Maximum Traction Force Research Articles

Relationship between Pelvic Dimensions and Maximum Traction Forces Required during Parturition in Holstein Cows Using a Biomechanical Obstetric Simulator.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pelvic dimensions of Holstein cows on the traction forces during parturition. Additionally, the relationship between calf measurements and traction forces was explored. For this purpose, a modified in vitro biomechanical model simulating obstetric tractions was used. For the requirements of the experiment, six bone pelvises of deceased Holstein cows were collected based on their estimated pelvic inlet area (EPA) and prepared. Additionally, six stillborn calves were collected based on their body weight (BW). The parameters of the pelvic inlet and cavity were measured using computed tomography (CT). Using the simulator, every calf was pulled in a random order through all pelvises, realizing a total of 36 obstetrical tractions, and the required forces were documented with appropriate software. In each extraction, three peaks of forces were recorded, with the first peak occurring at the entrance of the elbows into the maternal pelvic cavity, the second peak at the entrance of the thorax, and the third at the entrance of the calf's pelvis. Logistic regression revealed an exponential relationship between pelvic parameters and traction forces for the entrance of the elbows and the pelvis, with the recorded forces being higher in the two smallest pelvises and stabilizing at a lower level thereafter, while for the entrance of the thorax, the correlations were either exponential or linear. The adjusted coefficients of determination (r2) were generally above the threshold of 0.5 for the entrance of the elbows and pelvis and lower (0.3-0.4) regarding the thorax and were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in all cases. Regarding the relationships between the calf dimensions and the required traction forces, the types of correlations were primarily linear and of lower magnitude. The combination of pelvic and calf parameters in a multivariate model resulted in an r2 of 0.72 for the entrance of the elbows using the pelvic diagonal and calf's body weight, an r2 of 0.62 using the pelvic area and calf's thoracic circumference, and an r2 of 0.75 using the pelvic diagonal and calf's fetlock joint width. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present experimentation, the applied traction forces were mainly influenced by the pelvic dimensions in an exponential manner, whereas the calf body measurements showed a weaker effect. Based on these findings, critical cut-off points exist, different for every pelvic parameter, below which a significant increase in the required traction forces is expected.

HITCH DEVICE MODERNIZATION FOR TRANSLOADING OF BALE CARGO

The operation of unloading bales from a covered railway wagon is one of the most labor-intensive and dangerous operations when transporting bale cargo. The article proposes a modernized outside-mounted load-handling device for a universal light-sized forklift. The device is a mechanical equipment for transloading of bale cargo. The device includes a push-pull attachment (a purchased part) on which a frame, a lever clamp and a hydraulic cylinder are mounted. Тtrolleys are installed on the forks of the loader. The trolley is equipped with a roller in the front part and a frame in the back part for longitudinal movement on the forks. The trolley also has a support for the movable pusher plate and a grip for lifting the front edge of the bale. The trolleys are connected to the stationary pusher plate by a lever-type limiter. Before the start of gripping, the forklift is tilted forward at an angle from 3 to 5°, the trolleys are in the most forward position and are supported by a pusher. In this case, the rollers are in the position where they have moved off the forks. By moving the forklift forward, the trolley grips are inserted under the bale. The pusher is brought into the folded state. The loader moves forward, the noses of the forks abut against the roller and it rolls onto the forks, lifting the front edge of the bale. The forks are fully inserted under the bale. The clamp comes into operation, holding the load on the forks. This allows the bales to be removed from the stack and transported. The trolley was designed using CAD KOMPAS-3D. The proposed device is capable of picking up bales stacked without gaps and can be used inside a covered railway wagon. Commonly used side-clamp devices are not capable of this. The mathematical relation of the required traction force of the loader on the geometric parameters of the trolley is derived. It has been established that the required traction force is 60 to 70 % of the maximum traction force achieved by light-sized forklifts with a lifting capacity of 1000 kg.

Insect attachment on waxy plant surfaces: the effect of pad contamination by different waxes.

