• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.760-763
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• 2022

The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap is a flap that rises from the hand dorsum. Owing to its reliability and versatility, this flap is used as a workhorse for finger defect. However, to cover the radial-volar defect of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the index finger, a longer flap is required than before. Here, we introduce the oblique extended reverse first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) perforator flap to cover the radial-volar aspect defect of the index finger. A 45-year-old man got injured to the radial-volar defect of PIPJ of the left index finger caused by thermal press machine. The wound was 2 × 1 cm in size, and the joint and bone were exposed. We used FDMA perforator from anastomosis with palmar metacarpal artery at metacarpal neck. Since the defect was extended to the volar side, the flap was elevated by oblique extension to the fourth metacarpal base level. The fascia was included to the flap, and the flap was rotated counterclockwise. Finally, PIPJ was fully covered by the flap. Donor site was primarily closed. After 12 months of operation, the flap was stable without complication and limitation of range of motion. The oblique extended reverse FDMA perforator flap is a reliable method for covering the radial-volar defect of the PIPJ of the index finger. This flap, which also has an aesthetic advantage, will be a good choice for hand surgeons who want to cover the PIPJ defect of the index finger using a nonmicrosurgical option.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.1
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• pp.119-137
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• 2023

The purpose of this research is to assess the performance of CBN and ceramic tools during the dry turning of gray cast iron EN GJL-350. During the turning operation, the variable machining parameters are cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and type of the cutting material. This contribution consists of two sections, the first one deals with the performance evaluation of four materials in terms of evolution of flank wear, surface roughness (2D and 3D) and cutting forces. The focus of the second section is on statistical analysis, followed by modeling and optimization. The experiments are conducted according to the Taguchi design L₃₂ and based on ANOVA approach to quantify the impact of input factors on the output parameters, namely, the surface roughness (Ra), the cutting force (Fz), the cutting power (Pc), specific cutting energy (Ecs). The RSM method was used to create prediction models of several technical factors (Ra, Fz, Pc, Ecs and MRR). Subsequently, the desirability function approach was used to achieve a multi-objective optimization that encompasses the output parameters simultaneously. The aim is to obtain optimal cutting regimes, following several cases of optimization often encountered in industry. The results found show that the CBN tool is the most efficient cutting material compared to the three ceramics. The optimal combination for the first case where the importance is the same for the different outputs is Vc=660 m/min, f=0.116 mm/rev, ap=0.232 mm and the material CBN. The optimization results have been verified by carrying out confirmation tests.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.457-468
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• 2023

Buildings, bridges, and dams are examples of civil infrastructure that play an important role in public life. These structures are prone to structural variations over time as a result of external forces that might disrupt the operation of the structures, cause structural integrity issues, and raise safety concerns for the occupants. Therefore, monitoring the state of a structure, also known as structural health monitoring (SHM), is essential. Owing to the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution, next-generation sensors, such as wireless sensors, UAVs, and video cameras, have recently been utilized to improve the quality and efficiency of building forensics. This study presents a method that uses a target-based system to estimate the dynamic displacement and its corresponding dynamic properties of structures using UAV-based video. A laboratory experiment was performed to verify the tracking technique using a shaking table to excite an SDOF specimen and comparing the results between a laser distance sensor, accelerometer, and fixed camera. Then a field test was conducted to validate the proposed framework. One target marker is placed on the specimen, and another marker is attached to the ground, which serves as a stationary reference to account for the undesired UAV movement. The results from the UAV and stationary camera displayed a root mean square (RMS) error of 2.02% for the displacement, and after post-processing the displacement data using an OMA method, the identified natural frequency and damping ratio showed significant accuracy and similarities. The findings illustrate the capabilities and reliabilities of the methodology using UAV to evaluate the dynamic properties of structures.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.661-675
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• 2022

In this paper, an electric vehicle drives with efficient control and low cost hardware using four quadrant DC converter with Permanent Magnet Direct Current (PMDC) motor fed by DC boost converter is presented. The main idea of this work is to improve the energy efficiency of the conversion chain of an electric vehicle by inserting a boost converter between the battery and the four quadrant-DC motor chopper assembly. Consequently, this method makes it possible to maintain the amplification gain of the 4 quadrant chopper constant regardless of the battery voltage drop and even in the presence of a fault in the battery. One of the most important control problems is control under heavy uncertainty conditions. The higher order sliding mode control technique is introduced for the adjustment of DC bus voltage and mechanical motor speed. To implement the proposed approach in the automotive field, experimental tests were carried out. The performances obtained show the usefulness of this system for a better energy management of an electric vehicle and an ideal control under different operating conditions and constraints, mostly at nominal operation, in the presence of a load torque, when reversing the direction of rotation of the motor speed and even in case of battery chamber failure. The whole system has been tested experimentally and its performance has been analyzed.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.173-193
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• 2023

