Fatigue Reliability Assessment of RC Beams in Heavy-Haul Railways Based on Point Estimate Method.

Heavy-haul railways have a high passing frequency of trains with a large axle weight, causing rapid accumulation of fatigue damage in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge structures, which significantly affects the safety of the bridges. To study the fatigue reliability of RC beams in heavy-haul railways, the fatigue performance function for RC beams in heavy-haul railways was established, and the fatigue reliability assessment method for bridge structures in heavy-haul railways based on the point estimate method (PEM) was developed. An 8 meter-span plate beam in an existing heavy-haul railway illustrates the method. The train axle weight and dynamic coefficient were considered random variables, and the first four moments of equivalent stress ranges were obtained. The traffic quantity of the heavy-haul railways was investigated, and the fatigue reliability was evaluated using the proposed method. In addition, the effects of annual freight volume and train axle weight on fatigue reliability were discussed. Results indicate that PEM can effectively and accurately evaluate the fatigue reliability of RC beams in heavy-haul railways. In the first 20 years of operation, the fatigue failure probability was less than the limit value specified in the standard. The increase in annual traffic volume and train axle weight will cause a significant increase in fatigue failure probability. The research results of this paper are expected to provide an important basis for the design and maintenance of reinforced concrete bridges for heavy-haul railways in the future.

Numerical Analysis on Fatigue Crack Growth at Negative and Positive Stress Ratios.

The finite element method was used to investigate the effect of the stress ratio on fatigue crack propagation behavior within the framework of the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. The numerical analysis was carried out using ANSYS Mechanical R19.2 with the unstructured mesh method-based separating, morphing, and adaptive remeshing technologies (SMART). Mixed mode fatigue simulations were performed on a modified four-point bending specimen with a non-central hole. A diverse set of stress ratios (R = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3, -0.4, -0.5), including positive and negative values, is employed to examine the influence of the load ratio on the behavior of the fatigue crack propagation, with particular emphasis on negative R loadings that involve compressive excursions. A consistent decrease in the value of the equivalent stress intensity factor (ΔKeq) is observed as the stress ratio increases. The observation was made that the stress ratio significantly affects both the fatigue life and the distribution of von Mises stress. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between von Mises stress, ΔKeq, and fatigue life cycles. With an increase in the stress ratio, there was a significant decrease in the von Mises stress, accompanied by a rapid increase in the number of fatigue life cycles. The results obtained in this study have been validated by previously published literature on crack growth experiments and numerical simulations.

Constitutive Model for Equivalent Stress-Plastic Strain Curves Including Full-Range Strain Hardening Behavior of High-Strength Steel at Elevated Temperatures.

High-strength steel has been increasingly applied to engineering structures and inevitably faces fire risks. The equivalent stress-plastic strain (σeq- εeqp) curves of steel at elevated temperatures are indispensable if a refined finite element model is used to investigate the response of steel members and structures under fire. If the tensile deformation of steel is considerable, the σeq- εeqp curves at elevated temperatures are required to consider the strain-hardening behavior during the post-necking phase. However, there is little research on the topic. Based on the engineering stress-strain curves of Q890 high-strength steel in a uniaxial tension experiment at elevated temperatures, the σeq-εeqp curves before necking are determined using theoretical formulations. An inverse method based on finite element analysis is used to determine the σeq- εeqp curves during the post-necking phase. The characteristics of σeq-εeqp curves, including the full-range strain hardening behavior at different temperatures, are discussed. An equivalent stress-plastic strain model of Q890 steel at elevated temperature is proposed, which is consistent with the σeq-εeqp curves. The constitutive model is further verified by comparing the finite element analysis and test results.

Parameter Study of Interfacial Capacities for FRP-Steel Bonded Joints Based on 3D FE Modeling.