This study focuses on experimental testing of the contamination hypothesis and examines how the contamination of insect adhesive pads with three-dimensional epicuticular waxes of different plant species contributes to the reduction of insect attachment. We measured traction forces of tethered Chrysolina fastuosa male beetles having hairy adhesive pads on nine wax-bearing plant surfaces differing in both shape and dimensions of the wax structures and examined insect adhesive organs after they have contacted waxy substrates. For comparison, we performed the experiments with the same beetle individuals on a clean glass sample just before (gl1) and immediately after (gl2) the test on a plant surface. The tested insects showed a strong reduction of the maximum traction force on all waxy plant surfaces compared to the reference experiment on glass (gl1). After beetles have walked on waxy plant substrates, their adhesive pads were contaminated with wax material, however, to different extents depending on the plant species. The insects demonstrated significantly lower values of both the maximum traction force and the first peak of the traction force and needed significantly longer time to reach the maximum force value in the gl2 test than in the gl1 test. These effects were especially pronounced in cases of the plant surfaces covered with wax projections having higher aspect ratios. The data obtained clearly indicated the impact of waxy plant surfaces on the insect ability to subsequently attach to the clean smooth surface. This effect is caused by the contamination of adhesive pads and experimentally supports the contamination hypothesis.

SCREW DRUM STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS ANALYSIS ON PROPULSION PERFORMANCE IMPACT

Screw propeller can perform engineering operations in complex environments and have a wide range of applications. To improve its operational efficiency, it is necessary to analyze the influence of the parameters of the screw drum on the performance indicators of the operation, in order to confirm the structural parameters under the optimal operational efficiency. By coupling the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with RecurDyn, the simulation of the locomotion process of a screw propulsion mechanism in a sand environment is conducted. Output results such as travel speed, maximum traction force, and maximum torque are measured. Through computation, performance indicators including slip ratio, traction coefficient, and dimensionless power can be obtained. By coupling the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with RecurDyn, the simulation of the locomotion process of a screw propulsion mechanism in a sand environment is conducted. Output results such as actual speed, maximum traction force, and maximum torque are measured. Through computation, performance indicators including slip ratio, traction coefficient, and dimensionless power can be obtained. Analyzing the numerical indicators of the propulsion system, it is determined that the optimal structural parameters for the screw propulsion mechanism to operate in a sand environment are a helix angle of 40°, aspect ratio of 4, blade height ratio of 0.15, and the number of blades of 4.

Evaluation of Ground Pressure, Bearing Capacity, and Sinkage in Rigid-Flexible Tracked Vehicles on Characterized Terrain in Laboratory Conditions.

Trafficability gives tracked vehicles adaptability, stability, and propulsion for various purposes, including deep-sea research in rough terrain. Terrain characteristics affect tracked vehicle mobility. This paper investigates the soil mechanical interaction dynamics between rubber-tracked vehicles and sedimental soils through controlled laboratory-simulated experiments. Focusing on Bentonite and Diatom sedimental soils, which possess distinct shear properties from typical land soils, the study employs innovative user-written subroutines to characterize mechanical models linked to the RecurDyn simulation environment. The experiment is centered around a dual-tracked crawler, which in itself represents a fully independent vehicle. A new three-dimensional multi-body dynamic simulation model of the tracked vehicle is developed, integrating the moist terrain's mechanical model. Simulations assess the vehicle's trafficability and performance, revealing optimal slip ratios for maximum traction force. Additionally, a mathematical model evaluates the vehicle's tractive trafficability based on slip ratio and primary design parameters. The study offers valuable insights and a practical simulation modeling approach for assessing trafficability, predicting locomotion, optimizing design, and controlling the motion of tracked vehicles across diverse moist terrain conditions. The focus is on the critical factors influencing the mobility of tracked vehicles, precisely the sinkage speed and its relationship with pressure. The study introduces a rubber-tracked vehicle, pressure, and moisture sensors to monitor pressure sinkage and moisture, evaluating cohesive soils (Bentonite/Diatom) in combination with sand and gravel mixtures. Findings reveal that higher moisture content in Bentonite correlates with increased track slippage and sinkage, contrasting with Diatom's notable compaction and sinkage characteristics. This research enhances precision in terrain assessment, improves tracked vehicle design, and advances terrain mechanics comprehension for off-road exploration, offering valuable insights for vehicle design practices and exploration endeavors.