Reliable prediction of the motion of FOWT (floating offshore wind turbine) and associated mooring line tension is important in both design and operation/monitoring processes. In the present study, a 5MW OC4 semisubmersible wind turbine is numerically modeled, simulated, and analyzed by the open-source numerical tool, OpenFAST and in-house numerical tool, Charm3D-FAST. Another commercial-level program FASTv8-OrcaFlex is also introduced for comparison for selected cases. The three simulation programs solve the same turbine-floater-mooring coupled dynamics in time domain while there exist minor differences in the details of the program. Both the motions and mooring-line tensions are calculated and compared with the DeepCWind 1/50 scale model-testing results. The system identification between the numerical and physical models is checked through the static-offset test and free-decay test. Then the system motions and mooring tensions are systematically compared among the simulated results and measured values. Reasonably good agreements between the simulation and measurement are demonstrated for (i) white-noise random waves, (ii) typical random waves, and (iii) typical random waves with steady wind. Based on the comparison between numerical results and experimental data, the relative importance and role of the differences in the numerical methodologies of those three programs can be observed and interpreted. These comparative-study results may provide a certain confidence level and some insight of potential variability in motion and tension predictions for future FOWT designs and applications.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.15-20
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• 2023

In the fine blanking process, which is a press operation known for producing parts with narrow clearances and high precision through the application of high pressure, die roll often occurs during the shearing process when the punch penetrates the material. This die roll phenomenon can significantly reduce the functional surface of the parts, leading to decreased product performance, strength, and fatigue life. In this research, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing die roll in the curvature area of the fine blanking process and identified its root causes. Subsequently, we designed and experimentally verified a die roll reduction process specifically tailored for the door latch manufacturing process. Our findings indicate that die roll tends to increase as the curvature radius decreases, primarily due to the heightened bending moment resulting from reduced shape width-length. Additionally, die roll is triggered by the absorption of initial punch energy by scrap material during the early shearing phase, resulting in lower speed compared to the product area. To mitigate the occurrence of die roll, we strategically selected the Shaving process and carefully determined the shaving direction and clearance area length. Our experiments demonstrated a promising trend of up to 75% reduction in die roll when applying the Shaving process in the opposite direction of pre-cutting, with the minimum die roll observed at a clearance area length of 0.2 mm. Furthermore, we successfully implemented this approach in the production of door latch products, confirming a significant reduction in die roll. This research contributes valuable insights and practical solutions for addressing die roll issues in fine blanking processes.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.559-572
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• 2024

Problems of under-sized dams (small dams with large basin area) could get worse under the global warming condition. This study evaluates the possible change of these problems with the Namgang Dam, an under-sized dam in Korea. For this purpose, first, this study simulates the dam inflow data using a rainfall-runoff model, which are then used as input for the reservoir operation. As a result, daily dam storage, dam release, and dam water supply are derived and compared for both past observed period (1973~2022) and future simulated period (2006~2099) based on the global warming scenarios. Summarizing the results are as follows. First, the inflow rate in the future is expected to be increased significantly. The maximum inflow could be twice of that observed in the past. As a result, it is also expected that the frequency of the water level reaching the high level is increasing. Also, the amount and frequency of dam release are to be increased in the future period. More seriously, this increase is expected to be concentrated on rather extreme cases with large dam release volume. Simply, the condition for flood protection in the downstream of the Namgang Dam is becoming worse and worse. Ironically, the severity of water shortage problem is also expected to become much worse. As the most extreme case, the frequency of no water supply was zero in the observed period, but in the future period, it becomes once every five years. Both the maximum consecutive shortage days and the total shortage volume are expected to become more than twice in the future period. To prevent or mitigate this coming problem of an under-sized dam, the only countermeasure at this moment seems to be its redevelopment. Simply a bigger dam with larger dam reservoir can handle this adverse effect more easily.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.205-215
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• 2024

