Effect Of Loading Research Articles

Analysis on slope stability by anchorage based on soil creep with flood effect

In order to analyze the adverse effect of flood affection on slope stability, the analytical expressions of buoyancy force and capillary force, hydrodynamic pressure and impact force, and scour erosion were proposed based on the aging characteristics of soil shear strength and limit equilibrium theory. According to the load combination and flood action, shear failure occurs preferentially at the foot of slope. Then, the plastic zone continues to extend upward to produce traction landslide disaster mode. Furthermore, the power function relation between shear strength index and time was established. The nonlinear accelerated creep model was also obtained. At the same time, the safety factor formula for flood loading effect slope aging stability, the time-varying characteristic value of anchor force and the compensation value of anchor force were also obtained and used to research sliding mechanism. In addition, the numerical calculation example shows that the slope safety factor decreases by more than 20 % considering the effect of flood ascending scour and impact, and the compensation value of anchorage force increases obviously with time increasing. Simultaneously, the change rate of compensation value of anchorage force increases nonlinearly with the increase of design safety factor.

Sorption-enhanced ethanol steam reforming coupled with in-situ CO2 capture and conversion

The impacts of climate change and the issue of greenhouse gas emissions have sparked research into renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has gained attention as a clean, renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. Enhanced-ethanol steam reforming has been proposed as a promising method for blue hydrogen production, addressing greenhouse gas emission issues. The use of catalysts enhances the adsorption of ethanol and water molecules on the surface, promoting the reaction rate. This study systematically explored the effects of different Fe loading and CaO addition ratios on the ethanol steam reforming and CO2 conversion processes to optimize catalyst performance. The experimental results showed that Fe/SiC catalysts effectively promoted the conversion of ethanol and generated high-purity hydrogen, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity. Specifically, a catalyst with 10 % Fe loading and mixed with 0.3g CaO significantly increased the hydrogen yield to 64.4 mmol/g, which was 2.88 times higher than that without the catalyst.

Mechanical Loading Modulates AMPK and mTOR Signaling in Muscle Cells.

Skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise involves various phenotypic changes that enhance the metabolic and contractile functions. One key regulator of these adaptive responses is the activation of AMPK, which is influenced by exercise intensity. However, the mechanistic understanding of AMPK activation during exercise remains incomplete. In this study, we utilized an in vitro model to investigate the effects of mechanical loading on AMPK activation and its interaction with the mTOR signaling pathway. Proteomic analysis of muscle cells subjected to static loading (SL) revealed distinct quantitative protein alterations associated with RNA metabolism, with 10% SL inducing the most pronounced response compared to lower intensities of 5% and 2% as well as the control. Additionally, 10% SL suppressed RNA and protein synthesis while activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR pathway. We also found that SRSF2, necessary for pre-mRNA splicing, is regulated by AMPK and mTOR signaling, which, in turn, is regulated in an intensity-dependent manner by SL with the highest expression in 2% SL. Further examination showed that the ADP/ATP ratio was increased after 10% SL compared to the control and that SL induced changes in mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, Seahorse assay results indicate that 10% SL enhances mitochondrial respiration. These findings provide novel insights into the cellular responses to mechanical loading and shed light on the intricate AMPK-mTOR regulatory network in muscle cells.

Analysis of human body vibration response on high-speed trains under crosswinds

The increase in the speed of high-speed trains and the widespread use of lightweight vehicle body technology have made vehicle systems more sensitive to aerodynamic excitation. However, few studies have focused on the worsening of passenger ride comfort, as opposed to just safety, when trains pass along windy railway lines. This study first analyzes the connection between flow structure and aerodynamic load, using bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD). Then, it examines the effect of aerodynamic loads on the vibration characteristics of vehicles and human bodies, at different speeds under crosswinds, by combining a vehicle-track-seat-human body coupling model. Finally, the effects of crosswinds on vehicle and human body vibration are analyzed, including differences in vibration characteristics of the human head when in different positions. The BEMD results indicate that the flow field around the vehicle is dominated by low-frequency oscillation. These low-frequency components show close alignment with the aerodynamic loads’ main frequency, and the high-speed trains’ natural frequency, which may lead to vehicle resonance shaking, and to derailment. Additionally, it is found that lateral vibration comfort for human legs and thighs is worst in both the head and middle cars, while vertical vibration comfort for the human head is worst in the head car. When running at three speeds under crosswinds, fluctuations in aerodynamic loads and track irregularities are major causes of discomfort for humans, particularly affecting vertical vibration comfort. In crosswinds, vertical vibration of the human head is significantly greater than lateral vibration, indicating a loss of comfort, primarily in the vertical direction, when trains are excited by crosswinds. It is observed that lateral vibration comfort is worst at the front end of the head car, but best at their rear end. Vertical vibration comfort is best in the middle section of the head car.

