Element Analysis Research Articles

A Novel Axial Load Inversion Method for Rock Bolts Based on the Surface Strain of a Bearing Plate

Anchor rock bolts are among the essential support components employed in coal mine support engineering. Measuring the axial load of the supporting anchor bolts constitutes an important foundation for evaluating the support effect and the mechanical state of the surrounding rock. The existing methods for measuring the axial load of rock bolts have difficulty meeting the actual demands in terms of accuracy and means. Therefore, we propose a novel inverse method for determining the axial load of rock bolts. On the basis of the dynamic relationship between the axial load of the anchor bolt and the strain of the plate, a calculation model for the inverse analysis of the axial load from the plate strain is presented, and it is verified and corrected through finite element analysis and indoor physical experiments. By combining the calculation model with the digital image correlation method, a low costinversion of the axial load of the anchor bolt in actual support engineering is achieved. The experimental results demonstrate that the average errors of the load inversion of anchor bolts in three different states via the theory and method proposed in this paper are less than 8.8% (4 kN), 3.6% (3.2 kN), and 14.7% (5.5 kN), respectively, and the average error of the axial load of the rock bolts in the proposed method is only 4.23 kN. It possesses relatively high accuracy and can be effectively applied in the actual production processes of mines.

Design of an Innovative Method for Measuring the Contractile Behavior of Engineered Tissues.

Hypertrophic scarring is a common complication in severely burned patients who undergo autologous skin grafting. Meshed skin grafts tend to contract during wound healing, increasing the risk of pathological scarring. Although various technologies have been used to study cellular contraction, current methods for measuring contractile forces at the tissue level are limited and do not replicate the complexity of native tissues. Self-assembled skin substitutes (SASSs) were developed at the "Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX" and are used as permanent full-thickness skin grafts. The autologous skin substitutes are produced using the self-assembly method, allowing the cultured cells to produce their extracellular matrix leading to a tissue-engineered substitute resembling the native skin. The level of contraction of the SASSs during the fabrication process is patient-dependent. Thus, because of its architecture and composition, SASS is an interesting model to study skin contraction in vitro. Unfortunately, standard measurement methods are unsuited for SASS contraction assessment, mainly due to incompatibilities between the SASS manufacturing process and the current contraction force measurement methods. Here, we present an innovative contraction measurement method specifically designed to quantify the contractile behavior of tissue-engineered substitutes, without disrupting the protocol of production. The method uses C-shape anchoring frames that close at different speeds and magnitudes according to the tissue contractile behavior. A finite element analysis model is then used to associate the frame deformation to a contractile force amplitude. This article shows that the method can be used to measure the contraction force of tissues produced with cells displaying different contractile properties, such as primary skin fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. It can also be used to study the effects of cell culture conditions on tissue contraction, such as serum concentration. This protocol can be easily and affordably applied and tuned to many regenerative medicine applications or contraction-related pathological studies. Impact Statement The protocol presented in this article is a new and simple method to quantify contraction forces present in tissue-engineered substitutes. Using finite element analysis, it allows for the measurement of a contraction force rather than a surface reduction as usually provided by other tissue contraction measurement methods. The results shown are in correlation with the current literature relevant to tissue contraction. It can be easily implemented, and hence, this method will open up new avenues to study tissue contraction of living substitutes engineered with various cell types and to optimize culture conditions.

Discrete Element Analysis of the Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Ballasted Track on Bridges Under Train Loading

The operation and service performance of ballasted track on bridges face significant challenges due to high-speed railway train operations. To investigate the mechanical characteristics of ballasted track on bridges, field experiments were conducted. A coupling model of ballasted track on a simply-supported girder bridge was established using the coupling method of discrete element and multi-flexible body dynamics and analyzes the changes in ballast bed settlement deformation, stiffness and energy with increasing load cycles. The findings reveal that dynamic loading alters the original contact state of ballast particles, displaying notable anisotropy vertically and longitudinally and isotropy horizontally. The vibration of ballast particles on bridges is more pronounced than on the subgrade, with vibration acceleration under the sleeper at 150[Formula: see text]mm depth on the bridge being 2.89 times that on the subgrade foundation. As the system stabilizes, the interlocking effect among granular ballast particles strengthens, reducing mutual sliding and increasing ballast bed stiffness by approximately 7.8–9.5% compared to the initial state, while total energy and dissipated energy gradually decrease. It is recommended to monitor the quality of ballast particles under the sleeper of ballasted tracks on bridges, implement vibration mitigation measures, or periodically replace ballast particles.

