• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.1139-1146
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• 2001

The reactor pressure vessel(RPV) is usually cladded with stainless steel to prevent corrosion and radiation embrittlement, and a number of subclad cracks have been found during an in-service-inspection. These subclad cracks should be assured for a safe operation under normal conditions and faulted conditions such as pressurized thermal shock(PTS). Currently available integrity assessment procedure for an RPV, ASME Code Sec. XI, are built on the basis of linear fracture mechanics (LEFM). In PTS condition, however, thermal stress and mechanical stress give rise to high tensile stress at the cladding and elastic-plastic behavior is expected in this area. Therfore, ASME Code Sec. XI is overly conservative in assessing the structural integrity under PTS condition. In this paper, the fracture parameter (stress intensity factor, K, and RT(sub)NDT) from elastic analysis using ASME Sec. XI and finite element method were validated against 3-D elastic-plastic finite element analyses. The difference between elastic and elastic-plastic analysis became significant with increasing crack depth. Therfore, it is recommended to perform elastic-plastic analysis for the accurate assessment of subclad cracks under TPS which causes plastic deformation at the cladding.

• Laser Solutions
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

In this paper, we investigated the characteristics of fatigue fracture on TB(Tailored Blank) weldment by comparing the fatigue crack propagation characteristics of base metal with those of TB welded sheet used for vehicle body panels. We also investigated the influence of center crack on the fatigue characteristic of laser weld sheet of same thickness. We conducted an experiment on fatigue crack propagation on the base metal specimen of 1.2mm thickness of cold-rolled metal sheet(SPCSD) and 2.0mm thickness of hot-rolled metal sheet(SAPH440) and 1.2+2.0mm TB specimen. We also made an experiment on fatigue crack propagation on 2.0+2.0mm and 1.2+1.2mm thickness TB specimen which had center crack. The characteristics of fatigue crack growth on the base metal were different from those on 1.2+2.0mm thickness TB specimen. The fatigue crack growth rate of the TB welded specimens is slower in low stress intensity factor range $({\Delta}K)$ region and faster in high${\Delta}K$ region than that of the base metal specimens. The slant crack angle slightly influenced the crack propagation of the TB specimen of 2.0+2.0mm thinkness.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.293-299
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• 2008

In order to provide with fundamental data of the wrought Mg alloy for press forging, the effect of annealing temperature on the microstructure, texture development and tensile properties is studied in a commercial AZ31B Mg alloy sheet. Basal texture i.e. $(0001){\pm}5^{\circ}$[21$\bar{3}$0] is developed in a commercial AZ31B Mg sheet, and the texture is not changed considerably by annealing over $400^{\circ}C{\times}30min$, while (10$\bar{3}$0) component with high intensity can be observed due to abnormal grain growth. When the sheet is tensile-deformed with RD, $45^{\circ}$ and TD directions at room temperature, fracture strains are given by 25.8, 21.4 and 11.9% in the order of RD, $45^{\circ}$ and TD directions, respectively. With increasing annealing temperature up to $450^{\circ}C{\times}30min$, little change in mean grain size can be revealed by annealing below $300^{\circ}C{\times}30min$ but an abnormal grain growth, where some grains become significantly coarser than the rest, occurs by annealing above $400^{\circ}C{\times}30min$. The maximum tensile strain of around 25% is obtained by annealing below $300^{\circ}C{\times}30min$, but it is abruptly decreased to 16% by annealing above $400^{\circ}C{\times}30min$ owing to intergranular fracture of abnormal grown grains.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.1423-1432
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• 2016

The integrity of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) related to pressurized thermal shocks (PTSs) has been extensively studied. This paper introduces an integrity assessment of an RPV subjected to a PTS transient based on the French codes. In the USA, the "screening criterion" for maximum allowable embrittlement of RPV material is developed based on the probabilistic fracture mechanics. However, in the French RCC-M and RSE-M codes, which are developed based on the deterministic fracture mechanics, there is no "screening criterion". In this paper, the methodology in the RCC-M and RSE-M codes, which are used for PTS analysis, are firstly discussed. The bases of the French codes are compared with ASME and FAVOR codes. A case study is also presented. The results show that the method in the RCC-M code that accounts for the influence of cladding on the stress intensity factor (SIF) may be nonconservative. The SIF almost doubles if the weld residual stress is considered. The approaches included in the codes differ in many aspects, which may result in significant differences in the assessment results. Therefore, homogenization of the codes in the long time operation of nuclear power plants is needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2019

