Axial Curvature Research Articles

Determining the deformation of an absolutely elastic axis of curved rods under bending

The object of this study is the deformation of an elastic axis with a large deflection of a cantilever clamped absolutely elastic rod under the action of an applied concentrated force. The rod in the free state can have a rectilinear or curved elastic axis. This fact implies a difference in the analytical description of the bending process. However, there is a factor by which some similarity can be found between the bending of rectilinear and curved rods. This factor is the curvature of the elastic axis of the rod in a free state. According to this feature, they can be divided into rods of constant and variable curvature of the elastic axis. The former include rectilinear rods and those that in the free state have the shape of an arc of a circle, and the latter – rods with a variable curvature of the elastic axis. There is a difference between the bending of these groups of rods: in the first case, the deformation of the elastic axis of the rod during its bending will be the same regardless of which end will be cantilever pinched. A distinctive feature of the current research is that the bending of rods with variable curvature of the elastic axis was carried out by alternate pinching of their opposite ends. Moreover, the rods of constant and variable curvature were of the same length s=0.314 m, the same cross-section of 0.005×0.02 m. That has made it possible to visually show the difference between the shape of the elastic axis of the bent rod under the action of the same force when the pinch end is changed. When attached to the rods of the working bodies of agricultural machines, pulsating dynamic loads are smoothed out due to their elasticity. It is important for practice to be able to calculate the value of their deviation, which should be within the given limits. The results are explained by the fact that in the analytical description of the shape of the elastic axis of a curved rod, a technique was proposed in which the length of the axis can start counting both from one end and from the opposite end

Determination of Chimney Non-Verticality from TLS Data Using RANSAC Method

The continuous monitoring of tall industrial buildings is necessary to ensure safe operation. With technological advances in terrestrial laser scanning and other non-contact measurement methods, the methods and techniques for assessing the stability of tall industrial chimneys are evolving. This paper presents a method for determining the non-verticality and straightness of chimneys that offers significant advantages over existing methods. Narrow bands of scanned point clouds are processed at selected height intervals. Using the RANSAC method, points that do not belong to the chimney shell are filtered and the centre of the circle or ellipse is adjusted using the least squares method. The proposed method enables the efficient filtering of point clouds due to frequent obstructions on the chimney shell, the determination of the regularity of the chimney shell shape, a mathematical analysis of the chimney axis curvature, and an intuitive graphical representation of chimney non-verticality. The comparison of the results with other studies confirms the efficiency of the method.

Novel rare variation of CCDC40 plays a role in the development of idiopathic scoliosis possibly via dysfunction of cilia motility.

Motile cilia dysfunction was reported to lead to scoliosis-like phenotypes in zebrafish models. There is still a lack of population-based study supporting the role of cilia motility associated genes in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between cilia motility associated genes and the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Population-based genetic study METHODS: A cohort of 56 female AIS patients and 30 age-matched non-scoliotic controls were included for tissue expression analysis. 28 patients with lower CCDC40 expression were selected for the exon sequencing. The novel variation was replicated in an independent cohort of 1326 AIS patients and 954 healthy controls. Exogenous versions of WT or mutant human CCDC40 mRNAs were expressed in zebrafish and the phenotype of body axis curvature was observed RESULTS: CCDC40 was found significantly down-expressed in AIS patients as compared with the non-scoliotic controls. A novel coding variant rs185157579 (c.1459G>A) was found significantly associated with AIS, with the mutant allele A adding to the risk of AIS by 2.44 folds. Zebrafish embryo injected with CCDC40 mRNAs containing mutant c.1459G>A presented significantly higher incidence of scoliosis-like phenotype than the wild group. The mutation c.1459G>A in the exon 10 of CCDC40 may lead to body axis curvature of zebrafish by impacting mRNA expression. The underlying molecular mechanism is worthy of further investigation. Our findings shed a new light on the etiopathogenesis of AIS. The downstream signaling of CCDC40 may be candidate for potential drug targets to prevent the development of AIS. Moreover, the novel variation can be used as a genetic marker of polygenic risk score predicting the risk of AIS.

Isotropic ↔ anisotropic surface geometry transitions induced by adsorbed surfactants at water/vapor interfaces.