A decadal review of organizational identification: insights from bibliometric analysis and content analysis

AbstractIn the face of global competition, it is imperative to conduct research on organizational identification in order to maximize employee commitment and organizational loyalty. Understanding how employees identify with their organizations can lead to improved productivity and retention rates. Organizational identification (OI) refers to an individual’s cognitive and affective connection to an organization. It exerts a significant impact on employee attitudes, behaviors, and job performance. It indicates an employee’s emotional bond, connectivity, and recognition with their company. This study aims to examine the impact of OI using bibliometric analysis and a literature review. Despite the topic’s wide use and coverage, the literature lacks quantitative data for bibliographic element analysis, making this study unique. This research fills that knowledge gap. We selected 227 research publications from the ABDC’s 2022 Quality Journals list, with A*, A, and B category journals for 2013 and 2022. The research methodologies employed encompassed trend analysis, scientific mapping, bibliographic coupling, co-occurrence analysis, and so on. Also, this study provides in-depth thematic analysis, content analysis, and a theoretical framework that contributes to the originality of the research. Our research findings offer bibliographic insights that enhance the study of literature. The study found that top journals are more interested in this topic. “Journal of Business Ethics” is very productive, whereas “Academy of Management Journal” holds the most influence. The study also highlights research gaps through quantitative and qualitative research. The study concluded by proposing further investigation and examining the consequences of its findings.

Biomechanical evaluation of stability after mandibular sagittal split osteotomy for advancement by Obwegeser-Dal Pont and Puricelli techniques using three-dimensional finite elements.

The surgical treatment for mandibular repositioning using a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) favours the development of techniques that result in adequate repair and stability. In Puricelli's mandibular sagittal split osteotomy (PMSSO) proposal, the vertical lateral cut osteotomy is located in the interradicular space between the lower first molar and second premolar. This in silico study aimed to investigate the mechanical stability of PMSSO and compare it with the classical Obwegeser-Dal Pont technique for mandibular advancement. A computational geometric model of the mandible was created in a virtual environment using computer-aided design (CAD) software. After reproducing the advancements, two test groups were developed: GTOD10, Obwegeser-Dal Pont osteotomy, and GTP10, Puricelli osteotomy, both simulating a 10-mm mandibular advancement, allowing for measuring the area of overlap between bone segments. With the geometric changes promoted by the osteotomy, boundary conditions of displacement and force were applied to a CAD software based on finite element analysis (FEA), allowing for quantitative and comparative analysis of the stress and vertical displacement of the mandible, mechanical measurements that may be associated with strength and stiffness. A 17.48% higher stress was observed in the GTP10 group than in GTOD10. However, the region of highest stress in GTP10 was found in a part of the bone that was still intact and far from the area of fragility caused by lateral vertical osteotomy. In contrast, in GTOD10, the region with high stress was in a less resistant bone region. The GTP10 group showed a 28.73% lower displacement than GTOD10. The area of overlap between the proximal and distal segments of the mandible was 33.13% larger in the GTP10 than in the GTOD10 group. The PMSSO method, performed in large mandibular advancements, keeps the point of highest stress away from the mandibular fragility zone. Considering the same amount of advancement, it also promotes less displacement and larger areas of bone overlap. The results suggest that PMSSO, applied in large mandibular advancement, presents greater postoperative stability.

Gadolinium-Sensitive Artificial Nanochannel Membrane for Information Encryption.

