Quantifying Variability in Lumbar L4-L5 Soft Tissue Properties for Use in Finite-Element Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana J. Coombs ◽  
Paul J. Rullkoetter ◽  
Peter J. Laz
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Intersubject Variability ◽  
Probabilistic Representation ◽  
Posterior Portion ◽  
Annulus Fibrosis ◽  
Interspinous Ligament ◽  
Constitutive Material Model ◽  
The Impact

Soft tissue structures of the L4-L5 level of the human lumbar spine are represented in finite-element (FE) models, which are used to evaluate spine biomechanics and implant performance. These models typically use average properties; however, experimental testing reports variation up to 40% in ligament stiffness and even greater variability for annulus fibrosis (AF) properties. Probabilistic approaches enable consideration of the impact of intersubject variability on model outputs. However, there are challenges in directly applying the variability in measured load–displacement response of structures to a finite-element model. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to perform a comprehensive review of the properties of the L4-L5 structures and to develop a probabilistic representation to characterize variability in the stiffness of spinal ligaments and parameters of a Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden constitutive material model of the disk. The probabilistic representation was determined based on direct mechanical test data as found in the literature. Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the uncertainty of the Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden constitutive model. A single stiffness parameter was defined to characterize each ligament, with the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) being the stiffest, while the posterior longitudinal ligament and interspinous ligament (ISL) had the greatest variation. The posterior portion of the annulus fibrosis had the greatest stiffness and greatest variation up to 300% in circumferential loading. The resulting probabilistic representation can be utilized to include intersubject variability in biomechanics evaluations.

scholarly journals Biaxial Tension of Fibrous Tissue: Using Finite Element Methods to Address Experimental Challenges Arising From Boundary Conditions and Anisotropy

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan T. Jacobs ◽  
Daniel H. Cortes ◽  
Edward J. Vresilovic ◽  
Dawn M. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Correction Factor ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Biaxial Tension ◽  
Fibrous Tissue ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Stress Concentrations ◽  
Applied Forces ◽  
The Impact

Planar biaxial tension remains a critical loading modality for fibrous soft tissue and is widely used to characterize tissue mechanical response, evaluate treatments, develop constitutive formulas, and obtain material properties for use in finite element studies. Although the application of tension on all edges of the test specimen represents the in situ environment, there remains a need to address the interpretation of experimental results. Unlike uniaxial tension, in biaxial tension the applied forces at the loading clamps do not transmit fully to the region of interest (ROI), which may lead to improper material characterization if not accounted for. In this study, we reviewed the tensile biaxial literature over the last ten years, noting experimental and analysis challenges. In response to these challenges, we used finite element simulations to quantify load transmission from the clamps to the ROI in biaxial tension and to formulate a correction factor that can be used to determine ROI stresses. Additionally, the impact of sample geometry, material anisotropy, and tissue orientation on the correction factor were determined. Large stress concentrations were evident in both square and cruciform geometries and for all levels of anisotropy. In general, stress concentrations were greater for the square geometry than the cruciform geometry. For both square and cruciform geometries, materials with fibers aligned parallel to the loading axes reduced stress concentrations compared to the isotropic tissue, resulting in more of the applied load being transferred to the ROI. In contrast, fiber-reinforced specimens oriented such that the fibers aligned at an angle to the loading axes produced very large stress concentrations across the clamps and shielding in the ROI. A correction factor technique was introduced that can be used to calculate the stresses in the ROI from the measured experimental loads at the clamps. Application of a correction factor to experimental biaxial results may lead to more accurate representation of the mechanical response of fibrous soft tissue.

scholarly journals Simulation of Low Velocity Impact on Composite Hemispherical Shell

2014 ◽  
Vol 564 ◽  
pp. 406-411
Author(s):  
Parnia Zakikhani ◽  
R. Zahari ◽  
Mohamed Thariq Hameed Sultan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Low Velocity Impact ◽  
Impact Behavior ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Velocity Impact ◽  
Hemispherical Shell ◽  
The Impact

Impact simulation with finite element analysis is an appropriate manner to reduce the cost and time taken to carry out an experimental testing on a component. In this study, the impact behavior of the composite hemispherical shell induced by low velocity impact is simulated in ABAQUS software with finite element method. To predict the responses of Kevlar fabric/polyester, glass fabric/polyester and carbon fabric/polyester in the form of a hemisphere, once as one layer and then as a three-layered composite under applied force by an anvil. The sequences of layers are changed, to investigate and compare the occurred alternations in the amount of energy absorption, impact force and specific energy absorption (SEA). The comparison of results showed that the highest and the lowest quantity of energy absorption and SEA belong to Carbon/Glass/Kevlar (CGK) and Kevlar/Carbon/Glass (KCG) respectively.