Manually mapping fractures in construction stone mines is challenging, time-consuming, and hazardous. In this method, there is no physical access to all points. In contrast, digital image processing offers a safe, cost-effective, and fast alternative, with the capability to map all joints. In this study, two methods of detecting the trace of discontinuities using image processing in construction stone mines are presented. To achieve this, we employ two modified Hough transform algorithms and the degree of neighborhood technique. Initially, we introduced a method for selecting the best edge detector and smoothing algorithms. Subsequently, the Canny detector and median smoother were identified as the most efficient tools. To trace discontinuities using the mentioned methods, common preprocessing steps were initially applied to the image. Following this, each of the two algorithms followed a distinct approach. The Hough transform algorithm was first applied to the image, and the traces were represented through line drawings. Subsequently, the Hough transform results were refined using fuzzy clustering and reduced clustering algorithms, along with a novel algorithm known as the farthest points' algorithm. Additionally, we developed another algorithm, the degree of neighborhood, tailored for detecting discontinuity traces in construction stones. After completing the common preprocessing steps, the thinning operation was performed on the target image, and the degree of neighborhood for lineament pixels was determined. Subsequently, short lines were removed, and the discontinuities were determined based on the degree of neighborhood. In the final step, we connected lines that were previously separated using the method to be described. The comparison of results demonstrates that image processing is a suitable tool for identifying rock mass discontinuity traces. Finally, a comparison of two images from different construction stone mines presented at the end of this study reveals that in images with fewer traces of discontinuities and a softer texture, both algorithms effectively detect the discontinuity traces.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.131-143
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• 2024

Shield tunneling construction commonly crosses underground pipelines in urban areas, resulting in soil loss and followed deformation of grounds and pipelines nearby, which may threaten the safe operation of shield tunneling. This paper investigated the pipeline deformation caused by double curved shield tunnels in soil-rock composite stratum in Nanjing, China. The stratum settlement equation was modified to consider the double shield tunneling. Moreover, a three dimensional finite element model was established to explore the effects of hard-layer ratio, tunnel curvature radius, pipeline buried depth and other influencing factors. The results indicate the subsequent shield tunnel would cause secondary disturbance to the soil around the preceding tunnel, resulting in increased pipeline and ground surface settlement above the preceding tunnel. The settlement and stress of the pipeline increased gradually as buried depth of the pipeline increased or the hard-layer ratio (the ratio of hard-rock layer thickness to shield tunnel diameter within the range of the tunnel face) decreased. The modified settlement calculation equation was consistent with the measured data, which can be applied to the settlement calculation of ground surface and pipeline settlement. The modified coefficients a and b ranged from 0.45 to 0.95 and 0.90 to 1.25, respectively. Moreover, the hard-layer ratio had the most significant influence on the pipeline settlement, but the tunnel curvature radius and the included angle between pipeline and tunnel axis played a dominant role in the scope of the pipeline settlement deformation.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.383-393
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• 2024

Monopile foundations of offshore wind turbines embedded in soft clay are subjected to the long-term cyclic lateral loads induced by winds, currents, and waves, the vibration of monopile leads to the accumulation of pore pressure and cyclic strains in the soil in its vicinity, which poses a threat to the safety operation of monopile. The researchers mainly focused on the hysteretic stress-strain relationship of soft clay and kinds of stiffness degradation models have been adopted, which may consume considerable computing resources and is not applicable for the long-term bearing performance analysis of monopile. In this study, a modified cyclic stiffness degradation model considering the effect of plastic strain and pore pressure change has been proposed and validated by comparing with the triaxial test results. Subsequently, the effects of cyclic load ratio, pile aspect ratio, number of load cycles, and length to embedded depth ratio on the accumulated rotation angle and pore pressure are presented. The results indicate the number of load cycles can significantly affect the accumulated rotation angle of monopile, whereas the accumulated pore pressure distribution along the pile merely changes with pile diameter, embedded length, and the number of load cycles, the stiffness of monopile can be significantly weakened by decreasing the embedded depth ratio L/H of monopile. The stiffness degradation of soil is more significant in the passive earth pressure zone, in which soil liquefaction is likely to occur. Furthermore, the suitability of the "accumulated rotation angle" and "accumulated pore pressure" design criteria for determining the required cyclic load ratio are discussed.