Inspired from ion channels in the myelinated axon of Xenopus laevis found to be affected by gadolinium on axonal currents, we present a solid nanochannel membrane sensitive to gadolinium (Gd3+), which can be achieved via the use of the macrocyclic triacetic acid derivative in the host-guest chemistry approach. The macrocyclic nanochannel has good responsiveness toward Gd3+, even at the nanomolar concentration level, evidenced by discernible changes in rectification, ionic conductance, and XPS analyses. Notably, the Gd3+-sensitive nanochannel membrane can be switched by the addition of a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) derivative. Further studies have indicated that the gated behavior of Gd3+ in the nanochannel can be attributed to the strong binding strength between DO3A and Gd3+, which induces a surface charge reversal within the nanochannel. The mechanism has been confirmed through several experimental techniques, including isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments, fluorescence titration experiments, and finite element analysis. Based on its Gd3+ responsiveness of the constructed ion channel, we successfully developed an advanced multilevel information encryption application of the artificial solid nanochannel membrane. Furthermore, it is anticipated that a more effective encryption system will be built by utilizing the bionic ion channel system's ease of use and straightforward functionalization.

CFD-FEM Analysis for Functionality Prediction of Multi-Gear Pumps

A comprehensive model for evaluating the functionality of a multi-gear pump has been developed. The integrated model for assessing the functionality of a multi-gear pump contains a computational fluid dynamics analysis (CFD) model combined with a finite element method (FEM)-based strength model. Two submodels were linked: a CFD submodel to evaluate the internal pressure distribution of the pump and a structural FEM submodel to calculate the stresses and structural displacements of the pump due to fluid pressure. Finite element analysis in SolidWorks 2016 was used to evaluate the strength of the gear joints of the pump gears. As the pressure of the working fluid increases from 6 to 20 MPa, a linear increase in Mises stresses is observed. At the shaft, these stresses increase to 226.2 MPa, and at the tooth mouths, they reach a maximum value of 205.5 MPa. With the increase in torque on the drive shaft from 100 to 500 N·m, there is a significant increase in Mises stresses localized in the contact zones of the shaft with the drive gear. Analysis of the data obtained showed that the displacements caused by the pressure of the working fluid are insignificant compared to the displacements arising under the action of torque. With increasing pressure and torque, there is a tendency to decrease the safety factor, which indicates a decrease in the safety factor of the design of the multi-gear pump. The safety factor is not provided at a torque of 400–500 N·m. The simulation results are confirmed by correlation analysis. The average approximation error is 5–7%.

India-Eurasia convergence speed-up by passive-margin sediment subduction.

The fast increase of convergence rate between India and Eurasia around 65 million years ago (Ma)-from approximately 8 cm yr-1 to a peak rate of approximately 18 cm yr-1-remains a complex geological event to explain1-8, given the inherent uncertainty surrounding the tectonic history and the intricate interplay of forces influencing plate speed9-11. Here we use a combination of geochemical analysis and geodynamic modelling to propose that this rapid convergence can be explained by sediment subduction derived from the northern Indian passive margin. Through isotope and trace element analysis, we find an enhanced contribution of terrigenous sediment melt to the mantle source of the Gangdese magmatic rocks around 65 Ma, concurrent with the acceleration of India-Eurasia convergence. Numerical experiments suggest that subduction of sediments more than 1 km thick covering an approximately 1,000-km-wide ocean basin abutting the northern Indian passive margin starting from 65 Ma could have spurred the increased convergence rate and further led to significant crustal extension, consistent with empirical observations. Our study implies that the acceleration of India-Eurasia convergence marks the arrival of passive-margin-derived sediments, constraining the initial India-Eurasia collision to be around 60 Ma. It further suggests that temporary accelerations in subduction rates might be a common feature at the final stage of continental assembly.

The Effect of Implantoplasty on Fracture Resistance and Implant Surface Changes: An InVitro and Finite Element Analysis Study.