Objective : Corpectomy of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) for the management of different L1 pathologies can be performed using either an anterior or posterior approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the twelfth rib for performing L1 corpectomy. Methods : Thirty consecutive patients underwent L1 corpectomy between 2010 and 2016. The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib was used in all cases to perform single-stage anterior L1 corpectomy, reconstruction and anterior instrumentation, except for in two recurrent cases in which posterior fixation was added. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity measurement and ASIA impairment scale for neurological assessment. The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months. Results : The sample included 18 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 40.3 years. Twenty patients (67%) had sensory or motor deficits before the surgery. The pathologies encountered included traumatic fracture in 12 cases, osteoporotic fracture in four cases, tumor in eight cases and spinal infection in the remaining six cases. The surgeries were performed from the left side, except in two cases. There was significant improvement of back pain and radicular pain as recorded by VAS. One patient exhibited postoperative neurological deterioration due to bone graft dislodgement. All patients with deficits at least partially improved after the surgery. During the follow-up, no hardware failures or losses of correction were detected. Conclusion : The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib is a feasible approach for L1 corpectomy that can combine adequate decompression of the dural sac with effective biomechanical restoration of the compromised anterior loadbearing column. It is associated with less pulmonary complication, no need for chest tube, no abdominal distention and rapid recovery compared with other approaches.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.32 no.1A
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• pp.11-18
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• 2012

This paper deals with the numerical determination of the stress intensity factors of cracked aluminum plates under the mixed mode of $K_I$ and $K_{II}$ in glass-epoxy fiber reinforced composites. For the stress intensity factors, two different models are reviewed such as VCCT and two-step extension method. The p-convergent partial layerwise model is adopted to determine the fracture parameters in terms of energy release rates and stress intensity factors. The p-convergent approach is based on the concept of subparametric element. In assumed displacement field, strain-displacement relations and 3-D constitutive equations of a layer are obtained by combination of 2-D and 1-D higher-order shape functions. In the elements, Lobatto shape functions and Gauss-Lobatto technique are employed to interpolate displacement fields and to implement numerical quadrature. Using the models and techniques considered, effects of composite laminate configuration according to inclined angles and adhesive properties on the performance of bonded composite patch are investigated. In addition to these, the out-of-plane bending effect has been investigated across the thickness of patch repaired laminate plates due to the change of neutral axis. The present model provides accuracy and simplicity in terms of stress intensity factors, stress distribution, number of degrees of freedom, and energy release rates as compared with previous works in literatures.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study is to evaluate a possibility of clinical application for the effects of low intensity ultrasound stimulation (LIUS) in morphological characteristics (i.e., structure, bone mineral density) of bone on osteoporotic fracturesprevention. Materials and Methods : Eight virgin 14-week-old ICR mice (approximate weight 25g) were used and ovariectomized (OVX) to induce osteoporosis. Right tibia (US) for each mouse served as the LIUS (1.5MHz frequency, 1.0 kHz pulse repetition on frequency, $30mW/cm^2$ intensity, $200{\mu}s$ pulse length, and stimulation for 20 minutes a day and 5 days a week over a 6-week period). Left tibia (CON) for each mouse served as the non-stimulated controls. Structural parameters and bone mineral density ($g/cm^3$) on trabecular bone of tibiae were calculated and measured from images derived in-vivo micro computed tomography (micro-CT) at 0 week and after 6weeks. Results : The BV/TV and Tb.N in US group were significantly bigger than those in CON group. The Tb.Pf in US group, moreover, was significantly smaller than that in CON group (p<0.05).For the others structural parameters and BMD, however, there were no significant difference between US group and CON group (p>0.05). Conclusion : The LIUS might prevent bone loss and keep bone connectivity in osteoporotic bones. Therefore, the LIUS might prevent effectively the osteoporotic fractures in clinics.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.227-236
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• 2003