Adsorbates at a water/vapor interface change the surface geometry through altered surface tension, yet detailed theoretical studies are relatively sparse, and many applications focus on ensemble average characteristics. Here, we demonstrate that different interpretations of surface geometry emerge when considering the distributions of surface curvature and orientation as a function of adsorbed surfactant concentration and sterics. At low surface densities, the tributyl phosphate (TBP) sorbed water/vapor surface has an increased presence of ridges that are defined by principal curvatures κ1 and κ2 of opposite signs yet close in magnitude. As the TBP surface density increases, the difference in principal curvatures slowly increases. There is a distinct transition of the surface geometry, where the ridge-like features become much more pronounced, having sides whose orientation is normal to a flat interfacial plane. Thus, as the TBP surfactant is added to the surface, the surface curvatures become anisotropic in terms of the difference in magnitude of κ1 and κ2. We label this an isotropic → anisotropic geometric transition. Comparing the surface geometry as a function of the carbon tail length of the alkyl phosphate surfactant reveals that smaller surfactants also anisotropically enhance surface curvatures and that adsorbed alkyl tails to the surface stabilize and increase the symmetry of surface waves along the two principal curvature axes. We label this an anisotropic → isotropic geometric transition. These results reflect the opportunity to incorporate more realistic distributions of surface geometry within the collective understanding of statistical theories of surfaces, including capillary wave theory.

Constructing a model of the axis form in a S-shaped riser of a cultivator paw

When cultivating the soil, a force of resistance to the movement of cultivator paw acts on it. It has a variable value and causes a moment of force applied to the riser of the paw. Under the action of the moment, the elastic axis of the riser changes its shape. This affects the position of the paw in the soil. The form of an S-shaped riser whose elastic axis consists of two circle arcs has been considered in this study. During cultivator operation, one part of the riser bends, increasing the curvature of the elastic axis, and the other, on the contrary, unbends, that is, its curvature decreases. The modeling of the shape of the elastic axis of the paw riser is based on the theory of resistance of materials, according to which the curvature of the elastic axis of the cantilevered band is directly proportional to the applied moment and inversely proportional to its stiffness. If the shape of the cross-section of the riser along its entire length is unchanged and the properties of the metal are also the same, then the stiffness is constant. In the case of small deflections of the band, the linear theory of bending is used, but the deflections in the riser are significant, so the nonlinear theory has been used for this case. At the same time, it is taken into account that the elastic axis of the riser already has an initial curvature, the sign of which changes after passing through the point of connection of the component arcs. To model the shape of the elastic axis of the S-shaped paw riser, the deformation of the arcs of the circles that form this paw was calculated separately. Numerical integration methods were used to find the shape of the deformed elastic axes of both parts of the riser. They were connected into a whole and a deformed elastic axis of the S-shaped riser was obtained. Two variants of the riser with different lengths of their elastic axis, but the same height and the same angle of entry into the soil, were considered. The combination of the component arcs of the riser shows that, under the action of the same force, the deviation from the specified movement depth for one riser is 2 cm, and for the other – 4 cm.

Astrogliosis and neuroinflammation underlie scoliosis upon cilia dysfunction.

Cilia defects lead to scoliosis in zebrafish, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood and may diverge depending on the mutated gene. Here, we dissected the mechanisms of scoliosis onset in a zebrafish mutant for the rpgrip1l gene encoding a ciliary transition zone protein. rpgrip1l mutant fish developed scoliosis with near-total penetrance but asynchronous onset in juveniles. Taking advantage of this asynchrony, we found that curvature onset was preceded by ventricle dilations and was concomitant to the perturbation of Reissner fiber polymerization and to the loss of multiciliated tufts around the subcommissural organ. Rescue experiments showed that Rpgrip1l was exclusively required in foxj1a-expressing cells to prevent axis curvature. Genetic interactions investigations ruled out Urp1/2 levels as a main driver of scoliosis in rpgrip1 mutants. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies identified neuroinflammation associated with increased Annexin levels as a potential mechanism of scoliosis development in rpgrip1l juveniles. Investigating the cell types associated with annexin2 over-expression, we uncovered astrogliosis, arising in glial cells surrounding the diencephalic and rhombencephalic ventricles just before scoliosis onset and increasing with time in severity. Anti-inflammatory drug treatment reduced scoliosis penetrance and severity and this correlated with reduced astrogliosis and macrophage/microglia enrichment around the diencephalic ventricle. Mutation of the cep290 gene encoding another transition zone protein also associated astrogliosis with scoliosis. Thus, we propose astrogliosis induced by perturbed ventricular homeostasis and associated with immune cell activation as a novel pathogenic mechanism of zebrafish scoliosis caused by cilia dysfunction.

