Stress Of Rod Research Articles

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Small Wind Pump

The demand for energy used to pump water for irrigation has been increasing, resulting in the need for alternative renewable energy sources to reduce costs. A study was conducted to develop a small wind pump that could be used to irrigate crops. The wind pump's efficiency, discharge, and actual power generated were evaluated, and regression analysis and the coefficient of determination were used to determine the goodness of fit. Results showed that the wind pump required a minimum wind speed of 0.3 m/s produced a discharge of 0.95 L/min, while a 4.13m/s wind speed produced a water discharge of 5.45 L/min. The efficiency of the wind pump was measured using the regression equation E= - 04075(ws)² - 0.6375(ws) + 14.36, where R² = 0.6201, resulting in a maximum efficiency of 20.56% and a minimum of 5.57%. This indicates that the wind pump was efficient at low wind speeds due to the dynamic stress of the pump lift rod and a mismatch between the rotor and pump characteristics. Lastly, the net benefit of Php 25,083.61 per year was derived, with a return on investment of 33.86%, which will be paid back in 1.26 months.

Multirod posterior occipitocervical instrumentation constructs: a biomechanical analysis and initial case series of 10 patients with complex craniocervical pathology

BACKGROUND CONTEXTStabilization of the occipitocervical (OC) junction with posterior instrumentation plays a vital role in addressing a spectrum of pathologies. Due to limited bone surfaces of the occiput and C1 lamina, achieving union across the OC junction is challenging. PURPOSETo explore the biomechanics and a clinical series of patients treated with multirod constructs across the OC junction using a novel occipital plate with single- and dual-headed, modular tulip heads. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGBiomechanical analysis and retrospective case series. PATIENT SAMPLEAdults at a single institution who underwent posterior cervical multirod constructs across the OC junction. OUTCOME MEASURESOC–C4 range of motion (ROM), maximum von Mises stress on the rods, and adjacent segment ROMs and intradiscal parameters. Patient demographics, revision operations, rod breakages, wound complications. METHODSA validated occiput-cervical finite element (FE) model was used to simulate OC–C4 cervical fixation under multidirectional pure moment loading. A total of 4 rod configurations were simulated: (A) 2-rod-Ti (4.0 mm titanium rods); (B) 2-rod-CoCr (3.5 mm cobalt chrome rods); (C) 3-rods (4.0 mm titanium rods); (D) 4-rods (4.0 mm titanium rods). The aforementioned measures were compared. A retrospective analysis was also performed of adults at a single institution who underwent posterior cervical multirod constructs across the OC junction. RESULTSBiomechanically, lowest primary rod stresses were observed for 3- and 4-rod constructs. Compared to 2-rod-Ti (121.8 MPa), 2-rod-CoCr showed a 43.2% stress increase in the rods, while 3- and 4-rods experienced rod stress reductions of 20% and 23.2%, respectively. No appreciable differences in OC–C4 ROM, C4–5 ROM, and C4–5 discal stresses were found between multirod and 2-rod constructs. Maximum occipital and C4 screw stresses were decreased in multirod constructs compared to 2-rods, with least stresses noted in the 4-rod construct. Maximum plate stresses were slightly increased in the 4-rod construct compared to 2- and 3-rod fixation, though the forces were largely similar among the constructs. Ten patients (average age 66.4±10.6 years; 8 males) were assessed clinically. Nine of the ten operations were for primary stabilization of pathological fractures and associated craniocervical and/or atlantoaxial instability using 4-rods across the OC junction. At an average follow-up time of 1.58±0.5 years (range, 1–2.3 years), there were no instrumentation failures, no adjacent segment failures, and no wound complications. CONCLUSIONSIn this proof-of-concept investigation, multiple rods (3- and 4-rods) across the OC junction using a novel occipital plate with single- and dual-headed, modular tulips was safe and effective in stabilizing the OC junction. Accompanying FE analysis demonstrated that multirod constructs decreased primary rod stresses and had lower stresses on occipital and C4 screws compared to 2-rod constructs, while occipital plate stresses were largely similar. Additional clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the ultimate utility of multirod constructs across the OC junction.

