3D Displacement Research Articles

Congruent Weber-B ankle fractures do not alter tibiotalar contact mechanics.

Current treatment strategy for managing Weber B ankle fractures is mainly governed by mortise congruency, malleolar alignment, deltoid ligament competence and fracture stability. While nonoperative treatment has yielded good functional outcomes in satisfactorily aligned stable injuries, a biomechanical rationale is not firmly established. Furthermore, current radiographic analysis is obscured by observer inaccuracy and beam rotation. This study aimed to utilize weightbearing CT and computational biomechanics to analyse 3D mortise displacement and contact mechanics in Weber-B ankle fractures and compare them with the uninjured contralateral side. 32 patients were included who sustained a Weber-B ankle fracture and underwent bilateral weightbearing CT imaging at injury. Segmentation into 3D models of bone was performed semi-automatically, and individualized cartilage layers were modeled based on a previously validated methodology. The 3D mortise congruency was evaluated by use of following parameters: alpha angle, fibular length, talocrural angle, medial gutter- and tibiofibular clear space- distance mapping. Contact mechanics were evaluated by the mean and maximum contact stress of the tibiotalar articulation. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences for all anatomical parameters. There was also no significant difference between the mean contact stress of the injured (2.10 ± 0.42 MPa) and uninjured side (2.10 ± 0.41 MPa), nor the maximum contact stress of the injured (7.67 ± 1.55 MPa) and uninjured (7.47 ± 1.67), respectively. Contact mechanics were unaffected in congruent Weber-B fractures. These findings support consideration of nonoperative management in such cases, given their presumably low risk for posttraumatic arthritic development in the long term. Level of Evidence: Level III; retrospective case-control study.

A novel dimension reduction model based on POD and two-grid Crank–Nicolson mixed finite element methods for 3D nonlinear elastodynamic sine–Gordon problem

Earthquake, petroleum and gas extraction, and underground nuclear test all could cause nonlinear tectonic deformation. It is of great significance to effectively predict and evaluate the disasters and impacts of these geological structure deformation. In this end, a three-dimension (3D) nonlinear elastodynamic sine–Gordon model that can be used to describe nonlinear tectonic deformation including 3D displacement vector, 3 × 3 symmetric stress tensor matrix, nonlinear sin term, and singular initial value functions is first proposed. Then, a new time semi-discrete mixed Crank–Nicolson (TSDMCN) scheme for the 3D nonlinear elastodynamic sine–Gordon model is developed, and the existence, stability, and error estimates of the TSDMCN solutions are proved. Next, a new two-grid mixed finite element Crank–Nicolson (TGMFECN) method with unconditional stability for the 3D nonlinear elastodynamic sine–Gordon model is developed, and the existence, stability, and error estimates of the TGMFECN solutions are proved. Thenceforth, it is the most important thing is that a novel reduced-dimensional iterative TGMFECN (RDITGMFECN) method in matrix form is established by resorting to proper orthogonal decomposition only to lower the unknown TGMFECN solution coefficient vectors and keep TGMFECN basis functions unchanged, which can ensure that the RDITGMFECN method has the same accuracy as the usual TGMFECN method, but can greatly lower the dimension of the unknown TGMFECN solution coefficient vectors so as to mitigate calculated workload, save CPU operating-time, improve computing efficiency, and improve real-time calculating accuracy. In theory, the existence, stability, and error estimates of RDITGMFECN solutions are demonstrated by matrix analysis such that the theoretical analysis becomes very intuitive and easy to be understood by the public, which is a new attempt of theoretical analysis. In application, two numerical examples are used to simulate the 3D nonlinear tectonic deformation caused by earthquake and to verify the correctness of our theoretical results and the effectiveness of the RDITGMFECN method.