Numerical simulation of deuterium retention in tungsten under ELM-like conditions

Retention of hydrogen isotopes (HI) in plasma-facing components (PFCs) is a crucial process influencing the operation of a fusion device. The dynamics of HI retention is mainly determined by irradiation conditions of PFCs. These conditions can change due to the onset of fast transient events, such as edge-localised modes (ELMs). The development of ELMs results in repetitive short-term plasma bursts on PFCs, affecting the exposure regime. In this work, the effect of ELM-like loads on the fuel retention is numerically analysed using a one-dimensional diffusion model, implemented in the FESTIM code. As a representative simulation case, the deuterium (D) retention in tungsten (W) is considered with the geometry and inter-ELM exposure conditions relevant for large fusion devices. Temporal dependencies of heat and particle fluxes during intra-ELM stages are accounted for by applying the free-streaming model for an ELM filament transport. The simulations were conducted for three inter-ELM exposure regimes with various properties of transient loads, D trapping sites, and D recombination rates. Compared to the ELM-free irradiation, the onset of transients is shown to mainly reduce the D retention rate because of significant material heating induced by the arrival of energetic ELMy particles. This relative difference can decrease if the material is characterised by strong trapping sites or limited desorption from a surface. The findings also demonstrate that additional heating during transients provides conditions for a faster D migration into the bulk. In addition, we discuss the possibility of using ELM-average loads to obtain quick assessments of the D content. The approach is shown to be applicable for the case of small ELMs and is used to derive the analytical expressions for the D distribution in W within the steady-state approximation.

Effect of load on the tribological properties of Si3N4-based composite with N-GQDs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of Si3N4 ceramics and to make the application of Si3N4 ceramics as tribological materials more extensive. Design/methodology/approach Si3N4-based composite ceramics (SN-2L) containing nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) were prepared by hot press sintering process through adding 2 Wt.% nanolignin as precursor to the Si3N4 matrix, and the dry friction and wear behaviors of Si3N4-based composite against TC4 disc were performed at the different loads by using pin-on-disc tester. Findings The friction coefficients and wear rates of SN-2L composite against TC4 were significantly lower than those of the single-phase Si3N4 against TC4 at the load range from 15 to 45 N. At higher load of 45 N, SN-2L/TC4 pair presented the lowest friction coefficient of 0.25, and the wear rates of the pins and discs were as low as 1.76 × 10−6 and 2.59 × 10−4mm3/N·m. The low friction and wear behavior could be attributed to the detachment of N-GQDs from the ceramic matrix to the worn surface at the load of 30 N or higher, and then an effective lubricating film containing N-GQDs, SiO2, TiO2 and Al2SiO5 formed in the worn surface. While, at the same test condition, the friction coefficient of the single-phase Si3N4 against TC4 was at a range from 0.45 to 0.58. The spalling and cracking morphology formed on the worn surface of single-phase Si3N4, and the wear mechanism was mainly dominated by adhesive and abrasive wear. Originality/value Overall, a high-performance green ceramic composite was prepared, and the composite had a good potential for application in engineering tribology fields (such as aerospace bearings). Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0161/

Numerical simulation of cable sheath damage detection based on torsional mode guided wave

In view of the cracking, sag, and damage of sheath caused by the load effect and external force impact of power cable, the echo parameters of cable sheath damage detection based on the characteristics of torsional guided wave propagation are studied in this work. According to the Navier displacement equilibrium equation, the dispersion curve of a magnetostrictive guided wave of the cable sheath was solved, and the T(0,1) mode with a group velocity of 1198.8 m/s and no dispersion was selected. Furthermore, while considering the excitation frequency, loss rate, and direction of the damaged section, the displacement field and the echo characteristic parameters of guided wave in the cable sheath were solved. Moreover, by analyzing the time-domain signals of damaged section echo, the cubic fitting function for the loss rate of the damaged section and the damaged section echo coefficient were obtained, which can effectively characterize the quantitative relationship between the damaged location, size, and guided wave echo of the cable sheath.