Experimental study of the tension forming model of a long-span string-supported spoke-type truss structure

This paper investigates the structural response of the long-span string-supported spoke-type (LSSS) truss structure during the tension forming process, as well as the influences of the errors caused by initial defects of the structure. A 1:10 scaled test model was designed and fabricated with reference to the main hall structure of the Northwest University gymnasium. The mesh simplification and scaling-down of the design of the prototype were performed to obtain a test model with good similarity to the prototype. Subsequently, after the comparative analysis of different tensioning batches, numbers of tensioning stages, and tensioning sequences, a radial-cable-forming scheme of three-stage, five-batch, clockwise tensioning for each ring cables was determined to be superior for this type of system. The cable force, node vertical displacement, and rod stress were monitored during the test. SAP2000 finite element software was employed to establish a numerical model, which was then verified by the test results. The test results were found to be in good agreement with the simulation results. The outer-ring cables withstood a larger share of the load, which could provide more stiffness support for the structure. During the tensioning process, the tensioning of the inner-ring cables would further increase the vertical displacement of the outer-ring roof nodes, which increased the compressive stress of the upper-chord-rods near the outer-ring. After the tensioning was completed, the lower-chord-rods in the mid-span and at the ends of the truss were in tension. Comparative analyses of the variations of the position and geometry, as well as the cable force, in each ring of cables during the construction process demonstrated that initial defects in the installation of the upper roof will lead to the uneven distribution of the radial cable forces, and that the errors will gradually accumulate with the advancement of the tensioning stage. However, after the structure was formed, the verticality deviation of most struts was close to or less than 1/150, and the error between the measured value and the simulated value of the rod stress was basically kept below 10 %, which proved the rationality of the tension scheme adopted in the test.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Absorber Piston Rod Design Parameter using Response Surface Methodology

Car absorbers provide a comfortable ride and improve ride handling by delivering road wheel contact. The typical car absorber problems are oil leakage and piston rod wear-out due to the lateral friction between the shell case and piston rod. The piston rod can bend and rupture when exposed to higher vibration exerting high impact force. This study focuses on optimizing car absorber piston rod design parameters via finite element analysis. The response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to create the design of the numerical experiment. The piston rod parameters (i.e., length of the piston rod, the piston rod diameter #1, and the piston rod diameter #2) were optimized to reduce the stress and displacement of the piston rod. The optimization results revealed that the optimum parameters were 254 mm in piston length, 24.79 mm in diameter #1, and 15 mm in diameter #2. With the optimized piston rod parameters, the stress and displacement of the piston were 1.65048E+007 and 0.007569 mm, respectively. The most significant factors that influence the responses were also studied. The suggested optimized factors and responses were validated in the finite element simulation.

Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison of Sacral and Lumbopelvic Fixation Techniques.

Pelvic ring fractures are becoming more common in the aging population and can prove to be fatal, having mortality rates between 10% and 16%. Stabilization of these fractures is challenging and often require immediate internal fixation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a biomechanical understanding of the different fixation techniques for pelvic ring fractures. A previously validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur was used for this study. A unilateral pelvic ring fracture was simulated by resecting the left side of the sacrum and pelvis. Five different fixation techniques were used to stabilize the fracture. A compressive follower load and pure moment was applied to compare different biomechanical parameters including range of motion (contralateral sacroiliac joint, L1-S1 segment, L5-S1 segment), and stresses (L5-S1 nucleus stresses, instrument stresses) between different fixation techniques. Trans-iliac-trans-sacral screw fixation at S1 and S2 showed the highest stabilization for horizontal and vertical displacement at the sacral fracture site and reduction of contralateral sacroiliac joint for bending and flexion range of motion by 165% and 121%, respectively. DTSF (Double transiliac rod and screw fixation) model showed highest stabilization in horizontal displacement at the pubic rami fracture site, while the L5_PF_W_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation with cross connectors) and L5_PF_WO_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation without cross connectors) showed higher rod stresses, reduced L1-S1 (approximately 28%), and L5-S1 (approximately 90%) range of motion. Longer sacral screw fixations were superior in stabilizing sacral and contralateral sacroiliac joint range of motion. Lumbopelvic fixations displayed a higher degree of stabilization in the horizontal displacement compared to vertical displacement of pubic rami fracture, while also indicating the highest rod stresses. When determining the surgical approach for pelvic ring fractures, patient-specific factors should be accounted for to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for each technique.

Biomechanical evaluation of different posterior fixation techniques for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures of osteoporosis old patients: a finite element analysis.