3D gel dosimeter assessment for end-to-end geometric accuracy determination of the online adaptive workflow on the 1.5 T MR-linac

Background and purpose:During an end-to-end (E2E) test on the online workflow of the MR-linac, the performance of the treatment starting from the acquisition of pre-treatment MRI scans and ending with dose delivery is quantified. In such a test, the geometrical accuracy of the entire workflow is assessed. Ideally, the 3D geometrical accuracy of dose delivery on an MR-linac should be assessed using dosimeters that provide 3D dose distributions. Gel dosimeters, for instance, have proven to be valuable tools for evaluating 3D dose distributions on an MR-linac. In this study, we investigated the use of 3D gel dosimeters for the assessment of the 3D geometrical accuracy and reproducibility of the adaptive procedure on an MR-linac in an E2E verification. Materials and methods:All measurements were performed on a clinical Unity MR-linac using 3D gel dosimeters in an anthropomorphic head phantom. Film measurements were performed as a reference dosimeter. An online adapt-to-shape procedure was performed for each measurement. Results:The geometric accuracy and reproducibility of the gel dosimeter measurements were high, and similar to all in-plane film measurements. The largest shift found was 0.3 mm for the gel dosimeter, and 0.6 mm for the in-plane film measurements. The 3D displacement vectors of the gel dosimeter showed similar uncertainties as the in-plane film 2D displacement vectors. Conclusions:Gel dosimeters can be used for the assessment of the 3D end-to-end geometric accuracy of an MR-linac.

Study Explores Fracture-Driven Interaction Mitigation Strategies for Field Development

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper URTeC 4055561, “Numerical Investigation of Fracture-Driven-Interaction Mitigation Strategies and Field Development Optimization,” by Ruiting Wu, SPE, Xiaolong Liu, and Lili Xu, Chevron, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Numerical modeling of fracture-driven interactions (FDI) using a coupled hydraulic-fracturing-propagation, reservoir-flow, and geomechanics tool has been conducted. The numerical study showed that, for the basins studied, FDI and some mitigation strategies have minimal effect on long-term parent-well productions. Parent depletion (volume and areal extent), well spacing, and child-fracture asymmetry, however, greatly affect child-well production as the result of FDI. Introduction Interwell FDI, also known as frac hits, has garnered recent attention given that more than 60% of new wells drilled in US unconventional reservoirs are infill drilling. Whereas uncontrollable parameters, such as natural fractures and matrix permeability, do contribute to the effect of FDI on well production, the authors’ primary focus lies on controllable factors. Field observations have shown that tighter well spacing and smaller completion sizes tend to result in fewer negative effects on both parent- and child-well production. Additionally, fracture-fluid injection rates, the number of clusters, and cluster spacing all influence FDI effects. Simulation Tool and Workflow A coupled hydraulic-fracture, reservoir, and wellbore simulator was used to simulate the fracturing and production stage of the parent and child wells and related fracture-driven well interaction. The simulator simultaneously solves the equations of fluid flow, proppant transport, water/solute transport, fracture mechanics, and poroelasticity in the well, fracture, and matrix domains. Fracture propagation is calculated using the multilayer-tip-elements algorithm. Fracture elements are represented by uniformly sized rectangles. Fracture-to-fracture stress shadow is calculated with the 3D displacement discontinuity method, and the poroelastic stress responses during fracture propagation and depletion are calculated with a finite-volume method. The tool is designed to simulate the entire life cycle of the FDI interaction. The modeling workflow also includes calibration with field observations of fracture geometry, the pressure response at the parent well during fracturing of the child well, the water cut change at the parent well as the result of FDI, and production performance. Field Case Study: Permian Basin The primary objective of this study is to identify the key parameters that contribute to FDI and mitigate the negative effects of FDI. Two field case studies were conducted in two basins, the Permian Basin and the DJ Basin. In both field studies, a history match of parent and child well performance was first conducted. Then, a sensitivity study was performed on various key parameters to understand their effects on the production performance at both parent and child wells. Both field case studies are focused on the lateral FDI. The first case study is included in this synopsis.