Computer aided diagnoses for detecting the severity of Keratoconus

Abstract Problem Corneal topography instruments have limited parameter constraints for calculating precise defect ratios on the basis of the cone base area of the anterior axial curvature map for patients with Keratoconus (KC). Aim The aim of this study is to use thresholding-based segmentation and morphological techniques to calculate the pathological ratio of the keratoconic cornea through cone base area extraction for the detection of KC severity and tracking of disease development. Methods Data were collected from February 2022 to March 2023, comprising 97 cases from private clinics in southern Iraq. Disease severity was categorized into three stages, namely, mild, moderate, and severe, according to the topographic KC classification by a senior ophthalmologist. The Galilei system was used in obtaining the corneal topography images. The study proposed an image analysis method for corneal topography images using MATLAB R2020a. The method had four main steps: preprocessing, image segmentation, morphological processing, and pathological ratio calculation. Moreover, pathological ratio was compared with the KC severity through statistical analysis. A P-value less than 0.05 indicated statistically significant results. Results The majority of the cases in the mild category had a pathological ratio of ≤20%, and the moderate category had a higher prevalence ranging from 21 to 40%. The severe category had the highest distribution (<40%). A P-value of <0.001 indicated significant and clear link between KC stages and pathologic ratio. Conclusion The algorithm used for extracting the cone base area of the keratoconic cornea at different stages was validated by an ophthalmic specialist to ensure that the cone base area was appropriately extracted. The findings may help ophthalmologists to make informed decisions for patients with severe KC and assessments based on the percentage of corneal defects.

Plk4 regulates centriole duplication in the embryonic development of zebrafish

PLK4 plays a crucial role in centriole duplication, which is essential for maintaining cellular processes such as cell division, cytoskeletal stability, and cilia formation. However, the mechanisms of PLK4 remain incompletely understood, especially in the embryonic development of vertebrate species. In this study, we observed that Plk4 dysfunction led to abnormal embryonic development in zebrafish, characterized by symptoms such as dark and wrinkled skin, microphthalmia, and body axis curvature. In plk4 mutants, defects in centriole duplication led to abnormal cell division, apoptosis, and ciliogenesis defects. Moreover, overexpression of plk4 in zebrafish embryos caused excessive centrosome amplification, disrupting embryonic gastrulation through abnormal cell division and ultimately resulting in embryonic lethality. Furthermore, we identified the "cryptic" polo box (CPB) domain, consisting of two PBs (PB1 and PB2), as the critical centrosome localization domain of Plk4. Surprisingly, overexpression of these two PB domains alone was sufficient to induce embryonic lethality. Additionally, we discovered a truncated form of CPB that localizes to the centrosome without causing defects in embryonic development. Our results demonstrate that Plk4 tightly controls centriole duplication, which is essential for early embryonic development in zebrafish.

Corneal changes after large (9mm) lateral rectus muscle recession measured with Pentacam®