Objective: To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of different posterior fixation techniques in treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures by finite element analysis. Methods: The Dicom format images of T10-L5 segments were obtained from CT scanning of a volunteer, and transferred to the Geomagic Studio software, which was used to build digital models. L1 osteoporotic burst fracture and different posterior fixation techniques were simulated by SolidWorks software. The data of ROM, the maximum displacement of fixed segment, ROM of fractured L1 vertebrae, the stress on the screws and rods as well as on fractured L1 vertebrae under different movement conditions were collected and analysed by finite element analysis. Results: Among the four groups, the largest ROM of fixed segment, the maximum displacement of fixed segment and ROM of fractured vertebrae occurred in CBT, and the corresponding data was 1.3°, 2.57mm and 1.37°, respectively. While the smallest ROM of fixed segment, the maximum displacement of fixed segment and ROM of fractured vertebrae was found in LSPS, and the corresponding data was 0.92°, 2.46mm and 0.89°, respectively. The largest stress of screws was 390.97Mpa, appeared in CBT, and the largest stress of rods was 84.68MPa, appeared in LSPS. The stress concentrated at the junction area between the root screws and rods. The maximum stress on fractured vertebrae was 93.25MPa, appeared in CBT and the minimum stress was 56.68MPa, appeared in CAPS. And the stress of fractured vertebrae concentrated in the middle and posterior column of the fixed segment, especially in the posterior edge of the superior endplate. Conclusion: In this study, long-segment posterior fixation (LSPF) provided with the greatest stability of fixed segment after fixation, while cortical bone screw fixation (CBT) provided with the smallest stability. Cement-augmented pedicle screw-rod fixation (CAPS) and combined using cortical bone screw and pedicle screw fixation (CBT-PS) provided with the moderate stability. CBT-PS exhibited superiority in resistance of rotational torsion for using multiple connecting rods. CAPS and CBT-PS maybe biomechanically superior options for the surgical treatment of burst TL fractures in osteoporotic patients.

Research on the Stability and Support Effect of Earth Section of Hydraulic Tunnel Based on FLAC 3D

The stress of the surrounding rock of hydraulic tunnel can produce a stress load on the lining body, which may cause the crack failure of the lining. The distribution and deformation characteristics play a key role in ensuring the long-term stability of tunnels. Therefore, an analysis of the distribution characteristic is of great significance. This paper takes the branch tunnel in the Yellow River Diversion Project of central Shanxi as an entity for modeling, and uses the finite difference program FLAC3D for analysis and calculation. The research results show that before the support is strengthened, the compressive stress of feet-lock bolts has exceeded the compressive strength of the bolts, with obvious stress concentration at the arch feet; the deformation mainly occurs on the vault and the bottom plate; after strengthening the support, the deformation of the steel arch prop, the axial force of the steel arch prop, and the maximum tensile stress of the anchor rods are all reduced. The stable support effect can meet the requirements of construction and later operation.

Finite element study of sagittal fracture location on thoracolumbar fracture treatment.

Background: Posterior internal fixation is the main method used for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Fractures often occur in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body. However, they can also occur in the middle or lower 1/3 of the vertebral body. At present, there is no report discussing the potential effects of sagittal location on instrument biomechanics or surgical strategy. The object of this study was to investigate the effect of the sagittal location of the fracture region of the vertebral body on the biomechanics of the internal fixation system and surgical strategy. Methods: A finite element model of the T11-L3 thoracolumbar segment was established based on a healthy person's CT scan. Different sagittal fracture location finite element models were created by resection of the upper 1/3, middle 1/3, and lower 1/3 of the L1 vertebral body. Three surgical strategies were utilized in this study, namely, proximal 1 level and distal 1 level (P1-D1), proximal 2 level and distal 1 level (P2-D1), and proximal 1 level and distal 2 levels (P1-D2). Nine fixation finite element models were created by combining fracture location and fixation strategies. Range of motion, von Mises stress, and stress distribution were analyzed to evaluate the effects on the instrument biomechanics and the selection of surgical strategy. Results: In all three different fixation strategies, the maximum von Mises stress location on the screw did not change with the sagittal location of the fracture site; nevertheless, the maximum von Mises stress differed. The maximum rod stress was located at the fracture site, with its value and location changed slightly. In the same fixation strategy, a limited effect of sagittal location on the range of motion was observed. P2D1 resulted in a shorter range of motion and lower screw stress for all sagittal locations of the fracture compared with the other strategies; however, rod stress was similar between strategies. Conclusion: The sagittal location of a fracture may affect the intensity and distribution of stress on the fixation system but does not influence the selection of surgical strategy.

