In vivo optic nerve head biomechanics: performance testing of a three-dimensional tracking algorithm

Measurement of optic nerve head (ONH) deformations could be useful in the clinical management of glaucoma. Here, we propose a novel three-dimensional tissue-tracking algorithm designed to be used in vivo. We carry out preliminary verification of the algorithm by testing its accuracy and its robustness. An algorithm based on digital volume correlation was developed to extract ONH tissue displacements from two optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes of the ONH (undeformed and deformed). The algorithm was tested by applying artificial deformations to a baseline OCT scan while manipulating speckle noise, illumination and contrast enhancement. Tissue deformations determined by our algorithm were compared with the known (imposed) values. Errors in displacement magnitude, orientation and strain decreased with signal averaging and were 0.15 µm, 0.15° and 0.0019, respectively (for optimized algorithm parameters). Previous computational work suggests that these errors are acceptable to provide in vivo characterization of ONH biomechanics. Our algorithm is robust to OCT speckle noise as well as to changes in illumination conditions, and increasing signal averaging can produce better results. This algorithm has potential be used to quantify ONH three-dimensional strains in vivo, of benefit in the diagnosis and identification of risk factors in glaucoma.     

Sources of elastic deformations in steel frame and framed-tube structures: Part 2: Detailed subassemblage models

This paper examines the accuracy of a set of equations for computing Displacement Participation Factors (DPFs) for beam-column subassemblages of steel moment resisting frame buildings. These factors allow the analyst to determine how the entire subassemblage or individual components of a subassemblage contribute to a given structural displacement. Additionally, the component’s contribution to displacement may be evaluated in terms of sources of axial, flexural, or shear deformation.When applied to a set of 12 isolated subassemblages, it was shown in Part 1 of the paper that deformations in the beam-column joint are very significant, and that flexural deformation in the joint, which is often ignored, should be considered in all analyses. The total displacement predicted through the use of the DPFs correlates extremely well with the results of detailed three dimensional finite element analyses of the same subassemblages. However, it was also shown that there is considerable uncertainty in the bending moments and moments of inertia that are used to compute joint flexural deformations.The objective of this paper, which is the second part of a two-part paper, is to further investigate the accuracy of the DPF expressions developed in Part 1. This is done by computing DPFs from the results of detailed three dimensional finite element analysis, and comparing these to those computed through the use of the simple expressions.The results of the analysis show that the joint flexural deformations are accurately predicted by the simple DPF expressions, but that this accuracy arises from compensating “errors” in the simplified analysis. It is also shown that the use of beam flange continuity plates has a marginal effect on computed displacements. The paper ends with recommendations for using the simplified expressions for computing subassemblage deformations, and for including such deformations in structural analysis of steel frame and tube structures.     

Modeling the rheology of gelatin gels for finite deformations. Part 2. Viscoelastic solid model

The viscoelastic solid model proposed in this work can predict the rheological responses of gelatin gels for finite deformations. This rheological model considers a degree of physical cross-links at a given maturation time, which is partially attained from those links totally available when a pure elastic network is achieved. Thus, both an elastic network formed by permanent links on the average and a viscoelastic network composed of the remaining adaptive links are described at each maturation time. This model for gelatin gels considers appropriately the interplay between the networks involving: (a) viscoelastic relaxation as a consequence of an imposed mechanical history, (b) average degree of physical cross-links in the partially generated permanent network acting in the short-term mechanical response. In this context of analysis the standard viscoelastic solid is obtained asymptotically for small deformations. Also the effect of shear rate on the shear test is studied and the braking phenomenon is analysed in relation to the formation of microstructure by considering viscoelastic parameters.     

Modeling the rheology of gelatin gels for finite deformations. Part 1. Elastic rheological model

The rheological behavior of gelatin gels is studied through a constitutive equation derived in the literature from the classical hyperelasticity theory by using a nonlinear strain energy density. Gelatin gels are assumed to be an elastic solid here, which at a given maturation time has a degree of physical cross-links composing a permanent elastic network. It is also studied in particular: (a) the validation of the elastic rheological model proposed here in relation to the prediction of two data sets pertaining to different experimental tests (shear and simple compression) by using fixed values of rheological parameters, (b) the increase of the stress-strain nonlinearity with increasing maturation time, at a given protein concentration, (c) the evolution of the stress-strain nonlinearity with increasing gelatin concentration. It is found that gelatin gels exhibit a strong nonlinear strain energy density, which is expressed through two shear modules related to nucleation and growing of junction zones.     

