• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.12
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• pp.4477-4490
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• 2023

Fuel locking mechanisms (FLMs) are essential in upward-flow research reactors to prevent accidental fuel separation from the core during reactor operation. This study presents a novel design concept for a remotely controlled plate-type nuclear fuel locking mechanism. By employing electromagnetic field analysis, we optimized the design of the electromagnet for fuel unlocking, allowing the FLM to adapt to various research reactor core designs, minimizing installation space, and reducing maintenance efforts. Computational flow analysis quantified the drag acting on the fuel assembly caused by coolant upflow. Subsequently, we performed finite element analysis and evaluated the structural integrity of the FLM based on the ASME boiler and pressure vessel (B&PV) code, considering design loads such as dead weight and flow drag. Our findings confirm that the new FLM design provides sufficient margins to withstand the specified loads. We fabricated a prototype comprising the driving part, a simplified moving part, and a dummy fuel assembly. Through basic operational tests on the assembled components, we verified that the manufactured products meet the performance requirements. This remote-controlled micro locking mechanism holds promise in enhancing the safety and efficiency of plate-type nuclear fuel operation in upflow research reactors.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.349-359
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• 2001

An enhanced four-node plate element, which has been developed for explicit dynamic analysis of plate, is described in this paper. Reissner-Mind1in(RM) assumptions are adopted to consider transverse shear deformation effects in the present plate element. RM plate element produces a shear locking phenomena in thin plate so that the substitute natural strains based on assumed strain method are explicitly derived. The present plate element is applied into the explicit transient algorithm and the mass matrix of plate is formulated by using special lumping method proposed by Hinton et al. The performance of the element is verified with numerical examples.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) as an open reduction technique by evaluating clinical results obtained from the patients with lateral malleolar fracture treated by internal fixation using LCP after open reduction. Materials and Methods: Among the patients with lateral malleolar fracture, the 28 patients who were treated by internal fixation using Locking compression plate after an open reduction and were able to be followed up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Final postoperative evaluation was done based on the Meyer's clinical and radiologic evaluation system. Results: All cases achieved anatomical reduction and fixation of the reduction postoperatively. 28 minutes were taken meaningly from the incision to the fixation of LCP plate after the anatomical reduction. Everage bony union time was 8.2 weaks, and the result was excellent in 23 cases (82%), good in 5 cases (17%) and poor result was abscent according to the criteria of Meyer et al. One case of post traumatic arthritis and one case of superficial infection on the operation site were found, but non-union, delayed union and malunion were not occurred. Conclusion: The internal fixation after open reduction using LCP is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including easy application and a greater stability due to its capability of maintaining exact anatomical reduction even though the screw does not penetrate the medial cortex of fibular to add the stability and rigidity of the fixation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2020

Purpose: Anterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) was performed to treat patients with distal tibial fractures associated with open fractures or extensive soft tissue injuries, which is limited medial MIPO. The treatment results of the anterolateral MIPO technique were evaluated and analyzed. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with distal tibial fractures associated with an open fracture or large bullae formation on the distal tibia medial side were treated with anterolateral MIPO using anterolateral locking plates. Within 24 hours of visiting the emergency room, external fixation was applied, and the medial side wound was managed. After damage control, the anterolateral locking plate was applied using an anterolateral MIPO technique. The union time, nonunion, or malunion were evaluated with regular postoperative radiographs. The ankle range of motion, operative time, blood loss, Iowa score, and wound complications were investigated. Results: Radiological evidence of bony union was obtained in all cases. The mean time to union was 16.7 weeks (12~25 weeks). The mean operation time was 44.0 minutes. Regarding the ankle range of motion, the mean dorsiflexion was 15°, and the mean plantarflexion was 35°. Satisfactory results were obtained in 15 out of 17 cases; five results were classified as excellent, four were good, and six were fair. The mean blood loss was 125.2 mL. Two complications were recorded. Conclusion: In distal tibial fractures with severe medial soft tissue damage caused by high-energy trauma, the staged anterolateral MIPO technique using anterolateral locking plates is a useful alternative treatment to achieving optimal wound care, rapid union with biological fixation, and intra-articular reduction.

• Journal of Drive and Control
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

The locking performance of a multi-plate clutch with a mechanical lock-up system is governed by the engagement algorithm. In this paper, a control algorithm to improve the locking performance of the clutch was studied. A 1D dynamic model was constructed and simulated according to the developed algorithm. The developed algorithm was composed of a method in which the locking device is engaged while generating artificial slip on the friction plate by controlling the piston pressure of the clutch. Furthermore, a case study of the parameters within the developed algorithm was conducted to explore combinations that maximize locking performance and analyze trends according to these parameters.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.445-454
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• 1991

