Maximum Peak Pressure Research Articles

Phase change materials as hydrogen explosion suppressants: An experimental and kinetic investigation

To investigate the potential application of phase change materials as H2 explosion suppressants, in the present work, the inhibition effect of Na2HPO4·12H2O, K2HPO4·3H2O, and Na2CO3·10H2O on H2 explosion were experimentally studied. The corresponding explosion suppression mechanism was calculated by using a comprehensive combustion model. Results showed that the selected phase change materials inhibited the H2 explosion, and Na2CO3·10H2O has the most significant effect for fuel-lean H2-air mixtures when 12 g was added. Of which the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) and maximum rate of pressure rise (dp/dt)max were reduced by 26.6 % and 28.1 %, and maximum pressure increase time (tb) and peak pressure time(tc) were increased by 112.2 % and 120.3 %. The inhibition mechanism of Na2CO3·10H2O on H2 was revealed by numerical simulation. The adiabatic flame temperature (AFT) and laminar burning velocity (LBV) of H2-air mixture decrease with increasing hydrated salt addition, the free radicals H, O and OH have a decisive influence on the explosion process during which H decreases by 86.4 % at most. The chain initial reaction O + H2 ⇌ H + OH and the sodium-containing primitive reaction NaO + H + M ⇌ NaOH + M have the most significant influence on the combustion processes. The results of present work give a theoretical foundation for application the phase change materials in H2 explosion safety industry.

Separate effect experimental test and theoretical investigate of pressure wave propagation and pressure rising process upon SGTR accident in advanced LFRs

Steam Generator Tube Rupture accident (SGTR) accident is one of the main safety events to the industrial application of Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs). This paper presents a separate effect test facility, called Lead-bismuth Eutectic Steam generator tube rupture Test facility (LEST), for testing high-pressure subcooled water jetting into a Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) pool, and analyzes experimental data of maximum initial pressure peak, dynamic pressure attenuation together with the pressure rising process upon SGTR. The experimental analyses put forward a general equation form together with a dimensionless number of the initial pressure peak associated with a high-pressure Newtonian fluid injecting into another low-pressure Newtonian fluid, and the derivation of the general equation form is specifically applied to match a further semi-empirical equation for an initial maximum pressure peak with 5–10 MPa water injection in SGTR. The attenuation curve of dynamic pressure wave in each experiment is matched, and more weakening conditions can change the pressure peak from concentrated and non-period peak group to approximate period 1.4–3.7 s pulse group. The size relationship between pipe length L and nozzle diameter D, which L/D=12, is set to divide SGTR into small wall rupture and tube shear fracture, further three stages of pressure rising are distinguished in the tube shear fracture. This work provides experimental data to help determining the severity of SGTR and assessing the consequences of this event as part of the safety case for the industrial application of LFRs.

Oxyhydrogen-air explosion characteristics in water jetting propulsion

Hydrogen has attracted many researchers in the field of explosion jetting propulsion owing to its appealing advantages of zero carbon emissions, wide flammability range, and ease of preparation. However, the research gap in hydrogen explosion characteristics in water jetting scene has slowed down the advancement of the impulsive jetting propulsion field. In this work, static tests under three typical explosion jetting scenes (vertical submerged jetting, oblique submerged jetting, and aerial jetting) are conducted to reveal their explosion and thrust characteristics. The static tests results demonstrate that although the peak pressures of the aerial and vertical submerged explosion jettings are comparable, the peak thrust of the former is dramatically reduced by 40.6 %. We also find that the maximum pressure rise rate and peak pressure of the oblique submerged jetting are 22.9 % and 11.4 % lower than those of the vertical submerged jetting, respectively. Meanwhile, the peak thrust of the inclined jetting is also reduced by 14.1 % compared to the vertical jetting. High-speed photography applied to capture the evolution details of the oxyhydrogen-air explosion reveals that the preceding differences are attributed to the asymmetrical water repulsion phenomenon. Specific impulse is used to characterize the propulsion performance of the oxyhydrogen-air–water explosion jetting at varied volume fractions, and the results show that the maximum specific impulse is obtained for a given 0.45 kg thruster at 40 % water volume and 4:6 ratio of air to oxyhydrogen. The correctness of the explosion characterization metrics and thrust results are finally corroborated via the outdoor aquatic-aerial jetting propulsion tests.

