• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to propose a method for developing a clinical phantom to reproduce various diseases that are clinically prevalent in the field of dentistry. This could facilitate diverse clinical research without unnecessarily exposing patients to radiation. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a single dry skull, which was visually and radiographically examined to evaluate its condition. Existing lesions on the dry skull were preserved, and other relevant lesions were artificially created as necessary. These lesions were then documented using intraoral radiography and cone-beam computed tomography. Once all pre-existing and reproduced lesions were confirmed by the consensus of 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists, the skull was embedded in a soft tissue substitute. To validate the process, cone-beam computed tomography scans and panoramic radiographs were obtained of the fabricated phantom. All acquired images were subsequently evaluated. Results: Most lesions could be identified on panoramic radiographs, although some sialoliths and cracked teeth were confirmed only through cone-beam computed tomographic images. A small gap was observed between the epoxy resin and the bone structures. However, 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists agreed that this space did not meaningfully impact the interpretation process. Conclusion: The newly developed phantom has potential for use as a standardized phantom within the dental field. It may be utilized for a variety of imaging studies, not only for optimization purposes, but also for addressing other experimental issues related to both 2- and 3-dimensional diagnostic radiography.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.183-204
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• 2024

In current investigation, a novel beam finite element model is formulated to analyze the buckling and free vibration responses of functionally graded porous beams resting on Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundations. The novelty lies in the formulation of a simplified finite element model with only three degrees of freedom per node, integrating both C⁰ and C¹ continuity requirements according to Lagrange and Hermite interpolations, respectively, in isoparametric coordinate while emphasizing the impact of z-coordinate-dependent porosity on vibration and buckling responses. The proposed model has been validated and demonstrating high accuracy when compared to previously published solutions. A detailed parametric examination is performed, highlighting the influence of porosity distribution, foundation parameters, slenderness ratio, and boundary conditions. Unlike existing numerical techniques, the proposed element achieves a high rate of convergence with reduced computational complexity. Additionally, the model's adaptability to various mechanical problems and structural geometries is showcased through the numerical evaluation of elastic foundations, with results in strong agreement with the theoretical formulation. In light of the findings, porosity significantly affects the mechanical integrity of FGP beams on elastic foundations, with the advanced beam element offering a stable, efficient model for future research and this in-depth investigation enriches porous structure simulations in a field with limited current research, necessitating additional exploration and investigation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.91 no.3
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• pp.263-277
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• 2024

The primary aim of this study is to introduce an innovative configuration for stirrup hooks in reinforced concrete beams and analyze the impact of factors such as stirrup spacing, placement, and hook lengths on the structural performance of reinforced concrete beam elements. A total of 18 specimens were produced and subjected to reversed cyclic loading, with two specimens serving as reference specimens and the remaining 16 specimens utilizing a specifically developed stirrup hook configuration. The experiment used reinforced concrete beams scaled down to half their original size. These beams were built with a shear span-to-depth ratio of 3 (a/d=3). The experimental samples were divided into two distinct groups. The first group comprises nine test specimens that consider the contribution of concrete to shear strength, while the second group consists of nine test specimens that do not consider this contribution. The preparation of reference beam specimens for both groups involved the utilization of standard hooks. The stirrup hooks in the test specimens are configured with a 90-degree angle positioned at the midpoint of the bottom section of the beam. The criteria considered in this study included the distance between hooks, hook angle, stirrup spacing, hook orientation, and hook length. In the experimental group examining the contribution of concrete on shear strength, it was noted that the stirrup hooks of both the R1 reference specimen and specific test specimens displayed indications of opening. However, when the contribution of concrete on shear strength was not considered, it was observed that none of the stirrup hooks proposed in the R0 reference specimen and test specimens showed any indications of opening. Neglecting the contribution of concrete in the assessment of shear strength yielded more favorable outcomes regarding structural robustness. The study found that the strength values obtained using the suggested alternative stirrup hook were similar to those of the reference specimens. Furthermore, all the test specimens successfully achieved the desired strengths.

• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.66 no.10
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• pp.1499-1507
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• 2017

This paper presents an impact-based piezoelectric vibration energy harvester using a freely movable metal sphere and a piezoceramic fiber-based MFC (Macro Fiber Composite) as piezoelectric cantilever. The free motion of the metal sphere, which impacts both ends of the cavity in an aluminum housing, generates power across a cantilever-type MFC beam in response to low frequency vibration such as human-body-induced motion. Impacting force of the spherical proof mass is transformed into the vibration of the piezoelectric cantilever indirectly via the aluminum housing. A proof-of-concept energy harvesting device has been fabricated and tested. Effect of the indirect impact-based system has been tested and compared with the direct impact-based counterpart. Maximum peak-to-peak open circuit voltage of 39.8V and average power of $598.9{\mu}W$ have been obtained at 3g acceleration at 18Hz. Long-term reliability of the fabricated device has been verified by cyclic testing. For the improvement of output performance and reliability, various devices have been tested and compared. Using device fabricated with anodized aluminum housing, maximum peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 34.4V and average power of $372.8{\mu}W$ have been obtained at 3g excitation at 20Hz. In terms of reliability, housing with 0.5mm-thick steel plate and anodized aluminum gave improved results with reduced power reduction during initial phase of the cyclic testing.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.381-396
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• 2020

Investigations of the commercial aircraft impact effect on nuclear island infrastructures have been drawing extensive attention, and this paper aims to perform the safety assessment of Generation III nuclear power plant (NPP) buildings subjected to typical commercial aircrafts crash. At present Part I, finite element (FE) models establishment and validations for both the aircrafts and NPP buildings are performed. (i) Airbus A320 and A380 aircrafts are selected as the representative medium and large commercial aircrafts, and the corresponding fine FE models including the skin, beam, fuel and etc. are established. By comparing the numerically derived impact force time-histories with the existing published literatures, the rationality of aircrafts models is verified. (ii) Fine FE model of the Chinese Zhejiang Sanao NPP buildings is established, including the detailed structures and reinforcing arrangement of both the containment and auxiliary buildings. (iii) By numerically reproducing the existing 1/7.5 scaled aircraft model impact tests on steel plate reinforced concrete (SC) panels and assessing the impact process and velocity time-history of aircraft model, as well as the damage and the maximum deflection of SC panels, the applicability of the existing three concrete constitutive models (i.e., K&C, Winfrith and CSC) are evaluated and the superiority of Winfrith model for SC panels under deformable missile impact is verified. The present work can provide beneficial reference for the integral aircraft crash analyses and structural damage assessment in the following two parts of this paper.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.146-151
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• 2012

Purpose: This treatment planning study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of beam angle configuration of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on the dose of the normal liver in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: The computed tomography datasets of 25 patients treated with IMRT for HCC were selected. Two IMRT plans using five beams were made in each patient; beams with equidistance of $72^{\circ}$ (Plan I), and beams with a $30^{\circ}$ angle of separation entering the body near the tumor (Plan II). Both plans were generated using the same constraints in each patient. Conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gamma index, mean dose of the normal liver (Dmean_NL), Dmean_NL difference between the two plans, and percentage normal liver volumes receiving at least 10, 20, and 30 Gy (V10, V20, and V30) were evaluated and compared. Results: Dmean_NL, V10, and V20 were significantly better for Plan II. The Dmean_NL was significantly lower for peripheral (p = 0.001) and central tumors (p = 0.034). Dmean_NL differences between the two plans increased in proportion to gross tumor volume to normal liver volume ratios (p = 0.002). CI, HI, and gamma indices were not significantly different for the two plans. Conclusion: The IMRT plan based on beams with narrow separations reduced the irradiated dose of the normal liver, which would allow radiation dose escalation for HCC.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.333-340
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• 2019

Tests using a middle velocity propulsion impact machine (MVPIM) were performed to verify the impact resistance capability of sandwich concrete panels (SCP) in a modular liquefied natural gas (LNG) outer tank, and numerical models were constructed and analyzed. $2{\times}2m$ specimens with plain sectional characteristics and specimens including a joint section were used. A 51 kg missile was accelerated above 45 m/s and impacted to have the design code kinetic energy. Impact tests were performed twice according to the design code and once for the doubled impact speed. The numerical models for simulating impact behaviors were created by LS-DYNA. The external steel plate and filled concrete of the panel were modeled as solid elements, the studs as beam elements, and the steel plates as elasto-plastic material with fractures; the CSCM material model was used for concrete. The front plate deformations demonstrated good agreement with those of other tests. However the rear plate deformations were less. In the doubled speed test for the plain section specimen, the missile punctured both plates; however, the front plate was only fractured in the numerical analysis. The impact energy of the missile was transferred to the filled concrete in the numerical analysis.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.337-353
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• 2018

