Free Length Research Articles

Predictive Modeling of Semi-Submersible Floater Motion Using Bi-LSTM Model

Abstract Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are emerging as a promising renewable energy solution, tapping into the vast wind resources in deep-sea locations. Accurate predictions of heave, pitch, sway, roll, yaw, and surge are essential to ensuring the structural integrity and power generation efficiency of FOWTs. Traditional methods relying on potential flow theory to predict FOWTs’ hydrodynamic responses involve simplifications that may not capture real-world complexities. Although computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations offer accuracy, they are computationally expensive. This study explores the use of Bi-directional long-short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) neural networks as an alternative to address computational challenges in predicting FOWTs’ hydrodynamic responses. These networks excel at handling time series data, capturing temporal correlations crucial for understanding FOWT floater motion dynamics. They also effectively capture bidirectional dependencies, enhancing their suitability for this application. The model considers various input parameters, including wave amplitudes, periods, steepness, directions, and floater design characteristics such as stifness, pre-tension, and the free length of mooring lines. The Bi-LSTM model is trained using a subset of the CFD dataset generated for the scaled OC5 semi-submersible platform with mooring, reserving the remainder for validation and testing. The comparison between simulated and predicted motion demonstrated a strong correlation in surge but noticeable discrepancies in heave and pitch. FFT analysis highlighted consistent frequency components but variations in magnitude, suggesting areas for model sensitivity improvement and further investigation into wave interaction dynamics. The correlation coefficients revealed a strong positive correlation for the surge motion, while the heave and pitch motions showed slightly lower correlation coefficients, suggesting better performance in predicting the surge.

Physico-chemical Study of Surface Active Ionic Liquid (SAIL) in Aqueous Inulin Solutions: Density and Speed of Sound Measurements

Colloidal formulations of surface active ionic liquid (SAIL) have substantial benefit as efficient carrier mainly for therapeutic/pharmaceutical agents. In this regard, density (ρ) and speed of sound (u) have been employed to evaluate the diverse interactions/association behaviour of greener SAIL tetrabutylammonium dodecylsulphate (TBADS) (0.222 to 2.2 mmol kg-1) in aqueous inulin solutions (0.0, 0.2 and 0.3% w/w) at five different temperatures ranging from 293.15 K to 313.15 K. The volumetric and acoustic parameters viz. isentropic compressibility (κs), apparent molar volume (Vφ) and compressibility (κs,φ), intermolecular free length (Lf), relative association (RA), specific acoustic impedance (Z) and molar sound number ([U]) have been calculated by using density (ρ) and speed of sound (u) values. The existence of hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions for TBADS in aqueous inulin solution is suggested by the variations in volumetric parameters, which further supported by various calculated acoustic parameters. Thus, the interactional outcomes can offer implications that stabilized inulin in the presence of SAILs and can be utilized for the optimal biotic actions.

Molecular interaction studies of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in an aqueous medium at various temperatures: A comprehensive analysis using volumetric, thermoacoustic and DFT methods

The interaction of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in an aqueous medium at various concentrations (0.101–1.086) mol·kg−1 as a function of temperature is being studied using volumetric, viscosity and acoustic analysis. The calculation of apparent molar volume (VΦ), partial molar volume (V∅o), apparent molar isentropic compression (Kϕ) and partial molar isentropic compression (Kϕ0) of GABA in an aqueous medium has been done by measuring the densities and speed of the sound in the temperature range of 298.15–323.15 K. The thermo-acoustic parameters like adiabatic compressibility (βs), acoustic impedance (Z), intermolecular free length (Lf), relative association (RA), relaxation time (τ), internal pressure (πi), enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and change in entropy (ΔS) are also computed. The strength of the hydrogen bond interaction of GABA in an aqueous medium and its dipole moment are calculated using single-point energy calculations. These calculations employ IEFPCM and PCM solvation models using DFT/B3LYP and MP2 methods with the 6-311G++ (d, p) basis set. The outcomes are interpreted in terms of hydrogen bond interactions that exist in the mixture.

