Surface Stress Research Articles

The Vega advanced third generation posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty system enables the restoration of range of motion for high demanding daily activities - A 5-years follow-up study.

The Vega System® PS (Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany) is an advanced, third generation fixed implant that aims to mimic natural knee kinematics by optimizing pivotal motion while reducing surface stress. This study evaluated mid-term survival and clinical outcomes, including range of motion (ROM) of the modern posterior stabilized implant in order to analyse whether this biomechanically successful implant reaches good results in situ. The first 100 patients to receive the Vega PS System for total knee arthroplasty were invited to take part in this single centre, single surgeon study. Of these, 84 patients were clinically assessed 5-6 years postoperatively. Data which was obtained during this follow-up examination included revision data, range of motion and clinical scores. The 5-year survival rate for exchange of any component was 97.6%, whereby two patients required replacement of the polyethylene gliding surface. Secondary patella resurfacing was performed in 7 patients. Significantly improved results in comparison to the preoperative state could be obtained at the follow-up: KOOS improved from 39.4 to 78.8, SF-12 PCS improved from 32.1 to 42 SF-12 MCS improved from 46 to 53.8 and patella pain improved from 2.7 to 0.3. The mean ROM of the 84 patients after 5 years was 133.1° and mean total KSS was 189.9. This study demonstrates a high survival rate of the Vega PS System® and significant improvements in clinical outcomes 5 years after implantation. The obtained mean ROM indicates that this implant provides good flexibility of the knee joint, allowing a high number of activities. However, due to the rate of secondary patella implantation, routine resurfacing of the patella for all PS TKA cases is highly recommended. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02802085).

Composite effects of residual stress and hardness gradient on contact fatigue performance of rough tooth surfaces and optimization design of detailed characteristic parameters

Residual stress and hardness gradient significantly affect the contact fatigue failure process of rough tooth surfaces, and the meticulous design of their characteristic parameters can help improve the fatigue resistance of gears. In this paper, an efficient computational method for rough tooth surface contact is established based on the reconstruction modeling of asperities and mixed lubrication analysis. By comprehensively considering the effects of residual stress and hardness gradient, the Dangvan multiaxial fatigue criterion is adopted to predict and analyze the contact fatigue life of the gear surface. The correlation between the surface residual stress, maximum residual stress depth, surface hardness, and effective hardening layer depth, among other characteristic parameters, and the contact fatigue performance of tooth surfaces is established. The results show that: (1) Increasing the magnitude of surface residual compressive stress and surface hardness can significantly reduce the risk of fatigue failure in the near-surface layer of the gear. To achieve the same fatigue performance, there is a linear negative correlation between the design values of the two parameters. (2) Affected by the double stress peaks in the rough tooth surface stress field, the maximum residual stress depth significantly affects the depth at which the highest failure risk occurs. With changes in roughness, the optimal design value of the maximum residual compressive stress depth changes from about 0.5 times the Hertzian contact half-width depth in the subsurface layer (Sa < 0.2 μm) to about 15 μm in the near-surface layer (Sa > 0.4 μm). (3) Considering both process cost and gear surface fatigue resistance, the design threshold for the effective hardening layer depth should be greater than the Hertzian contact half-width. This paper establishes a composite correlation between the meticulous characteristic parameters of residual stress, hardness gradient, and the contact fatigue performance of tooth surfaces, providing theoretical support for optimal design of tooth surface anti-fatigue performance.

Finite-displacement elastic solution due to a triple contact line

At the line of triple contact of an elastic body with two immiscible fluids, the body is subjected to a force concentrated on this line, the fluid–fluid surface tension. In the simple case of a semi-infinite body, limited by a plane, a straight contact line on this plane, and a fluid–fluid surface tension normal to the plane, the classical elastic solution leads to an infinite displacement at the contact line and an infinite elastic energy. By taking into account the body–fluid surface tension (i.e., isotropic surface stress) and applying Kolosov’s approach of plane strain elasticity, we present a new and simple expression of the solution concerning the semi-infinite body, which gives a finite displacement and a ridge at the contact line, and finite elastic energy. A detailed description of the displacements, strains, and stresses in the neighborhood of the contact line is given. This solution also shows that Green’s formulae, in the volume and on the surfaces, are valid (these formulae play a central role in the theory).