Centrifuge experiments for shallow tunnels at active reverse fault intersection

Tunnels extend in large stretches with continuous lengths of up to hundreds of kilometers which are vulnerable to faulting in earthquake-prone areas. Assessing the interaction of soil and tunnel at an intersection with an active fault during an earthquake can be a beneficial guideline for tunnel design engineers. Here, a series of 4 centrifuge tests are planned and tested on continuous tunnels. Dip-slip surface faulting in reverse mechanism of 60-degree is modeled by a fault simulator box in a quasi-static manner. Failure mechanism, progression and locations of damages to the tunnels are assessed through a gradual increase in Permanent Ground Displacement (PGD). The ground surface deformations and strains, fault surface trace, fault scarp and the sinkhole caused by fault movement are observed here. These ground surface deformations are major threats to stability, safety and serviceability of the structures. According to the observations, the modeled tunnels are vulnerable to reverse fault rupture and but the functionality loss is not abrupt, and the tunnel will be able to tolerate some fault displacements. By monitoring the progress of damage states by increasing PGD, the fragility curves corresponding to each damage state were plotted and interpreted in related figures.     

Shock wave induced damage in kidney tissue

In a common medical procedure known as shock-wave lithotripsy hypersonic waves are generated and focused at the kidney stone. These shock waves are thought to fragment the stone but also lead to injuries of the kidney tissue. To predict and estimate this damage we develop here a mechanical model for the response of soft tissue to the exposure of shock waves.

The material model combines shear induced finite plasticity with irreversible volumetric expansion as induced, e.g., by cavitating bubbles. Dynamic effects like micro-inertia and rate sensitivity are included. The time-discretized porous-viscoplastic constitutive updates are described in a fully variational manner. A finite element analysis localizes the damage in the human kidney in good agreement to clinical and experimental studies.     

A note on a correspondence principle in nonlinear viscoelastic materials

We show that models for the nonlinear viscoelastic response of solids generated on the basis of a correspondence principle developed by Schapery(1984) do not satisfy the balance of angular momentum for large deformations. This principle, which is valid if the displacement gradients are sufficiently small, has been used in several papers to develop models to describe the fracture of viscoelastic solids, and these studies need to be reexamined in the light of this note.     

薄壁大平板铸件的串铸工艺

壁薄、大面积、表面不加工的平板铸件易出现弯曲变形、表面质量不好等问题.采用平做立浇、组型串铸、中部敞开式的铸造工艺.砂型表面用钢板紧固,选用底注式浇注工艺,控制大平板薄壁铸件发生弯曲变形,提高了铸件表面质量.     

Enhanced transverse shear strain shell formulation applied to large elasto‐plastic deformation problems

In this work, a previously proposed Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) finite element formulation for thin shells is revised and extended to account for isotropic and anisotropic material non‐linearities. Transverse shear and membrane‐locking patterns are successfully removed from the displacement‐based formulation. The resultant EAS shell finite element does not rely on any other mixed formulation, since the enhanced strain field is designed to fulfil the null transverse shear strain subspace coming from the classical degenerated formulation. At the same time, a minimum number of enhanced variables is achieved, when compared with previous works in the field. Non‐linear effects are treated within a local reference frame affected by the rigid‐body part of the total deformation. Additive and multiplicative update procedures for the finite rotation degrees‐of‐freedom are implemented to correctly reproduce mid‐point configurations along the incremental deformation path, improving the overall convergence rate. The stress and strain tensors update in the local frame, together with an additive treatment of the EAS terms, lead to a straightforward implementation of non‐linear geometric and material relations. Accuracy of the implemented algorithms is shown in isotropic and anisotropic elasto‐plastic problems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction between Foundation and Soil Bed when Buildings Are Leveled with Jacks

A method is analyzed for the elimination of emergency situations that arise during building deformation; the method calls for leveling (raising) of the building with jacks.