Biomechanical evaluation and optimal design of a pedicle screw with double bent rods internal fixation system based on PE-PLIF fusion

Problems, such as broken screws, broken rods, and cage subsidence after clinical spinal fusion surgery affect the success rate of fusion surgery and the fixation effect of fusion segments, and these problems still affect the treatment and postoperative recovery of patients. In this study, we used the biomechanical finite element analysis method to analyze and study the fixation effect of three kinds of spinal internal fixation systems on L4–L5 lumbar spine segments in percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PE-PLIF). The three different fixation systems compared in this study include bilateral pedicle screw fixation (M1); bilateral pedicle screw with cross-link fixation (M2); bilateral pedicle screws with double bent rods fixation (M3). The internal fixation systems with different structures were analyzed with the help of Hypermesh, and Abaqus. It was found that the internal fixation system with double bent rods reduced screw stresses by 23.8 and 22.2% in right and left axial rotation than the traditional bilateral pedicle screw system, while titanium rod stresses were reduced by 9.6, 3.7, 9.6, and 2.9% in flexion, left and right lateral bending, and right axial rotation, respectively, and L5 upper endplate stresses were reduced by 35.5, 18.9, 38.4, 10.2, and 48.3% in flexion, left and right lateral bending, and left and right axial rotation, respectively. The spinal range of motion (ROM) of the M3 internal fixation system was less than that of the M1 and M2 internal fixation systems in left lateral bending, left lateral rotation, and right axial rotation, and the intact vertebral ROM was reduced by 93.7, 94.9, and 90.9%, respectively. The double bent rod structure of the spinal internal fixation system has better biomechanical properties, which can effectively reduce the risk of screw breakage, loosening, cage subsidence, and endplate collapse after fusion surgery.

Biomechanical investigation of the hybrid lumbar fixation technique with traditional and cortical bone trajectories in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: finite element analysis

ObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical performance of the hybrid lumbar fixation technique with the traditional and cortical bone trajectory techniques using the finite element method.MethodsFour adult wet lumbar spine specimens were provided by the Department of Anatomy and Research of Xinjiang Medical University, and four L1–S1 lumbar spine with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) models at L4–L5 segment and four different fixation techniques were established: bilateral traditional trajectory screw fixation (TT–TT), bilateral cortical bone trajectory screw fixation (CBT–CBT), hybrid CBT–TT (CBT screws at L4 and TT screws at L5) and TT–CBT (TT screws at L4 and CBT screws at L5). The range of motion (ROM) of the L4–L5 segment, von Mises stress of cage, internal fixation, and rod were compared in flexion, extension, left and right bending, and left and right rotation.ResultsCompared with the TT–TT group, the TT–CBT group exhibited lower ROM of L4–L5 segment, especially in left-sided bending; the CBT–TT group had the lowest ROM of L4–L5 segment in flexion and extension among the four fixation methods. Compared with the CBT–CBT group, the peak cage stress in the TT–CBT group was reduced by 9.9%, 18.1%, 21.5%, 23.3%, and 26.1% in flexion, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation conditions, respectively, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The peak stress of the internal fixation system in the TT–CBT group was significantly lower than the other three fixation methods in all five conditions except for extension, with a statistically significant difference between the CBT–TT and TT–CBT groups in the left rotation condition (P = 0.017). In addition, compared with the CBT–CBT group, the peak stress of the rod in the CBT–TT group decreased by 34.8%, 32.1%, 28.2%, 29.3%, and 43.0% under the six working conditions of flexion, extension, left bending, left rotation, and right rotation, respectively, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with the TT–TT and CBT–CBT fixation methods in TLIF, the hybrid lumbar fixation CBT–TT and TT–CBT techniques increase the biomechanical stability of the internal fixation structure of the lumbar fusion segment to a certain extent and provide a corresponding theoretical basis for further development in the clinic.

Quantitative Biomechanical Evaluation for Optimal Spinal Instrumentation to Prevent Mechanical Complications in Spinal Fusion from the Lower Thoracic Spine to the Pelvis for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Finite Element Analysis.