Metamodeling on uncertainty quantification in the behavior of the tire/road interaction of vehicles

In recent years, the automotive industry has been developing applied research to meet customer’s needs; considering safety, vehicle comfort and energetic efficiency. In particular, automotive tires have a prominent position in this research area, ensuring good vehicle handling, comfort and safety. In the vehicle dynamics performance, excellent gripping and reduced rolling resistance in the tires are crucial to maximize the energetic efficiency in a reliable way. However, to ensure such a level of reliability in vehicle operation, the inherent uncertainties of tires, as well as other factors subject to variability must be taken into account in the vehicle design. In this way, the present paper analyzes in detail the effect of variations in some parameters such as ambient temperature, ground conditions, vertical load, speed and tire inflation on the analysis of vehicle dynamics. A Metamodeling approach associated with the Monte Carlo Simulation was employed to develop the mathematical models to analyze the effect of uncertain parameters on the tire rolling resistance; traction, centripetal and lateral forces, using experimental data from the literature, in the longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. Therefore, the present research brings as an innovation an integrated approach to the input parameters of the system with the rolling resistance through the developed metamodels. There was a substantial variability of up to 15% both up and down in the Maximum Traction Force of a vehicle in response to variations in the vehicle’s weight and the coefficient of tire rolling resistance. In contrast, the Lateral Force exhibited a greater variability, with a 25 downward and 10% upward variation associated with the weight and friction coefficient variability of the vehicle. Further investigations into the sensitivity analysis highlight the significant influence of the friction coefficient and temperature on the Traction Forces of the vehicle.

The concept of using energy-packed tractors as modular universal energy-technological units

BACKGROUND: The increase in the energy saturation of the tractor, as the main regularity of the development of its technical level, leads to the outgrowth of the tractor-tractor into a tractor with a reserve of power, allowing the tractor to be used to drive the working bodies of agricultural machines with their simultaneous traction. AIMS: The purpose of the work is to substantiate the use of modular universal power engineering tools as one of the promising ways to increase the efficiency of using agricultural machinery based on energy-saturated tractors. METHODS: The method of determining the power and weight of the technological module required to transfer the tractor from the previous to the next higher traction class. RESULTS: To achieve the maximum traction force on the hook during the transition to the next higher traction class, it is necessary that the energy saturation of the tractor with the technological module corresponds to the energy saturation (1.59...1.65 kW/kN), and the tractor itself, to which the technological module is connected, has an energy saturation of 2.0...2.41 kW/kN, and when switching to two traction classes – 3.3...3.5 kW/kN. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the technological module is one of the promising ways to solve the problem of ballasting and increase the efficiency of using agricultural machinery based on an energy-saturated tractor of the second generation.

Association of Postless Distraction in Hip Arthroscopy With Decreased Postoperative Groin Numbness

Background: Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy performed with perineal post distraction may experience postoperative nerve and soft tissue complications related to the perineal post. Purpose: To compare rates of postoperative numbness in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with postless distraction and perineal post distraction methods. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with postless distraction and perineal post distraction methods. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, radiographic data, and operative data. Traction force data were collected on all patients prospectively using a previously validated method. Data on postoperative numbness (presence/absence and regionality) were collected prospectively at routine postoperative follow-ups (6-week and 3-month postoperative clinic visits). Results: Overall, 195 patients were included, with 94 patients (mean age, 30.4 years) in the postless distraction cohort and 101 patients (mean age, 31.9 years) in the post distraction cohort. The overall numbness rates were 29 of 94 (30.9%) in the postless distraction group and 45 of 101 (44.6%) in the post distraction group (P = .068). Rates of postoperative groin numbness were 1 of 94 (1.1%) in the postless distraction group and 19 of 101 (18.8%) in the post distraction group (P < .001). Multivariate analysis for postoperative groin numbness demonstrated post distraction (odds ratio [OR], 16.5; P = .022) and traction time (OR, 1.7; P = .020) to be statistically significant variables. In subgroup analysis of the post distraction group, traction time (P = .015), but not holding (P = .508) or maximum traction force (P = .665), reached statistical significance in patients who developed postoperative groin numbness. Conclusion: Postless distraction hip arthroscopy demonstrated a statistically significantly lower rate of groin numbness rates in comparison with a traditional perineal post distraction method. In the post distraction group, traction time was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative groin numbness than in those who did not.