This paper investigated the stress distribution of an adhesive layer for GFRP-steel bonded joints under 22.48 kN tensile loading using a three-dimensional numerical simulation. Firstly, a stress analysis of three paths was conducted, and after comparison, path II (through the middle layer of the bonding layer) was adopted as the analyzing path. Furthermore, a systemically parametric study of the effects of the FRP stiffness (i.e., elastic modulus and thickness), bonding length, adhesive thickness, and adhesive modulus was conducted. For the joints with different FRP elastic moduli, the minimum value of normal peeling stress was calculated as -3.80 MPa by the FRP for 10 GPa, showing a significantly severe stress concentration of FRP for 10 GPa. An analysis of the von Mises stresses proved that the increase in FRP stiffness could reduce the stress concentration of the adhesive layer effectively. The study of the effect of bonding lengths indicated that a more uniform peeling stress distribution could result from the longest bonding size; the largest peeling stress of 6.54 MPa was calculated for a bonding length of 30 mm. Further parameter analysis showed that the stress concentration of the adhesive layer could be influenced by the FRP thickness, bonding thickness, and elastic modulus of the adhesive layer.

Influence of bone morphology on the mechanobiological stimuli distribution of maxillary anterior labial bone: A biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study intended to ascertain the dimensional effects of labial bone thickness and height on the mechanobiological stimuli distribution of maxillary anterior labial bone through biomechanical analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve 3D finite element models of an anterior maxillary region with an implant were computer-simulated, including four levels of labial bone thicknesses (2, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 mm) and three levels of labial bone heights (normal, reduced by 1/3, reduced by 1/2). A 45° buccolingual oblique load of 100 N was applied to the implant restoration. RESULTS: Equivalent stress and principal strain mainly concentrated on crestal bone around the implant neck. The maximum equivalent stress in bone decreased as labial bone mass decreased, while the maximum principal strain and the displacement of dental implant increased as labial bone mass decreased. No significant difference of these three indicators was observed, when the labial bone thickness changed in the range of 2.0-1.0 mm with sufficient labial bone height. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of biomechanics, the thickness of labial bone plate was recommended ≥1 mm. Sufficient labial bone height was warranted to prevent the stability of the implants from being seriously affected. The labial bone heights were more effective than thicknesses on the mechanobiological stimuli response of the dental implant-bone system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For this 3D finite element study, the biomechanical responses under different bone mass conditions were explored, in order to predict the process of bone remodeling and provide valid clinical recommendations for the decision-making process regarding the choices of tissue augmentation for some specific esthetic implantation cases for future clinical applications.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on the maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: The objective is to clarify the effect of alveolar cleft bone graft on maxillofacial biomechanical stabilities, the key areas when bone grafting and in which should be supplemented with bone graft once bone resorption occurred in UCCLP (unilateral complete cleft lip and palate). METHODS: Maxillofacial CAD (computer aided design) models of non-bone graft and full maxilla cleft, full alveolar cleft bone graft, bone graft in other sites of the alveolar cleft were acquired by processing the UCCLP maxillofacial CT data in three-dimensional modeling software. The maxillofacial bone EQV (equivalent) stresses and bone suture EQV strains under occlusal states were obtained in the finite element analysis software. RESULTS: Under corresponding occlusal states, the EQV stresses of maxilla, pterygoid process of sphenoid bone on the corresponding side and anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side were higher than other maxillofacial bones, the EQV strains of nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary and pterygomaxillary suture on the corresponding side were higher than other maxillofacial bone sutures. The mean EQV strains of nasal raphe, the maximum EQV stresses of posterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side, the mean and maximum EQV strains of nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side in full alveolar cleft bone graft model were all significantly lower than those in non-bone graft model. The mean EQV stresses of bilateral anterior alveolar arches, the maximum EQV stresses of maxilla and its alveolar arch on the cleft side in the model with bone graft in lower 1/3 of the alveolar cleft were significantly higher than those in full alveolar cleft bone graft model. CONCLUSIONS: For UCCLP, bilateral maxillae, pterygoid processes of sphenoid bones and bilateral nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary, pterygomaxillary sutures, anterior alveolar arch on the non-cleft side are the main occlusal load-bearing structures before and after alveolar cleft bone graft. Alveolar cleft bone graft mainly affects biomechanical stabilities of nasal raphe and posterior alveolar arch, nasomaxillary suture on the non-cleft side. The areas near nasal floor and in the middle of the alveolar cleft are the key sites when bone grafting, and should be supplemented with bone graft when the bone resorbed in these areas.