Mechanical complications, such as rod fracture (RF) and proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), commonly occur after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. A rigid construct is preferred to prevent RF, whereas it is a risk factor for PJK. This controversial issue urged us to conduct a biomechanical study for seeking the optimal construct to prevent mechanical complications. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model, which consisted of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur, was created. The model was instrumented with pedicle screws (PSs), S2-alar-iliac screws, lumbar interbody fusion cages, and rods. Rod stress was measured when a forward-bending load was applied at the top of the construct to evaluate the risk of RF in constructs with or without accessory rods (ARs). In addition, fracture analysis around the uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) was performed to assess the risk of PJK. Changing the rod material from titanium alloy (Ti) to cobalt chrome (CoCr) decreased shearing stress at L5-S1 by 11.5%, and adding ARs decreased it by up to 34.3% (for the shortest ARs). Although the trajectory (straightforward vs. anatomical) of PSs did not affect the fracture load for UIV+1, changing the anchor from PSs to hooks at the UIV reduced it by 14.8%. Changing the rod material from Ti to CoCr did not alter the load, whereas the load decreased by up to 25.1% as the AR became longer. The PSs at the UIV in the lower thoracic spine, CoCr rods as primary rods, and shorter ARs should be used in long fusion for ASD to prevent mechanical complications.

Does Lumbar Interbody Fusion Modality Affect the Occurrence of Complications in an Osteoporotic Spine Under Whole-Body Vibration? A Finite Element Study

To evaluate the effects of 3 lumbar interbody fusion techniques on the occurrence of complications in an osteoporotic spine under whole-body vibration. A previously developed and validated nonlinear finite element model of L1-S1was modified to develop anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) models with osteoporosis. In each model, the lower surface of the sacrum was absolutely fixed, a follower load of 400N was applied through the axis of the lumbar spine, and an axial sinusoidal vertical load of ±40N (5 Hz) was imposed on the superior surface of L1, to perform a transient dynamic analysis. The maximal values of intradiscal pressure, shear stress on annulus substance, disc bulge, facet joint stress, and screw and rod stress, along with their dynamic response curves, were collected. Among these 3 models, the TLIF model generated the greatest screw and rod stress, and the PLIF model generated the greatest cage-bone interface stress. At the L3-L4 level, compared with the other 2 models, the maximal values and dynamic response curves of intradiscal pressure, shear stress of annulus ground substance, and disc bulge were all lower in the ALIF model. However, the facet contact stress at the adjacent segment in the ALIF model was higher than that in the other 2 models. In an osteoporotic spine under whole-body vibration, TLIF has the highest risk of screw and rod breakage, PLIF has the highest risk of cage subsidence, and ALIF has the lowest risk of upper adjacent disc degeneration, but the highest risk of adjacent facet joint degeneration.

Dynamic effects of eifferent nail placement strategies on LenkeC scoliosis.

Although the internal fixation technique for scoliosis is effective, there is a great risk of nail placement in actual operation. To compare the effects of three different nail placement strategies on LenkeC patients with scoliosis under cyclic loading. Firstly, the finite element model was established by using CT scanning images and X-ray images of patients with LenkeC scoliosis. Secondly, the validity of the model was verified. Finally, the harmonic response analysis and transient dynamic analysis were carried out. The results showed that the maximum amplitude of each vertebral body appeared in the Z direction at the third natural frequency and the amplitudes of each corresponding vertebral body were very close under three kinds of nail placement. Under different nail placement methods, the uneven distribution of nails would make the model produce obvious stress concentration, but the principal stress of vertebral body and nail rod was far lower than its own yield strength. This showed that under the axial cyclic load, the vertebral bodies of scoliosis tended to have larger impact in Z direction. From the point of view of dynamics, it was feasible to reduce a certain number of nails in operation. This paper revealed that it was feasible to reduce a certain number of nails during surgery.