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in corneal astigmatism, axial anterior corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness (CCT) two months after the unilateral recession of lateral rectus muscle in children. Methods: This prospective study included 37 children with intermittent exotropia who would undergo unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession. All measurements were performed using Pentacam®. Comparisons were made between the operated and fellow unoperated eyes, pre- and post-operatively. The assessment was made for changes in the radius of axial curvature on major meridians at 3 and 3.5 mm from the optical corneal center in the mid-peripheral zone. Astigmatism changes of the anterior and posterior corneal surface were calculated using vector analysis software (astigMATIC®). The interaction between age or CCT and postoperative changes in anterior and posterior surface corneal astigmatism were examined with ANOVA model. Results: In the intervention group, changes in anterior and posterior corneal surface astigmatism were statistically significant, with a mean increase of 0.56Dx90 and 0.08Dx87, respectively. In the mid-peripheral corneal zone, an increase was observed in the radius of anterior corneal axial curvature, more evident temporal 3 and 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the horizontal meridian, with corresponding decrease superiorly and inferiorly at 3 and 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the vertical meridian. Discussion: The changes in total astigmatism of the operated eyes are mainly attributed to the anterior corneal surface. These changes are associated with flattening in the 180 meridian of the cornea, leading to a shift to “with-the-rule” astigmatism.

Centriole Translational Planar Polarity in Monociliated Epithelia.

Ciliated epithelia are widespread in animals and play crucial roles in many developmental and physiological processes. Epithelia composed of multi-ciliated cells allow for directional fluid flow in the trachea, oviduct and brain cavities. Monociliated epithelia play crucial roles in vertebrate embryos, from the establishment of left-right asymmetry to the control of axis curvature via cerebrospinal flow motility in zebrafish. Cilia also have a central role in the motility and feeding of free-swimming larvae in a variety of marine organisms. These diverse functions rely on the coordinated orientation (rotational polarity) and asymmetric localization (translational polarity) of cilia and of their centriole-derived basal bodies across the epithelium, both being forms of planar cell polarity (PCP). Here, we review our current knowledge on the mechanisms of the translational polarity of basal bodies in vertebrate monociliated epithelia from the molecule to the whole organism. We highlight the importance of live imaging for understanding the dynamics of centriole polarization. We review the roles of core PCP pathways and of apicobasal polarity proteins, such as Par3, whose central function in this process has been recently uncovered. Finally, we emphasize the importance of the coordination between polarity proteins, the cytoskeleton and the basal body itself in this highly dynamic process.

Timelike Constant Axis Ruled Surface Family in Minkowski 3-Space

A timelike (TL) constant axis ruled surface in E13 (Minkowski 3-space), as determined by its ruling, forms a constant dual angle with its Disteli-axis (striction axis or curvature axis). In this article, we employ the symmetry through point geometry of Lorentzian dual curves and the line geometry of TL ruled surfaces. This produces the capability to expound a set of curvature functions that specify the local configurations of TL ruled surfaces. Then, we gain some new constant axis ruled surfaces in Lorentzian line space and their geometrical illustrations. Further, we also earn several organizations among a TL constant axis ruled surface and its striction curve.

Comparative study of dynamic parameters for damage identification of carbon fiber reinforced polymer tube

AbstractThe primary objective of the paper is the numerical and experimental investigation related to the damage recognition effects for CFRP tubes of four dynamic parameters. Four damage identification indexes consisting of natural frequency‐based index, Mode Shape‐based index (MS), Mode Shape Curvature‐based index (MSC), and Modal Flexibility Curvature‐based index (MFC) are established by analyzing the dynamic parameter data obtained before and after damage occurs. The performances of dynamic parameters are thoroughly discussed in the context of numerical simulations and experiment. The results indicate that the effect of natural frequency is not as significant as that of mode shape. MFC has the most notable effectiveness out of the four indexes. The simulation peak index pair is predicted to rise from 0.3 to 0.6 as the damage in the simulation model increases by 25% from 12.5%, indicating that MFC can feedback the damage degree. Moreover, the circumferential curvature index exhibits superior performance compared to the axial curvature index. To enhance the accuracy of the axial curvature index, it is proposed to increase the number of measuring sites along the tube's long direction.Highlights Damage identification indexes of four dynamic parameters are established. Discuss the identification ability of dynamic parameters by simulation and test. Two numerical models of CFRP tube with delamination damage are established. Impact and modal tests are executed to study the ability of four indexes.