Fatigue Crack Growth Analysis under Constant Amplitude Loading Using Finite Element Method.

Damage tolerant design relies on accurately predicting the growth rate and path of fatigue cracks under constant and variable amplitude loading. ANSYS Mechanical R19.2 was used to perform a numerical analysis of fatigue crack growth assuming a linear elastic and isotropic material subjected to constant amplitude loading. A novel feature termed Separating Morphing and Adaptive Remeshing Technology (SMART) was used in conjunction with the Unstructured Mesh Method (UMM) to accomplish this goal. For the modified compact tension specimen with a varied pre-crack location, the crack propagation path, stress intensity factors, and fatigue life cycles were predicted for various stress ratio values. The influence of stress ratio on fatigue life cycles and equivalent stress intensity factor was investigated for stress ratios ranging from 0 to 0.8. It was found that fatigue life and von Mises stress distribution are substantially influenced by the stress ratio. The von Mises stress decreased as the stress ratio increased, and the number of fatigue life cycles increased rapidly with the increasing stress ratio. Depending on the pre-crack position, the hole is the primary attraction for the propagation of fatigue cracks, and the crack may either curve its direction and grow towards it, or it might bypass the hole and propagate elsewhere. Experimental and numerical crack growth studies reported in the literature have validated the findings of this simulation in terms of crack propagation paths.

Mechanical Influence of Pubic Nonunion on the Stress Distribution After Curved Periacetabular Osteotomy: Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pubic nonunion after curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO) reportedly occurs in 1%-17% of patients and causes pubic pain in 21%. Furthermore, pubic nonunion is associated with a risk of ischial ramus stress fracture, but the mechanical influence of pubic nonunion has not been fully clarified. METHODS: Patient-specific finite element (FE) analysis was performed using Mechanical Finder software. Three FE models (pre-CPO, union, and nonunion models) were constructed from preoperative and postoperative computed tomographic data. The contact area (mm2) and contact pressure (MPa) in the hip joint as well as the equivalent stress (MPa) at the ischial ramus were evaluated among the 3 FE models. RESULTS: Patient-specific FE models were generated using 18 consecutive hips treated with CPO. The mean contact pressure in the hip joint was not significantly different between the union and nonunion models (0.50 ± 0.10 vs 0.50 ± 0.09 MPa, P = .88). However, the mean equivalent stress at the ischial ramus in the nonunion models was 1.7 times higher than that in the union models (1.13 ± 0.77 vs 0.64 ± 0.45 MPa, P < .01). CONCLUSION: FE analysis revealed that pubic nonunion did not affect the mechanical distribution in the hip joint itself but increased the mean equivalent stress at the ischial ramus. This finding suggests the importance of achieving pubic union after CPO to avoid the risk of ischial ramus stress fracture.

Determinants of fracture type in the proximal femur: Biomechanical study of fresh frozen cadavers and finite element models.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femur fractures are usually categorized as either a cervical or trochanteric fracture, but the relationship between fracture type and fall direction is not clear. By cadaveric mechanical testing and finite element analysis (FEA), the aims of this research were to verify the factors that define the proximal femur fracture type and to clarify the change in stress distribution based on fall direction. METHODS: From fresh frozen cadavers, we obtained 26 proximal femora including ten pairs of 20 femora. We conducted quasi-static compression tests in two fall patterns (lateral and posterolateral), and identified the fracture type. We then examined the relationship between fracture type and the following explanatory variables: age, sex, neck shaft angle, femoral neck length, bone mineral density (cervical and trochanteric), and fall direction. In addition, for the ten pairs of femurs, the effect of fall direction on fracture type was examined by comparing the left and right sides. In addition, we generated the proximal femur finite element (FE) models from computed tomography data to simulate and verify the change of external force in different fall directions. RESULTS: In mechanical tests, only fall direction was found to have a significant relationship with fracture type (p = 0.0227). The posterolateral fall group had a significantly higher incidence of trochanteric fractures than lateral fall group (p = 0.0325). According to FEA, the equivalent stress in the lateral fall was found to be more concentrated in the cervical area than in the posterolateral fall. CONCLUSION: In proximal femur fractures, fall direction was significantly associated with fracture type; in particular, trochanteric fractures were more likely to occur following a posterolateral fall than a lateral fall.

