• Wind and Structures
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2022

This paper presents a study on amplitude-dependent self-excited aerodynamic forces of a 5:1 rectangular cylinder through free vibration wind tunnel test. The sectional model was spring-supported in a single degree of freedom (SDOF) in torsion, and it is found that the amplitude of the free vibration cylinder model was not divergent in the post-flutter stage and was instead of various stable amplitudes varying with the wind speed. The amplitude-dependent aerodynamic damping is determined using Hilbert Transform of response time histories at different wind speeds in a smooth flow. An approach is proposed to extract aerodynamic derivatives as nonlinear functions of the amplitude of torsional motion at various reduced wind speeds. The results show that the magnitude of A2^*, which is related to the negative aerodynamic damping, increases with increasing wind speed but decreases with vibration amplitude, and the magnitude of A3^* also increases with increasing wind speed but keeps stable with the changing amplitude. The amplitude-dependent aerodynamic derivatives derived from the tests can also be used to estimate the post-flutter response of 5:1 rectangular cylinders with different dynamic parameters via traditional flutter analysis.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.325-341
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• 2022

Previous major earthquakes indicated that the earthquake induced ground motions are typical non-stationary processes, which are non-stationary in both amplification and frequency. For the convenience of aseismic design and analysis, it usually assumes that the ground motions at structural supports are stationary processes. The development of time-frequency analysis technique makes it possible to evaluate the non-stationary responses of engineering structures subjected to non-stationary inputs, which is more general and realistic than the analysis method commonly used in engineering. In this paper, the wavelet-based stochastic vibration analysis methodology is adopted to calculate the non-stationary responses of multi-support structures. For comparison, the stationary response based on the standard random vibration method is also investigated. A frame structure and a two-span bridge are analyzed. The effects of non-stationary spatial ground motion and local site conditions are considered, and the influence of structural property on the structural responses are also considered. The analytical results demonstrate that the non-stationary spatial ground motions have significant influence on the response of multi-support structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.475-483
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• 2023

In this paper, a new energy-efficient semi-active hybrid bulk damper is developed that is cost-effective for use in structural applications. In this work, the possibility of active and semi-active component configurations combined with suitable control algorithms, especially vibration control methods, is explored. The equations of motion for a container bridge equipped with an MDOF Mass Tuned Damper (M-TMD) system are established, and the combination of excitation, adhesion, and control effects are performed by a proprietary package and commercial custom submodel software. Systematic methods for the synthesis of structural components and active systems have been used in many applications because of the main interest in designing efficient devices and high-performance structural systems. A rational strategy can be established by properly controlling the master injection frequency parameter. Simulation results show that the multiscale model approach is achieved and meets accuracy with high computational efficiency. The M-TMD system can significantly improve the overall response of constrained structures by modestly reducing the critical stress amplitude of the frame. This design can be believed to build affordable, safe, environmentally friendly, resilient, sustainable infrastructure and transportation.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.591-598
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• 2022

The article deals with the possibilities of vibration stimulation. Based on the stability analysis, a multi-scale approach with a modified whole-building model is implemented. The motion equation is configured for a controlled bridge with a MDOF (multiple dynamic degrees of freedom) Tuned Mass Damper (M-TMD) system, and a combination of welding, excitation, and control effects is used with its advanced packages and commercial software submodel. Because the design of high-performance and efficient structural systems has been of interest to practical engineers, systematic methods of structural and functional synthesis of control systems must be used in many applications. The smart method can be stabilized by properly controlling the high frequency injection limits. The simulation results illustrate that the multiple modeling method used is consistent with the accuracy and high computational efficiency. The M-TMD system, even with moderate reductions in critical pressure, can significantly suppress overall feedback on an unregulated design.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Due to the irregular shape and the deviation of stiffness center and gravity center, buildings always suffer from complex surface load and vibration response under wind action. This study is dedicated to analyze the surface wind load and wind-induced response of an irregular building, and to discuss the possibility of top swimming pool as a TLD to diminish wind-induced vibration of the structure. Wind tunnel test was carried out on a hotel with irregular shape to analyze the wind load and structural response under 8 wind incident angles. Then a precise numerical model was established and calibrated through experimental results. The top swimming pool was designed according to the principle of frequency modulation, and equations of motion of the control system were derived theoretically. Finally, the wind induced response of the structure controlled by the pool was calculated numerically. The results show that both of wind loads and wind-induced responses of the structure are significantly different with wind incident angle varies, and the across-wind response is nonnegligible. The top swimming pool has acceptable damping effect, and can be designed as TLD to mitigate wind response.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.353-363
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• 2024

The incorporation of nanoplatelets in composite and polymeric materials represents a recent and innovative approach, holding substantial promise for diverse property enhancements. This study focuses on the application of nanocomposites in the production of sports equipment, particularly soccer balls, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implications. Addressing the longstanding challenge of suboptimal interaction between carbon nanofillers and epoxy resin in epoxy composites, this research pioneers inventive solutions. Furthermore, the investigation extends into unexplored territory, examining the integration of glass fiber/epoxy composites with nanoparticles. The incorporation of nanomaterials, specifically expanded graphite and graphene, at a concentration of 25.0% by weight in both the epoxy structure and the composite with glass fibers demonstrates a marked increase in impact resistance compared to their nanomaterial-free counterparts. The research transcends laboratory experiments to explore the practical applications of nanocomposites in the design and production of sports equipment, with a particular emphasis on soccer balls. Analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are employed to scrutinize the surface chemical structure and morphology of the epoxy nanocomposites. Additionally, an in-depth examination of the thermal, mechanical, viscoelastic, and conductive properties of these materials is conducted. Noteworthy findings include the efficacy of surface modification of carbon nanotubes in preventing accumulation and enhancing their distribution within the epoxy matrix. This optimization results in improved interfacial interactions, heightened thermal stability, superior mechanical properties, and enhanced electrical conductivity in the nanocomposite.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.286-292
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• 2010