Fatigue assessment of suspended inter-array power cables for floating offshore wind turbines

The present paper aims to investigate the fatigue behavior of suspended inter-array power cables connecting two floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Two spar FOWTs interconnected with a dynamic power cable are chosen as the base configuration for the present investigation. The base configuration is modeled in the dynamic analysis software OrcaFlex. The relationship between the axial tensions and curvatures of the power cable and its stresses is obtained by cross-section analysis in UFLEX (special purpose Finite Element program for nonlinear stress analysis of complex umbilical and cable cross-sections). Several different environmental conditions and load directions are applied. A fatigue life of 85 years is determined for the base configuration, with curvature-induced stresses being identified as the main contributor to the fatigue damage. Effects of marine growth on the fatigue life of the power cable are investigated. It is observed that marine growth negatively affects the fatigue life of the power cable. A parametric study on the effect of the number of buoys attached to the cable on the fatigue life is performed. Decreasing the number of buoys below the optimal value leads to an increase in fatigue life due to lower curvatures. In addition to the base configuration, an alternative configuration using semi-submersible floaters is investigated under the same metocean conditions and cable geometry. The power cable fatigue life is higher for semi-submersible floaters compared to the spar floaters. The present findings reveal that the main reason is the reduced number of large amplitude curvature cycles. The critical component prone to fatigue failure for all evaluated cases is the armor layer, and the largest fatigue damage always occurs at buoy-cable connection points. The critical direction of environmental load resulting in the highest fatigue damage is found to be the load case where waves, wind and current approach the suspended cable in a crossflow direction.

Topography: A Mandatory Screening Tool for Ocular Allergies

ABSTRACT Purpose: Assess the need of corneal topography as a diagnostic tool for corneal ectasia in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 90 children who are clinically diagnosed with allergic keratoconjunctivitis of age 6–18 years of both gender coming to ophthalmology outpatient department at a tertiary care eye hospital underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and corneal topography on Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Results: The maximum number of patients was in the age group of 6–10 years (48.88%) with a mean age of 11.28. The M: F ratio was 2.6:1 highlighting male preponderance. The most common history given by patients was diminution of vision and seasonal variation. 99.88% patients presented with congestion but 0.03% had positive Munson. 8.89% eyes presented with astigmatism of ≥−3. 3.88% had K-Max ≥49 D and 16.12% participants had K-Max between 46 and 48.9 on topography, suggestive of steep corneas. In our study, the most common axial curvature pattern found was symmetrical Bowtie (35.56%). Patterns suspicious of keratoconus like asymmetrical bowtie (23.89%), superior steepening (21.67%), inferior steepening (12.77%), symmetrical and asymmetrical bowtie with skewed radial axis (1.67%) was also noted. 15.56% patients had B-A outside normal limits which classifies them as keratoconus suspects. 27.23% eyes showed pachymetry between 499 and 450 μm and 7.78% showed pachymetry <450 μm, all these parameters indicate the paramount need to do an early corneal topography in all patients with allergic conjunctivitis. These patients also warrant regular follow-up with corneal topography to look for progression in thinning to confirm the diagnosis of keratoconus. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of doing corneal topography in diagnosed cases of allergic keratoconjunctivitis for the early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. More aggressive management of allergic conjunctivitis can prevent their progression to established keratoconus.

Correlation analysis of angles κ and α with the refraction and anterior segment parameters in children

AimTo investigate the correlation of angles α and κ with the refractive and biological parameters in children.MethodsThis case-series study included 438 eyes of 219 children (males/females = 105/114, age: 3–15 years). Ocular biometric parameters, including axial length, corneal radius of curvature (CR), white-to-white distance (WTW), angle κ and angle α, were measured using IOL Master 700; auto-refraction were assessed under cycloplegia. The eyes were assigned to different groups based on CR, WTW, and gender to compare the angles α and κ, and analyze the correlations between the differences of biological parameters on angles α and κ.ResultsThe means of axial length, CR, WTW, angle α, and angle κ were 23.24 ± 1.14 mm, 7.79 ± 0.27 mm, 11.68 ± 0.41 mm, 0.45 ± 0.25 mm, and 0.27 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. Angle α was correlated with CR and WTW (fixed effect coefficient [FEC] = 0.237, p = 0.015; FEC = -0.109, p = 0.003; respectively), and angle κ also correlated with CR and WTW (FEC = 0.271, p = 0.003; FEC = -0.147, p < 0.001, respectively). Comparing subgroups, the large CR and small WTW group had larger angles α (0.49 ± 0.27 vs. 0.41 ± 0.21, p < 0.001; 0.46 ± 0.27 vs. 0.44 ± 0.21, p < 0.05, respectively) and κ (0.29 ± 0.25 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15, p < 0.01; 0.29 ± 0.25 vs. 0.26 ± 0.19, p < 0.05, respectively). The differences in interocular angles α and κ showed correlation with interocular WTW (r = − 0.255, p < 0.001; r = − 0.385, p < 0.001). Eyes with smaller WTW tended to have larger angle κ (0.28 ± 0.27 vs. 0.25 ± 0.15, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe size of angle α/κ may be correlated to CR and WTW, and a larger WTW eye may suggest a smaller angle κ compared with the fellow eye.