Analyzing the Combined Effects of Axial Loads and Bending Moments on Unequal-Angle Steel Members

Analyzing the Combined Effects of Axial Loads and Bending Moments on Unequal-Angle Steel Members

Effect of background noise and memory load on listening effort of young adults with and without hearing loss

ObjectivePeople with hearing loss often encounter difficulties in hearing under adverse conditions, such as listening in the presence of noise. Listening effort is an indicator used to assess listening difficulties in daily life. Although many studies on listening effort have been conducted in recent years, there is a notable gap in the exploration of how task load influences listening effort in young adults. This study compared the effects of background noise and memory load on task performance and subjective listening effort in young adults with and without hearing loss. MethodsThe study included a group of 8 adults with hearing loss (mean age: 24.1 ± 6.0 years) and a group of 16 individuals with normal hearing (mean age: 27.9 ± 4.9 years). A number memorizing task was conducted, involving two types of auditory digits (either three or seven digits) presented under multi-talker babble noise conditions of signal-to-noise ratio of −5 dB [SN −5 dB] or SN +5 dB. Participants determined whether the number presented in the encoding interval matched the one presented in the retrieval interval. Subsequently, they were asked to complete a questionnaire using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess their subjective listening effort. Percentage of correct responses, reaction times, and VAS ratings were compared between adults with and without hearing loss. ResultsOur results showed significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of correct responses and the reaction time under the SN −5 dB conditions, regardless of the memory load. Under the SN +5 dB conditions, a significant difference was found only in the percentage of correct responses for seven digits. In the normal hearing group, the percentage of correct responses and VAS ratings tended to decrease as the memory load increased, even under the same noise condition. Conversely, in the hearing loss group, a consistent trend could not be identified in the effects of noise and memory load on the percentage of correct responses and VAS ratings. ConclusionThese results suggest that in conditions of high noise load, young adults with hearing loss show a higher tendency for listening effort to be affected by other loads. We confirmed that for some participants with hearing loss, the task exceeded a certain level of difficulty in the SN −5 dB and seven digits condition, leading to a change in their motivation and strategy used. Future research should examine ways to control for participants’ motivations.

Short-chain fructooligosaccharides synthesis using a commercial enzyme complex from Aspergillus sp. and anti-cancer activity on HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines

Over the last years, short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have gained significant attention as valuable food and dietary supplement components. Apart from implications such as dietary fibres, sweeteners, and humectants, FOS are hailed for their prebiotic properties. Moreover, much research is dedicated to their role as anti-cancer agents. Despite the ongoing interest, both technical aspects, challenges of FOS production, and their anti-cancer role necessitate more in-depth investigations to understand their healthcare role better. This study aimed to optimise critical FOS synthesis parameters using a commercial enzyme, Viscozyme® L, to obtain a preparation with a high FOS content. A central composite design and response surface methodology evaluated the effect of pH, temperature, synthesis time, substrate, and enzyme load on multiple responses, chosen as independent variables, were utilised to define optimal conditions. Under the optimal conditions (temperature 50 °C, pH 5.5, sucrose concentration 352 g/L, enzyme concentration 2.5% v/v, and 5.5 h of reaction), a preparation with a total FOS content of 58.8% was obtained. The FOS preparation showed minimal in vitro antioxidant capacity in the ORAC, CUPRAC, and ABTS*+assays. In addition, the cytotoxicity of FOS against tested cell lines was evaluated. FOS did not reduce HT-29 cell viability even at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, whereas FOS inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells by 50% at 2.35 mg/mL. Finally, the sensitisation effect of FOS on HCT116 cell treatment with doxorubicin has been revealed.