Evaluation Approach for Residual Stress in Drilling of Aluminum Alloy

Residual stress is one of the critical evaluation factors as well as machining accuracy and surface finish in cutting. From the perspective of the fastening strength of parts, residual stress in drilling has an influence on the product or part life. Especially in the aircraft manufacturing, the tensile residual stress is crucial as it can cause major accidents. However, few studies have focused on residual stress in drilling so far. Most of them investigated the characteristics of residual stress based on the experimental data. This paper discusses residual stress in drilling in terms of its mechanical effect. The residual stresses in the inner surfaces of holes were measured in the depth direction from the top of the plate. The change in the residual stress has good correlation with the chip flow direction and the load applied to the inner surface, which acts as a counter force to the cutting force near the outermost ends of the lips. The cutting force is determined using an analytical model based on the minimum cutting energy. The correlation between the residual stress and the direction of the load applied to the inner surface depends on the margin width and back taper on the peripheral sides of a drill. The effect of the margin contact on the residual stress is characterized by linear regression analysis. Finally, an analysis-neural network hybrid system was developed to estimate the residual stresses in drilling. In the system, the mechanical effects of the drilling process, which are the magnitude and direction of the load applied to the inner surface, are obtained through analytical simulation. Meanwhile, the margin effects are expressed as the coefficients in the linear functions, which are associated with the margin width and back taper angle by a neural network. Then, another neural network, working as a post process, estimates the residual stresses using the information of mechanical and margin effects. The developed system is validated by presenting a comparison between the estimated and the actual residual stresses.

Observed meltwater-induced flexure and fracture at a doline on George VI Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations and ground-based timelapse photography obtained over the record-high 2019/2020 melt season are combined to characterise the flexure and fracture behaviour of a previously formed doline on George VI Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The GNSS timeseries shows a downward vertical displacement of the doline centre with respect to the doline rim of ~60 cm in response to loading from a central meltwater lake. The GNSS data also show a tens-of-days episode of rapid-onset, exponentially decaying horizontal displacement, where the horizontal distance between the doline rim and its centre increases by ~70 cm. We interpret this event as the initiation and/or widening of a fracture, aided by stress perturbations associated with meltwater loading in the doline basin. Viscous flexure modelling indicates that the meltwater loading generates tensile surface stresses exceeding 75 kPa. This, together with our timelapse photos of circular fractures around the doline, suggests the first such documentation of meltwater-loading-induced ‘ring fracture’ formation on an ice shelf, equivalent to the fracture type proposed as part of the chain-reaction lake drainage process involved in the 2002 breakup of the Larsen B Ice Shelf.

Ekman-driven salt transport as a key mechanism for open-ocean polynya formation at Maud Rise.

Open-ocean polynyas formed over the Maud Rise, in the Weddell Sea, during the winters of 2016-2017. Such polynyas are rare events in the Southern Ocean and are associated with deep convection, affecting regional carbon and heat budgets. Using an ocean state estimate, we found that during 2017, early sea ice melting occurred in response to enhanced vertical mixing of heat, which was accompanied by mixing of salt. The melting sea ice compensated for the vertically mixed salt, resulting in a net buoyancy gain. An additional salt input was then necessary to destabilize the upper ocean. This came from a hitherto unexplored polynya-formation mechanism: an Ekman transport of salt across a jet girdling the northern flank of the Maud Rise. Such transport was driven by intensified eastward surface stresses during 2015-2018. Our results illustrate how highly localized interactions between wind, ocean flow and topography can trigger polynya formation in the open Southern Ocean.