Mechanical assessment of novel compliant mechanisms for underactuated prosthetic hands.

This paper proposes novel compliant mechanisms for constructing hand prostheses based on soft robotics. Two models of prosthetic hands are developed in this work. Three mechanical evaluations are performed to determine the suitability of the two designs for carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs). The first test measures the grip force that the prosthesis can generate on objects. The second determines the energy required and dissipated from the prosthesis to operate. The third test identifies the maximum traction force that the prosthesis can support. The tests showed that the PrHand1 prosthesis has a maximum grip force of 23.38 ± 1.5 N, the required energy is 0.76 ± 0.13 J, and the dissipated energy is 0.21 ± 0.17 J. It supports a traction force of 173.31 ± 5.7 N. The PrHand2 prosthesis has a maximum grip force of 36.13 ± 2.3 N, the required energy is 1.28 ± 0.13 J, the dissipated energy is 0.96 ± 0.12 J, and it supports a traction force of 78.48 ± 0 N. In conclusion, the PrHand1 prosthesis has a better performance in terms of energy and tensile force supported. The difference between the energy and traction force results is related to two design features of the PrHand2: fully silicone-coated fingers and a unifying mechanism that requires more force on the tendons to close the prosthesis. The grip force of the PrHand2 prosthesis was more robust than the PrHand1 due to its silicone coating, which allowed for an improved grip.

Optimization of Swivel Spherical Hinge Structure Design Based on the Response Surface Method

The accurate analysis of key components of a spherical hinge structure directly affects bridge quality and safety during construction. Considering the key components of a spherical joint structure as the research object, a refined calculation model for the spherical joint is established to examine its stress using finite element analysis. The influence of design parameters on the mechanical characteristics of the spherical hinge structure is systematically analyzed. The response surface method (RSM), devised using a Box–Behnken design, is used to optimize the design of the spherical hinge structure parameters. A response surface model is established to derive the scheme of the optimized spherical hinge structure design. Moreover, by comparing the structural contact stress and rotational traction force before and after optimization, the effectiveness and necessity of the spherical hinge structure optimization are verified. The result comparison shows that the maximum contact stress and rotational traction force in the spherical hinge structure after optimization are reduced by 13.86% and 8.42%, respectively, compared with those before optimization. The relative error between the calculated and predicted values is approximately 3%, indicating that the RSM is feasible for optimizing key components of the spherical hinge structure. Its optimization effect is evident. Based on the identified optimal parameters of the spherical hinge structure, a range of recommended design parameters for the key structure of the rotating spherical hinge at different load carrying capacities is established using the interpolation method, which provides a valuable reference for engineering practice.

Design and development of undercarriage systems for agricultural tractors with replaceable half-tracks

The need to use such propulsion devices in mobile agricultural power units is substantiated. The relevance of this development based on global trends is shown. The purpose of the research is to develop the design, to evaluate strain-stress state and functional characteristics of undercarriages of agricultural tractors with replaceable half-tracks. An experimental design of the replaceable tracked undercarriage was developed and manufactured, modeling of loading modes was performed, calculations were carried out by the finite element method of the stress-strain state of structural elements according to 6 load schemes – tractor parking on a flat horizontal surface; movement with maximum traction force; parking across a 30° slope for the upper track; parking across a 30° slope for the lower caterpillar; driving into an obstacle with a deviation of 15°; driving over obstacles based on the central rollers. It was determined that the selected structural material, by the above mentioned loading modes ensure the operability of replaceable tracked undercarriage. Calculations were carried out to check the adequacy of the developed mathematical model using field tests in testing ground of FSAC VIM. It was determined that the maximum stress-strain state of the frame structure of a replaceable tracked undercarriage for all types of loading did not exceed 100 MPa. This provides a two-fold margin of safety in terms of fluidity of the structure, taking into account the characteristics of the selected material. In the maximum loaded state - parking across a slope of 30° - the highest stress on the upper track is 161 MPa, which corresponds to a safety margin of 1.45. The deformation of the bearing assembly was no more than 4 mm, which is allowed by the design of the drive assembly and the caterpillar.