A novel 4-DOF marine stern bearing support model considering discrete distribution effects

To address the issue of the traditional support model's inability to accurately describe the non-uniform dynamics behavior inside the bearing, this study proposes a novel 4-degree-of-freedom (DOF) bearing support model that incorporates the discrete distribution effects induced by the bi-directional misalignment and bending deformation of the journal. Additionally, a coupling algorithm is designed to study the interaction behaviors between the marine stern bearing lubrication performance and the shaft dynamics. Moreover, a full-size marine shaft alignment test rig for measuring dynamic bearing loads is designed to verify the validity of the present model. On this basis, the effects of different bearing models, rotational speeds, external loads, and bush elastic modulus on the shaft dynamic alignment and the static and dynamic characteristics of the stern bearing are investigated. The experimental results indicate that the 4-DOF model, which takes into account discrete distribution, exhibits a more precise prediction of the alignment characteristics of the shaft system, with a forecast error for the stern bearing load of 1.32%. Heavy loads or low rotational speeds significantly deteriorate the edge-loading effect and increase the stiffness and damping coefficient of the bearings. The bearing lubrication performance directly affects the alignment performance of the shaft system, particularly in low-speed conditions. A softer bush material can increase the minimum oil film thickness, carrying region, and damping coefficient, mitigate the phenomenon of edge-loading, and facilitate the vibration control of the shaft. Research results have made a great contribution to marine shaft alignment optimization and structure design.

Design, Processing, Testing and Characterizing for Orthodontics Material of Palm-Fibres Based Bio-Nanocomposite

Current research is carried out for newly developed of Bio-CPNC biomaterial nanocomposite for dentistry applications. The developed Bio-CPNC is invented of clay-based polymer CPNC and palm-tree micro-fibers, where CPNC is composed by nanotechnology of HDPE and MMT nanoclay. The research contains the methodology of design, processing, testing and characterization mainly focusing on mechanical and fracture properties, microstructure morphology and testing of thermal effect changes due to surrounding temperature changes. The necessity for finding new biomaterials and new techniques for dental materials for restoration and orthodontics with high biocompatibility with human bones and tissue are the aim for developing this natural bio-nanocomposites to be instead of using ceramics and metals like titanium. The new developed bio-CPNC dental material have special mechanical, thermal and fracture properties to resist the effects of occlusal loads of mastication with sustainability without expecting bad effects with orofacial esthetics and normal lingual ability because it is green. It can be applied for different types of orthodontics like crowns, bridges and dental implants. The study included processing, design, testing and characterization of different properties. The testing included detailed fundamental experimental work for investigation of the changes of mechanical and fracture properties based on fracture mechanics science. The results and comparison are promising where they are showing large enhancement of the mechanical, fracture and thermal properties of Bio-CPNC in comparison to the polymer material which encourage the researchers, dentists, and dental-companies for extra research to stabilize these natural green Bio-CPNC nanocomposite for dental applications with reducing the cost where all materials components are available locally in comparison to use of conventional ceramics materials or expensive zirconia composites.

Fish production, water quality, and the role of nitrification as an ammonia removal process in intensively aerated hybrid catfish ponds

AbstractSix 0.1‐ha earthen ponds with 45 kW/ha of aeration capacity were stocked with hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus x I. furcatus) ranging from 15,000 to 90,000 fish ha−1 in 15,000 fish ha−1 increments to analyze the effect of nitrogen loading on ammonia accumulation and fish production. Minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was maintained above 3.0 mg O2 L−1 to prevent hypoxia‐induced appetite reduction. Stocking density did not impact survival but decreased average fish harvest weight and increased food conversion ratio (FCR). Gross production increased with stocking density and ranged from 7249 to 35,674 kg ha−1. Average total (TAN) and un‐ionized ammonia (NH3) were not different among stocking densities despite greater nitrogen inputs in ponds with higher feeding rates. Nitrite () and nitrate () concentrations were significantly higher in ponds with higher stocking densities, suggesting that nitrification increased with nitrogen loading. Phytoplankton assimilation of ammonia is the primary ammonia removal process in traditional catfish ponds with modest fish densities and feeding rates. However, in intensively aerated ponds with high feeding rates, nitrification can become an important process for ammonia removal. These data indicate that small earthen hybrid catfish ponds with high aeration capacities can increase catfish production without ammonia accumulating.