Elastocapillary effects determine early matrix deformation by glioblastoma cell spheroids.

During cancer pathogenesis, cell-generated mechanical stresses lead to dramatic alterations in the mechanical and organizational properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To date, contraction of the ECM is largely attributed to local mechanical stresses generated during cell invasion, but the impact of "elastocapillary" effects from surface tension on the tumor periphery has not been examined. Here, we embed glioblastoma cell spheroids within collagen gels, as a model of tumors within the ECM. We then modulate the surface tension of the spheroids, such that the spheroid contracts or expands. Surprisingly, in both cases, at the far-field, the ECM is contracted toward the spheroids prior to cellular migration from the spheroid into the ECM. Through computational simulation, we demonstrate that contraction of the ECM arises from a balance of spheroid surface tension, cell-ECM interactions, and time-dependent, poroelastic effects of the gel. This leads to the accumulation of ECM near the periphery of the spheroid and the contraction of the ECM without regard to the expansion or contraction of the spheroid. These results highlight the role of tissue-level surface stresses and fluid flow within the ECM in the regulation of cell-ECM interactions.

Multiscale residual stress and mechanical behavior analysis in machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with advanced microscopic characterization

Machining of polycrystalline metal materials results in metallurgical modifications in the machined surface, and it can introduce multiscale residual stresses (macroscale and microscale residual stress), which may be detrimental to the mechanical properties thereby interfering with the service performance of machined parts. However, most of the current studies only focus on the macroscale residual stress, the microscale residual stresses have always been neglected since the limitations of the commonly used techniques for residual stress measurement in machined surfaces. In this study, the recently developed Focused Ion Beam-digital image correlation (FIB-DIC) ring core method was employed to evaluate the time-resolved strain relaxation and multiscale residual stress of the machined surface under different cutting conditions. The quantitative evaluation of residual stress and microstructural effects on hardness of the machined surface was conducted by combining with FIB incremental milling and nanoindentation technique. It has been observed that although the global tensile strain relaxation was captured in the ring-core region, local microscale compressive strain relaxation also occurred. The hardness of the machined surface was determined by the combined effects of microstructure and residual stress induced by machining. Specifically, the grain refinement and compressive residual stress contributed to hardening, while tensile residual stress resulted in softening of the machined surface. Furthermore, it was also observed the hardening/softening effects were enhanced with increasing intensity of tension and compression.

Finite element analysis of the effect of tibial osteotomy on the stress of polyethylene liner in total knee arthroplasty.

To explore the effects of tibial osteotomy varus angle combined with posterior tibial slope (PTS) on the stress of polyethylene liner in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by building finite element model (FEM). Established the FEM of standard TKA with tibial osteotomy varus angle 0° to 9° were established and divided into 10 groups. Next, each group was created 10 FEMs with 0° to 9° PTS separately. Calculated the stress on polyethylene liner in each group in Abaqus. Finally, the relevancy between tibial osteotomy angle and polyethylene liner stress was statistically analyzed using multiple regression analysis. As the varus angle increased, the area of maximum stress gradually shifted medially on the polyethylene liner. As the PTS increases, the percentage of surface contact forces on the medial and lateral compartmental of the polyethylene liner gradually converge to the same. When the varus angle is between 0° and 3°, the maximum stress of the medial compartmental surfaces of polyethylene liner rises smoothly with the increase of the PTS. When the varus angle is between 4° and 9°, as the increase of the PTS, the maximum stress of polyethylene liner rises first and then falls, forming a trough at PTS 5° and then rises again. Compared to the PTS, the varus angle has a large effect on the maximum stress of the polyethylene liner (p < .001). When the varus angle is 0° to 3°, PTS 0° is recommended, which will result in a more equalized stress distribution of the polyethylene liner in TKA.