Regional changes in the free Achilles tendon volume in response to repeated submaximal contractions

IntroductionThe Achilles tendon (AT) may become smaller in volume following acute bouts of heavy and sustained loading likely because of transient fluid exudation to the periphery and this could augment cellular mechanotransduction and tendon adaptation. Given the structure of the AT is distinct across its length, regional changes in the free AT volume may occur in response to loading. This study aimed to investigate whether the change in tendon volume in response to repeated submaximal loading is distinct across the free AT length. MethodsSixteen ATs of healthy males and females (age 24.4 ± 9.4 years, body mass 70.9 ± 16.1 kg, height 1.7 ± 0.1 m) were scanned at rest using freehand 3D ultrasound. Scanning was done before and immediately after submaximal (75 %) voluntary isometric plantarflexion contractions (8 s) involving four sets of ten repetitions. Regional volumetric changes were assessed across the free AT length by dividing the tendon into distal, mid, and proximal regions. ResultsSignificant reduction in the free AT volume occurred across all tendon regions in response to the intervention, however, the mid- region exhibited the greatest reduction in volume compared to the proximal region (P = 0.025). DiscussionThe fact that volume reduction was greatest in the mid-region compared to the proximal region of the free AT may suggest greater tendon adaptation, via mechanotransduction pathways, in the mid-region and this may be important for tendon health and injury prevention.

Tough Monolayer Silver Nanowire-Reinforced Double-Layer Graphene.

Mixed-dimensional nanomaterials composed of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene-silver nanowire (AgNW) composite sandwiched structures, are promising candidates as building blocks for multifunctional structures and materials. However, their mechanical behavior and failure mechanism have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we have performed integrated experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies to explore the performance and failure modes of graphene-AgNW composite under tensile and impact loading conditions. In situ tensile tests using a nanoindenter, implemented with a push-to-pull device and a laser-induced projectile impact test system, are used to shed light on load-bearing mechanisms in graphene-AgNW composites. Multiple failure modes have been observed in both experimental setups and analyzed with numerical and theoretical models. Results show that in the tensile loading the distribution of AgNW, as characterized by the effective free length, is the key parameter determining the failure mode. As for the impact failure scenarios, compared with failure modes observed in pure graphene cases, the mechanical reinforcing effect of AgNW will transform the failure mode from a scattered tensile fracture along radial directions to a shear failure that is constrained in a relatively local domain. Theoretical analysis using shear lag modeling, Timoshenko plate theory, molecular dynamics modeling, and finite element modeling approaches are adopted to further establish the failure modes.

Investigation of the Physicochemical Behaviour of Homoeopathic Dilutions of Glycerol (Glycerinum) at the Temperatures (293.15 - 318.15) K: Volumetric, Acoustic and ViscometricStudy

The physicochemical studies of homoeopathic medicines provide better understanding regarding the presence and mechanism of their action in ultra-dilutions. The physicochemical behaviour of glycerol dilutions homoeopathic dilutions has been investigated from the measurements of densities, , ultrasonic speeds, u and viscosities,  of pure ethanol control (91% ethanol in water) and 33 dilutions of glycerol dilutions of potencies ranging from 1C to 200C at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, a number of physicochemical parameters, viz., the isentropic compressibilities, s , intermolecular free length, Lf , acoustic impedance, Z, relative association, RA, relaxation time, , ultrasonic absorption, /f 2 , pseudoGrüneisen parameter, , deviations in isentropic compressibility, s , deviations in intermolecular free length, Lf , deviations in acoustic impedance, Z, deviations in viscosity,  and deviations in pseudo-Grüneisen parameter, have been evaluated. These parameters showed diverse behaviour at certain potencies of these homoeopathic dilutions. The results have been qualitatively discussed in terms of prevailing interactions of these glycerol dilutions dilutions. The results indicated that that even in extreme dilutions (50C, 110C, 150C and 160C) the molecules of glycerol dilutions may be present in these homoeopathic formulations

Insights from volumetric, acoustic, conductance and spectroscopic studies to study the molecular interactions of drug Levocetirizine in aqueous and aqueous glucose solutions at varying temperatures

Levocetirizine, an antihistamine, has been analyzed in relation to temperature by volumetric, acoustic, and spectroscopic methods to investigate its interaction with glucose, the predominant carbohydrate. Density and ultrasonic velocity for LC (0–0.10 mol dm−3) at different temperature (298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K) in water and in aqueous solution of glucose (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 mol kg−1) have been recorded using Anton Paar DSA 5000 M. The apparent molar volume (Vϕ), limiting apparent molar volume (Vϕ0), apparent molar compressibility (Kϕ,S), limiting apparent molar compressibility (Kϕ,S0) were computed utilizing the experimental data. In addition, the transfer parameters of LC from water to aqueous glucose solutions were identified and elucidated using the co-sphere model. The transfer volumes have been utilized to estimate the interaction coefficients. Limiting apparent molar expansibility (ϕE0) and Hepler’s constant was obtained to throw light upon the structure-making or structure-breaking effect of solute. Multiple acoustical parameters like isentropic compressibility (KS), relaxation strength (r), intermolecular free length (Lf), specific acoustic impedance (Z), Wada’s constant (W), relative association (RA), Rao’s constant (Rm), molar volume (Vm), Van der Waals constant (b), and free volume (Vf) were determined to validate the thermodynamic results.