scholarly journals Effect of Impact Velocity, Flooring Material, and Trochanteric Soft-Tissue Quality on Acetabular Fracture during a Sideways Fall: A Parametric Finite Element Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 365
Author(s):  
Shahab Khakpour ◽  
Petri Tanska ◽  
Amir Esrafilian ◽  
Mika E. Mononen ◽  
Simo Saarakkala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Impact Velocity ◽  
Acetabular Fracture ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Acetabular Fractures ◽  
Tissue Quality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Flooring Materials ◽  
Flooring Material

A low-energy acetabular fracture, as a result of falling from standing height, is common among elderly patients and the number of cases is increasing rapidly in developed countries. Several biomechanical factors contribute to the incidence, severity, and type of acetabular fractures, such as body configuration at the impact moment or bone and soft-tissue quality. The current parametric study developed a comprehensive finite element model of the pelvic girdle and simple representation of the whole body and investigated the effects of impact velocity, conventional indoor/outdoor flooring material, and trochanteric soft-tissue stiffness on an acetabular fracture. Our results show that whereas the impact velocity has a substantial influence on the incidence and type of acetabular fracture, the effects of conventional flooring materials and trochanteric soft-tissue quality are not remarkable. It seems that other factors such as the quality of bone (healthy vs. osteoporotic), the thickness of trochanteric soft-tissue, and body configuration at the impact are more critical in the occurrence and type of the acetabular fracture. These results can be valuable in the prevention of acetabular fractures and the design of protective measures such as hip pads or novel flooring materials.

scholarly journals Potential and limitations of finite element modelling in assessing structural integrity of coralline algae under future global change

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 5871-5883 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Melbourne ◽  
J. Griffin ◽  
D. N. Schmidt ◽  
E. J. Rayfield
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Coralline algae are important habitat formers found on all rocky shores. While the impact of future ocean acidification on the physiological performance of the species has been well studied, little research has focused on potential changes in structural integrity in response to climate change. A previous study using 2-D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) suggested increased vulnerability to fracture (by wave action or boring) in algae grown under high CO2 conditions. To assess how realistically 2-D simplified models represent structural performance, a series of increasingly biologically accurate 3-D FE models that represent different aspects of coralline algal growth were developed. Simplified geometric 3-D models of the genus Lithothamnion were compared to models created from computed tomography (CT) scan data of the same genus. The biologically accurate model and the simplified geometric model representing individual cells had similar average stresses and stress distributions, emphasising the importance of the cell walls in dissipating the stress throughout the structure. In contrast models without the accurate representation of the cell geometry resulted in larger stress and strain results. Our more complex 3-D model reiterated the potential of climate change to diminish the structural integrity of the organism. This suggests that under future environmental conditions the weakening of the coralline algal skeleton along with increased external pressures (wave and bioerosion) may negatively influence the ability for coralline algae to maintain a habitat able to sustain high levels of biodiversity.

A Fracture Mechanics Based Parametric Study of the Copper-to-Copper Direct Thermo-Compression Bonded Interface Using Finite Element Method

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ah-Young Park ◽  
Satish Chaparala ◽  
Seungbae Park
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Parametric Study ◽  
Initial Crack ◽  
Bonding Interface ◽  
Interface Condition ◽  
Large Temperature ◽  
Bonded Interface ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Element Method

Through-silicon via (TSV) technology is expected to overcome the limitations of I/O density and helps in enhancing system performance of conventional flip chip packages. One of the challenges for producing reliable TSV packages is the stacking and joining of thin wafers or dies. In the case of the conventional solder interconnections, many reliability issues arise at the interface between solder and copper bump. As an alternative solution, Cu-Cu direct thermo-compression bonding (CuDB) is a possible option to enable three-dimension (3D) package integration. CuDB has several advantages over the solder based micro bump joining, such as reduction in soldering process steps, enabling higher interconnect density, enhanced thermal conductivity and decreased concerns about intermetallic compounds (IMC) formation. Critical issue of CuDB is bonding interface condition. After the bonding process, Cu-Cu direct bonding interface is obtained. However, several researchers have reported small voids at the bonded interface. These defects can act as an initial crack which may lead to eventual fracture of the interface. The fracture could happen due to the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) mismatch between the substrate and the chip during the postbonding process, board level reflow or thermal cycling with large temperature changes. In this study, a quantitative assessment of the energy release rate has been made at the CuDB interface during temperature change finite element method (FEM). A parametric study is conducted to analyze the impact of the initial crack location and the material properties of surrounding materials. Finally, design recommendations are provided to minimize the probability of interfacial delamination in CuDB.

scholarly journals Dual-section versus conventional archwire for en-masse retraction of anterior teeth with direct skeletal anchorage: a finite element analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Hamanaka ◽  
Daniele Cantarella ◽  
Luca Lombardo ◽  
Lorena Karanxha ◽  
Massimo Del Fabbro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Tooth Movement ◽  
Occlusal Plane ◽  
Skeletal Anchorage ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Posterior Teeth ◽  
Posterior Portion ◽  
Anterior Teeth ◽  
Retraction Force ◽  
En Masse Retraction