Heart Shape to Fracture Distance: Characterizing Hydraulic Fracture Propagation before Hits

Summary Estimating the distance from the hydraulic fracture tip to the monitor well can be useful for fracture characterization, well spacing optimization, and preventing parent-child well interference. A heart-shaped signal is referred to as the extensional precursor of a fracture hit recorded by crosswell strain measurements and can serve as a vital tool for such estimation. This study incorporates the 3D displacement discontinuity method (DDM) to understand the impact of fracture geometry and monitor well offset on the heart-shaped signal’s characteristics. Results from numerical simulation and analytical solutions reveal a strong linear correlation between the spatial extent of the heart-shaped signal and the fracture tip distance. This relationship was further developed to predict tip distance using field data from the Hydraulic Fracture Test Site 2 (HFTS2). A reasonable approximation result from field data further validates the methodology. In addition, it is worth noting that the estimation accuracy depends on the ratio between fracture dimension and tip distance. The findings of this study offer a novel approach for real-time monitoring and characterizing hydraulic fracture propagation, which can be further used for well spacing optimization in unconventional and enhanced geothermal system reservoir development, as well as caprock integrity monitoring for carbon sequestration projects.

Retraction: “A closed-form analytical model for predicting 3D boundary layer displacement thickness for the validation of viscous flow solvers” [AIP Adv. 8(2), 025315 (2018); 13(4), 025015 (2022)

Retraction: “A closed-form analytical model for predicting 3D boundary layer displacement thickness for the validation of viscous flow solvers” [AIP Adv. 8(2), 025315 (2018); 13(4), 025015 (2022)

Three-dimensional deformation monitoring of internal nodes of large-span suspended dome structure using videogrammetry under camera instability

Large-span suspended domes often serve as landmarks for cities or countries. This paper proposes a videogrammetric method for monitoring the 3D deformation of internal key nodes in such structures, even under conditions of camera instability. Utilizing circular targets strategically placed on the measurement area, a dynamic parameter calibration method is developed to estimate the instantaneous position and orientation of cameras relative to the world coordinate system, minimizing camera motion-induced errors. Combined with surface targets on the rigid structure and local coordinate frame transformation, the 3D displacement response of structural internal nodes can be precisely measured using the proposed tracking method. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methods were validated through exhaustive experiments, improving positioning accuracy for the structural internal nodes from 47.24 mm to 1.62 mm after dynamic parameter correction. This methodology offers a low-cost, easily implemented, and non-destructive vision-based solution for the long-term monitoring of large-span suspended domes.

Clinical implementation and evaluation of stereotactic liver radiotherapy in inspiration breath-hold using nasal high flow therapy and surface guidance.

To evaluate two years of clinical experience with markerless breath-hold liver stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) using non-invasive nasal high flow therapy (NHFT) for breath-hold prolonging and surface guidance (SGRT) for monitoring. Heated and humidified air was administered via a nasal cannula (40 L/min, 80% oxygen, 34 °C). Patients performed voluntary inspiration breath-holds with visual feedback. After a training session, 4-5 breath-hold CT scans were acquired to delineate an internal target volume (ITV) accounting for inter- and intra-breath-hold variations. Patients were treated in 3-8 fractions (7.5-20 Gy/fraction) using SGRT-controlled beam-hold. Patient setup was performed using SGRT and CBCT imaging. A post-treatment CBCT was acquired for evaluation purposes. Fifteen patients started the training session and received treatment, of whom 10 completed treatment in breath-hold. Half of all 60-second CBCT scans were acquired during a single breath-hold. The average maximum breath-hold duration during treatment ranged from 47-108 s. Breath-hold ITV was on average 6.5 cm³/30% larger (range: 1.1-23.9 cm³/5-95%) than the largest GTV. Free-breathing ITV based on 4DCT scans was on average 16.9 cm³/47% larger (range: -2.3-58.7 cm3/-16-157%) than the breath-hold ITV. The average 3D displacement vector of the area around PTV for the post-treatment CBCT scans was 5.0 mm (range: 0.7-12.9 mm). Liver SBRT in breath-hold using NHFT and SGRT is feasible for the majority of patients. An ITV reduction was observed compared to free-breathing treatments. To further decrease the PTV, internal anatomy-based breath-hold monitoring is desired. Non-invasive NHFT allows for prolonged breath-holding during surface-guided liver SBRT.