Thermophysical study for Binary mixtures of Dimethyl carbonate with Anisole, Butyl vinyl ether, Diisopropyl ether and Dibutyl ether at 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K

Ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity have been determined for the binary compositions of dimethyl carbonate+ butyl vinyl ether, + diisopropyl ether, + anisole and + dibutyl ether at T= 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K. The inventive data is applied to assess the excess molar volume VmE, deviation in viscosity Δη and the acoustical parameters namely isentropic compressibility (Ks), free volume (Vf ), free length (Lf ) and internal pressure (πi). The excess or deviation properties are contoured to the Redlich-Kister polynomials and the outcomes are elucidated in terms of molecular interactions present in compositions.

Study of the Optical and Acoustic Parameters and Surface Tensions of 3,4,4′-Trichlorodiphenylurea in Binary Mixtures with Different Organic Solvents between (293.15 and 323.15) K

In the present investigations, the density, refractive index and speed of sound for pure organic solvents and binary liquid mixtures of 3,4,4′-Trichlorodiphenylurea between (293.15 and 323.15) K temperatures have been measured up to the solubility limit. From these experimental results, the acoustic impedance, the isentropic compressibility coefficient, the space-filling factor, the specific refraction, the relaxation strength, the intermolecular free length, the surface tension, the solubility and the solvation number of triclocarban in six organic solvents, namely ethyl alcohol, n-Propyl alcohol, n-Butyl alcohol, Tetrahydrofuran, N,N-Dimethylformamide and N,N-Dimethylacetamide have been computed. The studied acoustic and optical parameters and surface tension behavior versus temperature in pure solvents and binary mixtures were useful in understanding the nature and the extent of interaction between the solute and solvent molecules. The results also show the presence of higher degree of interaction between triclocarban and nitrogen-containing solvents in comparison with other solvents. The distribution of triclocarban in water/organic solvent mixtures is frequently encountered in wastewater treatment plants.

Experimental and computational insight in molecular interactions of imidazolium based deep eutectic solvent with selected alcohols (C1 and C2)

The experimental thermophysical properties (densities (ρ), speed of sound (u) and refractive (nD) indices) of binary mixtures containing 1:3 mol ratio of [1-butyl-3-dimethylimidazolium chloride to ethylene glycol] [BMIM]Cl: EG], deep eutectic solvent (DES), with selected alcohols (methanol and ethanol) were measured. The measurements of the binary mixtures and the pure solvents were conducted at temperatures ranging from (293.15 to 313.15) K in the interval of 5 K and at ambient pressure using an Anton Paar densitometer. Thermodynamic properties such as excess molar volumes (VmE), intermolecular free length (Lf), isentropic compressibilities (ks), deviation in isentropic compressibilities (Δks) and deviation in refractive indices (ΔnD) were computed from the measured data of physical properties. These excess thermodynamic properties are utilized to investigate the intermolecular interactions occurring between imidazolium DES and methanol or ethanol. Geometry optimization calculations were undertaken using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to model the structure of DES with a 1:1 mol ratio employing the B3LYP-D3 functional and a basis set of 6–31G++**. The DFT results revealed that the interaction energies within the DES in the presence of solvent favoured the formation of the complex. Furthermore, interrogation of the optimized structures at molecular level showed that the interactions were mediated by the electrostatic ionic bonding with the co-solvent playing a significant role in solubility. The excess molar volumes of binary mixtures were correlated using the Lorentz-Lorenz equation, and the densities and refractive indices were predicted using the Lorentz-Lorenz equation. The interaction energies and electrostatic interactions between the different solvents were predicted using quantum mechanics. The experimental data was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical data for the measured properties as well as the computational predictions of the stability of the systems.