Effect of sagittal pelvic tilt on joint stress distribution in hip dysplasia: A finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physiologic pelvic tilt can change acetabular orientation and coverage in patients with hip dysplasia. In this study, we aimed to clarify the impact of change in sagittal pelvic tilt on joint stress distribution in dysplastic hips. METHODS: We developed patient-specific finite element models of 21 dysplastic hips and 21 normal hips. The joint contact area, contact pressure, and equivalent stress of the acetabular cartilage were assessed at three pelvic tilt positions relative to the functional pelvic plane: 10° anterior tilt, no tilt, and 10° posterior tilt. FINDINGS: The mean contact area was 0.6-0.7 times smaller, the mean maximum contact pressure was 1.8-1.9 times higher, and the mean maximum equivalent stress was 1.3-2.8 times higher in dysplastic hips than in normal hips at all three pelvic positions. As the pelvis tilted from 10° anterior to 10° posterior, the mean contact area decreased, and the mean maximum contact pressure and median maximum equivalent stress increased. The latter two changes were more significant in dysplastic hips than in normal hips (total increment was 1.3 MPa vs. 0.4 MPa, P = 0.001, and 3.6 MPa vs. 0.4 MPa, P < 0.001, respectively). The mean equivalent stress increased in the anterosuperior acetabulum during posterior pelvic tilt in dysplastic and normal hips, while the change was not significant in the superior and posterosuperior acetabulum in both groups. INTERPRETATION: Sagittal pelvic tilt alters the loading environment and joint stress distribution of the hip joint and may impact the degeneration process in dysplastic hips.

Development of a Knee Joint CT-FEM Model in Load Response of the Stance Phase During Walking Using Muscle Exertion, Motion Analysis, and Ground Reaction Force Data.

Background and objectives: There are no reports on articular stress distribution during walking based on any computed tomography (CT)-finite element model (CT-FEM). This study aimed to develop a calculation model of the load response (LR) phase, the most burdensome phase on the knee, during walking using the finite element method of quantitative CT images. Materials and Methods: The right knee of a 43-year-old man who had no history of osteoarthritis or surgeries of the knee was examined. An image of the knee was obtained using CT and the extension position image was converted to the flexion angle image in the LR phase. The bone was composed of heterogeneous materials. The ligaments were made of truss elements; therefore, they do not generate strain during expansion or contraction and do not affect the reaction force or pressure. The construction of the knee joint included material properties of the ligament, cartilage, and meniscus. The extensor and flexor muscles were calculated and set as the muscle exercise tension around the knee joint. Ground reaction force was vertically applied to suppress the rotation of the knee, and the thigh was restrained. Results: An FEM was constructed using a motion analyzer, floor reaction force meter, and muscle tractive force calculation. In a normal knee, the equivalent stress and joint contact reaction force in the LR phase were distributed over a wide area on the inner upper surface of the femur and tibia. Conclusions: We developed a calculation model in the LR phase of the knee joint during walking using a CT-FEM. Methods to evaluate the heteromorphic risk, mechanisms of transformation, prevention of knee osteoarthritis, and treatment may be developed using this model.

Progressive fatigue damage analysis of composite bolted joint using equivalent stress model.