Investigation of creep damage accumulation under variable loading conditions in nickel-based single crystal superalloys

Nickel-based single crystal (SX) turbine blades typically experience varying load conditions during operation. It is essential to consider the effects of changing stress and temperature when evaluating creep damage. The commonly used time-fraction method, based on the linear damage rule (LDR), has been demonstrated to be inconsistent with experimental results under certain loading conditions. There is a lack of research on damage accumulation under variable loading conditions specifically for SX superalloy. This paper conducted two-stage creep experiments for SX superalloy DD6 at 980 °C with stress levels of 230 MPa and 320 MPa, and at 1050 °C with stress levels of 135 MPa and 230 MPa. The load for the experiment was set based on the typical operating conditions of the SX turbine blades. The evolution of the microstructure under variable loading was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The result of creep experiments revealed that the damage accumulation behavior of the SX superalloy does not conform to the LDR. Furthermore, in two-stage loading tests, the creep damage accumulation behavior differs from the classical sequence effect of fatigue loading. SEM and TEM analyses suggested that this phenomenon might be associated with the varying degradation rates of microstructures in SX superalloy.

Temporal dynamics of interactions in European Administrative Networks: The case of SOLVIT

This article provides an analysis of the temporal development of interactions within SOLVIT, the European Union's problem-solving internal market network. Adopting an agency-based, rationalist approach, we hypothesize that temporal development depends on cross-border interdependence, institutional homogeneity, SOLVIT centre caseload and Brexit. Testing these hypotheses, we control for members’ resources, perceptions of SOLVIT and endogenous network dynamics. The ensuing model is tested using stochastic actor-oriented models on interactions in 2011 and 2018, thus yielding a panel-data analysis. Our main finding is that SOLVIT interactions are remarkably stable over time. This is mostly due to the strong effect of interdependence, which is rather constant over time. Strikingly, we find no effect for institutional homogeneity, case load and Brexit. In sum, our analysis reveals that European Administrative Networks can develop into stable patterns of interactions, driven by rather structural features of interdependence.

Experimental investigations on the flexural behavior of UHPC wet joints for UHPC light-weight rigid frame arch bridges

Wet joints are critical parts of prefabricated ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) light-weight rigid frame arch bridges (LWRFAGs), so their mechanical behavior is important to the structural design and applications of these arch bridges. To explore suitable joint configurations and reinforcement arrangements for connecting UHPC components or arch ribs of a practical UHPC LWRFAG, this paper experimentally investigated flexural behavior of several prefabricated UHPC joint beams with various kinds of wet joints through four-point bending tests. Firstly, four different UHPC joint beams with different joint configurations were designed, including (i) vertical joint; (ii) rhombus joint; (iii) vertical joint with top and bottom strips; and (iv) rhombus joint with top and bottom strips, and their flexural performance were compared with a complete UHPC beam. The experimental results revealed that UHPC joint beam employing the rhombus joint with top and bottom strips exhibited superior flexural behavior and cracking resistance among four UHPC joint beams. Subsequently, to achieve optimal and robust joint configurations, bending performance of one complete UHPC beam and three large-scale UHPC joint beams with rhombus joints but different reinforcement arrangements were experimentally studied. It is observed that the beam with the welded twist reinforcements (specimen V-4) shown optimal flexural performance and cracking resistance. Finally, to explore the load transfer mechanism and effects of reinforcement parameters on flexural behavior of specimen V-4, the parametric studies were comprehensively performed using finite element analyses (FEA). This study could serve as both the experimental and theoretical reference for flexural design of UHPC beams with the rhombus wet joints.

Tibial post loading increases the risk of aseptic loosening of posterior-stabilized tibial prosthesis.

Aseptic loosening is the primary cause of failure following posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty. It is unclear whether tibial post loading of posterior-stabilized prosthesis increases the risk of aseptic loosening of the tibial prosthesis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical effects of tibial post loading on the tibial prosthesis fixation interface during level walking, squatting, stair descent, and standing up-sitting down activities. In this paper, finite element models with and without post were established to compare the effects of tibial post loading on the von Mises stress of the proximal tibia, shear stress of the cement, and the bone-prosthesis interface micromotion during four physiological activities. The tibial post loading had an insignificant influence on tibial biomechanics and bone-prosthesis interface micromotion during leveling walking activity. However, compared to the insert without post condition, tibial post loading significantly increased the maximum tibial von Mises stress, the maximum shear stress in the medial of cement, and the bone-prosthesis interface peak micromotion by 912.84%, 612.77%, and 921.09%, respectively, at the moment of the maximum flexion angle for the stair descent activity, and 637.92%, 351.43%, and 519.13%, respectively, at the moment of the maximum flexion angle for the standing up-sitting down activity. Tibial post loading increased the risk of postoperative aseptic loosening of tibial prosthesis in patients with posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty, and it was recommended that the post-cam contact mechanism of posterior-stabilized prosthesis should be optimized to reduce the biomechanical impact of tibial post loading on tibial prosthesis fixation.