Implantoplasty can be performed on implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis to facilitate implant decontamination and improve access for oral home care. However, its effect on the mechanical strength of the implant is still uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implantoplasty on the fracture resistance of dental implants with various degrees of bone loss, as well as its surface changes. Eighty 4.2 × 13 mm conical connection dental implants were allocated evenly into four groups based on the bone defect morphology: circumferential or semi-circumferential, and 3 or 5 mm vertical height. Half of the implants underwent implantoplasty with tungsten carbide finishing burs. Weight, volume, and surface roughness of the implants were recorded prior to and after instrumentation. All implants were subjected to static loading to failure or fracture and the implant surfaces were then analyzed using optical microscopy. Finite element analysis was carried out to assess the stress pattern on dental implants after implantoplasty. Implantoplasty significantly reduced the fracture resistance of implants with all defect morphologies, aside from those with 3 mm of circumferential bone loss. Implants with 5 mm of peri-implant bone loss also experienced significantly reduced fracture resistance compared to the 3 mm group. Significant decrease in fracture resistance was only observed between the circumferential and semi-circumferential groups with 5 mm of bone loss. Surface roughness was also significantly reduced following implantoplasty. The results from finite element analysis revealed a change in pattern of stress concentration in the implant after implantoplasty. Implantoplasty negatively impacted the fracture resistance of standard diameter dental implants in most scenarios. The increase in exposed implant length resulted in a decrease in fracture resistance. This increase in fracture risk should be considered prior to implantoplasty, especially in implants with more advanced bone loss.

Optimization of Cartesian and polar 3D printer structures using finite element analysis: a comparative study on material selection and design enhancement

Optimization of Cartesian and polar 3D printer structures using finite element analysis: a comparative study on material selection and design enhancement

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of occlusal stress on maxillary first molars with different marginal morphologies restored with occlusal veneers

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of occlusal stress on maxillary first molars with different marginal morphologies restored with occlusal veneers

Research on Damage Detection of Dual-Rotor Synchronous Excitation Mine Screen Beams Based on Strain Mode Difference Vibration Mode Analysis

The frame beam structure of the mine screen, subjected to various excitations, is a critical component of mining machinery. Its stress is intricate, the operational environment is severe, and damage can lead to catastrophic failures resulting in machinery destruction and fatalities. Based on the characterization of the vibration response of mine screen frame beams with varying degrees of damage at the same location and with the same degree of damage but at different locations, this paper develops a method of strain modal difference vibration pattern analysis and damage feature extraction for the detection of structural damage in beams. This method is based on the sensitivity of the sudden change in vibration strain modal difference to small deformations. This method solves the problem of using the conventional structural finite element analysis or experimental modal analysis methods to obtain the displacement mode, intrinsic frequency, and other characteristics, which make it difficult to effectively identify the actual engineering, with the damage conditions of the damage state and damage location of the mine screen frame beam problems. The feasibility and validity of the engineering application of the concept are demonstrated through instances.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Oxidative Stress 3 (OXS3) Gene Family and Analysis of Its Expression Pattern During Ovule Development and Under Abiotic Stress in Cotton

Oxidative Stress 3 (OXS3) encodes a plant-specific protein that makes great contributions to a plant’s stress tolerance. However, reports on genome-wide identification and expression pattern analyses of OXS3 were only found for Arabidopsis, wheat, and rice. The genus Gossypium (cotton) serves as an ideal model for studying allopolyploidy. Therefore, two diploid species (G. raimondii and G. arboreum) and two tetraploid species (G. hirsutum and G. barbadense) were chosen in this study for a bioinformatics analysis, resulting in 12, 12, 22, and 23 OXS3 members, respectively. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using 69 cotton OXS3 genes alongside 8 Arabidopsis, 10 rice, and 9 wheat genes, which were classified into three groups (Group 1–3). A consistent evolutionary relationship with the phylogenetic tree was observed in our structural analysis of the cotton OXS3 genes and the clustering of six conserved motifs. Gene duplication analysis across the four representative Gossypium species suggested that whole-genome duplication, segmental duplication, and tandem duplication might play significant roles in the expansion of the OXS3 gene family. Some existing elements responsive to salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and abscisic acid (ABA) were identified by cis-regulatory element analysis in the promoter regions, which could influence the expression levels of cotton OXS3 genes. Furthermore, the expression patterns of the GhOXS3 gene were examined in different tissues or organs, as well as in developing ovules and fibers, with the highest expression observed in ovules. GhOXS3 genes exhibited a more pronounced regulatory response to abiotic stresses, of which ten GhOXS3 genes showed similar expression patterns under cold, heat, salt, and drought treatments. These observations were verified by quantitative real-time PCR experiments. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolutionary relationships and expression patterns of the OXS3 gene family and provide valuable insights for the identification of vital candidate genes for trait improvement in cotton breeding.

Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Clay Soils Determined Using Finite Element Analysis and Derivative-based Cubic Regression

Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Clay Soils Determined Using Finite Element Analysis and Derivative-based Cubic Regression

Finite element analysis of maxillary orthodontic therapies with variable alveolar bone grafts under occlusal forces in patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate

ObjectiveTo investigate the biomechanical effects of maxillary orthodontic treatment on different alveolar bone grafting positions loaded with occlusal forces in an unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patient.MethodsFinite element analysis was employed to simulate clinical scenarios more accurately by loading with occlusal forces on 8 bone-grafted models during maxillary orthodontic treatment. Displacement and von Mises stress pattern during maxillary protraction, expansion, and combined protraction and expansion were analyzed.ResultsThe seven bone-grafted models exhibited significantly smaller horizontal displacements at the non-cleft side landmarks during maxillary protraction and expansion compared to non-bone grafted models. Additionally, alveolar cleft bone grafted in the upper 1/3 and middle 1/3 exhibited greater asymmetry displacement and stress under maxillary protraction and expansion.ConclusionThe study highlights the necessity of considering occlusal forces in finite element study on orthodontic therapies for UCLP patients. The upper 1/3 and middle 1/3 bone graft conditions may require secondary bone graft supplementation to ensure the effectiveness of maxillary orthodontic treatment.

Evaluating the efficacy of lead-free piezoelectric materials in microcantilever based vibration energy harvesters

Abstract The piezoelectric materials have been extensively utilized in various applications, such as sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. This study evaluates the performance of six lead-free piezoelectric materials- aluminium nitride (AlN), barium titanate (BaTiO3), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and zinc oxide (ZnO) in MEMS-based piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters (PVEHs) using cantilever configurations. Finite element analysis via COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to assess the deflection, voltage, and power outputs of these materials at their resonance frequencies, both with and without proof masses. The results indicate that BaTiO3 and PVDF cantilevers exhibited the highest voltage outputs, reaching 207.14 mV and 202.07 mV, respectively, with AlN also showing comparable performance at 184.72 mV. ZnO-based cantilevers demonstrated the highest power output of 1.35 nW without proof masses and 190.5 nW with proof masses, indicating its potential for high-power applications. The addition of proof masses generally reduced resonant frequencies but enhanced power outputs, like for ZnO. This comprehensive analysis underscores the critical impact of material selection and structural modifications on the efficiency of PVEHs, with BaTiO3, PVDF, and ZnO emerging as the most promising candidates for optimizing energy harvesting devices. This research lays a foundation for further advancements in piezoelectric MEMS technology, aiming for more efficient energy harvesting solutions.

Biostimulant-Based Molecular Priming Improves Crop Quality and Enhances Yield of Raspberry and Strawberry Fruits