Failure mechanism of transversely isotropic schist under Brazilian test using real-time X-ray nano tomography scanning

The study tries to address Brazilian tests on a transversely isotropic rock to investigate failure conditions by using digital volume correlation (DVC). For this purpose, an in-situ Brazilian apparatus in a nano- X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner is applied to investigate the 3D progressive failure mechanism of the schist. Two different anisotropy angles are tested. CT scans are conducted at every selected loading stage before peak load. DVC analyzes the constructed X-ray CT images to determine the effect of schistosity orientation on failure mechanism, including crack initiation and propagation. A calibration method is presented to verify DVC parameters, including the half size of the correlation window and the space between two sub-volumes. Using DVC, 3D deviatoric strain field, strain contours, and displacement increment are determined at all stages of loading. A CT value-based method (VG Studio) is also applied to validate the DVC results. It is found that the layer boundaries affect the failure pattern, with the agreement between the DVC results and VG Studio results being observed. For the specimen with horizontal layers, the crack initiates at the center part at the lower density layer and finishes out of the center. Also, for the specimen with horizontal layers, the crack initiates and propagates at the boundary of two layers out of the middle line of the specimen. These asymmetry failures are due to the heterogeneity of layers. The study also shows the type of failure using DVC by monitoring displacement increment vectors near the crack location.

Deformation and displacements of Earth’s surface in Turkish earthquakes era in February 2023 by geodesy data

The work analyzes the connection between a series of Turkish earthquakes in February 2023 and coseismic displacements and deformations on the Earth's surface. In areas of seismic rupture during the five days, there are recordings of three earthquakes on February 6 with magnitudes 7.8, 6.7, 7.5 and then for 5 days period – 42 events of magnitude 4.5–6.0. This work analyzed data obtained by various geodesy methods in the epicentral region. Coseismic effects in a 300 kilometers zone, covering a significant part of the East Anatolian Fault, are considered. Relative displacements up to 6 m have been recorded, with an average value 4 m. When for studying far-field effects, we used GPS network data from 27 international stations, of which seven stations located in Turkey. For the closest to the epicenters of the main aftershock on February 6, 2023, MERS station received coseismic 3D displacements up to 20 mm. The displacement and deformation fields have been constructed according to IGS data. Rates of coseismic deformations in the far zone reach up 10–8 , which is an order of magnitude higher than the background values of 10–9 . Post-seismic horizontal and vertical displacements rates of the Earth's surface in areas of Turkey, located to the southwest of the earthquake epicenters can be associated with floods. A study of displacements rates and deformations of the territory was carried out Turkey and its surroundings in the era of 2017–2023. Highlighted decrease displacement rates two years before seismic activation in 2023. The resulting picture of displacement and deformation rates reflects a current processes in the territory located on the borders of Anatolian Block and tectonic plates: Eurasian, Arabian, and African.

Commissioning of MRI-guided gynaecological brachytherapy using an MR-linac.

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility of use of an 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR)-linear accelerator MR-linac for imaging in gynaecologic high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy.Method. Commissioning measurements for MR images quality control, geometric distortion, dwell position accuracy, applicator reconstruction and end-to-end test for a tandem-and-ring applicator were performed following the recommendations of American Brachytherapy Society, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements and Report of the Brachytherapy Working Group of the Spanish Society of Medical Physics. The values for MR-based IGABT were compared to the corresponding values with computed tomography (CT).Results. Measured distorsions for the MR images were less than 0.50 mm compared to the CT images. The differences between 3D displacements for all dwell positions were 0.66 mm and 0.62 mm for the tandem and ring, respectively. The maximum difference is 0.64 mm for the distances from the applicator tip obtained using the films. The CT and MR dose differences for the right and left 'A' points were 0.9% and -0.7%, respectively. Similar results were observed in terms of dose distribution for CT and Mr The gamma passing rate was 99.3% and 99.5%, respectively.Conclusion. The use of MR images from an MR-linac used in a radiotherapy service for gynaecological brachytherapy was proved to be feasible, safe and precise as the geometrical differences were less than 1 mm, and the dosimetric differences were less than 1% when comparing to the use of CT images for the same purpose.