Composite bolted joints are quite necessary for composite structures connection, which has become the main limit for the use of composites in main load-bearing structures. In this article, a fatigue model of composite bolted joint based on equivalent stress is established by programming in ABAQUS USDFLD subroutine to simulate the progressive failure of composite bolted joints. By introducing three-dimensional Tsai-Hill static failure criterion, equivalent stress is calculated for investigating effects of multiaxial stress on fatigue life. In the subroutine of progressive failure for fatigue model, fatigue life of composite bolted joint and damage state of elements that are meshed in the process of modelling are connected by defining field variable. Different fatigue modes are predicted here by changing stress amplitude and ratio loading, in which simulation results agree well with that obtained in corresponding experiments.

Comparison of finite element models of osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on CT gray-assigned method / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that femoral head finite element models are mostly modeled with single or few samples for specific biomechanical research, but there is little research on model stability. OBJECTIVE: To compare the models of normal femoral head and osteonecrosis of the femoral head with multiple samples, and to analyze the accuracy and stability of the models through the comparison of stress distribution and mechanical parameters, so as to provide mechanical basis for prevention and treatment of collapse of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: Totally 20 sides uncollapsed of osteonecrosis of the femoral head one year of non-surgical treatment were selected as the experimental group, and the healthy side of 20 patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head were set as the normal group. The CT data of the femoral head were collected to establish the finite element model. The stress distribution of normal femoral head and osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the maximum equivalent stress and the maximum total deformation at the weight-bearing area of the femoral head were observed and compared. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Patients signed the informed consent. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The finite element models of normal proximal femur, non-necrotic proximal femur and necrotic bone were established. The number of elements and nodes were 502 568±114 196, 692 608±154 678; 449 954±125 824, 623 311±171 401; 19 133±13 167, 27 577±19 131, respectively. (2) When the load was set by simulating one-foot standing position, the cloud image showed that when 2.5 times body weight applied to the weight-bearing area of the femoral head; the surface stress of the weight-bearing area of the normal femoral head was uniform. The stress was uniformly distributed in the femoral head along the stress trabeculae, and the calcar femorale bears the most. The stress concentration area appeared on the surface of the weight-bearing area and the necrotic area of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The stress was scattered and distributed on the inner and outer sides of the femoral neck and the femoral head of osteonecrosis of the femoral head produced more deformation than the normal femoral head. (3) The maximum total deformation of the weight-bearing area of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head and the normal femoral head was (4.14±1.31) mm and (1.36±0.22) mm and the maximum equivalent stress was (1.94±0.77) MPa and (0.75±0.19) MPa, respectively, and with statistically significance (P < 0.05). Moreover, two groups of data tend to be concentrated and the models are stable. Through the comparison of multi-sample normal femoral head and osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the CT gray-assigned method reflects the actual mechanical properties of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and has good accuracy and stability.

Finite element analysis of double-segment and single-segment vertebral column decancellation and vertebral column resection osteotomy for ankylotic kyphosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Single-segment and double-segment osteotomies are often used to treat ankylotic kyphosis. However, the selection of preoperative strategies, especially for segmental and osteotomy methods, often depends on clinical experience. At present; there are few reports on the biomechanics of double-segment vertebral column decancellation and vertebral column resection osteotomy. OBJECTIVE: To establish a two-segment osteotomy model for ankylotic kyphosis, and to compare and discuss the total displacement of the spine, stress analysis of the internal fixation system, and equivalent stress intensity of the osteotomy contact surface. METHODS: MIMICS software and Geomagic studio software were used to establish two kinds of models of ankylotic kyphosis with vertebral column resection osteotomy and vertebral column decancellation. Each kind of model was divided into single-segment osteotomy and double-segment osteotomy, i.e., L1 single-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy model, L1 single-segment decancellated osteotomy model, L2 single-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy model, L2 single-segment vertebral column decancellation model, T12L2 double-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy model, T12L2 double-segment vertebral column decancellation model, T12L3 double-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy model, and T12L3 double-segment vertebral column decancellation model. ANASYS software was imported to load model. The whole spine displacement, pedicle screw, connecting rod, and bone interface equivalent stress nephogram were recorded under different conditions of osteotomy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Whether it was vertebral column decancellation or vertebral column resection osteotomy model, the total spinal displacement of single-segment osteotomy was less than that of double-segment osteotomy. The displacement of vertebral column resection osteotomy was less than that of vertebral column decancellation in both single-and double-segment osteotomy models. L2 single-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy model had minimal displacement. (2) Whether it was vertebral column decancellation or vertebral column resection osteotomy model, equivalent stress of the single-segment osteotomy was less than that of the double-segment osteotomy. The equivalent stress of the internal fixation device of the vertebral column resection osteotomy was less than that of vertebral column decancellation in both single-and double-segment osteotomy models. The equivalent stress of the internal fixation device of the L1 single-segment vertebral column resection osteotomy was smallest. (3) The equivalent stress of the osteotomy contact surface of all single-segment osteotomy models was smaller than 28 MPa. In the two-segment osteotomy model, the equivalent stress of the osteotomy contact surface of the vertebral column resection osteotomy was less than that of vertebral column decancellation. (4) These results suggest that the biomechanical stability of the single-segment osteotomy model was better than that of the double-segment osteotomy model. The stability of vertebral column resection osteotomy was better than that of vertebral column decancellation.