Residual stress and crystallite size analysis of SMAT on AA7075-T6

The study examines how SMAT influences the microstructure, dislocation density, and residual stress of AA7075-T6 alloy. SMAT involves the repeated impact of shots on a material surface within a vibration chamber, inducing severe plastic deformation and grain refinement. The study explores the interplay between vibration-induced shot effects and their impact on surface properties, emphasizing the importance of optimizing process parameters for improved material performance. Experimental analyses, including surface and subsurface microstructure examinations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization, and residual stress evaluations, are conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SMAT. Results indicate that SMAT leads to significant plastic deformation, grain size reduction, increased dislocation density, and microstrain. The treatment produces a nanocrystallite layer, enhancing material properties. Residual stress measurements reveal a surface stress of −245 MPa, increasing to −360 MPa at 50 µm depth. The proposed multiple impact model accurately predicts deformation behavior, highlighting the deep pit regions formed during SMAT. This comprehensive investigation provides insights into the dynamic nature of SMAT and its potential for enhancing material properties. By integrating experimental findings with numerical modeling approaches, the study advances our understanding of SMAT-induced plastic deformation mechanisms and residual stress profiles.

Elastic Stress Coupling Between Supraglacial Lakes

AbstractSupraglacial lakes have been observed to drain within hours of each other, leading to the hypothesis that stress transmission following one drainage may be sufficient to induce hydro‐fracture‐driven drainages of other nearby lakes. However, available observations characterizing drainage‐induced stress perturbations have been insufficient to evaluate this hypothesis. Here, we use ice‐sheet surface‐displacement observations from a dense global positioning system array deployed in the Greenland Ice Sheet ablation zone to investigate elastic stress transmission between three neighboring supraglacial lake basins. We find that drainage of a central lake can place neighboring basins in either tensional or compressional stress relative to their hydro‐fracture scarp orientations, either promoting or inhibiting hydro‐fracture initiation beneath those lakes. For two lakes located within our array that drain close in time, we identify tensional surface stresses caused by ice‐sheet uplift due to basal‐cavity opening as the physical explanation for these lakes' temporally clustered hydro‐fracture‐driven drainages and frequent triggering behavior. However, lake‐drainage‐induced stresses in the up‐flowline direction remain low beyond the margins of the drained lakes. This short stress‐coupling length scale is consistent with idealized lake‐drainage scenarios for a range of lake volumes and ice‐sheet thicknesses. Thus, on elastic timescales, our observations and idealized‐model results support a stress‐transmission hypothesis for inducing hydro‐fracture‐driven drainage of lakes located within the region of basal cavity opening produced by the initial drainage, but refute this hypothesis for distal lakes.

Lattice variation as a function of concentration and grain size in MgO–NiO solid solution system

The study aimed to understand how changes in crystal's size affect the lattice parameters and crystal structure of Mg1-xNixO solid solution for six X values ranging from x = 0 to x = 1. Mg1-xNixO was synthesized via two different wet-chemical techniques: the sol-gel and the microwave hydrothermal method, both followed by calcination at different temperatures of 673, 873, 1073, 1273 and 1473 K. As annealing caused grain growth, the varied temperature range allowed to examine a wide range of grain sizes. The lattice parameters and x values were determined from XRD (X-ray diffraction) peak positions and intensities respectively. The grain size was evaluated by XRD line profile analysis and supported by SEM (scanning electron microscope) observations. At the temperatures of 673 and 873 K grain size was in the nanometric range and from 1073 K and above grain size was in the micrometric range. A non-monotonic lattice variation versus grain size was found for each concentration. When grain size decreased there was a slight contraction, however for grain size in the nanometric range there was a severe lattice expansion. Both lattice parameter changes were explained by two effects acting together: contraction due to surface stress and expansion due to weakening of the ionic bonding at nanocrystalline particles. In this current research study, the lattice parameter was mapped in two dimensions: concentration and grain size. The findings of this study provided valuable insights into the lattice variation in the MgO–NiO solid solution system.

