• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.451-471
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• 2022

In the present paper, the static bending and buckling responses of functionally graded carbon nanotubes-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) beam under various boundary conditions are investigated within the framework of higher shear deformation theory. The significant feature of the proposed theory is that it provides an accurate parabolic distribution of transverse shear stress through the thickness satisfying the traction-free boundary conditions needless of any shear correction factor. Uniform (UD) and four graded distributions of CNTs which are FG-O, FG-X, FG- and FG-V are selected here for the analysis. The effective material properties of FG-CNTRC beams are estimated according to the rule of mixture. To model the FG-CNTRC beam realistically, an efficient Hermite-Lagrangian finite element formulation is successfully developed. The accuracy and efficiency of the present model are demonstrated by comparison with published benchmark results. Moreover, comprehensive numerical results are presented and discussed in detail to investigate the effects of CNTs volume fraction, distribution patterns of CNTs, boundary conditions, and length-to-thickness ratio on the bending and buckling responses of FG-CNTRC beam. Several new referential results are also reported for the first time which will serve as a benchmark for future studies in a similar direction. It is concluded that the FG-X-CNTRC beam is the strongest beam that carries the lowest central deflection and is followed by the UD, V, Λ, and FG-O-CNTRC beam. Besides, the critical buckling load belonging to the FG-X-CNTRC beam is the highest, followed by UD and FG-O.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.721-740
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• 2022

In this paper, an accurate kinematic model has been developed to study the mechanical response of functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams, mainly covering the bending, buckling and free vibration problems. The studied structure with homogeneous hardcore and softcore is considered to be simply supported in the edges. The present model uses a new refined shear deformation beam theory (RSDBT) in which the displacement field is improved over the other existing high-order shear deformation beam theories (HSDBTs). The present model provides good accuracy and considers a nonlinear transverse shear deformation shape function, since it is constructed with only two unknown variables as the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory but complies with the shear stress-free boundary conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the beam without employing shear correction factors. The sandwich beams are composed of two FG skins and a homogeneous core wherein the material properties of the skins are assumed to vary gradually and continuously in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution of volume fraction of the constituents. The governing equations are drawn by implementing Hamilton's principle and solved by means of the Navier's technique. Numerical computations in the non-dimensional terms of transverse displacement, stresses, critical buckling load and natural frequencies obtained by using the proposed model are compared with those predicted by other beam theories to confirm the performance of the proposed theory and to verify the accuracy of the kinematic model.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 2024

In this paper, we aimed to convert the fire curve in volume units to a fire curve per unit area for application in the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) surface heat release rate method. The fire curve was expressed dimensionlessly considering the total combustion characteristic time, and improvements were made to represent the appropriate ratios for the growth , steady, and decay phases concerning the fire intensity. Additionally, a correction function for combustion characteristic time varying with mass increase was derived. Also to control the growth time values according to the increase in mass, a function to correct the growth phase ratio was derived. Consequently, utilizing existing data, a formula was established to determine the reference mass for combustion materials and predict the fire curve based on mass increase.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.185-202
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• 2024

In this research paper, and for the first time, wave propagations in sigmoidal imperfect functionally graded material plates are investigated using a simplified quasi-three-dimensionally higher shear deformation theory (Quasi-3D HSDTs). By employing an indeterminate integral for the transverse displacement in the shear components, the number of unknowns and governing equations in the current theory is reduced, thereby simplifying its application. Consequently, the present theories exhibit five fewer unknown variables compared to other Quasi-3D theories documented in the literature, eliminating the need for any correction coefficients as seen in the first shear deformation theory. The material properties of the functionally graded plates smoothly vary across the cross-section according to a sigmoid power law. The plates are considered imperfect, indicating a pore distribution throughout their thickness. The distribution of porosities is categorized into two types: even or uneven, with linear (L)-Type, exponential (E)-Type, logarithmic (Log)-Type, and Sinus (S)-Type distributions. The current quasi-3D shear deformation theories are applied to formulate governing equations for determining wave frequencies, and phase velocities are derived using Hamilton's principle. Dispersion relations are assumed as an analytical solution, and they are applied to obtain wave frequencies and phase velocities. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to elucidate the influences of wavenumber, volume fraction, thickness ratio, and types of porosity distributions on wave propagation and phase velocities of the S-FGM plate. The findings of this investigation hold potential utility for studying and designing techniques for ultrasonic inspection and structural health monitoring.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2024