Transcriptomic profile in carbendazim-induced developmental defects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos/larvae

Carbendazim is a widely used fungicide to protect agricultural and horticultural crops against a wide array of fungal species. Published reports have shown that the wide usage of carbendazim resulted in reprotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicity in mammalian models. However, studies related to the developmental toxicity of carbendazim in aquatic organisms are not clear. To address this gap, an attempt was made by exposing zebrafish embryos to carbendazim (800 μg/L) and assessing the phenotypic and transcriptomic profile at different developmental stages [24 hour post fertilization (hpf), 48 hpf, 72 hpf and 96 hpf). At 48 hpf, phenotypic abnormalities such as delay in hatching rate, deformed spinal axial curvature, and pericardial edema were observed in zebrafish larvae over its respective controls. At 72 hpf, exposure of zebrafish embryos exposed to carbendazim resulted in scoliosis; however, unexposed larvae did not exhibit signs of scoliosis. Interestingly, the transcriptomic analysis revealed a total of 1253 DEGs were observed at selected time points, while unique genes at 24 hpf, 48 hpf, 72 hpf and 96 hpf was found to be 76.54 %, 61.14 %, 92.98 %, and 68.28 %, respectively. Functional profiling of downregulated genes revealed altered transcriptomic markers associated with phototransduction (24 hpf and 72 hpf), immune system (48 hpf), and SNARE interactions in the vesicular pathway (96 hpf). Whereas functional profiling of upregulated genes revealed altered transcriptomic markers associated with riboflavin metabolism (24 hpf), basal transcription factors (48 hpf), insulin signaling pathway (72 hpf), and primary bile acid biosynthesis (96 hpf). Taken together, carbendazim-induced developmental toxicity could be ascribed to pleiotropic responses at the molecular level, which in turn might reflect phenotypic abnormalities.

Методика циклических испытаний образцов-моделей коленчатого вала судового двигателя внутреннего сгорания на изгиб с кручением

It is proposed to consider the bending fatigue strength of the crankshaft as the main criterion of its operability during operation. It is noted that thermomechanical straightening with heating by stress relaxation method is most acceptable for straightening critical shafts that have received a curvature of the longitudinal axis during operation. Bending fatigue tests of round samples with a diameter of 20 mm in a dangerous section were carried out to substantiate the correction technology, test modes and evaluate the results of the correction. It was found that an increase in diameter leads to a decrease in the endurance limit of structural steels. The loading scheme of the experimental sample is adopted – transverse bending with torsion. A semicircular notch in the sample was used to focus the fracture site, and the radius of the notch was calculated. The size of the sample tuck is determined by the formula based on the similarity criterion adopted in the statistical theory of similarity of fatigue failure of parts, proposed by V. P. Kogaev. The requirements for the roughness of the surface of a circular groove of at least Ra 0.16 are established. The need for control of the manufacturing technology of the experimental sample is noted. An experimental installation for testing flexural fatigue strength is proposed. A cone cartridge was used to securely fasten and prevent the sample from turning during the experiment. Experimental samples were used-models with deflection arrows of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm. The method and equipment for obtaining samples with the necessary deflection arrows have been determined. Diagrams of a model sample for testing cantilever bending with torsion, an experimental installation for testing model samples, bending to a given deflection arrow, and a model sample with a curved longitudinal axis are presented.