Reinforcement mechanism analysis of lattice beam and prestressed anchor rod system for loess slope

Lattice beam and prestressed anchor rod are used to enhance stability and prevent failure of soil or rock slopes. In this study, a model of Lattice beam and prestressed anchor rod (LBPAR) system was designed with reinforcement mechanisms and a model test was constructed with a circular slip surface of a loess slope. First, interaction between the loess slope and the LBPAR system was investigated by an LBPAR system analysis model. Stability of sliding mass from the sliding bed with an arc-shaped sliding surface was then studied by an experimental model designed. Finally, internal force distribution of lattice beams in the LBPAR system was investigated by using a large-scale physical model test. The results were compared to those calculated using the reverse beam method, indicating that the LBPAR system strengthened the sliding mass in space and improved the overall stability of the loess slope. With vertical loading, the axial tensile stress of the main anchor rod increases continuously. The bending area of the anchor rod was concentrated within 2 m of the sliding surface. And the maximum bending moment reaches 70 N·m. The sliding mass was subject to vertical load pressure, lattice beams’ pressure, and dead weight in the meantime and the maximum earth pressure value is near the node of the lattice beams. It is proved that such a method excels in the engineering design of loess landslides, which has promising applications in the future.

Study on mechanical properties of the cross arm-insulator system under strong wind load

High-voltage transmission tower-line systems in coastal areas are often affected by strong winds, which leads to structural damage to the towers. Detailed analysis of the damage mechanism of towers is very useful to ensure the safety and stability of the power system. This paper examines the mechanical properties of the cross-insulator structure under horizontal wind load, and then the load-carrying capacity and deformation performance were analyzed based on ABAQUS. The results show that the structure is stable under the load, and the main structure is basically in the elastic working stage with insignificant flexural and torsional effects. On the contrary, the local stress of the combined link rod connected with the insulator is large; the bending deformation characteristics of the combined link rod are obvious under the maximum horizontal load the insulator can withstand. This result can provide a reference for cross-arms structural safety design.

Analytical Estimation of the Natural Oscillation Frequency of a Planar Lattice

Introduction. A new scheme of a flat statically determinate regular lattice is proposed. The lattice rods are hinged. The study aims at deriving a formula for the dependence on the number of panels of the first natural oscillation frequency of nodes endowed with masses, each of which has two degrees of freedom in the lattice plane. The rigidity of all rods is assumed to be the same, the supports (movable and fixed hinges) — nondeformable. Another objective of the study is to find the dependence of the stresses in the most compressed and stretched rods on the number of panels in an analytical form. Materials and Methods. An approximate Dunkerley’s method was used to determine the lower bound for the lattice natural frequency. The lattice rigidity was found in analytical form according to Maxwell-Mohr formula. The rod stresses and the reactions of the supports were determined from the equilibrium equations compiled for all lattice nodes. Generalization of the result to an arbitrary number of panels was performed by induction using Maple symbolic math operators for analytical solutions to a number of problems for lattices with different number of panels. Results. The lower analytical estimate of the first oscillation frequency was in good agreement with the numerical solution for the minimum frequency of the oscillation spectrum of the structure. Formulas were found for the stresses in four most compressed and stretched rods and their linear asymptotics. All required transformations were made in the system of Maple symbolic math. Discussion and Conclusions. The obtained dependence of the first frequency of lattice oscillations on the number of panels, mass and dimensions of the structure has a compact form and can be used as a test problem for numerical solutions and optimization of the structure.

Does number of rods matter? 4-, 5-, and 6-rods across a lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy: a finite element analysis

PurposeTo assess biomechanics of a lumbar PSO stabilized with different multi-rod constructs (4-, 5-, 6-rods) using satellite and accessory rods.MethodsA validated spinopelvic finite element model with a L3 PSO was used to evaluate the following constructs: 2 primary rods T10-pelvis (“Control”), two satellite rods (4-rod), two satellite rods + one accessory rod (5-rod), or two satellite rods + two accessory rods (6-rod). Data recorded included: ROM T10-S1 and L2-L4, von Mises stresses on primary, satellite, and accessory rods, factor of safety yield stress, and force across the PSO surfaces. Percent differences relative to Control were calculated.ResultsCompared to Control, 4-rods increased PSO flexion and extension. Lower PSO ROMs were observed for 5- and 6-rods compared to 4-rods. However, 4-rod (348.6 N) and 5-rod (343.2 N) showed higher PSO forces than 2-rods (336 N) and 6-rods had lower PSO forces (324.2 N). 5- and 6-rods led to the lowest rod von Mises stresses across the PSO. 6-rod had the maximum factor of safety on the primary rods.ConclusionsIn this finite element analysis, 4-rods reduced stresses on primary rods across a lumbar PSO. Although increased rigidity afforded by 5- and 6-rods decreased rod stresses, it resulted in less load transfer to the anterior vertebral column (particularly for 6-rod), which may not be favorable for the healing of the anterior column. A balance between the construct’s rigidity and anterior load sharing is essential.

