation time, number of intraoperative radiographs, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Cobb Angle change, and high compression rate of injured vertebrae. Results There were statistically significant differences of operation time and number of intraoperative radiographs between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusions Through the design of preoperative surgical guide plate and the application of 3D printing model to guide the operation, the precise design of preoperative surgical puncture site and puncture Angle of the injured vertebra was realized, the number of intraoperative radiographs was reduced, the operation time was shortened and the operation efficiency was improved.

Ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is a promising new concrete, especially in repair and restoration. It has been identified to exhibit good bonding and strengthening properties with the old concrete as an overlay repair material. But its usage has not been much pronounced due to its high-cost factor which overshadows its efficacy, because certain constituents of UHPFRC are not readily and easily available. Hence, optimal usage of this concrete for repair and rehabilitation can greatly be beneficial to the construction industry. Therefore, this study is involved in identifying the optimum thickness of UHPFRC as a repair overlay material for normal concrete elements, so that the self-weight of the material can be reduced to its minimum, and indirectly the impact of its price can be greatly reduced. With this intention, normal concrete elements were repaired with different thicknesses of UHPFRC overlay starting from 15 mm to 50 mm. The repaired composite composed of normal concrete substrate and varying thickness of UHPFRC overlay were subjected to different property evaluations to identify the optimum thickness of UHPFRC overlay in compression, tension, and shear. The ideal thickness of the UHPFRC repair overlay was concluded based on its ability to restore the original strength of the old normal concrete. It was upshot that an overlay thickness of 20 mm is more than sufficient to repair and restore the normal concrete.

Natural spinal tissues have unique dynamic properties and it is crucial to investigate the full dynamic response of spinal implants and related biomedical materials to ensure compatibility with the host tissue. Silicon nitride is a promising bioceramic for spinal implants. In this study, the mechanical properties and dynamic response of silicon nitride were comprehensively evaluated using novel and efficient testing methods, at both the material and structural level. The correlation between mechanical properties and porosity was investigated and the results showed that Young's modulus and compressive strength decreased non-linearly as porosity increased. Both the compressive strength (100.35±3.39MPa) and fracture toughness (1.06±0.06MPa⋅m1/2) of the porous silicon nitride samples (~70% porosity) can be considered sufficient for load bearing purposes as a substitute for trabecular bone. Moreover, the results from a drop tower test showed that the average ultimate strength of the scaffolds under an impact loading was significantly lower than the strength under quasi-static compression. Nevertheless, this value is still comparable to that of trabecular bone. Regarding damping capacity, the results of free damped vibration tests of cantilever beams showed that a silicon nitride beam has a higher damping ratio (0.17%±0.01%) than a zirconia beam (0.13%±0.01%), which indicates that ceramics with similar Young's moduli can have different energy dissipating capacities. However, both dense and porous silicon nitride showed a low energy dissipation, substantially lower than natural spinal tissues. Overall, dense silicon nitride possesses a high stiffness, and altering the porosity of silicon nitride is one option to tailor its mechanical properties towards those of trabecular bone, however, more effort is required to increase its damping capacity, if this is a desired trait., Ceramics International, 47 (23), ISSN:0272-8842, ISSN:1873-3956