Altered body balance and plantar pressure distribution in young adults with forward head posture

BackgroundForward head posture (FHP), a common postural issue, affects balance and may be linked to altered muscle activity and cervical spine alignment. This study investigated the impact of FHP on static balance and plantar pressure distribution in adults. We hypothesized that FHP would be associated with poorer balance and altered pressure distribution. MethodsThis case-control study investigated the impact of FHP on static balance and plantar pressure distribution in adults (n = 52). Participants were categorized based on craniovertebral angle (CVA), into FHP (CVA <47°) and control (CVA ≥47°) groups. Static balance was assessed using a NeuroCom® Balance Manager System, evaluating parameters like center of gravity sway and directional control. Plantar pressure distribution was measured with an Emed Pedobarography system during walking, analyzing maximum force, peak pressure, and contact area. ResultsParticipants with FHP showed poorer balance with eyes closed on foam compared to the control group. Additionally, the FHP group exhibited lower total maximum force and altered force distribution in both feet during walking. Correlations suggested that higher CVA degrees were associated with decreased balance and altered plantar pressure distribution. Despite, linear regression analyses revealed no significant predictive relationships between CVA and specific balance measures, it showed significant associations with several plantar pressure distribution parameters, including total maximum force exerted on both feet, maximum force on the forefoot, and peak pressure on the hindfoot. ConclusionThese findings suggest that FHP may influence balance and plantar pressure distribution, with a potentially stronger effect on plantar pressure than balance parameters.

Induced fatigue impact on plantar pressure in females with mild hallux valgus

Fatigue has been established to change plantar pressure distribution, yet its impact on hallux valgus (HV) patients, who exhibit morphological and biomechanical changes in the foot, remains insufficiently studied. Twenty-eight female participants, comprising 16 with mild HV and 12 healthy controls, were recruited. Plantar pressures were recorded pre- and post-fatigue using the Footscan platform during self-selected-speed walking trials, fatigue protocol was performed on a treadmill. Foot was segmented into 10 anatomical regions for calculating parameters including maximal force, peak pressure, impulse, contact duration, contact area, and force time-series, alongside assessing the distribution of medial and lateral contact forces (Foot balance) across the groups. During post-fatigue, patients with mild HV demonstrated adaptive changes in plantar pressure distinct from healthy controls, with significant reductions in maximal force, peak pressure, and impulse in the M1 and M2 regions and increases in the M3–M5 regions. In contrast, the control group exhibited an opposite pattern, concentrating pressure in the M1 and M2 regions post-fatigue. The force time-series analysis revealed significant disparities between HV patients and controls, particularly in the M4 and M5 regions, where HV patients showed a less pronounced and lower passive peak in forces. Results show that women with mild HV demonstrate adaptive changes in plantar pressure post-fatigue, distinctly different from healthy individuals, aiding in preventive strategies for fatigue-induced foot injuries for HV patients.

Ignition performance and mechanism of Ti/CuFe2O4 composites with high microwave sensitivity

The microwave ignition holds potential in the ignition of weapons due to its simple structure, non-contact property, and simultaneous ignitions of large area. However, the long ignition delay time of the current ignition agents cannot meet the microwave weaponry advancements. To address the issues, a microwave sensitive oxide-CuFe2O4 (CUFO) which was firstly discovered to be easily ignited by microwaves compared many ferrites, was coupled with Ti nanoparticles (n-Ti) to form Ti/CUFO microwave ignition agents by electrostatic spray granulation. The characterization of microwave ignition, volumetric combustion, burning rate and DSC were used to determine its ignition delay time and the energy release properties. It indicates that the microwave sensitivity, maximum peak pressure and pressure pressurization rate of Ti/CUFO first increases and then decreases with the promoting content of n-Ti. The Ti/CUFO at Φ = 3.5 exhibits the lowest ignition delay time by 79.24 ms compared to the 98.7 ms of n-Ti, meanwhile, its maximum peak pressure and pressurization rate reach the highest by 338.54 kPa and 8.57 kPa/ms, respectively. The DSC results indicate that Ti/CUFO exhibits much lower reaction peak temperature by 320–335 °C compared to 488 °C of n-Ti, which suggests Ti-CUFO reaction maybe much easier be activated. The dielectric loss of n-Ti and CUFO under strong electric field transfer the energy of microwaves to heat, reaching to its reaction temperature. The XPS and XRD results of CUFO after microwave radiation disclosing the crystal transition, formation of divalent iron and oxygen vacancies, as well as the released bright light under microwave radiation, suggest the thermal breakdown mechanism of CUFO. When Ti/CUFO exposes into microwaves, CUFO generates oxygen vacancies due to heat loss and n-Ti is dielectric heated, followed by the generated oxygen reacting with n-Ti, improving the combustion performance of n-Ti. This result provides new insight for the designing of microwave ignition.