[Finite-element analysis of mandibular first molar with two marginal designs of endocrown for the repair of different defects].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution of the mandibular first molar with different thicknesses and heights of the axial wall restored by the endocrown with two marginal designs and thus provide a theoretical basis for selecting clinical preparation through the finite-element method. METHODS: Two marginal endocrowns of the mandibular first molar with different axial-wall thicknesses (t=1, 2, 3 mm) and heights (h=2, 3, 4 mm) were established. Group A was the butt-joint design, whereas group B was the shoulder-surrounded design. After applying vertical and oblique loads , the size and distribution of the maximum principal stress and equivalent stress of residual tooth tissue were recorded. RESULTS: The maximum principal stress and equivalent stress distribution of residual tooth tissue were similar among different models. Group A showed a lower maximum principal stress and equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height under vertical load. Meanwhile, under oblique load, the maximum principal stress values of groups A and B decreased with increased thickness at constant height. Group A showed lower equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height of 2 and 3 mm. However, when the height was 4 mm, the trend was reversed. CONCLUSIONS: In mastication, when bearing the vertical force, the retention of the butt-joint marginal endocrown preferred to the shoulder-surrounded one. Given the higher axial wall of the shoulder-surrounded marginal endocrown, it showed better ability to bear the oblique force than the butt-joint one.

Finite-element analysis of mandibular first molar with two marginal designs of endocrown for the repair of different defects / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution of the mandibular first molar with different thicknesses and heights of the axial wall restored by the endocrown with two marginal designs and thus provide a theoretical basis for selecting clinical preparation through the finite-element method.@*METHODS@#Two marginal endocrowns of the mandibular first molar with different axial-wall thicknesses (t=1, 2, 3 mm) and heights (h=2, 3, 4 mm) were established. Group A was the butt-joint design, whereas group B was the shoulder-surrounded design. After applying vertical and oblique loads , the size and distribution of the maximum principal stress and equivalent stress of residual tooth tissue were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The maximum principal stress and equivalent stress distribution of residual tooth tissue were similar among different models. Group A showed a lower maximum principal stress and equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height under vertical load. Meanwhile, under oblique load, the maximum principal stress values of groups A and B decreased with increased thickness at constant height. Group A showed lower equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height of 2 and 
3 mm. However, when the height was 4 mm, the trend was reversed.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In mastication, when bearing the vertical force, the retention of the butt-joint marginal endocrown preferred to the shoulder-surrounded one. Given the higher axial wall of the shoulder-surrounded marginal endocrown, it showed better ability to bear the oblique force than the butt-joint one.