A finite element model of human hindfoot and its application in supramalleolar osteotomy

BackgroundThe majority of the ankle osteoarthritis cases are posttraumatic and affect younger patients with a longer projected life span. Hence, joint-preserving surgery, such as supramalleolar osteotomy becomes popular among young patients, especially those with asymmetric arthritis due to alignment deformities. However, there is a lack of biomechanical studies on postoperative evaluation of stress at ankle joints. We aimed to construct a verifiable finite element model of the human hindfoot, and to explore the effect of different osteotomy parameters on the treatment of varus ankle arthritis. MethodsThe bones of the hindfoot are reconstructed using normal CT tomography data from healthy volunteers, while the cartilages and ligaments are determined from the literature. The finite element calculation results are compared with the weight-bearing CT (WBCT) data to validate the model. By setting different model parameters, such as the osteotomy height (L) and the osteotomy distraction distance (h), the effects of different surgical parameters on the contact stress of the ankle joint surface are compared. FindingsThe alignment and the deformation of hindfoot bones as determined by the finite element analysis aligns closely with the data obtained from WBCT. The maximum contact stress of the ankle joint surface calculated by this model increases with the increase of the varus angle. The maximum contact stresses as a function of the L and h of the ankle joint surface are determined. InterpretationThe relationship between surgical parameters and stress at the ankle joint in our study could further help guiding the planning of the supramalleolar osteotomy according to the varus/valgus alignment of the patients.

The influence of shear surface quality on the mechanical properties of long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridge

PurposeThe long-span continuous rigid-frame bridges are commonly constructed by the section-by-section symmetrical balance suspension casting method. The deflection of these bridges is increasing over time. Wet joints are a typical construction feature of continuous rigid-frame bridges and will affect their integrity. To investigate the sensitivity of shear surface quality on the mechanical properties of long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridges, a large serviced bridge is selected for analysis.Design/methodology/approachIts shear surface is examined and classified using the damage measuring method, and four levels are determined statistically based on the core sample integrity, cracking length and cracking depth. Based on the shear-friction theory of the shear surface, a 3D solid element-based finite element model of the selected bridge is established, taking into account factors such as damage location, damage number and damage of the shear surface. The simulated results on the stress distribution of the local segment, the shear surface opening and the beam deflection are extracted and analyzed.FindingsThe findings indicate that the main factors affecting the ultimate shear stress and shear strength of the shear surface are size, shear reinforcements, normal stress and friction performance of the shear surface. The connection strength of a single or a few shear surfaces decreases but with little effect on the local stress. Cracking and opening mainly occur at the 1/4 span. Compared with the rigid “Tie” connection, the mid-span deflection of the main span increases by 25.03% and the relative deflection of the section near the shear surface increases by 99.89%. However, when there are penetrating cracks and openings in the shear surface at the 1/2 span, compared with the 1/4 span position, the mid-span deflection of the main span and the relative deflection of the cross-section increase by 4.50%. The deflection of the main span increases with the failure of the shear surface.Originality/valueThese conclusions can guide the analysis of deflection development in long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridges.

Simulation of Preload Relaxation of Bolted Joint Structures under Transverse Loading

In this study, based on the Iwan model, the connection interface of the bolted joint structure subjected to lateral loads was simulated and comparatively analyzed. Commercial finite element software was used to model the bolted joint structure. Monotonic lateral loads and cyclic displacement loads were applied to the model. The changes in the preload force of the bolted connection structure, as well as the changes in the sticking zone and stress state of the connection interface, were analyzed, and the loading results of monotonic load and cyclic displacement load were compared. The results show that the contact interface stress decreases with the increase in displacement load, and this increase is also a nonlinear relationship, which is approximately in phase with the trend of the contact surface slip curve. The amount of contact surface stress loss and the amount of preload loss are not directly related to the magnitude of the initial preload, regardless of the loading conditions. The contact surface is also circular under any form of displacement loading, whether it is stressed or slipped. The amount of preload loss is proportional to the amount of bolt compression for that variable.