On the Control of Traction Characteristics and Resistance to Movement of Mobile Robots with Walking Propulsion Devices

The problem of increasing the traction and dynamic properties of mobile robots with walking propulsion devices is considered. The interdependence of the traction forces developed by the propulsion devices and the forces of resistance to the movement of robots, due to their interaction with the environment, is analyzed. A mathematical model is proposed based on the quasi-static nature of the robot’s movement and taking into account the static uncertainty of the problem. Static indeterminacy is due to the presence of propulsion devices on each of the sides and interacting with the supporting surface in the amount of more than two. A feature of the solution is also taking into account the gait and schedule of the robot’s movement, which characterize the time sequence of the propulsion devices being in the phase of interaction with the supporting surface and in the phase of transfer to a new position. The gait is also characterized by the mode coefficient, which is the ratio of the time the propulsion device is in the stance phase to the total time of the cycle of its movement. An optimality criterion is introduced on the basis of which the design perfection of the propulsion devices and the place of their installation on the robot is evaluated. The optimality criterion consists of two indicators: the value of the maximum traction force and the average force of resistance to movement. The tractive force is assumed to be proportional to the sum of the maximum normal loads acting on each propulsion device unit, and the resistance force to the squares of the same loads. Simulation modeling has been carried out, proving the dependence of the magnitude of traction properties and the forces of resistance to movement on the location of the propulsion devices. Two systems of vertical arrangement of the points of suspension of propulsion devices were compared. It has been established that a sufficiently small change in the vertical coordinate of the suspension point of even one propulsion devices has a noticeable change in the maximum traction forces and movement resistance forces. It is concluded that by adjusting the vertical position of the propulsion devices foot relative to the robot body, it is possible to control the traction properties and movement resistance, as well as the importance of the positioning accuracy of the foot of the propulsion devices walking mechanism during movement.

Sutureless Technique for Surgical Castration in Adult Boars: A Feasibility Study.

The heterogeneity of Italian manufacturing processes results in the production of a large variety of pork products. In Sardinia, boars are raised and butchered to produce charcuterie. These animals are castrated before slaughter as androstenone would otherwise taint the meat, rendering it unfit for human consumption. However, to date, the literature concerning surgical orchiectomy in adult boars is limited. The goal of this study is to assess whether a sutureless swine orchiectomy procedure is feasible. Additionally, this study aims to determine the appropriate traction force needed to tie knots in the deferens duct of pigs of different weights and ages. Two groups were created: the first (n = 91) underwent orchiectomy by suture ligation; the second (n = 20) was castrated using the sutureless technique. Deferens ducts of animals in the first group (n = 182) were collected following castration, and their tensile strength was measured. Pearson's linear correlation was used to determine the relationship between the maximum traction force and weight and age groups. A correlation of 0.99 and 0.96 was shown between traction force and age and traction force and weight, respectively. In accordance with these results, sutureless castration was performed on 20 animals, calibrating the pulling force needed according to the age and weight of the boars. No complications were observed during the feasibility study, thus validating sutureless orchiectomy in adult boars.

PATELLAR FRACTURE IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: IN VITRO ANALYSIS.

To determine, by biomechanical analysis, safe patellar cut limits in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that minimize fracture risks. From three-dimensional reconstruction, triangular cuts were made in the patella, with a depth of 6.5 mm and variable width and length (10 to 20 mm and 8 to 12 mm, respectively, both with an interval of 1 mm). The combinations of cuts constituted 55 models for tests, with five variations in width and 11 variations in length, tested with the finite element method (FEM). The mean of the localized principal maximum (traction force) values was 4.36 Pa (SD 0.87 ± 0.76) and the localized principal minimum (compression force) was -4.33 Pa (SD 1.05 ± 1.11). Comparing width and length to the tension force of the values of the main maximum, we found statistical significance from 11 mm for width and 13 mm for length. In ACL reconstruction, the removal of the patellar bone fragment is safe for fragments smaller than 11 mm in width and 13 mm in length, which corresponds to 24% of the width and 28% of the length of the patella used. Level of Evidence II, Comparative Prospective Study.

