Dynamic Response of Rock-like Materials Based on SHPB Pulse Waveform Characteristics

Rock-like brittle materials under dynamic load will show more complex dynamic mechanical properties than those under static load. The relationship between pulse waveform characteristics and strain rate effect and inertia effect is rarely discussed in the split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) numerical simulation research. In response to this problem, this paper discusses the effects of different pulse types and pulse waveforms on the incident waveform and dynamic response characteristics of specimens based on particle flow code (PFC). The research identifies a critical interval of rock dynamic strength, where the dynamic strength of the specimen is independent of the strain rate but increases with the amplitude of the incident stress wave. When the critical interval is exceeded, the dynamic strength is determined by the strain rate and strain rate gradient. The strain rate of the specimen is only related to the slope of the incident stress wave and is independent of its amplitude. It is also determined that the inertia effect cannot be eliminated in the SHPB. The slope of the velocity pulse waveform determines the strain rate of the specimen, the slope of the force pulse waveform determines the strain rate gradient of the specimen, and the upper bottom time determines the strain rate of the specimen. It provides a reference for SHPB numerical simulation. A dynamic strength prediction model of rock-like materials is then proposed, which considers the effects of strain rate and strain rate gradient.

Impact of acute dynamic exercise on vascular stiffness in the retinal arteriole in healthy subjects

Acute exercise can improve vascular stiffness in the conduit artery, but its effect on the retinal arterioles is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of acute dynamic exercise on retinal vascular stiffness. In experiment 1, we measured the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), carotid artery intima-media thickness (carotid IMT), and retinal blood velocity by laser speckle flowgraphy in 28 healthy old and 28 young men (69 ± 3 and 23 ± 3 years, respectively). Pulse waveform variables, which were used as an index of retinal vascular stiffness, were assessed by retinal blood flow velocity profile analysis. In experiment 2, 18 healthy old and 18 young men (69 ± 3 and 23 ± 3 years, respectively) underwent assessment of pulse waveform variables after a 30-min bout of moderate cycling exercise at an intensity of 60% heart rate reserve. There was a significant difference in the baseline pulse waveform variables between the old and young groups. Pulse waveform variables in the retinal arteriole did not significantly change after acute dynamic exercise, whereas CAVI significantly decreased. These findings suggest that retinal vascular stiffness does not change by acute exercise. The effect of exercise on vascular stiffness in the retinal arterioles might be different from that in the conduit artery.

External factors that affect the photoplethysmography waveforms

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a simple and inexpensive technology used in many smart devices to monitor cardiovascular health. The PPG sensors use LED lights to penetrate into the bloodstream to detect the different blood volume changes in the tissue through skin contact by sensing the amount of light that hits the sensor. Typically, the data are displayed on a graph and it forms the pulse waveform. The information from the produced pulse waveform can be useful in calculating measurements that help monitor cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure. With many more people beginning to monitor their health status on their smart devices, it is extremely important that the PPG signal is accurate. Designing a simple experiment with standard laboratory equipment and commercial sensors, we wanted to find how external factors influence the results. In this study, it was found that external factors, touch force and temperature, can have a large impact on the resulting waveform, so the effects of those factors need to be considered in order for the information to become more reliable.

Vascular ageing and peripheral pulse: an improved model for assessing their relationship

Objective:Vascular ageing is associated with several alterations, including arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Such alterations represent an independent factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. In our previous works we demonstrated the alterations occurring in the vascular system are themselves reflected in the shape of the peripheral waveform; thus, a model that describes the waveform as a sum of Gaussian curves provides a set of parameters that successfully discriminate between under(<= 35 years old) and over subjects (> 35 years old). In the present work, we explored the feasibility of a new decomposition model, based on a sum of exponential pulses, applied to the same problem. Approach: The first processing step extracts each pulsation from the input signal and removes the long-term trend using a cubic spline with nodes between consecutive pulsations. After that, a Least Squares fitting algorithm determines the set of optimal model parameters that best approximates each single pulse. The vector of model parameters gives a compact representation of the pulse waveform that constitutes the basis for the classification step. Each subject is associated to his/her "representative" pulse waveform, obtained by averaging the vector parameters corresponding to all pulses. Finally, a Bayesan classifier has been designed to discriminate the waveforms of under and over subjects, using the leave-one-subject-out validation method. Main results: Results indicate that the fitting procedure reaches a rate of 96% in under subjects and 95% in over subjects and that the Bayesan classifier is able to correctly classify 91\% of the subjects with a specificity of 94% and a sensibility of 84%. Significance: This study shows a sensible vascular age estimation accuracy with a multi-exponential model, which may help to predict cardiovascular diseases.