Functionality, physicochemical properties, and applications of chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite–tea polyphenol films

An active chitosan (CS) film containing a nano-hydroxyapatite–tea polyphenol (HAP-TP) complex was designed and prepared. The effects of HAP-TP loading on the structural and physicochemical properties of the CS-based film were evaluated. The mechanical and thermal properties of the film were significantly improved by the resulting intermolecular interactions and formation of hydrogen bonds between HAP-TP and CS, which reduced the water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the film by 29.78 and 35.59 %, respectively. The CS-HAP-TP film exhibited excellent slow-release behavior and antioxidant activity, with a cumulative release rate at 700 h 6.79 % lower than that of CS-TP films. The CS-HAP-TP film significantly inhibited the deterioration of semi-dried golden pompano, and thus helped to retain the taste of umami and sweet amino acids in fish samples, while reducing off-flavor generation. The film therefore shows considerable potential as an active packaging material for the preservation of semi-dried fish products.

Effects of ferritin iron loading, subunit composition, and the NCOA4-iron sulfur cluster on ferritin-NCOA4 interactions: An isothermal titration calorimetry study

Ferritin is a 24-mer protein nanocage that stores iron and regulates intracellular iron homeostasis. The nuclear receptor coactivator-4 (NCOA4) binds specifically to ferritin H subunits and facilitates the autophagic trafficking of ferritin to the lysosome for degradation and iron release. Using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), we studied the thermodynamics of the interactions between ferritin and the soluble fragment of NCOA4 (residues 383–522), focusing on the effects of the recently identified FeS cluster bound to NCOA4, ferritin subunit composition, and ferritin-iron loading. Our findings show that in the presence of the FeS cluster, the binding is driven by a more favorable enthalpy change and a decrease in entropy change, indicating a key role for the FeS cluster in the structural organization and stability of the complex. The ferritin iron core further enhances this association, increasing binding enthalpy and stabilizing the NCOA4-ferritin complex. The ferritin subunit composition primarily affects binding stoichiometry of the reaction based on the number of H subunits in the ferritin H/L oligomer. Our results demonstrate that both the FeS cluster and the ferritin iron core significantly affect the binding thermodynamics of the NCOA4-ferritin interactions, suggesting regulatory roles for the FeS cluster and ferritin iron content in ferritinophagy.

An In Vitro Orbital Flow Model to Study Mechanical Loading Effects on Osteoblasts

Flow induced by an orbital shaker is known to produce shear stress and oscillatory flow, but the utility of this model for studying mechanical loading effects in osteoblasts is not well defined. To test this, osteoblasts derived from the long bones of adult male C57BL/6J mice were plated on 6-well plates and subjected to orbital shaking at various frequencies (0.7, 1.4, and 3.3 Hz) for 30 and 60 min in serum-free differentiation media. The shear stress on cells produced by 0.7, 1.4, and 3.3 Hz shaking frequencies were 1.6, 4.5, and 11.8 dynes/cm2, respectively. ALP activity measured 72 h after shaking (orbital flow) showed a significant increase at 0.7 and 1.4 Hz, but not at 3.3 Hz, compared to static controls. Orbital flow-induced mechanical stress also significantly increased (25%) osteoblast proliferation at a 0.7 Hz flow compared to static controls. Additionally, expression levels of bone formation markers Osf2, Hif1a, Vegf, and Cox2 were significantly increased (1.5- to 3-fold, p < 0.05) in cells subjected to a 0.7 Hz flow compared to non-loaded control cells. We also evaluated the effect of orbital flow on key signaling pathways (mTOR, JNK, and WNT) known to mediate mechanical strain effects on osteoblasts. We found that blocking mTOR and WNT signaling with inhibitors significantly reduced (20–30%) orbital flow-induced ALP activity compared to cells treated using a vehicle. In contrast, inhibition of JNK signaling did not affect flow-induced osteoblast differentiation. In conclusion, our findings show that the flow produced by an orbital shaker at a lower frequency is an appropriate inexpensive model for studying the molecular pathways mediating mechanical strain effects on primary cultures of osteoblasts in vitro.