3D displacement measurement using a single-camera and mesh deformation neural network

Computer vision-based methods for civil structure’s vibration displacement measurement have emerged as useful tools in the recent years. These methods offer several benefits including non-contact measurements, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to capture full-field displacement. Yet, there remain certain challenges. Measuring vibration displacement in 3D typically requires multiple cameras, adding complexity to camera configurations. Moreover, existing methods relied heavily on physical markers or natural key points. Placing physical markers on structures is often impractical, and natural key points are difficult to detect on structures with few distinct features or during rapid movements. Contrary to previous approaches, this paper presents a novel technique that uses a monocular camera for 3D displacement measurements. This technique obviates the need for physical markers or the reliance on natural key points, representing a significant advancement. Central to the method is a deep neural network designed to predict 3D mesh deformation directly from a single image input, combined with an initial 3D cube mesh input. A synthetic 3D dataset is generated to train the neural network. In the testing phase for real structures, advanced video segmentation method is employed to remove the background in order to enhance the prediction accuracy. The practical efficacy of this methodology is validated in a laboratory through a series of experimental tests on beam structures, demonstrating reliable results and application potentials.

Quantitative multistage fracturing efficiency evaluation using cross-well strain measurements

Cross-well strain measurements acquired through low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) is a maturing technique used to monitor and diagnose the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing treatments. Although LF-DAS has demonstrated potential in characterizing far-field fracture communication and geometry, the prevailing analysis in this field has historically relied on qualitative interpretations, focusing on the timing and location of frac hits. In response to the evolving landscape of quantitative studies in this area, we present an advanced quantitative technique using our novel Green-function based inversion algorithm to calculate time-dependent far-field fracture width. The adopted algorithm uses the 3D displacement discontinuity method to relate fracture aperture to strains measured by LF-DAS along a monitor well during stimulation treatments. This approach is demonstrated on a subset of four treatment stages where distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) were acquired within the injection well, alongside LF-DAS from a nearby monitor well. LF-DAS inversion results indicate the loss of zonal isolation in three of the monitored stages, leading to significantly smaller fracture widths at the monitor well for targeted treatment stages, and reactivated fractures in the adjacent previous stages. These interpretations are cross validated through the integration of in-well DAS and DTS analysis, where severe interstage fluid communication is observed. The inverted fracture widths quantify the impact on far-field fracture geometry associated with poor stage isolation and decreased fracturing efficiency. This new approach demonstrates the potential of LF-DAS for quantitative analysis and interpretation, facilitating improved understanding and optimization of hydraulic stimulation, going beyond its conventional qualitative role in fracturing diagnostics.

3D electro-elastic static analysis of advanced plates and shells

The proposed three-dimensional (3D) coupled electro-elastic shell model allows the static analysis of smart structures embedding classical piezoelectric and functionally graded piezoelectric layers. Plates, cylindrical and spherical panels are investigated in both sensor and actuator configurations. The primary variables of the coupled model are displacement components and the electric potential. Therefore, displacements, stresses, strains, electric potential and electric displacements are calculated for smart structures used as sensors (applied mechanical load) and smart structures used as actuators (applied electric potential). In the case of spherical shells, 3D equilibrium equations are coupled with the 3D divergence electric displacement equation. The obtained coupled system is also valid for cylindrical shells and plates thanks to the use of a mixed curvilinear orthogonal reference system. The partial differential governing equations are solved using the Navier harmonic form and the exponential matrix method for simply supported structures. Preliminary assessments are proposed to validate the model and further benchmarks are analyzed to discuss the effects connected with the thickness ratio, the lamination scheme, the load conditions, the geometry of the structures and the employed materials. The main innovation point of the proposed model is the possibility to analyze several geometries including different materials and applied loads by means of a unique and general formulation where partial differential equations are solved in closed form. The use of functionally graded piezoelectric materials allows to eliminate all stress component discontinuities at each layer interface.