The present study focuses on examining the structural behaviour of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams under high rates of loading largely associated with impact problems. Fibres are added to the concrete mix to enhance ductility and energy absorption, which is important for impact-resistant design. A simple, yet practical non-linear finite-element analysis (NLFEA) model was used in the present study. Experimental static and impact tests were also carried out on beams spanning 1.3 meter with weights dropped from heights of 1.5 m and 2.5 m, respectively. The numerical model realistically describes the fully-brittle tensile behaviour of plain concrete as well as the contribution of steel fibres to the post-cracking response (the latter was allowed for by conveniently adjusting the constitutive relations for plain concrete, mainly in uniaxial tension). Suitable material relations (describing compression, tension and shear) were selected for SFRC and incorporated into ABAQUS software Brittle Cracking concrete model. A more complex model (i.e., the Damaged Plasticity concrete model in ABAQUS) was also considered and it was found that the seemingly simple (but fundamental) Brittle Cracking model yielded reliable results. Published data obtained from drop-weight experimental tests on RC and SFRC beams indicates that there is an increase in the maximum load recorded (compared to the corresponding static one) and a reduction in the portion of the beam span reacting to the impact load. However, there is considerable scatter and the specimens were often tested to complete destruction and thus yielding post-failure characteristics of little design value and making it difficult to pinpoint the actual load-carrying capacity and identify the associated true ultimate limit state (ULS). To address this, dynamic NLFEA was employed and the impact load applied was reduced gradually and applied in pulses to pinpoint the actual failure point. Different case studies were considered covering impact loading responses at both the material and structural levels as well as comparisons between RC and SFRC specimens. Steel fibres were found to increase the load-carrying capacity and deformability by offering better control over the cracking process concrete undergoes and allowing the impact energy to be absorbed more effectively compared to conventional RC members. This is useful for impact-resistant design of SFRC beams.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.719-725
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• 2010

The analysis and experimental program of reinforced concrete (RC) structures for resistance against such extreme loads as earthquake, blast, and impact have been carried by many researchers and designers. Under the extreme loads, a large amount of energy is suddenly exerted to the structure, hence if the structure fails to absorb the impact energy, catastrophic collapse may occur. To prevent catastrophic collapse of structures, reinforced concrete must have adeguate toughness or it needs to be strengthened. The FRP strengthening method and SFRC are studied widely in resistance of impact load because of their high energy absorption capacity. In this study, drop weight impact tests were implemented to evaluate the impact resistance of SFRC and FRP strengthened RC beam while the total steel fiber volume fractions was fixed at 0.75% carbon FRP flexural strengthened RC beams. Futhermore, to prevent the shear-plug cracks when the impact load strikes the beams, additional FRP shear strengthening method are applied. The experimental, results showed that the FRP strengthened RC SFRC beams has high resistance of shear-plug cracks and crack width and SFRC has high resistance of concrete spalling failure compared to normal RC beams. The FRP flexural and shear strengthening RC beams has weakness in the spalling failure because the impact load concentrated the concrete face which is not strengthened with FRP sheets.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.105-113
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• 2018

The proposed model to predict the bridge load carrying capacity uses the impact response spectrum. The spectrum is based on Euler-Bernoulli beam and the center of the bridge width for the moving load location. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the eccentric moving load effects on the impact factor and response factor. For this, this study considers 10 m width and two-lane simply supported slab bridges and performs the moving load analysis to investigate the variations of peak impact factor and corresponding response factor. The numerical results show that the eccentric load increases both the static and dynamic displacements, but the impact factor is decreased since the incremental amount of static displacement is bigger than that of dynamic displacement. However, the difference of the impact factors between the center and eccentric loadings is small showing less than 0.5%p. In the response factor, the eccentric loading increases both the static and dynamic response factors, compared to the center loading. The difference of the response factor is only 0.18%p. It shows that the eccentric loading has very small effects on the response factor, thus the impact factor response spectrum which is generated based on the center moving load can be used to determine the response factor.