Rigid-hyperelastic Coupling Dynamic Model and Dynamic Characteristics of Spring type of Traction Robot

The traditional anchoring mechanism of the traction robot is rigid, which is easy to be stuck in the wellbore. In order to solve the problem produced by the rigid anchoring mechanism of the traction robot, a novel anchoring mechanism was proposed based on the spring type of anchoring mechanism of the inclined block. The key to make the traction robot motion is whether the traction robot can be anchored on the wellbore under the action of the traction force. Therefore, a rigid-hyperelastic coupling dynamic model of the spring type of anchoring mechanism under the action of the traction force was established. On the basis, the effects of span, width, thickness and chamfer parameters on the anchoring performance of the spring type of traction robot were analyzed. Through the experimental comparison, it was found that the error between the theoretical supporting force and the experimental supporting force is only 6.1%, and the maximum error of theoretical and experimental maximum traction force is 4.9%. Experiments verified the correctness of the rigid-hyperelastic coupling dynamic model. The research results of this paper lay a foundation for the structural design and engineering application of spring type of traction robot. It can effectively ensure the downhole safety of oil and gas wells.

Simulation and experimental research of electric tractor drive system based on Modelica

The electric tractor has the advantages of zero-emission, high efficiency, and low noise, which is the direction of future development and transformation of agricultural power machinery. Aim at the problem that the simulation methods commonly used in the development of electric tractor drive system are poorly generalized and cannot meet the simulation needs of complex multi-domain physical systems. This paper proposes a modeling method for an electric tractor drive system, takes the YTO-500 tractor as the research object, designs and calculates the overall scheme and parameters of its drive system, divides the drive system into modules, establishes the energy system, motor system and mechanical parts model based on Modelica, and integrates the simulation model of electric tractor drive system on this basis. The traction performance and transportation working conditions were simulated and tested. With compared and analyzed, in the traction characteristics, the simulation and test results of maximum speed, maximum traction force, and maximum traction power of each gear are consistent; within 400s transportation simulation conditions, the speed range of electric tractor is 13~28km·h-1, which is consistent with the speed range of electric tractor transportation gear. The results show that the simulation and the test results are consistent, which verifies the credibility of the simulation and the correctness of the model built, providing a basis for future research and development of agricultural machinery.

Postless Hip Distraction Systems Decrease the Amount of Traction Force Needed to Obtain Adequate Hip Distraction Versus a Conventional Post Hip Distractor

To directly compare hip distraction distance and traction force data for hip arthroscopy performed using a post-basedsystem versus a postless system. Adult patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement were prospectively enrolled. Before March 26, 2019, arthroscopy was performed using a post-based system. After this date, the senior author converted to using a postless system. Intraoperative traction force and fluoroscopic distraction distance were measured to calculate hip stiffness coefficients at holding traction (k-hold) and maximal traction (k-max). We used multivariable regression analysis to determine whether postless arthroscopy was predictive of lower stiffness coefficients when controlling for other relevant patient-specific factors. Hip arthroscopy was performed with a post-based system in 105 patients and with a postless system in 51. Mean holding traction force (67.5 ± 14.0 kilograms-force [kgf] vs 55.8 ± 15.3 kgf) and mean maximum traction force (96.0 ± 16.6 kgf vs 69.9 ± 14.1 kgf) were significantly lower in the postless group. On multivariable analysis, postless traction was an independentpredictor of decreased k-hold (β= -31.4; 95% confidence interval, -61.2 to -1.6) and decreased k-max (β= -90.4; 95% confidence interval, -127.8 to -53.1). Male sex, Beighton score of 0, and poor hamstring flexibility were also predictors of increased k-hold and k-max in the multivariable model. Postless traction systems decrease the amount of traction force required for adequate hip distraction for both maximal and holding traction forces when compared with post-based systems. Postless traction systems may help further reduce distraction-type neurologic injuries and pain after hip arthroscopy by lowering the traction force required to safely distract the hip. Level III, prospective cohort-historical control comparative study.