This paper formulates a new integral shear deformation shell theory to investigate the free vibration response of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced structures with only four independent variables, unlike existing shell theories, which invariably and implicitly induce a host of unknowns. This approach guarantees traction-free boundary conditions without shear correction factors, using a non-polynomial hyperbolic warping function for transverse shear deformation and stress. By introducing undetermined integral terms, it will be possible to derive the motion equations with a low order of differentiation, which can facilitate a closed-form solution in conjunction with Navier's procedure. The mechanical properties of the CNT reinforcements are modeled to vary smoothly and gradually through the thickness coordinate, exhibiting different distribution patterns. A comparison study is performed to prove the efficacy of the formulated shell theory via obtained results from existing literature. Further numerical investigations are current and comprehensive in detailing the effects of CNT distribution patterns, volume fractions, and geometrical configurations on the fundamental frequencies of CNT-reinforced nanocomposite shells present here. The current shell theory is assumed to serve as a potent conceptual framework for designing reinforced structures and assessing their mechanical behavior.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 2014

Purpose: In addition to improving the quality of the PET image, through much research, the development of various programs are performed. Astonish TF reconstruction techniques by Philips can confirm the improved contrast of the lesion. Also, It's image reconstruction of 2 mm is possible with rapid reconstruction rate than conventional. In this study, we compared and evaluated Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) in accordance with the 2 mm reconstruction techniques and traditional 4 mm from the $^{18}F-FDG$ PET whole body image. Materials and Methods: In the phantom experiment, NEMA IEC body phantom (sphere: 10, 13, 17, 22, 28, 37 mm) was used to obtain images by using GEMINI TF 64 PET/CT (Philips, Cleveland, USA). Also, In the clinical images, we performed $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT examination to 30 women (age: $55.1{\pm}11.3$, BMI: $24.1{\pm}2.9$) with a diagnosis of breast cancer. After that, we reconstructed images in 2 mm and 4 mm respectively. The region of interest was drawn to acquired images. Since then, we measured SUV and statistically analyzed with SPSS ver.18 by using EBW (Extended Brilliance Workstation) NM ver.1.0. Results: After analyzing the result of the phantom study, there was a tendency that the bigger hot sphere size, the higher SUV. If you compared the 2 mm reconstruction techniques to 4 mm, it increased 95.78% in 10 mm, 50.60% in 13 mm, 25.00% in 17 mm, 30.04% in 22 mm, 31.81% in 28 mm, and 27.84% in 37 mm. Through the result of the analysis of the 2 mm reconstruction techniques and 4 mm in clinical images, it appeared that SUV of 2 mm was higher than that of 4 mm. Also the smaller the volume was, the more the change rate increased. Conclusion: After analyzing the result of the clinical picture and phantom experiments applied by Astonish TF reconstruction techniques, as the size of the volume was small, the change rate of the SUV increased. Therefore, it was necessary to further research about the SUV correction for accurate and active utilization of 2 mm reconstruction techniques which had excellent lesion discrimination ability and contrast in clinic.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.59-63
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• 2019

Purpose The motion due to respiration of patients undergoing PET/CT is a cause of artifacts in image and registration error between PET and CT images. The degree of displacement and distortion for tumor, which affects the measurement of Standard Uptake Value (SUV) and lesion volume, is especially higher for tumors that is small or located at the base of lungs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of prone position in the correction of image distortion due to respiration of patients in PET/CT. Materials and Methods The imaging equipment used in this study was PET/CT Discovery 600 (GE Healthcare, MI, USA). 20 patients whose lesions were identified in the middle and lower lungs from May to August 2018 were enrolled in this study. After acquiring whole body image in the supine position, additional images of the lesion area were obtained in the prone position with the same conditions. SUVmax, SUVmean, and volume of the lesion were measured for each image, and the displacement of the lesion on PET and CT images were measured, compared, and analyzed. Results The SUVmax, SUVmean, and volume, and displacement of the lesion were $4.72{\pm}2.04$, $3.10{\pm}1.38$, $4.68{\pm}3.20$, and $4.64{\pm}1.88$, respectively for image acquired in the supine position and $5.89{\pm}2.42$, $3.97{\pm}1.65$, $2.13{\pm}1.09$, and $2.24{\pm}0.84$, respectively for image acquired in the prone position, indicating that, for all the lesions imaged, SUVmax and SUVmean were higher and volume and displacement were smaller in the images acquired in prone position compared to those acquired in supine one(p<0.05). Conclusion These results showed that the prone position PET/CT imaging improves the quality of the image by increasing the SUV of the lesion and reducing the respiratory artifacts caused by registration error between PET and CT images. It is considered that the PET/CT imaging in the prone position is helpful in the diagnosis of the disease as an economical and efficient methods that correct registration error for the lesions in basal lung and reduce artifacts.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2013