A method for automated masking and plantar pressure analysis using segmented computed tomography scans

BackgroundPlantar pressure, a common gait and foot biomechanics measurement, is typically analyzed using proprietary commercial software packages. Regional plantar pressure analysis is often reported in terms of underlying bony geometry, and recent advances in image processing and accessibility have made computed tomography, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, or other imaging methods more popular for incorporating bone analyses in biomechanics. Research QuestionCan a computed tomography-based regional mask provide comparable regional analysis to commercial plantar pressure software and can the increased flexibility of an in-house method obtain additional insight from common measurements? MethodsA plantar pressure analysis method was developed based on bony geometry from computed tomography scans to calculate peak pressure, pressure time integral incorporating sub-peak values, force time integral, pressure gradient, and pressure gradient angle. Static and dynamic plantar pressure were acquired for 4 subjects (male, 65 ± 2.4 years). Plantar pressure variables were calculated using commercial and computed tomography-based systems. ResultsDynamic peak pressure, pressure time integral, and force-time integral computed using the bone-based software was 5 % (9kPa), 7 % (0.3kPa-s) and 13 % (0.3 N-s) different than the commercial software on average. Region masks of the metatarsals and toes differed between commercial and computed tomography-based software due to subject-specific bone geometry and toe shape. Pressure time integral values incorporating sub-peak pressure were higher and demonstrated higher relative hindfoot values compared to those without. Removing step-on frames to static pressure analysis decreased forefoot pressures. Regional maps of peak pressure and maximum pressure gradient demonstrate different peak locations. SignificanceComputed tomography-based regional masks are comparable to commercial masks. Inclusion of static step-on frames and sub-peak pressures may change regional plantar pressure patterns. Differences in location of maximum pressure gradient and peak pressure may be useful for assessing subject specific injury risk.

Underwater electrical wire explosions under different discharge types: An experimental study with high initial energy storage

In this study, underwater electrical explosions of aluminum wires of various sizes were carried out with an initial energy storage of ∼53.5 kJ. Two piezoelectric probes were adopted to record the pressure waveforms. The experiments were divided into different discharge types, and the statistical properties of the electrical and shock-wave parameters of the different discharge types were compared. The experimental results show that there are three discharge types, called type A (breakdown type), type B (transition type), and type C (matched type). The three types differ in the resistance characteristics of the plasma channel during the plasma growth process, which are determined from the average electrical field strength and the remaining energy in the circuit at the peak voltage. Shock waves from type C discharges are more likely to exhibit a higher peak pressure, a larger impulse, and a higher energy density than the other types. However, using a matched wire that matches a specific discharge type, a high peak pressure, large impulse, and high energy density can also be achieved under type A or type B discharges. For example, the maximum peak pressures at ∼33 cm under type B and type C discharges are 38.7 and 42.4 MPa, respectively. These results provide significant guidance for load selection in underwater electrical wire explosion engineering applications.

Finding and analyzing of the energy and force parameters of the flange formation process by orbital stamping by rolling

The study was carried out based on the developed mathematical model of the discrete hydraulic actuator. The model is characterized by considering the nonlinear friction based on the LuGre model, the bidirectional motion of the asymmetric hydraulic cylinder, and the elastic properties of the fluid. A series of simulation experiments on the braking process of the hydraulic actuator in the discrete control mode were carried out. The quantitative relationship between the rod braking time, the maximum peak pressure in the hydraulic cylinder chambers, the value of the initial rod velocity and the inertial mass of the moving parts are determined. Based on the research results it is possible to predict the braking time of the rod and the maximum peak pressure in the hydraulic cylinder chambers under various operating conditions and inertial loads. These predictions can be used in the settings and design process of hydraulic actuators.

