Laboratory Simulation Research Articles

Development and usability of a virtual reality umbilical venous catheter placement simulator.

Exposure to procedures varies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A method to teach procedures should be available without patient availability, expert oversight, or simulation laboratories. To fill this need, we developed a virtual reality (VR) simulation for umbilical vein catheter (UVC) placement and sought to establish its face and content validity and usability. Engineers, software developers, graphic designers, and neonatologists developed a VR UVC placement simulator following a participatory design approach. The software was deployed on the Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display (HMD). Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) from a level 4 NICU used the simulator and completed an 11-item questionnaire to establish face and content validity. Participants also completed the validated simulation task load index and system usability scale to assess the usability of the simulator. Group 1 tested the VR simulation, which was optimized based on feedback, prior to Group 2's participation. A total of 14 NNPs with 2-37years of experience participated in testing. Participants scored the content and face validity of the simulator highly, with most giving scores ≥ 4/5. Usability was established with relatively high average system usability scores for both groups (Group 1: 67.14 ± 7.8, Group 2: 71 ± 14.1) and low SIM-TLX scores indicating manageable load while using the simulator. After optimization, Group 2 found the UVC simulator to be realistic and effective. Both groups felt the simulator was easy to use and did not cause physical or cognitive strain. All participants felt the UVC simulator provided a safe environment to make mistakes, and the majority would recommend this experience to trainees.

Online Virtual Reality Networked Control Laboratory Applied in Control Engineering Education.

Online laboratories play an important role in engineering education. This work discusses a WebVR-based virtual laboratory system. The user enters the simulated laboratory environment through a virtual reality (VR) device and interacts with the experimental equipment, similar to hands-on experiments in a physical laboratory. In addition, the proposed system allows users to design their own control algorithms and observe the effects of different control parameters to enhance their understanding of the experiment. To illustrate the features of the proposed virtual laboratory, an example is provided in this paper, which is an experiment on a double inverted pendulum system. The experimental results show that the proposed system allows users to conduct experiments in an immersive and interactive manner and provides users with a complete experimental process from principal design to experimental operation. A solution is also provided to change any virtual laboratory into a WebVR-based virtual laboratory for education and training.

Enhanced Robot Motion Block of A-Star Algorithm for Robotic Path Planning.

An optimized robot path-planning algorithm is required for various aspects of robot movements in applications. The efficacy of the robot path-planning model is vulnerable to the number of search nodes, path cost, and time complexity. The conventional A-star (A*) algorithm outperforms other grid-based algorithms because of its heuristic approach. However, the performance of the conventional A* algorithm is suboptimal for the time, space, and number of search nodes, depending on the robot motion block (RMB). To address these challenges, this paper proposes an optimal RMB with an adaptive cost function to improve performance. The proposed adaptive cost function keeps track of the goal node and adaptively calculates the movement costs for quickly arriving at the goal node. Incorporating the adaptive cost function with a selected optimal RMB significantly reduces the searches of less impactful and redundant nodes, which improves the performance of the A* algorithm in terms of the number of search nodes and time complexity. To validate the performance and robustness of the proposed model, an extensive experiment was conducted. In the experiment, an open-source dataset featuring various types of grid maps was customized to incorporate the multiple map sizes and sets of source-to-destination nodes. According to the experiments, the proposed method demonstrated a remarkable improvement of 93.98% in the number of search nodes and 98.94% in time complexity compared to the conventional A* algorithm. The proposed model outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms by keeping the path cost largely comparable. Additionally, an ROS experiment using a robot and lidar sensor data shows the improvement of the proposed method in a simulated laboratory environment.