Finite element analysis based verification of shape estimation performance according to displacement conditions and module types of FBG bending sensor

This study proposes a novel, versatile sensor application solution suitable for various environments by verifying the shape estimation performance of three different module types of an FBG bending sensor based on finite element analysis. FBG bending sensors, including the individual attachment type, triangular stacking type, and band type, were attached to the structure. Subsequently, two simple plane displacement and one complex 3D displacement were applied to the structure to derive the strain for nine cases through finite element analysis. The shape estimation performance was then verified through a simulation based on the previously derived strain. As a result of verifying the shape estimation performance, it was confirmed that all three module types had high performance under simple plane displacement condition, whereas individual attachment types had better performance under complex 3D displacement condition. However, it’s important to note that the triangular stacking type and band type, with their small spacing between FBGs, have been developed to overcome the limited attachment conditions of the individual attachment type and to streamline the manufacturing process of the FBG bending sensors. Therefore, it is possible to select the FBG bending sensor according to the installation conditions of the structure to be applied and the required sensor performance by comprehensively considering the performance verification results of this study and the characteristics of the module types.

Three-dimensional vibration analysis of multilayered composite and functionally graded piezoelectric plates and shells

In the present paper, a coupled 3D exact electro-elastic shell model for Functionally Graded (FG) and composite piezoelectric structures is proposed. Primary variables of the electro-elastic model are the electric potential and the three displacement components. The model allows to evaluate the piezoelectric effect in terms of frequencies and vibration modes. Both closed and open circuit configurations are analyzed and compared. The 3D equilibrium equations and the 3D divergence electric displacement equation for spherical shells give the set of partial differential equations for the electro-elastic problem. The proposed model for spherical shells automatically degenerates into simpler models for plates and cylindrical shells via properly considerations on radii of curvature along in-plane directions. The orthogonal mixed curvilinear coordinates α, β and z are employed. The partial differential governing equations have constant coefficients considering fictitious layers and they are solved using the Navier harmonic form and the exponential matrix method. These features lead to an exact solution for simply-supported boundary conditions. Free vibration analyses are conducted and circular frequencies for the first three thickness vibration modes are computed. After a global assessment phase to verify the correctness of the developed model, new benchmarks are proposed: different thickness ratios and material configurations are investigated. The present work can be intended as a reference general solution for those scientists interested in the study of piezoelectric structures via 2D analytical and numerical formulations.

Conceptual shaking table tests for resilient segmental bridge columns with resettable sliding joints

The ever-increasing demand for accelerated construction of urban bridges or viaducts calls for more prefabrication with various joint schemes, while satisfying the need for seismic resilience. On the other hand, segmentation into components of various shapes and morphologies is common for multifunctional structures found in living organisms and ancient Chinese timber structures, which also inspires the development of resilient segmental bridge column design. To provide further insights into the cost-effective resilient design of precast bridge columns, this paper suggests the use of resettable sliding joints (RSJ) comprising lubricated gently-inclined joint interface with partially debonded tendon arrangement, essentially forming a hybrid sliding and rocking seismic isolation system of precast segmental structures. The deformability of the proposed design is high. Similitude analysis was conducted considering the rigid body behavior of individual segments under seismic input. It presents the conceptual shaking table testing of four 1:12 prestressed segmental column models fabricated with special three-dimensional (3D) printed plastic molds and interface treatment. A motion capture system was installed for accurate 3D displacement data acquisition and five typical major near-fault earthquake records were selected. Among all specimens, the RSJ segmental column could reach a high damping ratio of about 20 % during the tests, and it outperformed the others in many aspects: (i) a tolerable maximum top drift of about 1 %; (ii) a moderate percentage of transient rocking of about 20 %; (iii) an evenly distributed sliding displacement among all sliding joints; and (iv) negligible residual sliding drift at sliding joints. These superior attributes of RSJ segmental column are consistent under excitation of consecutive rounds of different major earthquake records, indicating high robustness as well as high seismic resilience in the design of RSJ segmental columns.

