This paper presents a methodology for assessing the confidence and the predictive capability of prognosis models, using the application of fatigue crack growth analysis. Structures with complicated geometry and multi-axial variable amplitude loading conditions are considered. Several models – finite element model, crack growth model, retardation model, surrogate model, etc. – are efficiently co...

Introduction: Based on the invasive studies it has been shown that factors such as age, the progress of eye disorders, lens fibers compression and the biochemical changes of ocular matrix alter the physical characteristics and elastic properties of eye. In this study, a noninvasive method of estimating human eye elasticityis proposed and its relation with age and gender is evaluated using ultra...

In vitro multi-axial bending testing using pure moment loading conditions has become the standard in evaluating the effects of different types of surgical intervention on spinal kinematics. Simple, cable-driven experimental set-ups have been widely adopted because they require little infrastructure. Traditionally, "fixed ring" cable-driven experimental designs have been used; however, there hav...

an important concern in rock mechanics is non-homogeneity as joints or fault. adopting the joints as fractures, fractures are well known for their effects on the mechanical and transport properties of rock. it has been postulated that through fractured/jointed rock, mainly, the polygons turned to the shear vector (ti) are involved in the mobilization of shear resistance. consequently, in order ...

in this paper, exact solution for two-plane transverse vibration analysis of axial-loaded multi-step timoshenko rotor carrying concentrated masses is presented. each attached element is considered to have both translational and rotational inertia. forward and backward frequencies and corresponding modes are obtained using transfer matrix method (tmm). the effect of the angular velocity of spin,...

In this paper, the plastic limit load of cylindrical shells with opening subject to combined bending moment and axial force are found by finite element method using ANSYS suite of program. The effect of various parameters such as the geometrical ratios of shell and the shape, size, axial and angular position of the opening on the limit load of cylindrical shells under various loading conditions...

BACKGROUND One of the greatest challenges in the development of a nucleus prosthesis is to minimize the risk of implant expulsion. At the same time, the physiological flexibility, compressive behavior, and height of the disc should be restored. In this biomechanical in vitro study we investigated the ability of a new nucleus prosthesis made of knitted titanium filaments to meet these challenges...

BACKGROUND Several physiological and pathological conditions in daily life cause sustained static bending or torsion loads on the spine resulting in creep of spinal segments. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of creep and recovery on the range of motion, neutral zone, and neutral zone stiffness of thoracolumbar multi-level spinal segments in flexion, extension, lateral be...

A series of cyclic tension-torsion tests under symmetric shear strain and asymmetric axial stress control in various loading paths are conducted on 100 μm-diameter 316L steel wires applying a micro tensiontorsion fatigue testing apparatus. The ratcheting strain of the thin wire increases with increasing axial mean stress and decreases in a sequence of linear, rhombic and circular paths. The mac...

The spine is routinely subjected to repetitive complex loading consisting of axial compression, torsion, flexion and extension. Mechanical loading is one of the important causes of spinal diseases, including disc herniation and disc degeneration. It is known that static and dynamic compression can lead to progressive disc degeneration, but little is known about the mechanobiology of the disc su...