Quantifying SO2 oxidation pathways to atmospheric sulfate using stable sulfur and oxygen isotopes: laboratory simulation and field observation

Abstract. The formation of secondary sulfate in the atmosphere remains controversial, and it is an urgent need to seek a new method to quantify different sulfate formation pathways. Thus, SO2 and PM2.5 samples were collected from 4 to 22 December 2019 in the Nanjing region. Sulfur and oxygen isotopic compositions were synchronously measured to study the contribution of SO2 homogeneous and heterogeneous oxidation to sulfate. Meanwhile, the correlation of δ18O values between H2O and sulfate from SO2 oxidation by H2O2 and Fe3+ / O2 was simulatively investigated in the laboratory. Based on isotope mass equilibrium equations, the ratios of different SO2 oxidation pathways were quantified. The results showed that secondary sulfate constituted higher than 80 % of total sulfate in PM2.5 during the sampling period. Laboratory simulation experiments indicated that the δ18O value of sulfate was linearly dependent on the δ18O value of water, and the slopes of linear curves for SO2 oxidation by H2O2 and Fe3+ / O2 were 0.43 and 0.65, respectively. The secondary sulfate in PM2.5 was mainly ascribed to SO2 homogeneous oxidation by OH radicals and heterogeneous oxidation by H2O2 and Fe3+ / O2. SO2 heterogeneous oxidation was generally dominant during sulfate formation, and SO2 oxidation by H2O2 predominated in SO2 heterogeneous oxidation reactions, with an average ratio around 54.6 %. This study provided an insight into precisely evaluating sulfate formation by combining stable sulfur and oxygen isotopes.

Kajian Penyebab Rembesan pada Bendungan Situ Lembang di Kabupaten Bandung Barat

A dam is a construction structure built to hold back the flow of water from upstream to downstream. Geographically, the Situ Lembang Dam is located in Kertawangi Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, the Situ Lembang Dam has a length of 350 m. One of the problems with dams is seepage. Seepage is defined as the property of a porous material that allows fluid in the form of water to flow through the pore cavity. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of variations in hydrostatic height on seepage that occurs in the dam body. The material forming the dam body is a type of organic clay. Almost all of the instrumentation equipment at 'Situ Lembang' no longer functions. This research uses laboratory simulations to review seepage patterns and seepage discharge against variations in hydrostatic height. Seepage discharge (Qf) is calculated using 3 methods, namely the Dupuit method, Schaffernak method, and Cassagrande method. The hydrostatic height variations reviewed are H10, H15, and H20.

Impact of Student Pharmacist State Anxiety on Vasopressor Calculation Accuracy in Advanced Cardiac Life Support Simulations

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of student pharmacist state anxiety on vasopressor calculation accuracy in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) simulations. MethodsThird-year professional students participated in 2 ACLS-related simulation laboratory sessions. In week 1, students completed 3 calculations at their workstation with no stressors. Students were then randomized into teams for a bedside simulation where they independently completed 3 additional calculations either with or without stressors. Team assignments were maintained for week 2 where all participants completed a high-fidelity ACLS simulation that included a team vasopressor calculation. At both encounters, calculation accuracy was assessed as well as pre- and post-state anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) survey tool. ResultsStudents’ (N = 145) trait anxiety aligned with normative data for similarly aged professional students. Post-simulation state anxiety in week 1 was found to be higher for those completing the activity with stressors than without (STAI score 44.7 vs 36.9) paired with lower bedside calculation accuracy, despite similar initial workstation calculation accuracy. In week 2, pre-simulation state anxiety score and calculation accuracy were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, the state anxiety score significantly increased post-simulation for those exposed to stress in the previous week. ConclusionStress negatively impacted student pharmacist vasopressor calculation accuracy. However, the repeated exposure to a stressed simulation did not result in a significant difference in pre- or post-simulation state anxiety score or calculation accuracy when compared to a non-stressed control. Consideration should be made whether to include more “real-life” simulations in student pharmacist education.

Simulation clinic waste audit assessment and recommendations at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Dentistry produces waste contributing to climate change and adverse health outcomes, thus reducing waste is essential; however, there has been minimal emphasis on sustainability or climate action in dentistry. Waste audits quantify the type and amount of waste produced and may inform waste reduction strategies. We conducted a waste audit to identify areas of potential waste reduction and recommend interventions to reduce waste. In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a waste audit of garbage produced during a typical 4-hour pre-clinical restorative dentistry simulation exercise. The sample was composed of 72 second-year dental students. This exercise is part of a standard curriculum with a uniform format regarding supplies used and participants. Potentially infectious materials were not used during this exercise. In total, 26.6kg of waste was discarded. Plastic was the largest contributor by mass (57.5%), followed by paper barriers (19.6%), then impression materials (6.5%). We found 894 gloves and 70 masks discarded. Based on these findings, we categorized waste reduction opportunities into policy changes, purchasing sustainable materials, and increasing awareness through education. Specific suggested actions include: relaxing glove and gown requirements during laboratory simulations; replacing single use items with more sustainable options; increasing use of intraoral scanners; and posting informational signage with examples of what can be recycled.