Seismic performance assessment of pile supported wharves with seismic isolation system considering pile-soil interaction

Pile-Supported Wharves (PSW) are critical for maritime operations but are highly vulnerable to seismic events, which can disrupt port activities. Previous seismic events have highlighted that short free length piles in wharf structures are particularly prone to earthquake damage. This paper aims to mitigate damage between the wharf deck and piles connections by adopting the seismic isolation systems. Conventional Wharf (CW) and Isolated Wharf (IW) structures were comprehensively assessed, focusing on Pile-Soil Interaction (PSI), using the finite element software OpenSees for advanced numerical simulations. Non-Linear Time History Analysis (NLTHA) of CW and IW has been conducted to verify the design under Contingency Level Earthquake (CLE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) scenarios. The analysis aims to enhance the performance of short free length piles within the IW structure. Comparative analysis of fragility curves between CW and IW structures shows that isolation systems significantly reduce seismic fragility by 49%, 60%, and 67% at the MCE level for minimal damage, control & repairable damage and life safety protection across three performance levels, respectively. These findings indicate that the implementation of isolation measures has significantly enhanced the seismic performance and safety of PSW structures.

Split Majoron model confronts the NANOGrav signal and cosmological tensions

In the light of the evidence of a gravitational wave background from the NANOGrav 15 yr dataset, we reconsider the split Majoron model as a new physics extension of the standard model able to generate a needed contribution to solve the current tension between the data and the standard interpretation in terms of inspiraling supermassive black hole massive binaries. In the split Majoron model the seesaw right-handed neutrinos acquire Majorana masses from spontaneous symmetry breaking of global U(1)B−L in a strong first order phase transition of a complex scalar field occurring above the electroweak scale. The final vacuum expectation value couples to a second complex scalar field undergoing a low scale phase transition occurring after neutrino decoupling. Such a coupling enhances the strength of this second low scale first order phase transition and can generate a sizeable primordial gravitational wave background contributing to the NANOGrav 15 yr signal. Some amount of extraradiation is generated after neutron-to-proton ration freeze-out but prior to nucleosynthesis. This can be either made compatible with the current upper bound from primordial deuterium measurements or even be used to solve a potential deuterium problem. Moreover, the free streaming length of light neutrinos can be suppressed by their interactions with the resulting Majoron background, and this mildly ameliorates existing cosmological tensions. Thus cosmological observations nicely provide independent motivations for the model. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Ultrasonic Velocity of Acrylates with Decane-2-ol at 313.15 K

Thermodynamic data involving ultrasonic velocities of binary liquid mixtures of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate with decane-2-ol have been measured at 313.15 K and at atmospheric pressure. Study of thermodynamic properties involves challenges of interpreting the excess quantities as a means of understanding the nature of intermolecular interactions among the mixed components. Experimental values of ultrasonic velocities were correlated with recently proposed Jouyban-Acree model. Deviations in isentropic compressibility were calculated and have been fitted to Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. Excess parameters like specific acoustic impendence, intermolecular free length, available volume, intrinsic pressure, molecular association and molar sound velocity were also calculated. Graphical representations of excess derived thermodynamic parameters used to explain the type and extent of intermolecular interactions

Studies on interactions of L-glutamic acid with L-arabinose/D-xylose in aqueous medium: Ultrasonic velocity and acoustic parameter studies supported by FTIR spectroscopic investigation

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can synthesize it on its own, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be obtained from the diet. Using an ultrasonic interferometer, the ultrasonic velocity at 293.15 K and 298.15 K and at experimental pressure P = 101 kPa were determined in order to evaluate and comprehend the synergy between non-essential amino acid and saccharides (L-arabinose/D-xylose) in an aqueous system. There is a direct correlation between the weak and strong molecular interactions that occur between the solution’s constituents and the propagation of ultrasonic sound waves through the experimental solutions. Using the ultrasonic velocity data, isentropic compressibility (Ks) apparent molar isentropic compressibility (Ks,ϕ) and isothermal compressibility (KT) were calculated. In addition to these characteristics, acoustic impedance (Z), internal pressure (πi), relative association (RA), molar free volume (Vf), molar free length (Lf) and surface tension (γ) were deduced and analysed to advocates potent ion- solvent interactions. In order to gain understanding of Glu-Glu and Glu- L-arabinose/D-xylose interactions in aqueous medium, these parameters were interpreted. Ion-solvent interactions are stronger than ion-ion interactions due to the greater and positive values of Ks0. Strong contacts occur between the polar segments of L-arabinose/D-xylose and the zwitterionic groups of Glu, and these interactions become stronger as the concentration of L-arabinose/D-xylose increases, as indicated by positive values of Ks,ϕ,tr0. The water structure is reformed during the solvation and ion association processes of Glu. Furthermore, the spectroscopic investigation has been conducted using the FTIR technique in order to verify the results obtained from acoustic studies. Predominant ion-hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions prevail in the studied system is validated by FTIR study. Absorption band widening indicates that intermolecular hydrogen bonding predominates over intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

Work distribution for unzipping processes.