The evaluation of the reliable strength and deformation characteristics of weathered granite masses is very important for the design of geotechnical structure under working stress conditions. Various types of laboratory test such as triaxial compression test can be performed to determine the strength parameters. However, it is very difficult to obtain the representative undisturbed samples on the site and also the rock specimen cannot represent rock mass including discontinuities, fracture zone, etc. This study aims to investigate the strength and deformation characteristics of granite masses corresponding to its weathering and develop a practical strength parameter evaluation method using the results of PMT. To predict weathering intensity and strength parameters of the weathered granite masess in the field, various laboratory tests and in-situ tests including field triaxial test and PMT are carried out. Based on the results of weathering index tests, the classification method is proposed to identify the weathering degree in three groups for the weathered granite masses. Using the analytical method based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria and the cavity expansion theory, the strength parameters of rock masses were evaluated from the results of PMT. It shows that weathering intensity increases with decreasing the strength parameters exponentially. The strength parameters evaluated with the results of PM almost coincide with the results of field triaxial test.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.100-106
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• 2001

In this study, CT specimens were prepared from Pressure Vessel Steel which was used for pressure vessel plates for room and low temperature service. And we got the following characteristics from fatigue crack growth test carried out in the environment of room and low temperature at $25^{\circ}C$, -3$0^{\circ}C$, -6$0^{\circ}C$, -10$0^{\circ}C$ and -12$0^{\circ}C$ and in the range of stress ratio of 0.05 and 0.3 by means of opening mode displacement. At the constant stress ratio, the threshold stress intensity factor range ${\Delta}K_{th}$ in the early stage of fatigue crack growth (Region I) and stress intensity factor range ${\Delta}K$ in the stable of fatigue crack growth (Region II) was increased in proportion to descent temperature. It assumed that the fatigue resistance characteristics and fracture strength at low temperature is considerable higher than that of room temperature in the early stage and stable of fatigue crack growth region. The straight line slope relation of logarithm da/dN $-{\Delta}K$ in Region II, that is, the fatigue crack growth exponent m increased with descending temperature at the constant stress ratio. It was assumed that the fatigue crack growth rate da/dN in proportion to descending temperature in Region II and the cryogenic-brittleness greatly affect a material with decreasing temperature.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.425-433
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• 1983

Fatigue tests by axial loading (R=0.1) were carried out to investigate fatigue crack growth properties of small surface cracks in mild steel at room temperature, 250.deg. C and 400.deg. C, by using flat specimens with a small artificial pit. All the data of the fatigue crack growth rate obtained in the present tests are determined as a function of the stress intensity factor range, so that the applicability of liner fracture mechanics to the fatigue crack growth of surface cracks at elevated temperatures is investigated and discussed in comparison with the data of type 304 stainless steel at room temperature and elevated temperature. The obtained results are as follows: 1) Relations of both surface fatigue crack length and its depth to cycle ratio fall within a narrow scatter band in spite of different stress levels. 2) The .DELTA. .sigma. .root. .pi. a-da/dN relation of surface fatigue crack growth at room temperature is independent of the stress level and can be plotted as a straight line at log-log diagram, but the relation at 400.deg. C depends partly on the stress level. 3) Relations of the fatigue crack growth into depth d(2b)/dN and is stress intensity factor range .DELTA. $K_{I}$, accounted for the aspect ratio variation, fall within a narrow scatter band for wide range of the applied stress levels. And .DELTA. $K_{I}$E-d(2b)/dN relations of mild steel at different stress level coincide relatively well with the data of type 304 stainless steel. 4) The value of aspect ratio obtained by a beach mark method and a temper coloring method approaches about 0.9 in common with crack growth and it is independent of stress level and temperatures. 5) The equi-crack length curve is parallel to S-N$_{f}$ curve at elevated temperatures.s.s.s.