Comparative study to determine the proper sequence of simulation training, pelvic trainer versus virtual reality simulator: a pilot study

BackgroundIncreased surgical efficacy has led to a remarkable increase in the usage of minimally invasive surgical procedures since their inception. The use of simulation in surgical teaching has grown significantly during the past 10 years. Several laparoscopic simulators have been built. Virtual reality (VR) simulators and box trainers (BTs), often known as pelvic trainers, are the two primary training modalities used in hospitals and clinical training institutes for the development and acquisition of laparoscopic skills. Our study aimed to evaluate the proper sequence of pelvic trainers and VR simulator training to improve laparoscopic gynecological skills.MethodologyWe carried out this pilot study at the Virtual Endoscopic Simulation and Skills Acquisition Laboratory at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in the Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt, from February to August 2022. All residents with minimal or without laparoscopic experience (twenty residents) were divided into two groups and classified as (group A versus group B). Group A’s training began with a pelvic trainer, which was tested using a checklist. Later, the group trained on a virtual reality simulator, which tested them using an electronic autoassessment. After training on a virtual reality simulator and passing an electronic autoassessment test, group B moved on to pelvic trainers and had a checklist-based assessment.ResultsWe compared pelvic trainer tasks between the training groups, and detected no significant differences in camera navigation, cutting pattern, peg transfer, or running stitches (P values 0.646, 0.341, 0.179, and 0.939 respectively); when we compared VR simulator tasks between the training groups, there were no significant differences in camera navigation, cutting pattern, peg transfer, or running stitches (P values 0.79, 0.3, 0.33, and 0.06, respectively).ConclusionThere was no difference in training, between residents who started on a pelvic trainer or the VR simulator; therefore, both could be used in laparoscopic training with no preferred order.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the name “Pelvic trainer vs VRS” and the identifier “NCT05255614.” The registration date was January 19, 2022, and the trial was prospectively registered. URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/ViewOrUnrelease?uid=U0004GED&ts=22&sid=S000BR5D&cx=t6mc14

Unsuspected Limitations of 3D Printed Model in Planning of Complex Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment.

Static 3-dimensional (3D) printing became attractive for operative planning in cases that involve difficult anatomy. An interactive (low cost, fast) 3D print allowing deliberate surgical practice can be used to improve interventional simulation and planning. Endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms is technically challenging, especially in case of narrow aortic lumen or significant aortic angulation (hostile anatomy). The risk of complications such as graft kinking and target vessel occlusion is difficult to assess based solely on traditional software measuring methods and remain highly dependent on surgeon skills and expertise. A patient with juxtarenal AAA with hostile anatomy had a 3-dimensional printed model constructed preoperatively according to computed tomography images. Endovascular graft implantation in the 3D printed aorta with a standard T-Branch Cook (Cook® Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) was performed preoperatively in the simulation laboratory enabling optimized feasibility, surgical planning and intraoperative decision making. The 3D printed aortic model proved to be radio-opaque and allowed simulation of branched endovascular aortic repair (BREVAR). The assessment of intervention feasibility, as well as optimal branch position and orientation was found to be useful for surgeon confidence and the actual intervention in the patient. There was a remarkable agreement between the 3D printed model and both CT and X-ray angiographic images. Although the technical success was achieved as planned, a previously deployed renal stent caused unexpected difficulty in advancing the renal stent, which was not observed in the 3D model simulation. The 3D printed aortic models can be useful for determining feasibility, optimizing planning and intraoperative decision making in hostile anatomy improving the outcome. Despite already offering satisfying accuracy at present, further advancements could enhance the 3D model capability to replicate minor anatomical deformities and variations in tissue density.