Comparison of Maximum Peak Pressures of Free Underwater Explosion by Numerical Modeling and Empirical Expressions

Comparison of Maximum Peak Pressures of Free Underwater Explosion by Numerical Modeling and Empirical Expressions

Correlation between the female pelvic floor biomechanical parameters and the severity of stress urinary incontinence

BackgroundStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that requires proper evaluation to select a personalized therapy. Vaginal Tactile Imaging (VTI) is a novel method to assess the biomechanical parameters of the pelvic floor.MethodsWomen with SUI were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Medical, Epidemiologic, and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) questionnaire and the Patient Global Impression of Severity Question (PGI-S) and underwent a VTI examination. Based on the MESA and PGI-S questionnaires, participants were divided into mild, moderate, and severe SUI groups. Fifty-two biomechanical parameters of the pelvic floor were measured by VTI and compared between the groups (mild vs. moderate and severe). SUI Score and Index were calculated from the MESA questionnaire. Pearson correlation was used to determine the strength of association between selected VTI parameters and the MESA SUI Index and MESA SUI Score.ResultsThirty-one women were enrolled into the study. Significant differences were observed in the VTI parameters 16, 22–24, 38, 39 when the difference between mild and severe subgroups of SUI based on the PGI-S score was examined. Parameter 16 refers to the maximum gradient at the perineal body, parameter 22–24 refers to the pressure response of the tissues behind the vaginal walls, and parameter 38, 39 refers the maximum pressure change and value on the right side at voluntary muscle contraction. VTI parameter 49, describing the displacement of the maximum pressure peak in the anterior compartment, showed a significant difference between the mild SUI and the moderate-severe SUI according to the MESA SUI score (mean ± SD 14.06 ± 5.16 vs. 7.54 ± 7.46, P = 0.04). The MESA SUI Index and SUI Score displayed a positive correlation concerning VTI parameters 4 (the maximum value of the posterior gradient) and 27 (the displacement of the maximum pressure peak in the anterior compartment) (VTI4 vs. MESA SUI Index r = 0.373, P = 0.039; VTI4 vs. MESA SUI Score r = 0.376, P = 0.037; VTI27 vs. MESA SUI Index r = 0.366, P = 0.043; VTI27 vs. MESA SUI Score r = 0.363, P = 0.044).ConclusionsFemale pelvic floor biomechanical parameters, as measured by VTI, correlate significantly with the severity of SUI and may help guide therapeutic decisions.

Study on the influence of ignition position on the deflagration characteristics of oil mist in ship cabins

ABSTRACT In order to study the effect of ignition position on the deflagration characteristics of oil mist in ship cabins, a self-constructed simulated cabin experimental platform was created to conduct experiments on the effect of ignition position on oil mist deflagration characteristics. The results indicate that the deflagration process of oil mist under various conditions can be divided into four stages, they are respectively deflagration, turbulent combustion, flame stretch and self-extinguishing. The peak velocity of flame propagation decreases with the increasing of the distance between the ignition position and the nozzle. When the distance increases from 13 cm to 83 cm, the peak velocity decreases by 6 m/s with a reduction of 57.14%. The peak temperature inside the cabin decreases with the increasing of the distance between the ignition position and the nozzle. When the distance increases from 13 cm to 83 cm, the peak temperature decreases by 118.2°C with a reduction of 13.94%. The pressure distribution inside the cabin after ignition increases first and then decreases. As the distance between the ignition position and the nozzle increases, the peak pressure at various positions also increases, and the maximum peak pressure is located at 110 cm in the cabin. At the ignition position of 83 cm, the peak pressure reaches the maximum value of 1.603 MPa, which increases by 0.858 MPa (115.17%) compared with the ignition position of 13 cm.