Purpose: Stability of joints and maintenance of range of motion are needed for optimum function. The most common complaint about the elbow joint is joint stiffness. Recent articles have reported good outcomes in the treatment of stiff elbow joints. However, deciding which procedure to use is always difficult. Materials and Methods: Morrey et al. reported that the functional range of motion of the elbow joint is $30-130^{\circ}$ of flexion-extension and $50^{\circ}C$ of supination and pronation. About 90% of daily activities are done using this range of motion. Stiff elbow joints can be classified according to the traumatic events that caused the problem or the location of the main pathology. Intraarticular pathology includes severe articular mismatch, intraarticular adhesions, loss of articular cartilage, mechanical blockade by osteophytes, loose bodies, and hypertrophied synovium. Extraarticular pathology includes severe capsular adhesion due to the trauma or to dislocation, contracture of the collateral ligaments or muscles, bony bridge. Results and Conclusions: The main pathology underlying the loss of extension is the fibrous contracture of the anterior capsule. In this pathology, an anterior capsulectomy would be helpful. The main pathology underlying the loss of flexion is the contracture of the posterior band of medial collateral ligament.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2009

Purpose: We evaluate the short-term clinical outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair with suture-bridge technique in patients with full thickness rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: 29 (male:17, female:12) consecutive shoulders treated with this index procedure and early rehabilitation were enrolled. Mean age was 56.4 years (range, 34~73 years) and mean follow-up period was 13 months (range, 12-15 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Postoperative cuff integrity was evaluated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and categorized by Sugaya classification. Results: Postoperative UCLA scores improved from 16.4 to 31.6 (p< 0.05) and KSS scores showed 88 at 6 months and 92 at last follow up. Preoperative VAS score was 8.6, which was decreased to 2.1 at 3 months and 1.4 at 6 months postoperatively. 28 patients (96.5%) had increase in range of motion. The follow up MRI was taken in 15 shoulders and the cuff integrity was type I in 6 cases, type II in 7, type III in 1 and type V in 1 by Sugaya classification. Conclusion: Arthroscopic suture-bridge technique resulted in good or excellent clinical outcome in 96.5% of the cases, so we think this technique is one of the reliable procedure for full-thicknes rotator cuff tear.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.587-597
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• 2007

Steel restrainer cables for multiple frame bridges in California in the United States have been shown to be effective in preventing unseating at internal hinges during the past several earthquakes. Consequently, the steel-cable-restrainer is being tested for applications on multiple-span-simply-supported (MSSS) bridges in the mid-American region. In addition, shape memory alloy (SMA) bars in tension are being studied for the same application, multiple frame bridges, the developed seismic forces are transferred to piers through the restrainers. However, in MSSS bridges, the seismic forces are transferred to abutments by the restrainers. Therefore, the abutment' behavior should also be investigated. In this study, we assessed the seismic performance of the three types of restrainers, such as steel restrainer cables, SMA in tension, and SMA in bending for an MSSS bridge from moderate to strong ground motion, bending test of an SMA bar was conducted and its analytical model was determined for this study. Nonlinear time history analyses were conducted to assess the seismic responses of the as-built and the retrofitted bridges. All three types of restrainers reduced the hinge opening and the SMA in tension was the most effective of the three devices in preventing the unseating, all restrainers produced damage on the abutment from the pulling action of the MSSS bridge due to strong ground motions, was found that the retrofit of the abutment in the pulling action is required in the installation of restrainers in MSSS bridges.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.680-688
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• 2018

Objective : To mitigate the risk of iatrogenic instability, new posterior decompression techniques able to preserve musculoskeletal structures have been introduced but never extensively investigated from a biomechanical point of view. This study was aimed to investigate the impact on spinal flexibility caused by a unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression, in comparison to the intact condition and a laminectomy with preservation of a bony bridge at the vertebral arch. Secondary aims were to investigate the biomechanical effects of two-level decompression and the quantification of the restoration of stability after posterior fixation. Methods : A universal spine tester was used to measure the flexibility of six L2-L5 human spine specimens in intact conditions and after decompression and fixation surgeries. An incremental damage protocol was applied : 1) unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression at L3-L4; 2) on three specimens, the unilateral laminotomy was extended to L4-L5; 3) laminectomy with preservation of a bony bridge at the vertebral arch (at L3-L4 in the first three specimens and at L4-L5 in the rest); and 4) pedicle screw fixation at the involved levels. Results : Unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression had a minor influence on the lumbar flexibility. In flexion-extension, the median range of motion increased by 8%. The bone-preserving laminectomy did not cause major changes in spinal flexibility. Two-level decompression approximately induced a twofold destabilization compared to the single-level treatment, with greater effect on the lower level. Posterior fixation reduced the flexibility to values lower than in the intact conditions in all cases. Conclusion : In vitro testing of human lumbar specimens revealed that unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression and bone-preserving laminectomy induced a minor destabilization at the operated level. In absence of other pathological factors (e.g., clinical instability, spondylolisthesis), both techniques appear to be safe from a biomechanical point of view.