Damage to Natural Gas Distribution Steel Pipelines caused by Rigid Bodies resulting from the Excavation of Laying Trenches

The present paper focuses on analyzing the occurrence of defects such as dents and local deformations by laboratory simulations of a real case of a defect detected on a natural gas distribution pipeline lain at a depth of approximately 0.6 m. The defect is caused by a river stone which due to the compression forces, damages the pipe to the point of cracking. In the laboratory, the simulation was carried out on a steel pipe insulated with extruded polyethylene which was acted upon by a mandrel made of duralumin. The purpose of the tests is to determine the maximum values at which the pipe material fractures. It was found that the fracture of the pipes when there are rigid bodies in the protective layer of sand is accelerated by the sand existing between them and the pipe and by the change in the properties of the steel the pipes are made of when they are kept in water.

An in-situ portable pore-water sampler for evaluating the vertical distribution in the sediment interface

The characteristics of chemical elements in marine pore-water are significant for investigating and evaluating the marine sediment environment (especially vertical distribution characteristics, etc.). Therefore, sampling high-quality pore-water is necessary for marine scientific research. This paper proposes an in-situ portable pore-water sampler that utilizes the compression spring structure, allowing the potential energy generated by the spring to be converted into kinetic energy for the sampling process. The sampler requires no other power and can be portable for marine pore-water sampling. We first described the sampler’s mechanical design, which can obtain one sediment-overlying water and three sediment pore-water samples at different depth profiles. Secondly, to judge the force state of the power spring, we designed laboratory experiments and simulation tests based on COMSOL Multiphysics to analyze the force during the working process of power springs. Finally, we deployed the sampler offshore in Zhoushan Islands for actual sampling, and we tested and compared the in-situ samples with the centrifugal samples to analyze the vertical distribution of chemical elements. The successful sea trials verified the reasonableness of the mechanical design, theoretical calculation and experimental analysis of the sampler. Furthermore, we will continue to optimize the sampler and apply it more widely.

Online laboratory simulations as a pedagogy to reduce anxiety and build confidence for student success

Online laboratory simulations as a pedagogy to reduce anxiety and build confidence for student success

The changing face of surgical education: transfer of surgical and endovascular knowledge to young surgeons.

The goal of vascular surgery education is to provide the best possible training to vascular residents and fellows and to assure the highest standards of care for patients with vascular disease. In the USA, the currently used Vascular Surgery Milestones Program includes milestones as set targets at five levels, from novice to expertise, to assess the trainees' performance in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and other attributes of competencies. Competencies are broad and foundational domains of ability, the most important being the care of the patient. The soon to be introduced Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) Project, a competency-based assessment, appears to be the best way to evaluate that trainees are ready to practice independently. Transferring surgical and endovascular skills to trainees has been, however, a challenge, because of the decreased number of open surgical procedures, the increasing number of the endovascular interventions, the decreased work hours for residents and that learning on patients in the operating room is no longer acceptable. Simulation laboratories, using 3D reconstructions of real patient's aneurysms has been most helpful to teach even complex endovascular procedures. In open or endovascular simulation laboratories, deliberate practice with focused attention and specific goals of improving performance should be combined with expert feedback. Greatness is not coded into our DNA but comes from deliberate practice, dedication and perseverance.

Implementation of a high fidelity simulation based training program for physicians of children requiring long term invasive home ventilation: a study by ISPAT team.

The number of children requiring long-term invasive home ventilation (LTIHV) has increased worldwide in recent decades. The training of physicians caring for these children is crucial since they are at high risk for complications and adverse events. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a comprehensive high-fidelity simulation-based training program for physicians caring for children on LTIHV. A multimodal training program for tracheostomy and ventilator management was prepared by ISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy) team. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pre-tests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow-up, and treatment of children on LTIHV. Following the theoretical education and hands-on training session with a simulation model, theoretical and practical post-tests were performed. Forty-three physicians from 7 tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Seventy percent of them had never received standardized training programs about patients on home ventilation previously. The total number of correct answers from the participants significantly improved after the theoretical training (p < 0.001). The number of participants who performed the steps correctly also significantly increased following the hands-on training session (p < 0.001). All of the 43 participants who responded rated the course overall as good or excellent. The knowledge and skills of clinicians caring for children on LTIHV can be enhanced through a comprehensive training program consisting of theoretical training combined with hands-on training in a simulation laboratory.