Non-linear analysis of anisotropic coated fabric utilizing Variational Asymptotic Method

The dimensional reduction of a hyperelastic coated fabric from 3D to 2D is accomplished asymptotically using the Variational Asymptotic Method (VAM). This method integrates constrained calculus of variations and asymptotics. The VAM bifurcates the analysis into two: a 1D through-the-thickness analysis and a 2D reference surface analysis. The 1D analysis leads to the derivation of an asymptotically correct 3D warping functions and a 2D non-linear constitutive law. The 2D non-linear reference surface analysis utilizes the derived 2D non-linear constitutive law to obtain 2D displacements and strains through the 2D non-linear FEA. The classification of 3D strain energy density into distinct orders is enabled by introducing two intrinsic small parameters: 1) a geometric small parameter denoted by the ratio of thickness to characteristic length (h/l≪1), and 2) a physical small parameter that ensures the largest component of 3D strain is restricted to 20 percent, which is less than 1. The model takes into account both geometric and material nonlinearities. The strain energy function, which describes the anisotropic characteristics of the coated fabric has contributions from the strain energies of fiber, matrix, and fiber-fiber interaction. The findings of the study include analytically derived 3D warping functions, a 2D nonlinear constitutive law, and the prediction of warp and weft stresses and strain for a biaxial loaded tensile specimen. These findings align with the experimental outcomes.

High Power Pulsed LED Driver for Vibration Measurements.

Vibration measurements pose specific experimental challenges to be faced. In particular, optical methods can be used to obtain full-field vibration information. In this scenario, stereo-camera systems can be developed to obtain 3D displacement measurements. As vibration frequency increases, the common approach is to reduce camera exposure time to avoid blurred images, which can lead to under-exposed images and data loss, as well as issues with the synchronization of the stereo pair. Both of these problems can be solved by using high-intensity light pulses, which can produce high-quality images and guarantee camera synchronization since data is saved by both cameras only during the short-time light pulse. To this extent, high-power Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) can be used, but even if the LED itself can have a fast response time, specific electronic drivers are needed to ensure the desired timing of the light pulse. In this paper, a circuit is specifically designed to achieve high-intensity short-time light pulses in the range of 1 µs. A prototype of the designed board was assembled and tested to check its capability to respect the specification. Three different measurement methods are proposed and validated to achieve short-time light pulse measurements: shunt voltage measurement, direct photodiode measurement with a low-cost sensor, and indirect pulse measurement through a low-frame-rate digital camera.

Tooth movement analysis of maxillary dentition distalization using clear aligners with buccal and palatal mini-screw anchorages: A finite element study.

To assess the tooth movement trends during the three stages of maxillary dentition distalization with clear aligners (CA) and to compare the efficacy of different mini-screw anchorage systems. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of three anchorage systems (A, control group; B, buccal mini-screw anchorage group; C, palatal mini-screw anchorage group) were established. Three stages of simulating maxillary dentition distalization with CA included maxillary molar distalization (stage 1), maxillary premolar distalization (stage 2) and maxillary anterior teeth retraction (stage 3). Therefore, a total of nine models were constructed to analyse the 3D displacement of maxillary teeth during the distalization process. The displacement pattern of maxillary dentition during distalization was similar across the three groups, but with varying magnitudes. During stage 1, groups B and C exhibited greater amounts of molar distalization compared to group A. Group C also demonstrated the least amount of labial movement of the maxillary central incisor compared to the other two groups. During stage 2, the mesial displacement of the maxillary first molar was less significant in groups B and C than in group A. In the final stage, group C exhibited a greater amount of maxillary anterior retraction compared to groups A and B. The palatal mini-screw anchorage system was effective in reducing anchorage loss and improving the efficacy of maxillary dentition distalization with CA.