In this thesis, Mindlin plate element with nine nodes and three degrees-of-freedom at each node is formulated and is employed in eigen-analysis of a rectangular plates in order to alleviate locking phenomenon of eigenvalues. Eigenvalues and their modes may be locked if conventional $C_{0}$-isoparametric element is used. In order to reduce stiffness locking phenomenon, two methods (1, the general reduced and selective integration, 2, the new element that use of modified shape function) are studied. Additionally in order to reduce the error due to mass matrix, two mass matrixes (1, Gauss-Legendre mass matrix, 2, Gauss-Lobatto mass matrix) are considered. The results of eigen-analysis for two models (the square plate with all edges simply-supported and all edges built-in), computed by two methods for stiffness matrix and by two mass matrixes are compared with theoretical solutions and conventional numerical solutions. These comparisons show that the performance of the two methods with Gauss-Lobatto mass matrix is better than that of the conventional plate element. But, by considering the spurious rigid body motions, the element which employs modified shape function with full integration and Gauss-Lobatto mass matrix can elevate the accuracy and convergence of numerical solutions.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.230-235
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• 2017

Background: Neer type II distal clavicle fractures have the drawback of coracoclavicular instability and insufficient distal bony fragment, thereby making it difficult to achieve adequate fixation. Although various surgical treatments have been described for Neer type II fracture, the optimal treatment remains controversial. This study reports the clinical results and usefulness of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation. Methods: A totally of 21 patients with type II distal clavicle fracture were included in the study. The surgical procedure reduced the fracture temporarily; it included insertion of one or two K-wire from the lateral margin of the distal fragment to the proximal fragment through the fracture site, followed by application and fixation of the locking plate. The bony union and migration of K-wire was evaluated in the follow-up radiography. The coracoclavicular distance and acromioclavicular joint arthrosis were assessed at the final follow-up. The Constant Score (CS) and Korean Shoulder Score (KSS) were evaluated for clinical scoring. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases. At the final follow-up, coracoclavicular distance of the injured shoulder was increased, as compared to the intact shoulder (p=0.002), with no accompanying clinical symptoms. No K-wire migration was observed. At the final follow-up, K-wire irritation was observed in two cases and acromioclavicular arthrosis in one case, with no other adverse effects. Pain visual analogue scale, CS, and KSS were improved in all cases. Conclusions: The method of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation could be useful in achieving beneficial clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.217-221
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of internal fixation with locking T-plates for osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus in patients aged 65 years and older. Methods: From January 2007 through to December 2015, we recruited 47 patients aged 65 years and older with osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. All fractures had been treated using open reduction and internal fixation with a locking T-plate. We classified the fractures in accordance to the Neer classification system; At the final follow-up, the indicators of clinical outcome-the range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation) and the presence of postoperative complications-and the indicators of radiographic outcome-the time-to-union and the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humerus-were evaluated. The Paavolainen method was used to grade the level of radiological outcome in the patients. Results: The mean flexion was $155.0^{\circ}$ (range, $90^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$), the mean internal rotation was T8 (range, T6-L2), and the mean external rotation was $66.8^{\circ}$ (range, $30^{\circ}-80^{\circ}$). Postoperative complications, such as plate impingement, screw loosening, and varus malunion were observed in five patient. We found that all patients achieved bone union, and the mean time-to-union was 13.5 weeks of the treatment. The mean neck-shaft angle was $131.4^{\circ}$ at the 6-month follow-up. According to the Paavolainen method, "good" and "fair" radiographic results each accounted for 38 and 9 of the total patients, respectively. Conclusions: We concluded that locking T-plate fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures by providing a larger surface area of contact with the fracture and a more rigid fixation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.69-86
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• 2007

A four-noded plate bending quadrilateral (PBQ4) and an eight-noded plate bending quadrilateral (PBQ8) element based on Mindlin plate theory have been adopted for modeling the thick plates on elastic foundations using Winkler model. Transverse shear deformations have been included, and the stiffness matrices of the plate elements and the Winkler foundation stiffness matrices are developed using Finite Element Method based on thick plate theory. A computer program is coded for this purpose. Various loading and boundary conditions are considered, and examples from the literature are solved for comparison. Shear locking problem in the PBQ4 element is observed for small value of subgrade reaction and plate thickness. It is noted that prevention of shear locking problem in the analysis of the thin plate is generally possible by using element PBQ8. It can be concluded that, the element PBQ8 is more effective and reliable than element PBQ4 for solving problems of thin and thick plates on elastic foundations.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2012

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of internal fixation using a precontoured locking compression plate for the treatment of the displaced clavicle fracture by analyzing both radiological and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 34 cases of displaced clavicle shaft fracture treated by internal fixation using precontoured locking compression plates between May 2009 and February 2010. Radiological outcomes were analized on the basis of bone union and the differences between the time for bone union depending on sex and age. Clinical outcomes were analyzed on the basis of quick DASH Scores and the differences in the range of motion of the affected shoulder compared to the contralateral shoulder. Results: In the radiological evaluation, all fractures showed bone union, and the average time for bone union was 12.3 weeks, without delayed unions. Time for bone union did not differ significantly with respect to sex and age (p=0.87). In the clinical evaluation, the average final quick DASH Score was 23.5 (range, 12~42). At final follow up, the range of motion after bone union in the affected shoulder was not significantly different from that of the contralateral shoulder (p=0.69). Conclusion: The internal fixation achieved using precontoured locking compression plate in displaced clavicle shaft fracture showed effective bone union and can be considered as a reliable method with fine clinical results showing early range of motion at the shoulder joint.