Validation of a Simulation Model for Robotic Myomectomy

Study ObjectiveSeveral simulation models have been evaluated for gynecologic procedures such as hysterectomy, but there are limited published data for myomectomy. This study aimed to assess the validity of a low-cost robotic myomectomy model for surgical simulation training. DesignProspective cohort simulation study. SettingSurgical simulation lab. ParticipantsTwelve obstetrics and gynecology residents and four fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons were recruited for a 3:1 novice-to-expert ratio. InterventionsA robotic myomectomy simulation model was constructed using <$5 worth of materials: a foam cylinder, felt, a stress ball, bandage wrap, and multipurpose sealing wrap. Participants performed a simulation task involving two steps: fibroid enucleation and hysterotomy repair. Video recorded performances were timed and scored by two blinded reviewers using the validated Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) scale (5-25 points) and a modified GEARS scale (5-40 points), which adds three novel domains specific to robotic myomectomy. Performance was also scored using predefined task errors. Participants completed a post-task questionnaire assessing the model's realism and utility. Measurements and Main ResultsMedian task completion time was shorter for experts compared to novices (9.7 vs. 24.6 minutes, P=.001). Experts scored higher than novices on both the GEARS scale (median 23 vs. 12, P=.004) and modified GEARS scale (36 vs. 20, P=.004). Experts made fewer task errors than novices (median 15.5 vs. 37.5, P=.034). For interrater reliability of scoring, the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.91 for the GEARS assessment, 0.93 for the modified GEARS assessment, and 0.60 for task errors. Using the contrasting groups method, the passing mark for the simulation task was set to a minimum modified GEARS score of 28 and a maximum of 28 errors. Most participants agreed that the model was realistic (62.5%) and useful for training (93.8%). ConclusionWe have demonstrated evidence supporting the validity of a low-cost robotic myomectomy model. This simulation model and the performance assessments developed in this study provide further educational tools for robotic myomectomy training.

Minimize of moisture effects from laboratory simulations of in-situ Vis-NIR spectral for the prediction of soil salinity

In-situ spectral is a superior means of determining soil properties than indoor spectral, but soil moisture (SM) has been a key limiting factor in the accuracy of in-situ spectral. The effective removal of the SM effects is an ongoing challenge for in-situ spectral of soil properties. The present studies have typically focused on SM removal only for a smaller SM interval, but there is a wide range of SM variability in field environments. We assume different optimal humidity correction algorithms for different SM intervals. Our research collected 207 soil samples (0–20 cm) from Kongterik Pasture Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, China, categorized by salinity (EC < 15, 15–45, >45 dS m−1). Wetting experiments were conducted, and spectral data were collected at different SM levels during air-drying. Comprehensive comparison of the ability of external parameter orthogonalization (EPO), direct standardization (DS), and orthogonal signal correction (OSC) to remove SM from different salinization soils. Results showed varying SM correction strategies based on salinity and moisture. For soils with EC < 15 dS m−1 and SM < 10 %, 15 < EC < 45 dS m−1 and SM < 15 %, and EC > 45 dS m−1 and SM < 21 %, high accuracy predictions were achieved without SM correction. As soil salinity increases at the same SM level, moisture's impact on spectral estimation decreases. Optimal SM correction algorithms differ for various SM intervals and salinity levels: EPO removes the effects of moisture best for EC < 15 dS m−1 and SM < 21 %, DS for SM > 21 %. For soils with 15 < EC < 45 dS m−1 and SM below 10 %, EPO proves optimal for minimize SM, DS for 10–37 %, and OSC is most suitable when SM exceeds 37 %. OSC correction was best for EC > 45 dS m−1 and SM > 21 %, EPO for SM < 10 %, and DS prediction is best when SM is between 10 and 21 %. Therefore, to achieve precise in-situ spectral soil salinity detection, select the appropriate moisture correction algorithm based on SM and salinity levels.