Background/Objectives: The biostimulant SuperFifty, produced from the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum, can improve crop quality and yield and mitigate stress tolerance in model and crop plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, pepper, and tomato. However, the effect of SuperFifty on raspberries and strawberries has not been well studied, especially in terms of nutritional properties and yield. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SuperFifty on the quality and quantity of raspberry and strawberry fruits, with a focus on metabolic composition and essential elements, which together determine the nutritional properties and total yield of these two crops. Methods: Metabolome analysis was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS), and essential elements analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Here, we demonstrate that SuperFifty increases the fruit size of both raspberries and strawberries and enhances the yield in these two berry crops by 42.1% (raspberry) and 33.9% (strawberry) while preserving the nutritional properties of the fruits. Metabolome analysis of 100 metabolites revealed that antioxidants, essential amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and vitamins, such as glutathione, alanine, asparagine, histidine, threonine, serine, tryptophan, sucrose, citric acid, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), as well as other primary metabolites, remain the same in the SuperFifty-primed fruits. Secondary metabolites, such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, and quercetin, also maintained their levels in the SuperFifty-primed fruits. Analysis of essential elements demonstrated that elements important for human health, such as Zn, Mn, Fe, B, Cu, K, and Ca, maintain the same levels in the raspberry and strawberry fruits obtained from the biostimulant-primed plants. Magnesium, an important element known as a co-factor in many enzymatic reactions related to both plant physiology and human health, increased in both raspberry and strawberry fruits primed with SuperFifty. Finally, we discuss the potential financial and health benefits of the SuperFifty-induced priming for both growers and consumers. Conclusions: We demonstrate that SuperFifty significantly enhances the yield of both raspberries and strawberries, improves the marketable grade of the fruits (larger and heavier fruits), and enhances the nutritional properties by elevating Mg content in the fruits. Altogether, this biostimulant-induced molecular priming offers an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable way to enhance the yield and quality of berry crops, with clear benefits to both berry producers and customers.

Lubrication Prediction of Sphere‐Gradient Coated Half Space Interfaces

ABSTRACTFunctionally graded coating (FGC) has played a pivotal role in numerous engineering applications owing to its exceptional properties. This work proposes a novel elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model with FGC, in which the elastic deformation and stress are computed using influence coefficients (ICs) and discrete convolution‐fast Fourier transform (DC‐FFT) algorithm. Comparisons are made with homogeneous EHL solutions and finite element analysis (FEA) to validate its accuracy. The study systematically explores how coating elastic modulus, coating thickness and substrate elastic modulus influence contact and lubrication behaviours. The developed model is expected to establish a theoretical framework for FGC material design, enhancing the performance of friction pairs.

Stress Distribution in Traumatized Teeth Splinted With Fiber Localizing on Incisal/Cervical Positions: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

The fiber splint represents an advanced treatment for traumatized dental injuries. The complete understanding of the localization of a splint on traumatized teeth remains elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the incisal/cervical positions of the fiber splint on the stress distribution of traumatized dental roots in various occlusal relationships. Three-dimensional finite element models were generated based on a cone beam computer tomogram of a patient. The incisal and cervical splints were simulated by strips that were bonded close to the incisal/cervical labial surface of traumatic teeth. Force was loaded on the incisal ridge, incisal and cervical positions on the palatal surface of each tooth to simulate the conditions of traumatized teeth during mastication. The equivalent stress (von Mises) on the traumatic teeth and abutment teeth was calculated by Ansys software (version 2021, R1). The incisal splint effectively transferred the stress from the traumatized tooth roots to the abutment teeth when force was loaded on the incisal ridge and incisal and cervical positions on the palatal surface. Nevertheless, the reduction effect was notably diminished when the cervical splint was used. Notably, in cases of cervical splints, with a loading force on the incisal ridge, there is an increase in stress on the roots of traumatized teeth, which poses a disadvantage in the management of traumatic dental injuries. The incisal splint demonstrated a more effective transfer of stress from the roots of the traumatic teeth to the abutment teeth than the cervical splint and the raw.

Integrated Analytical, Numerical, and Statistical Analysis of Buckling Behavior in Steel Cylindrical Silos with Corrugated Walls

This paper investigates the buckling behavior of steel cylindrical silos with corrugated walls and vertical stringers under axial compression. The study integrates analytical, numerical, and statistical analyses to understand the influence of geometrical parameters such as radius, wall thickness, and corrugation profile on the buckling phenomenon. The analytical calculations elucidate the critical buckling load for various scenarios, considering both unstiffened and stiffened wall configurations. The finite element analysis provides numerical validation, while the statistical analysis offers insights into the sensitivity of the critical buckling load to different parameters. The results highlight the significance of corrugation height and suggest the optimal design parameters for maximizing buckling resistance while minimizing structural weight.