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical effects of the conventional 0.019 × 0.025-in stainless steel archwire with the dual-section archwire when en-masse retraction is performed with sliding mechanics and skeletal anchorage. Methods Models of maxillary dentition equipped with the 0.019 × 0.025-in archwire and the dual-section archwire, whose anterior portion is 0.021 × 0.025-in and posterior portion is 0.018 × 0.025-in were constructed. Then, long-term tooth movement during en-masse retraction was simulated using the finite element method. Power arms of 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm length were employed to control anterior torque, and retraction forces of 2 N were applied with a direct skeletal anchorage. Results For achieving bodily movement of the incisors, power arms longer than 14 mm were required for the 0.019 × 0.025-in archwire, while between 8 and 10 mm for the dual-section archwire. The longer the power arms, the greater the counter-clockwise rotation of the occlusal plane was produced. Frictional resistance generated between the archwire and brackets and tubes on the posterior teeth was smaller than 5% of the retraction force of 2 N. Conclusions The use of dual-section archwire might bring some biomechanical advantages as it allows to apply retraction force at a considerable lower height, and with a reduced occlusal plane rotation, compared to the conventional archwire. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the present results.

scholarly journals The impact of drilling and slitting construction on damage field: evolution characteristics in low-permeability coal seam

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 205-215
Author(s):  
Heng Chen ◽  
Hongmei Cheng ◽  
Aibin Xu ◽  
Yi Xue ◽  
Weihong Peng
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Damage Mechanics ◽  
Effective Strain ◽  
Secondary Development ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Finite Element Program ◽  
Element Program ◽  
Mining Face ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT The fracture field of coal and rock mass is the main channel for gas migration and accumulation. Exploring the evolution law of fracture field of coal and rock mass under the condition of drilling and slitting construction has important theoretical significance for guiding efficient gas drainage. The generation and evolution process of coal and rock fissures is also the development and accumulation process of its damage. Therefore, based on damage mechanics and finite element theory, the mathematical model is established. The damage variable of coal mass is defined by effective strain, the elastoplastic damage constitutive equation is established and the secondary development of finite element program is completed by FORTRAN language. Using this program, the numerical simulation of drilling and slitting construction of the 15-14120 mining face of Pingdingshan No. 8 Mine is carried out, and the effects of different single borehole diameters, different kerf widths and different kerf heights on the distribution area of surrounding coal fracture field and the degree of damage are studied quantitatively. These provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable determination of the slitting and drilling arrangement parameters at the engineering site.

Geometrically nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of CNT reinforced laminated composite plates: A finite element study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440622110089
Author(s):  
Balakrishna Adhikari ◽  
BN Singh
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Free Vibration ◽  
Dynamic Response ◽  
Integration Scheme ◽  
Static And Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Finite Element Study ◽  
Nonlinear Eigenvalues ◽  
Nonlinear Static ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Element Study

In this paper, a finite element study is conducted using the Green Lagrange strain field based on vonKarman assumptions for the geometric nonlinear static and dynamic response of the laminated functionally graded CNT reinforced (FG-CNTRC) composite plate. The governing equations for determining the nonlinear static and dynamic behavior of the FG-CNTRC plate are derived using the Lagrange equation of motion based on Reddy's higher order theory. Using the direct iteration technique, the nonlinear eigenvalues for analyzing the free vibration response are obtained and the nonlinear dynamic responses of the FG-CNTRC plate are encapsulated based on the nonlinear Newmark integration scheme. The impact of the amplitude of vibration on mode switching phenomena and the consequence of the duration of the pulse on the free vibration regime of the plate are outlined. Also, the effect of time dependent loads is studied on the normal stresses of the plate. Furthermore, the impact on the nonlinear static and dynamic response of the laminated FG-CNTRC plate of various parameters such as span-thickness ratio (b/h ratio), aspect ratio (a/b ratio), different edge constraints, CNT fiber gradation, etc. are also studied.

Investigation on the shaft voltage generation of large synchronous turboalternators

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1145-1156
Author(s):  
Kevin Darques ◽  
Abdelmounaïm Tounzi ◽  
Yvonnick Le-menach ◽  
Karim Beddek
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Stator Winding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Voltage Generation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Investigation Process ◽  
Circulating Currents

Purpose This paper aims to go deeper on the analysis of the shaft voltage of large turbogenerators. The main interest of this study is the investigation process developed. Design/methodology/approach The analysis of the shaft voltage because of several defects is based on a two-dimensional (2D) finite element modeling. This 2D finite element model is used to determine the shaft voltage because of eccentricities or rotor short-circuit. Findings Dynamic eccentricities and rotor short circuit do not have an inherent impact on the shaft voltage. Circulating currents in the stator winding because of defects impact the shaft voltage. Originality/value The original value of this paper is the investigation process developed. This study proposes to quantify the impact of a smooth stator and then to explore the contribution of the real stator winding on the shaft voltage.

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