Evaluation of styrene butadiene rubber asphalt modification mechanism and adhesion effect based on molecular simulation

Recycled rubber materials represent an environmentally sustainable option as asphalt modifiers. This research delves into the modification effects of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) asphalt at varying SBR content levels, employing a blend of molecular simulation techniques and laboratory experimentation. A comprehensive molecular model of SBR-modified asphalt is established, and molecular dynamics simulations are executed to scrutinize the thermodynamic attributes, dipole moments, mechanical characteristics, and adhesion properties inherent to SBR asphalt. The outcomes of this inquiry reveal that SBR exhibits notable compatibility with a majority of asphalt molecules, as evidenced by their dipole moments. The introduction of SBR into the asphalt matrix results in the adsorption of a substantial quantity of lightweight components, fostering the formation of a cross-linked network that bolsters the asphalt's resilience against external deformation forces. Furthermore, in terms of adhesion work, asphalt demonstrates heightened affinity with alkaline aggregates, and SBR serves to augment van der Waals interactions at the asphalt-aggregate interface, thereby amplifying interfacial bonding strength. However, when the content of SBR reaches 30%, some SBR molecules will be aggregated in the asphalt, which will lead to phase separation and affect the stability of the colloid. Therefore, it is recommended that the content of SBR should be limited to about 20% in practical engineering applications. In this work, the modification mechanism of SBR was analyzed at the molecular scale and verified experimentally, and the results provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of recycled SBR powder in asphalt applications.

Laboratory Analogs of Thermally Processed Ices Containing H2O, N2, NH3, CO2, and C2H3N Relevant to Astrophysical Environments

Introduction: Laboratory simulations can benefit ground- and space-based observations of icy bodies in outer space. It is well-known that NH3 and CO2 can interact, forming ammonium carbamate (CH6N2O2). Method: This study examines NH3 and CO2 in thermally processed H2O-rich ices in the laboratory via mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy. In particular, the presence of CO2 in NH3- ice mixtures thermally annealed at 150 K for more than four hours in systematic experiments suggested that ammonium carbamate could potentially trap volatiles within the ice matrix. Result: Additional studies with acetonitrile (C2H3N) in ice mixtures containing H2O, CO2, and NH3 were also performed. Absorption peak position changes were recorded when the temperature was slowly increased (≤ 5K/min) and also annealed at temperatures up to 150 K. Conclusion: These studies will hopefully be useful in interpreting pre-biotic chemistry in the Solar System.

Distributed Generation with Voltage Control Capability in the Low Voltage Network

Small-scale distributed generators connected to the low voltage network are generally operated with unity power factor. However, controlling their reactive power injection would have an impact on the voltage at their connection point, if the network is sufficiently weak and inductive. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a small-scale distributed generator connected to a low voltage network through a power electronic converter can be controlled to improve the voltage quality at its connection point. The possibility to control the voltage at a point in the low voltage network by reactive power injection is limited by two factors, the small rating of the distributed generator compared to the short-circuit power at its connection point and the resistive nature of the low voltage cables. Here, a scheme for inductively decoupling the distributed generator connection point from the network is proposed and evaluated. For this purpose, an inductance is placed between the network and the generator, allowing voltage regulation by reactive power injection. Simulation results and lab measurements show that the proposed scheme improves the voltage quality at the microturbine connection point.

Influence of rotor blade flexibility on the near-wake behavior of the NREL 5 MW wind turbine

Abstract. High-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW wind turbine rotor are performed, comparing the aerodynamic behavior of flexible and rigid blades with respect to local blade quantities as well as the wake properties. The main focus has been set on rotational periodic quantities of blade loading and fluid velocity magnitudes in relation with the blade tip vortex trajectories describing the development of those quantities in the near wake. The results show that the turbine loading in a quasi-steady flow field is mainly influenced by blade deflections due to gravitation. Deforming blades change the aerodynamic behavior, which in turn influences the surrounding flow field, leading to non-uniform wake characteristics with respect to speed and shape.