A simple zipper model is introduced, representing in a simplified way, e.g., the folded DNA double helix or hairpin structures in RNA. The double stranded hairpin is connected to a heat bath at temperature T and subject to an external force f, which couples to the free length L of the unzipped sequence. The leftmost zipped position can be seen as the position of a random walker in a special external field. Increasing the force leads to a zipping-unzipping first-order phase transition at a critical force f_{c}(T) in the thermodynamic limit of a very large chain. We compute analytically, as a function of temperature T and force f, the full distribution P(L) of free lengths in the thermodynamic limit and show that it is qualitatively very different for f<f_{c},f=f_{c}, and f>f_{c}. Next we consider quasistatic work processes where the force is incremented according to a linear protocol. Having obtained P(L) already allows us to derive an analytical expression for the work distribution P(W) in the zipped phase f<f_{c} for a long chain. We compute the large-deviation tails of the work distribution explicitly. This distribution can be interpreted as work distribution for an oscillatorylike model. Our analytical result for the work distribution is compared over a large range of the support down to probabilities as small as 10^{-200} with numerical simulations performed by applying sophisticated large-deviation algorithms.

Impacts of free tropospheric turbulence parametrisation on a sheared tropical cyclone

AbstractThe turbulent transport of momentum, heat, and moisture can impact tropical cyclone intensity. However, representing subgrid‐scale turbulence accurately in numerical weather prediction models is challenging due to a lack of observational data. To address this issue, a case study of Hurricane Maria was conducted to analyse the influence of different free tropospheric turbulence parametrisations on sheared tropical cyclones. The study used the current Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) parametrisation, as well as a parametrisation scheme with significantly reduced free tropospheric mixing length. Convection‐permitting ensemble simulations were performed for both mixing schemes at two initialisation times (four 18‐member ensembles in total), revealing an improvement in the intensity forecasts of Hurricane Maria when the mixing length was decreased in the free troposphere. By implementing this change, the less diffuse simulations presented a drier mid‐level. The resolved downward transport of drier air from the mid‐levels into the inflow layer (so‐called “downdraft ventilation”) was thus more effective in reducing the storm's intensity. In contrast to earlier studies, where decreasing the diffusivity in the boundary layer intensified the storm, we show that decreasing the free tropospheric diffusivity can weaken the storm by enhancing shear‐related weakening processes. While this study was performed using the MetUM, the findings highlight the general importance of considering turbulence parametrisation, and show that changes in diffusivity can have different impacts on storm intensity depending on the environment and where the changes are applied.

Development of a Simple Analytical Model to Facilitate Preoperative Surgical Planning in Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement.

Valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) is attractive for aortic root dilation as it preserves the native aortic valve (AoV). Low effective height (eH) after reconstruction is a risk factor for repair failure and reoperation. We developed and validated a quantitative AoV repair strategy to reliably restore normal valve proportions to promote long-term function. Normal AoV proportions were used to derive geometric relationships for sinotubular junction diameter (DSTJ), free edge length (FEL), free edge angle, and commissure height. These relationships informed two models for predicting eH following VSRR: (1) assuming valve symmetry and (2) accounting for valve asymmetry. Porcine heart (n = 6) ex vivo validation was performed under 4 VSRR scenarios: "Ideal" (tube graft size targeting FEL/DSTJ = 1.28), "Oversized" (one graft size larger than Ideal), "Undersized" (two sizes smaller), and "Undersized + Plicated" (FEL/DSTJ = 1.28 restored with leaflet plication). Our analytical models predicted eH using preoperative measurements and estimated reconstructed dimensions. The Oversized graft exhibited similar eH to Ideal but higher regurgitation in the ex vivo model, whereas the Undersized graft demonstrated lower eH and regurgitation. Plication in the Undersized graft restored valve function (regurgitation & eH) similar to Ideal in the ex vivo model and above Ideal in the analytical models. Both analytical models predicted ex vivo eH well except in the Oversized and Undersized + Plicated conditions. Utilizing measurements from preoperative imaging and simple mathematical models, patient-specific operative plans for VSRR can be created by estimating valve dimensions necessary to achieve favorable valve features post-repair. Clinical application of this approach promises to improve consistency in achieving optimal long-term dimensions and durability.