Effects from Size Parameters of Minimally Invasive Vascular Clamp on Vascular Mechanical Properties / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze the influence from size parameters of minimally invasive vascular clamp on mechanical properties of small arteries. Methods The finite element simulation analysis on the process of minimally invasive vascular clamp clamping small arteries was performed. The influence patterns of 5 different sawtooth spacing, sawtooth heights and sawtooth lengths on mechanical properties of small arteries were studied. Results Larger sawtooth spacing led to smaller maximum equivalent stress of the clamped artery. The maximum equivalent stress of the small artery was not linear with the sawtooth height of the vascular clamp. The maximum equivalent stress of the small artery was the smallest and the vascular injury was the minimal when the swatooth height was 75 μm. The sawtooth length of the vascular clamp had an important influence on mechanical properties of clamped small arteries. The maximum equivalent stress of the artery was proportional to the sawtooth length of the vascular clamp. Conclusions The size parameters of minimally invasive vascular clamp had an important influence on mechanical properties in the process of clamping small arteries. The research findings can provide guidance for the design of the minimally invasive vascular clamp.

Stress distribution in tooth resin core build-ups with different post-end positions in alveolar bone level under two kinds of load directions.

This study aimed to evaluate influence of different post-end positions in alveolar bone level on stress distributions in resin-core build-up tooth under different load directions. Three-dimensional mathematical models of a root-filled mandibular premolar tooth were constructed. Resin post and core were built-up with six post lengths: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 mm. Finite element analysis calculated stress distributions with oblique load of 400 N to buccal cusp 45 degree from buccal side or from lingual side. The 3 mm-post length (post-end position equal to cancellous bone level) caused highest equivalent stress of post-end compared with the shorter or longer post length. When change of load direction, the direction of maximum shear stress became completely opposite at mesiodistal cervical edge of core-part without a change of the magnitude. Changing shear stress direction would increase risk of debonding at mesiodistal cervical edge.

The effect of diameter of the screw-access hole on the implant prosthodontic system and surrounding cortical bone-A 3D finite element analysis / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the stress and stress distribution generated on each component of implant prosthodontic system and surrounding cortical bone when different diameters of screw-access hole (SAH) were prepared on molar crown. Methods: A fimite element(FE) model of partial mandible without first molar was set up, and an Bego implant was insert into it. A total of 5 models of the crown were computer-simulated by varying the diameter (Φ = 0-4 mm) of the SAH. The loading forces were 200 N axially (0°) and 100 N obliquely (45°) respectively on occlusive surface. The FE analysis was performed by computer. Results: Φ ≤3 mm: stress on occlusal surface of crown was almost unchanged and mainly distributed in the loading area. Φ = 4 mm, stress appeared an obvious rise and reached the maximum, the stress concentration under vertical load was changed to the hole margin. In vertical loading, screw could remain at a relatively low stress level when diameter did not exceed 1 mm. No changes on other components was observed. Conclusion: SAH diameter of 1 mm is recommended when a cement-and screw-retained crown is used in posterior region.

Sequential Structural and Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Balloon-Expandable Coronary Stents: A Multivariable Statistical Analysis.

Several clinical studies have identified a strong correlation between neointimal hyperplasia following coronary stent deployment and both stent-induced arterial injury and altered vessel hemodynamics. As such, the sequential structural and fluid dynamics analysis of balloon-expandable stent deployment should provide a comprehensive indication of stent performance. Despite this observation, very few numerical studies of balloon-expandable coronary stents have considered both the mechanical and hemodynamic impact of stent deployment. Furthermore, in the few studies that have considered both phenomena, only a small number of stents have been considered. In this study, a sequential structural and fluid dynamics analysis methodology was employed to compare both the mechanical and hemodynamic impact of six balloon-expandable coronary stents. To investigate the relationship between stent design and performance, several common stent design properties were then identified and the dependence between these properties and both the mechanical and hemodynamic variables of interest was evaluated using statistical measures of correlation. Following the completion of the numerical analyses, stent strut thickness was identified as the only common design property that demonstrated a strong dependence with either the mean equivalent stress predicted in the artery wall or the mean relative residence time predicted on the luminal surface of the artery. These results corroborate the findings of the large-scale ISAR-STEREO clinical studies and highlight the crucial role of strut thickness in coronary stent design. The sequential structural and fluid dynamics analysis methodology and the multivariable statistical treatment of the results described in this study should prove useful in the design of future balloon-expandable coronary stents.