Combined inhibition effect of vacuum chamber and inert gas on LPG explosion

In order to investigate combined inhibition effect of vacuum chamber and inert gas on Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) explosion, the explosion experiment was carried out on the self-built gas explosion experiment pipe (L/D = 47.5). The flame propagation and explosion pressure characteristics of LPG were investigated at different vacuum degrees and 10% CO2 volume fraction (VF). The results showed that it is feasible to use a photosensitive solenoid valve to open the vacuum chamber. The Photoreceptor Solenoid Valve can open the vacuum chamber in time; Compared to add only 10% CO2, after installing the vacuum chamber, the maximum pressure peaks were all delayed; The pressure drops rapidly and a short period of negative pressure appeared, and the negative pressure duration becomes shorter as the vacuum degree increases; At various vacuum degrees levels, the maximum pressure peak value occurs at 0.06 vacuum degrees, primarily due to the combined influence of residual fuel quantity, Helmholtz oscillation, and turbulence near the flame front. The Pmax in the pipe and the flame intensity at any position is lower than that when only adding 10% CO2; high vacuum is more conducive to extinguish the flame and increase the thickness of the flame; the pumping effect of the vacuum chamber inhibits the rise of explosion pressure and flame propagation velocity. The combined explosion suppression is more effective on LPG explosions compared to add only 10% CO2. When selecting vacuum degree, it is important to consider the impact of the opening time and different vacuum degree within the vacuum chamber on pressure formation and flame propagation.

Results of Eustachian tube balloon dilation measured using the nine-step test

Suggested several decades ago, the nine-step test is an intuitive test of Eustachian tube function. However, studies employing the nine-step test to assess the results of Eustachian tube balloon dilation (EBD) are limited. We aimed to objectively evaluate the efficacy of EBD in opening failure patients with decreased maximal peak pressure difference (MPD) using the nine-step test. Patients who had MPD values ≤ 13 daPa in the nine-step test were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups according to treatment decisions after discussion with a clinician: an EBD group (N = 26) and a medication group (N = 30). One month after treatment, the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ7) and the nine-step test were administered to all participants and subgroups of symptomatic participants (ETDQ7 > 15). MPD improved (increased) in both the EBD group and the medication group. ETDQ7 values improved (decreased) in the EBD group, but not in the medication group. In subgroup analysis, MPD and ETDQ7 values improved only in the symptomatic EBD group. According to the nine-step test, EBD can normalize 53.8% of decreased MPD. Posttreatment MPD and ETDQ7 scores were significantly better in the EBD group than in the medication group. However, EBD in patients with abnormal nine-step test results seemed less efficacious when the treatment results of the medication group were considered.

Static and Dynamic Foot Pressure Changes Among Diabetic Patients With and Without Neuropathy: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Foot ulceration is a frequent diabetic complication with potentially fatal consequences. The pathophysiology of neuropathic ulcers in the diabetic foot is thought to be influenced by abnormal plantar pressures. This study aimed to compare the maximum peak pressures among diabetic patients with and without neuropathy. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of glycemic control on pressure changes in both feet. The study used 62 diabetic individuals as participants. BMI was calculated, as well as illness duration, hemoglobin A1c, and the existence of neuropathy. Plantar pressure was measured in static (standing) and dynamic (walking/taking a step on the mat) settings for all patients using the BTS P-Walk system. The plantar pressures (kPa) at the five metatarsal regions, the midfoot region, and the medial and lateral heel regions were measured. We found that the dynamic maximum pressures were significantly higher in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN) compared to diabetics without neuropathy at the first metatarsal and mid-foot area in both feet (p<0.05). We also found significantly elevated plantar pressure in patients with poor glycemic control under the second metatarsal head in the right foot (p<0.05). Persons with DN have higher maximum plantar pressures compared to diabetics without neuropathy. Patients with poor glycemic control also have a higher maximum pressure.