Exploring the potential of ethylenediamine based protic ionic liquids for carbon capture: A study on thermophysical properties and CO2 absorption behavior

The objective of the study is to synthesize economical and facile ethylenediamine (ED) based protic ionic liquids (PILs) containing various carboxylate anions for CO2 capture for post-combustion method. The PILs were synthesized using a straightforward process, and the behavior of their CO2 absorption was investigated in relation to the alkyl chain of odd and even chain anions. The PILs were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS techniques. The study results indicate that ED-ILs with longer alkyl chains are better at absorbing CO2. Among all the PILs, [ED][Hep] exhibited the highest absorption capacity except [ED][But], absorbing 0.26 CO2/mol of IL at 298K and 0.1 MPa. The thermophysical properties, including density, sound speed, viscosity, and refractive index of neat ED-based PILs, were tested at different temperatures and 0.1 MPa. Furthermore, the derived parameters such as expansion coefficient (α), molecular volume (V), isentropic compressibility (βs), lattice potential energy (UPOT), standard entropy (S0), Intermolecular free length (Lf) and free volume (Vm) were determined using experimental parameters. It was shown that these characteristics were directly related to the PILs ability to absorb CO2. Overall, the investigation demonstrated that [ED][But] offers a great potential for utilization as a CO2 absorption solvent because of its high absorption capacity and special qualities as a PIL.

Excess acoustic and volumetric properties of polyethylene glycol 200 + methyl/ethyl methacrylate binary mixtures at different temperatures: An experimental and theoretical study

The excess and partial molar properties of binary liquid mixtures can be used to unveil the prevailing intermolecular interactions. The densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u for pure polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and their binaries (PEG 200 + methyl/ethyl methacrylate) have been measured over the entire composition range in the temperature range (293.15 to 323.15) K at 5 K intervals and at pressure, p = 100 kPa. The excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, excess speed of sound, excess intermolecular free length, excess molar isentropic compressibility and excess acoustic impedance were evaluated using the experimental data. The partial and excess partial molar volumes/compressibilities of the components at each mole fraction and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The results have been interpreted on the basis of prevailing intermolecular interactions as well as structural effects between like and unlike molecules. The results indicate the effect of the size of alkyl group on excess functions and interactions in these systems and the PEG-methacrylate interactions follow the order: methyl methacrylate > ethyl methacrylate. Scaled particle theory has also been used for the theoretical estimation of the speeds of sound and compared with experimental values. FT-IR spectra of pure PEG 200, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and equimolar PEG 200 + methyl methacrylate/ethyl methacrylate mixtures were also recorded and analysed for better understanding of prevailing intermolecular interaction.

Torque expression of superelastic NiTi V-Slot and conventional stainless steel orthodontic bracket-archwire combinations - A finite element analysis

BackgroundTo investigate the torque expression of conventional stainless steel (SS) brackets in combination with rectangular SS archwires and nickel-titanium (NiTi) V-slot brackets in combination with V-shaped NiTi archwires using finite element analysis (FEA). MethodsCAD models were created for a conventional bracket and rectangular archwires with dimensions of 0.018″x0.025″ and 0.019″x0.025″, and for a V-slot bracket and V-shaped archwires with heights of 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm and 0.70 mm. FEA was performed using Ansys 2022R2 software to assess the forces and moments during simulated torsion of the archwires in the brackets between 0° and 25° with varying interbracket distances and free path lengths. ResultsThe V-slot bracket-archwire combination exhibited force transmission and moment generation within 1° of torsion. The transmissible force increased with the torsion angle, but showed an upper limit of about 13–14 Nmm. The SS bracket-archwire combination showed negligible forces and moments for simulated torsion between 0° and 15°. At torsions of 25°, moments of 12 Nmm and 14 Nmm occurred for the 0.018″x0.025″ and 0.019″x0.025″ archwire dimensions, respectively. ConclusionsThe V-slot bracket-archwire combination is effective in expressing torque and preventing both over- and under-activation. Conventional bracket-archwire combinations showed torsional losses due to play between 10 and 15°, depending on the dimensions of the respective archwire, and no upper torsional moment limit.