Effects of large strain reverse loading on the strain rate dependence and dynamic strain localization of ductile metallic rods

The dynamic necking of ductile metallic rods with large strain reverse loading history has received little attention in the published literature. A novel bespoke real time strain control setup is constructed to apply the reverse loading directly to the specimen gauge section up to a maximum strain level of ± 0.16. 304L stainless steel is used as a model material in this study. The subsequent tensile tests of the reverse loaded specimens are performed from quasi-static to high strain rates of 1000/s, using a Zwick 050 Machine, hydraulic Instron 8854, and a bespoke split Hopkinson tension bar with high speed photography equipment. The initial flow stress of the 304L rods shows similar strain rate dependence, regardless of the reverse loading history. The local strain rate during strain localization increases dramatically and eventually reaches one order of magnitude higher than the nominal strain rate. A higher strain reverse loading significantly influences the development of necking instabilities, with smaller strain to necking inception, higher local stress in the necking zone, and higher local strain rate up to failure. Instead of evaluating the impact energy absorption up to necking, an analysis of the local stress–strain relationship indicates that the reverse loaded 304L shows good impact energy absorption up to failure. This agrees with the ductile fracture surfaces of the 304L materials with reverse loading.

High-Demand Spinal Deformity With Multi-Rod Constructs and Porous Fusion/Fixation Implants: A Finite Element Study.

Basic science (finite element analysis). Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) at L5 is an effective treatment for sagittal imbalance, especially in select cases of patients showing kyphosis with the apex at L4-L5 but has been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to simulate various "high-demand" instrumentation approaches, including varying numbers of rods and sacropelvic implants, for the stabilization of a PSO at L5. A finite element model of T10-pelvis was modified to simulate posterior fixation with pedicle screws and rods from T10 to S1, alone or in combination with an L5 PSO. Five additional configurations were then created by employing rods and novel porous fusion/fixation implants across the sacroiliac joints, in varying numbers. All models were loaded using pure moments of 7.5Nm in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The osteotomy resulted in a general increase in motion and stresses in posterior rods and S1 pedicle screws. When the number of rods was varied, three- and four-rod configurations were effective in limiting the maximal rod stresses; values approached those of posterior fixation with no osteotomy. Maximum stresses in the accessory rods were similar to or less than those observed in the primary rods. Multiple sacropelvic implants were effective in reducing range of motion, particularly of the SIJ. Multi-rod constructs and sacropelvic fixation generally reduced maximal implant stresses and motion in comparison with standard posterior fixation, suggesting a reduced risk of rod breakage and increased joint stability, respectively, when a high-demand construct is utilized for the correction of sagittal imbalance.

Experimental Study on Seismic Performance Improvement of Pile-Cap Joints in a Prestressed Concrete Solid Square Pile Using a Snap-In Mechanical Connection

ABSTRACT To improve the seismic performance of prestressed concrete solid square piles with a snap-in mechanical connection, effects of the prestressed tension control stress of PC steel rods, anchoring method and reinforcement ratio of hot-rolled steel bars on the seismic performance of the pile-cap joints in the prestressed concrete solid square piles using a snap-in mechanical connection were investigated in this article. Considering the above-mentioned effect factors, the quasi-static test was first carried out on the cap pile-cap joint specimens. Then, the seismic performance of the specimens was investigated. The results indicated that the yield load and ultimate load changed slightly, the displacement ductility increased, the stiffness decreased and the damage development rate slowed down as the prestressed tension control value decreased. When the prestressed tension control stress was reduced to 0.4 times of the standard value of tensile strength of the PC steel rods, the crack resistance moment could meet the requirements of construction and hoisting at the same time. In the process of pile cutting and anchoring, the 135° hook treatment on the end of the PC steel rods could reduce the strength degradation of the pile-cap joints during the loading process, improve the energy-dissipation capacity and slow down the damage development rate of the pile-cap joints. For the specimens with ordinary hot-rolled deformed steel bars added to the pile end, its ductility was improved, the horizontal bearing capacity, displacement ductility and energy dissipation capacity were all greatly improved, and the damage development rate was slowed down. However, the reinforcing ratio of the ordinary hot-rolled steel bars should be kept within a reasonable range. Finally, the improvement measures were proposed to improve the mechanical properties of the prestressed concrete solid square piles and pile-cap joints.