Emission and in-cylinder combustion characteristics of a spark ignition engine operated on binary mixtures of gas and liquid fuels

In this study, three different gas fuels such as hydrogen, propane, methane and six different liquid fuels such as, benzene, gasoline, toluene, hexane, methanol and ethanol have been combined and combustion characteristics have been simulated for a spark ignition engine (SIE). Variation of in-cylinder temperature, in-cylinder pressure, CO, CO2 and NO has been investigated. The gas fuel ratios in the mixtures were changed between 0 and 100% by mass. It was investigated that how the addition of gaseous fuels to liquid fuels at different ratios affects the combustion characteristics and emission formation. The gas fuel ratios considerably affected emission and combustion specifications of the engine. Increasing liquefied gas fuel ratio in the mixture leads to decrement in the temperature of charge. The maximum pressure first increases with increasing gas fuel ratio and then start to minimize after maximum pressure. The maximum peak pressure values are observed at 50% gasoline and 50% methane, 75% gasoline and 25% propane, 50% gasoline-50% hydrogen as 48.1 bar, 46 bar and 62.4 bar for different gas fuel mixtures. The minimum peak pressure value is displayed at 100% methanol as 44.06 bar. The maximum temperature value is observed at 100% benzene as 2582 K and its minimum value seems at 100% hydrogen as 2059 K. The maximum mass fractions of CO, CO2, NO are observed at 100% benzene as 0.0271, 0.161, 0.0076, the minimum mass fraction of CO2 is observed at 100% methane as 0.095. The minimum mass fraction of CO is observed at 100% methanol as 0.01243. The minimum mass fraction of NO is observed at 100% hydrogen as 0.00085. The fuels are ranked using a multi-criteria decision-making algorithm called AHP after evaluating the values of all performance criteria and their respective sub-criteria, including in-cylinder pressure, in-cylinder temperature, NO, CO2 and CO to get preference rank between fuels.

Laser ignition and flame propagation of methanol-air mixture in a constant volume combustion chamber

ABSTRACT The combustion performance of laser-ignited methanol-air mixture in a constant volume combustion chamber was investigated using the Schlieren photography technique. The experimentation was conducted at 5, 7, 9, and 11 MPa fuel injection pressure and 363 K initial chamber temperature using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser of 1064 nm wavelength. The gasoline direct injection (GDI) system was used for injecting the fuel at different pressures inside the chamber. The laser beam is focused into the chamber using a 150 mm focal length lens, and laser energy of 200 mJ was used for all experimentation. The Schlieren system was used for capturing flame propagation of methanol-air mixture for different equivalence ratios. The pressure-time history for equivalence ratio (ϕ) of 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 was plotted and analyzed at different chamber filling pressures. Flame propagation was found faster for ϕ of 1.0 due to higher laminar velocity than 0.8 and 0.9. Flame visualization showed that the flame attains the ellipsoid shape during the early stage of ignition. It generates two lobes in the vertical direction and then again expands in a horizontal direction toward the ignition source. For all equivalence ratios, the flame propagation toward the incoming laser source (X-) was observed faster compared to the flame propagation in the direction and perpendicular to the laser beam direction. For all equivalence ratios, higher laminar flame speed was observed at 5 MPa injection pressure; however, it decreases as the injection pressure increases. At ϕ of 1.0 and 11 MPa injection pressure, the maximum peak pressure of 0.67 MPa and combustion duration of 19.3 ms were noted. At 9 MPa injection pressure and ϕ of 1.0, the peak pressure and combustion duration was found as 0.61 MPa and 19.4 ms, respectively. At ϕ of 0.8, the peak pressure and combustion duration were observed 0.27 MPa with 34.6 ms duration and 0.47 MPa with 36.9 ms duration at 5 MPa and 11 MPa injection pressures, respectively.

Cyclic pulse loads pave the road to the GRIP concept in abdominal wall reconstruction