Purpose: This study is to evaluate the efficacy of the CBCT and EXACTRAC the image on the spine stereotactic body radiation treatment. Materials and Methods: The study compared the accuracy of the dose distribution for changes in the real QA phantom for The shape of the body of the phantom was performed. Novalis treatment artificially set up at the center and to the right, on the Plan 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm in front 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm and upwards 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm and $0.5^{\circ}$ by moving side to side Exactrac error correction and error values of CBCT and plan changes on the dose distribution were recorded and analyzed. Results: Cubic Phantom of the experimental error, the error correction Exactrac X-ray 6D Translation in the direction of the 0.18 mm, Rotation direction was $0.07^{\circ}$. Translation in the direction of the 3D CBCT 0.15 mm Rotation direction was $0.04^{\circ}$. DVH dose distribution using the results of the AP evaluate the change in the direction of change was greatest when moving. Conclusion: ExacTrac image-guided radiation therapy with a common easy and fast to get pictures from all angles, from the advantage of CBCT showed a potential alternative. But every accurate information compared with CT treatment planning and treatment of patients with more accurate than the CBCT ExacTrac the location provided. Changes in the dose distribution in the experiment results show that the treatment of spinal SBRT set up some image correction due to errors at the target and enter the spinal cord dose showed that significant differences appear.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2018

Purpose Respiratory motion during PET/MRI acquisition may result in image blurring and error in measurement for volume and quantification of lesion. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of quantitative accuracy, tumor size and image quality by applying MR based respiratory motion correction technique (MBRMCT) using integrated PET/MR scanner. Materials and Methods Data of 30 patients (aged $62.5{\pm}10.2y$) underwent $^{18}F-FDG$ liver PET/MR (Biograph mMR 3.0T, Siemens) study were collected. PET listmode data for 7 minutes was simultaneously acquired with maximum average gate (MAG), minimum time gate (MTG) and non gate (NG) T1 weighted MR images. Gated PET reconstruction was performed using mu-maps generated from MAG and MTG by setting 35% of efficiency window. Maximum SUV ($SUV_{max}$), peak SUV ($SUV_{peak}$), tumor size and full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the z-axis direction of MAG, MTG and NG PET images were evaluated. Results Compared to NG, mean $SUV_{max}$ and $SUV_{peak}$ were increased in MAG 13.15%(p<0.0001), 8.66%(p<0.0001), MTG 13.27%(p<0.0001), 8.80%(p<0.0001) and mean tumor size and FWHM were decreased in MAG 14.47%(p<0.0001), 15.49%(p=0.0004), MTG 14.89%(p<0.0001), 15.79%(p=0.0003) respectively. Mean $SUV_{max}$ and $SUV_{peak}$ of MTG were increased by 0.07%(p=0.8802), 0.13%(p=0.7766). Mean tumor size and FWHM of MTG were decreased by 0.49%(p=0.2786), 0.36%(p=0.2488) compared to MAG. There was no statistically significant difference between MAG and MTG which increase total scan time for about 7 and 2 minutes. Conclusion SUV, accuracy of tumor size and spatial resolution were improved in both of MAG and MTG by applying MBRMCT without installing additional hardware in liver PET/MR study. More accurate information can be provided with the increase of 2 minutes scan time if applying MTG of MBRMCT to various abdominal PET/MR studies affected by respiratory motion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2024

In this study, an AI-based algorithm was developed to prevent image quality deterioration and reading errors due to patient movement in PET/CT examinations that use radioisotopes in medical institutions to test cancer and other diseases. Using the Mothion Free software developed using, we checked the degree of correction of movement due to breathing, evaluated its usefulness, and conducted a study for clinical application. The experimental method was to use an RPM Phantom to inject the radioisotope 18F-FDG into a vacuum vial and a sphere of a NEMA IEC body Phantom of different sizes, and to produce images by directing the movement of the radioisotope into a moving lesion during respiration. The vacuum vial had different degrees of movement at different positions, and the spheres of the NEMA IEC body Phantom of different sizes produced different sizes of lesions. Through the acquired images, the lesion volume, maximum SUV, and average SUV were each measured to quantitatively evaluate the degree of motion correction by Motion Free. The average SUV of vacuum vial A, with a large degree of movement, was reduced by 23.36 %, and the error rate of vacuum vial B, with a small degree of movement, was reduced by 29.3 %. The average SUV error rate at the sphere 37mm and 22mm of the NEMA IEC body Phantom was reduced by 29.3 % and 26.51 %, respectively. The average error rate of the four measurements from which the error rate was calculated decreased by 30.03 %, indicating a more accurate average SUV value. In this study, only two-dimensional movements could be produced, so in order to obtain more accurate data, a Phantom that can embody the actual breathing movement of the human body was used, and if the diversity of the range of movement was configured, a more accurate evaluation of usability could be made.