OC-064 TISSUE KINDNESS: A COMPARISON OF TISSUE MANIPULATION BETWEEN A NOVEL SUTURING DEVICE FOR STANDARDIZED ABDOMINAL CLOSURE AND MANUAL NEEDLE TECHNIQUE

Abstract Aim Wound healing is influenced by contamination, wound tension, and tissue handling. Suturing includes tweezer compression and medial traction that might compromise the fascia. This study compared forces involved in suturing with a novel suturing device for standardized abdominal closure and curved suture needles of two sizes. Method A model to measure suturing-forces was developed. Ten theatre nurses and 25 surgeons were introduced to the novel suturing-device. Participants performed 10×3 needle-pull-throughs using the device and two sizes of conventional suture needles: 36mm Large Needle (LN) and 26mm Small Needle (SN). Tweezer force and medial tissue traction force were recorded. Needle pull-through time, maximum and Area Under Curve forces (AUC) were calculated. Results Device training time was 4min 25s. Maximum tweezer-force was 892g (420.4) for the device, 1037g (457.5) for LN and 1097g (491.1) for SN (p&amp;lt;0.001). Maximum traction-force was 62g (57.6) for the device, 61g (45.4) for LN and 54g (50.0) for SN (p=0.117). Tweezer-force AUC was 2422gs (1797.2) for the device, 3442gs (1550.0) for LN and 3221gs (1588.9) for SN (p&amp;lt;0.001). Traction-force AUC was 148gs (239.0) for the device, 174gs (160.8) for LN and 142gs (161.0) for SN (p=0.068). Needle-pull through time was 3.4s (2.15) for the device, 4.4s (2.12) for LN and 3.9s (1.90) for SN (p&amp;lt;0.001) Conclusion The suturing device was faster and less traumatic to tissue for tweezer-force. Medial traction forces were similar. The novel suturing device is quick to learn and gentle to the tissue and device seems promising in facilitating fascial closure.

Investigation of subsurface microcracks causing premature failure in wind turbine gearbox bearings

One of the reasons behind the low rate of expansion of power production driven by wind turbines is the premature failure of their gearbox bearings, which fail within the first quarter of their designed life. The leading causes of fatigue damage in wind turbine gearbox bearings (WTGBs) are not well recognized despite the massive studies in this field. The damage initiates as subsurface microcracks, propagating to a macro scale and reaching the contact surface. For that, studying the microcracks in the early initiation stage (1–15 μm) significantly impacts the bearing damage trigger. This study is based on evaluating the role of non-metallic inclusions and voids on crack initiation, revealing the varying parts of (maximum shear stress, Von-Mises stress, and traction force) in crack initiation. The results indicated that the effect of inclusion is relatively limited on cracking initiation regardless of their sizes, other than voids, which probably have a considerable role in crack initiation and propagation. The three factors (Von-Mises stress, maximum shear stress, and traction force) played significant roles in the initiation of cracks. However, there is an urgent need to improve the design and manufacturing of WTGBs to decrease the formation of voids and carbides and revise the design standards for both (bearing life and contact stress) to consider the actual relative effects of the severe operating events.

Analysis of wheel pairs slip control of electric freight locomotive with asynchronous traction motors

Introduction. Every year, the amount of electric rolling stock with asynchronous traction motors is continuously increasing on the Russian railway network, since such traction drives have a number of advantages over drives with DC motors. One of the problems associated with the introduction of asynchronous motors and an increase in the mass of trains is the implementation of the maximum traction force by an electric locomotive at the threshold in terms of wheel – rail adhesion. Timely recognition of excessive slip of wheel pairs is the most important indicator of the efficiency of the traction drive in realising the maximum traction properties of the electric locomotive at all axles.Materials and methods. The article reflects the results of the study of slip of electric locomotive wheel pairs with asynchronous traction motors and axial control of the traction force, obtained during experimental runs on a railway section under various adhesion conditions. The article presents a technique for studying the wheel pair adhesion failure of electric locomotives with asynchronous traction motors.Results. During the comparison of the obtained experimental results with the calculated parameters by the O. Polach mathematical model, an updated range of the relative slip of wheel pairs is given, in which the electric locomotive control system could realise the maximum tractive effort. Exceeding this range will lead to increased wear of wheel pairs without increasing traction properties.Discussion and conclusion. It is advisable to use the results of the study in the future when developing systems for controlling the tractive effort at the limit of adhesion and systems for controlling the slip of wheel pairs of electric freight locomotives with asynchronous traction motors.