Aim : Durable reconstruction of the abdominal wall needs to be assessed in a lifelike experimental setting and consider the reconstructed abdominal wall as a coherent compound. Our aim was to evaluate broader possibilities in preclinical testing and to deepen the understanding of the biomechanical influences. Methods : We developed a test bench that allows studying a compound under cyclic, repetitive loads. Pulse loads transmit energy to the abdominal wall repeatedly. The amount of energy is related to the load characteristics. We used porcine bellies with a round central (5 cm) defect. They were bridged in a sublay position with Cicat Dynamesh®. Further defects, located in an additional incision, were sutured in a standardized small-bite technique. We varied the number of loads, the maximum peak pressure, the pressure plateau length, and the impact area size. Results : Increasing the peak pressure by 30 mmHg lowers the durability by about 20 %. Prolonging the plateau phase led to a significant durability decrease. During the first 100 dynamic intermittent strain (DIS) impacts, the major tissue deformation and the majority of failures occur. Beyond the 425th DIS impact, about 10 % more failures occur. Increasing elongation and deformation of the tissue raise the likelihood of failure. Conclusion : If the compound does not establish a strain-stable condition during the period of plastic deformation, failure occurs. The outcome does not only depend on the reconstruction technique but also on the external influences acting on the abdominal wall compound. Considering the biomechanical reality is important for open and minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction.

Hallux Limitus Influence on Plantar Pressure Variations during the Gait Cycle: A Case-Control Study.

Hallux limitus is a common foot disorder whose incidence has increased in the school-age population. Hallux limitus is characterized by musculoskeletal alteration that involves the metatarsophalangeal joint causing structural disorders in different anatomical areas of the locomotor system, affecting gait patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamic plantar pressures in a school-aged population both with functional hallux and without. A full sample of 100 subjects (50 male and 50 female) 7 to 12 years old was included. The subjects were identified in two groups: the case group (50 subjects characterized as having hallux limitus, 22 male and 28 female) and control group (50 subjects characterized as not having hallux limitus, 28 male and 22 female). Measurements were obtained while subjects walked barefoot in a relaxed manner along a baropodometric platform. The hallux limitus test was realized in a seated position to sort subjects out into an established study group. The variables checked in the research were the surface area supported by each lower limb, the maximum peak pressure of each lower limb, the maximum mean pressure of each lower limb, the body weight on the hallux of each foot, the body weight on the first metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the second metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the third and fourth metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the head of the fifth metatarsal of each foot, the body weight at the midfoot of each foot, and the body weight at the heel of each foot. Non-significant results were obtained in the variable of pressure peaks between both study groups; the highest pressures were found in the hallux with a p-value of 0.127 and in the first metatarsal head with a p-value 0.354 in subjects with hallux limitus. A non-significant result with a p-value of 0.156 was obtained at the second metatarsal head in healthy subjects. However, significant results were observed for third and fourth metatarsal head pressure in healthy subjects with a p-value of 0.031 and regarding rearfoot pressure in subjects with functional hallux limitus with a p-value of 0.023. School-age subjects with hallux limitus during gait exhibit more average peak plantar pressure in the heel and less peak average plantar pressure in the third and fourth metatarsal head as compared to healthy children aged between 7 and 12 years old.

Effect of adding dimethyl carbonate and gasoline to diesel fuel + corn oil blend on performance and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine.

Diesel fuel and corn oil are mixed in the 80:20 volumetric ratio. Dimethyl carbonate and gasoline are added to diesel fuel + corn oil blend in 4:96, 6:94, 8:92, and 10:90 volumetric ratios to obtain ternary blends. Effects of ternary blends on the performance and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine are investigated under different engine speeds (1000-2500 rpm). 3D Lagrange interpolation method is applied to measured data of dimethyl carbonate blends to predict the engine speed, blending ratio, and crank angle giving maximum peak pressure and peak heat release rate. On average, dimethyl carbonate blends and gasoline blends show 4.3642-12.1578% and 1.0323-8.6843% reduction in effective power, and 1.4938-3.4322% and 4.3357-8.7188% reduction in effective efficiency, respectively, relative to diesel fuel. On average, there is a reduction in cylinder peak pressure (4.6701-7.3418%; 4.0457-6.2025%) and peak heat release rate (0.8020-4.5627%; 0.4-1.2654%) for dimethyl carbonate blends and gasoline blends, respectively, compared to diesel fuel. Because of low relative errors (1.0551% and 1.4553%), 3D Lagrange provides well accuracy in the prediction of maximum peak pressure and peak heat release rate. On average, dimethyl carbonate blends produce less CO (7.4744-17.5424%), HC (15.5410-29.5501%) and smoke (14.1767-25.2834%) emissions, compared with diesel fuel.