Effect of wave-dependent mechanisms on storm surge and current simulation during three extreme weather systems

Abstract The wave effect is crucial to coastal ocean dynamics, but the roles of the associated wave-dependent mechanisms, such as the wave-enhanced surface stress, wave-enhanced bottom stress, and three-dimensional wave force, are not yet fully understood. In addition, the parameterizations of each mechanism vary and need to be assessed. In this study, a coupled wave-current model based on the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) model system was established to identify the effect of the wave-dependent mechanism on storm surges and currents during three typical extreme weather systems, i.e., cold wave, extratropical cyclone, and typhoon systems, in a semi-enclosed sea. The effects of the three coupled mechanisms on the surface or bottom stress, in terms of both the magnitude and direction, were investigated and quantified separately based on numerical sensitive analysis. A total of seven parameterizations is used to evaluate these mechanisms, resulting in significant variations in the storm surge and current vectors. The similarities and differences of the wave-induced surge and wave-induced current among the various mechanisms were summarized. The change in the surface stress and bottom stress and the excessive momentum flux due to waves were found to mainly occur in shallow nearshore regions. Optimal choice of the combination of parameterization schemes was obtained through comparison with measured data. The wave-induced current in the open waters with a deep-water depth and complex terrain could generate cyclonic or anticyclonic current vorticities, the number and intensity of which always increased with the enhanced strength and rotation of the wind field increased.

Nonlinear dynamical response of sinusoidal impulsive actuated piezoelectric/porous sandwich nanoharvesters via GM-based meshfree collocation formulations

In this paper a new effective computational approach based upon a meshless collocation formulation of the Gurtin-Murdoch (GM) continuum elasticity is described. The newly developed computational model for the third-order shear flexible elastic plates is then employed to analyze the nonlinear dynamical response of piezoelectric/porous sandwich nanoharvesters subjected to a sinusoidal impulsive actuation. The material properties relevant to the porous passive core having uniform or two graded through thickness porosity dispersions are estimated using the approach of Gaussian random field. The weak form of model conception is discretized and solved numerically via employing an incorporation of the polynomial and radial basis functions having the capability to remove any feasible singularity as well as taking more precise approximation into account within the GM-based meshfree collocation formulations. It is deduced that by contemplating the surface stress tensor via the established GM-based model, the achieved voltage from the sinusoidal impulsive actuated sandwich nanoharvesters reduces, especially for those possessing lower thickness. Also, it is deduced that for the fully simply supported impulsive actuated sandwich nanoharvester, by changing the porosity decoration of distribution from the uniform decoration to FGO and FGX graded ones, the significance of the role of surface stress tensor in the achieved voltage reduces from 12.45% to 12.28%, and enhances from 12.45% to 12.64%, respectively. For the fully clamped impulsive actuated sandwich nanoharvester, by changing the porosity decoration of distribution from the uniform decoration to FGO and FGX graded ones, the significance of the role of surface stress tensor in the achieved voltage reduces from 15.01% to 14.68%, and enhances from 15.01% to 15.37%, respectively.

Nonlinear post-buckling of graded porous circular nanoplate with surface stress subjected to follower force