A Method for Determining the Directional Angle of a Railway Route Based on Field Measurements.

The most effective method for determining the coordinates of the railway track axis is based on using mobile satellite measurements. However, there are situations in which the satellite signal may be disturbed (due to field obstructions) or completely disappear (e.g., in tunnels). In these situations, the ability to measure the value of the directional angle of a moving rail vehicle using an inertial system is useful. The directional angle is determined on a topographic map as the angle between the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis (or the direction of a tangent to the track axis) and the reference direction, which is the north. This article presents a method for determining the directional angle of a railway line based on appropriate measurement data. The latter should be Cartesian coordinates of the track axis, allowing for the visualization of a given railway route and permitting a general orientation of its course to be obtained. The presented proposal for solving the problem refers to the assumptions made in the method for determining the curvature of the railway track axis using the moving chord. The assumptions of the proposed method for determining the directional angle of the railway route are discussed, along with the appropriate computational algorithms. The accuracy of this method is assessed using the adopted model geometric layout. Reference is also made to the appropriate method for determining the curvature of the railway track axis. In conclusion, we provide an example of determining the directional angle based on measurement data.

Investigation of deformation of the spring tooth of agricultural implements from the action of the force applied to it

The relevance of the study lies in the need to investigate the dependence of the force applied to the spring tooth on its parameters, which is an important task due to the widespread use of spring teeth in agricultural implements, such as balers, reapers, rakes, etc. The purpose of the study is to establish an analytical description of the spring tooth deformation depending on the amount of applied force. For this purpose, the theory of bending rods from the resistance of materials was applied, without simplifying it, as is common in construction, where the deflection of a beam is small compared to its length. The calculation is based on the well-known dependence of the curvature of the elastic axis of the beam (tooth) on the applied moment and the stiffness of its cross-section. The study considers a cantilevered tooth, which at the point of pinching is a spring with several turns, followed by a smooth transition to a rectilinear shape. The tooth is divided into two parts along its length: curvilinear and rectilinear. Calculation of the deformation, i.e., finding the shape of the elastic axis after the action of the applied force, is carried out for both parts separately. The need for this approach is dictated by the fact that the curvature of the elastic axis of the tooth in the free state changes abruptly from the stable value of the curvilinear part to a zero value of the straight part. The main result of the study is to find the shape of the elastic axis of individual parts of the tooth under the action of the applied force and combine them into one whole. This helps to determine the amount of movement of the free end of the tooth depending on the amount of force applied to it. The application of the obtained data can help in the development of more efficient and productive agricultural tools, and increase their durability and efficiency when interacting with the soil

In-plane nonlinear buckling analysis and design method of concrete-filled steel tubular catenary arches

The prevalence of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) catenary arches, renowned for the optimal load-bearing efficiency, has shown a marked increase over the past decades. To date, extensive research has been conducted into the nonlinear buckling behaviors and elastic-plastic strength of circular and parabolic CFST arches, grounded on the assumption that the curvature of the arch axis remains a specific constant. However, for CFST catenary arches, this assumption is not appropriate, given the substantial variation in curvature along the arch rib, and the influence of the arch axis is not adequately addressed in the existing design codes. Therefore, in this paper, a more precise strain expression is employed to conduct the nonlinear buckling analysis on CFST catenary arches. The analytic solutions for both symmetric snap-through buckling and anti-symmetric bifurcation buckling loads are obtained. In addition, a validated finite element (FE) model is adopted to investigate the influence of key parameters, including the slenderness ratio, the arch-axis coefficient, the rise-to-span ratio, and the steel ratio, on the in-plane stability bearing capacity of CFST catenary arches subjected to axial compression. Moreover, the obtained numerical results are utilized for comparison with the prediction results calculated by the existing design codes for CFST or steel arches. The comparison results indicate that the existing design codes have tended to overestimate the in-plane strength of CFST catenary arches, mainly due to the ignorance of the influence of pre-buckling deformation. Thus, based on the nonlinear buckling analysis results, a revised lower-bound design formula for predicting the in-plane stability bearing capacity of CFST catenary arches under axial compression is proposed, considering the influence of the rise-to-span ratio and the steel ratio.