People have realized that the mechanical properties of circular nanoplate structures exhibit strong surface effects. In this article, we introduce Gurtin-Murdoch surface theory into von Karman’s plate theory to examine the nonlinear post-buckling behaviors of graded porous circular nano-plates with surface effects, subjected to follower force. The bulk structure is a porous graded material and pores are embedded in the board in both symmetrical and asymmetrical ways along the thickness direction. The post-buckling equilibrium equations governing axi-symmetric deformation of the graded porous circular nanoplate are derived, and then a shooting method combined with analytical continuation is used to numerically solve the control equation. Characteristic curves of the post-buckling equilibrium path and equilibrium configuration relate to the performances were plotted. Finally, a detailed analysis was conducted on the effects of important parameters such as surface elastic modulus, residual surface stress, scale parameters, pore distribution patterns, and even boundary conditions on the buckling and post-buckling of nanocircular plates. Overall, the results show that surface elastic modulus, and residual surface stress play a great role in the analyzing nonlinear post-buckling of circular nanoplate under follower forces. The surface elastic parameters and residual surface stress have important effects on the yield strength and post-buckling behaviors of porous nano-material sturctures. These new findings can provide theoretical basis for the precise design and manufacturing of aerospace nanodevices.

Effect of novel polyethylene insert configurations on bone-implant micromotion and contact stresses in total ankle replacement prostheses: a finite element analysis.

This study investigates the impact of elastic improvements to the artificial ankle joint insert on prosthesis biomechanics to reduce the risk of prosthesis loosening in TAR patients. CT data of the right ankle was collected from one elderly female volunteer. An original TAR model (Model A) was developed from CT images and the INBONE II implant system. The development of the new inserts adopts an elastic improvement design approach, where different geometric configurations of flexible layers are inserted into the traditional insert. The structure can be divided into continuous flexible layers and intermittent flexible layers. The flexible layers aim to improve the elasticity of the component by absorbing and dispersing more kinetic energy. The newly designed inserts are used to replace the original insert in Model A, resulting in the development of Models B-D. A finite element model of gait analysis was based by gait parameters. Discrepancies in micromotion and contact behaviour were analysed during the gait cycle, along with interface fretting and articular surface stress at 50% of the gait cycle. In terms of micromotion, the improved elastic models showed reduced micromotion at the tibial-implant interfaces compared to the original model. The peak average micromotion decreased by 12.1%, 13.1%, and 14.5% in Models B, C, and D, respectively. The micromotion distribution also improved in the improved models, especially in Model D. Regarding contact areas, all models showed increased contact areas of articular surfaces with axial load, with Models B, C, and D increasing by 26.8%, 23.9%, and 24.4%, respectively. Contact stress on articular surfaces increased with axial load, reaching peak stress during the late stance phase. Models with continuous flexible layer designs exhibited lower stress levels. The insert and the talar prosthetic articular surfaces showed more uniform stress distribution in the improved models. Improving the elasticity of the insert can enhance component flexibility, absorb impact forces, reduce micromotion, and improve contact behavior. The design scheme of continuous flexible layers is more advantageous in transmitting and dispersing stress, providing reference value for insert improvement.

Surface Chemistry Study of Normal and Diseased Human Meibum Films Prior to and after Supplementation with Tear Mimetic Eyedrop Formulation

Ophthalmic nanoemulsions that can treat the deficiencies of meibum (MGS) in Meibomian gland disease and restore its functionality in the tear film are greatly sought. The Rohto Dry Aid (RDA) formulation employs TEARSHIELD TECHNOLOGYTM, which uses a multicomponent oil phase of polar and non-polar lipid-like molecules selected to mimic the profiles of healthy meibum. Thus, the interactions of RDA with “diseased” Meibomian (dMGS) films merit deeper analysis, as these interactions might offer important clues for both the development of new ocular formulations and the processes behind the therapeutic action of the nanoemulsions. Pseudobinary dMGS/RDA films were spread at the air–water surface of the Langmuir trough. Surface pressure-area isocycles and stress relaxations were used to access the layer’s response to blink-like cycling and dilatational viscoelasticity, respectively, while film morphology was recorded via Brewster angle microscopy. It was found that RDA is able to reverse the brittleness and to restore the stability of “diseased” MGS films and thus to revert the layer’s properties to the functionality of healthy Meibomian lipids. Therefore, in order to effectively treat dry eyes with MGS-oriented therapy, ophthalmic nanoemulsions warrant more research.