• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

In this study, a new design of an extension-type actuator (ExACT) is proposed based on a chevron structure with displacement amplification mechanisms by local heating. ExACT comprises diamond-shaped displacement amplification structures (DASs) containing axially oriented V-shaped chevron beams, a support bar that restricts lateral heat deformation, and a loading slot for thin-film heaters. On heating the thin film heater, the diamond-shaped DASs undergo thermal expansion. However, lateral expansion is restricted by the support bar, leading to displacement amplification in the axial direction. The performance parameters of ExACT such as temperature distribution and extended displacement is calculated using thermo-mechanical analysis methods with the finite element method (FEM) tool. Subsequently, the ExACTs are fabricated using a polymer-based 3D printer capable of reproducing complex structures, and the performance of ExACTs is evaluated under various temperature conditions. Finally, the performance evaluation results were compared with those of the FEM analysis.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.101-106
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• 2016

A pupil filter is a useful technique for modifying the light intensity distribution near the focus of an optical system to realize depth of field (DOF) extension and superresolution. In this paper, we proposed a new design of the phase only pupil filter by using Zernike polynomials. The effect of design parameters of the new filters on DOF extension and superresolution are discussed, such as defocus Strehl ratio (S.R.), superresolution factor (G) and relative first side lobe intensity (M). In comparison with the other two types of pupil filters, the proposed filter presents its advantages on controlling both the axial and radial light intensity distribution. Finally, defocused imaging simulations are carried out to further demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed pupil filter on DOF extension and superresolution in an optical imaging system.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.70-79
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• 2020

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of a newly-developed spinal orthoses (V-LSO) by comparing the stabilizing effect, abdominal pressure, and comfort of 3 different semirigid LSOs (classic LSO, V-LSO, and Cybertech^®) during various body movements. Method: Thirty healthy volunteers (23~47 years, 24 males, 6 females) were selected. A dual inclinometer measured the range of motion (ROM) while the participants performed flexion/extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine with 3 LSOs. The LSO's pressure on the abdominal surface was measured using 9 pressure sensors while lying, sitting, standing, flexion/extension, lateral flexion, axial rotation, and lifting a box. Comfort and subjective immobilization were analyzed by a questionnaire. Results: V-LSO had a statistically significant effect on flexion over Cybertech^®. No significant differences were noted during extension and lateral flexion between the 3 LSOs. The abdominal pressure showed no significant differences while supine. While sitting, standing, and lifting a box, the mean abdominal pressure for V-LSO were significantly higher than those for Cybertech^®. During lumbar flexion, the mean abdominal pressures for classic LSO and V-LSO were significantly higher than that of Cybertech^®. For extension, lateral flexion and axial rotation, the abdominal pressure for V-LSO was significantly higher than those of classic LSO and Cybertech^®. In the subjective analysis, V-LSO and Cybertech^® scored best for comfort. Conclusion: The V-LSO and Cybertech^® were more comfortable than the classic LSO, and hence, may have improved compliance with decreased discomfort. V-LSO may be superior to the other LSOs in restricting lumbar movement and increasing intraabdominal pressure.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.405-416
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• 2019

Profiled composite slab has been widely used in civil engineering due to its structural merits. The extension of this concept to the bearing wall forms the profiled composite wall, which consists of two external profiled steel plates and infill concrete. This paper investigates the structural behavior of this type of wall under axial compression. A series of compression tests on profiled composite walls consisting of varied types of profiled steel plate and edge confinement have been carried out. The test results are evaluated in terms of failure modes, load-axial displacement curves, strength index, ductility ratio, and load-strain response. It is found that the type of profiled steel plate has influence on the axial capacity and strength index, while edge confinement affects the failure mode and ductility. The test data are compared with the predictions by modern codes such as AISC 360, BS EN 1994-1-1, and CECS 159. It shows that BS EN 1994-1-1 and CECS 159 significantly overestimate the actual compressive capacity of profiled composite walls, while AISC 360 offers reasonable predictions. A method is then proposed, which takes into account the local buckling of profiled steel plates and the reduction in the concrete resistance due to profiling. The predictions show good correlation with the test results.

• Neurospine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.368-375
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• 2018

Objective: To evaluate the results of operative management of subaxial spine injuries managed with 2-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion with a cervical locking plate and autologous bone-filled titanium mesh cage. Methods: This study included 23 patients with a subaxial spine injury who matched the inclusion criteria, underwent 2-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion at our institution between 2013 and 2016, and were followed up for neurological recovery, axial pain, fusion, pseudarthrosis, and implant failure. Results: According to Allen and Ferguson classification, there were 9 cases of distractive extension; 4 of compressive extension; 3 each of compressive flexion, vertical compression, and distractive flexion; and 1 of lateral flexion. Sixteen patients had a score of 6 on the Subaxial Injury Classification system, and the rest had a score of more than 6. The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 12-48 months). Neurological recovery was observed in most of the patients (78.21%). All patients experienced relief of axial pain. None of the patients received a blood transfusion. Twenty-one patients (91.3%) showed solid fusion and 2 (8.69%) showed possible pseudarthrosis, with no complications related to the cage or plate. Conclusion: Two-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, along with stabilization with a cervical locking plate and autologous bone graft-filled titanium mesh cage, can be considered a feasible and safe method for treating specific subaxial spine injuries, with the benefits of high primary stability, anatomical reduction, and direct decompression of the spinal cord.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.257-264
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• 1989

For the extension of the flash method the heat diffusion equation with heat loss and with an arbitrary heat pulse is mathematically analyzed. In the analysis the heat loss includes the axial and radial directions on the front, rear and peripheral surfaces. The heat pulse is irradiated from the source to the front surface of the sample and the heat receiving area on the front surface is controlled by the apertures of an optical system. From this analysis the thermal diffusivity of the samples can be determined more precisely than before by the data reduction method using various percent time. The data can be obtained by the extended radial flash technique adjusted correctly the heating area on the central part of the front surface with a proper aperture or the conventional axial flash technique heated uniformly all parts of the front surface.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.1066-1069
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• 2002

Dynamic postural control varies with the environmental context, specific task and intentions of the subject. In this paper, dynamic postural control against forward-backward perturbations of a platform was estimated using tri-axial accelerometers and a force plate. Ten young healthy volunteers stood upright in comfortable condition on the perturbation system which was controlled by an AC servo motor. With anterior-posterior perturbations, movements of ankle, knee and hip Joints were obtained by tri-axial accelerometers. and ground reaction forces with corresponding displacements of the center of pressure(CoP) by the force plate. The result showed that the ankle moved first and the trunk forward, which implies that the mechanism of the dynamic postural control in forward-backward perturbations, occurred in the procedure of the ankle, the knee and the hip. Knee flexion and hip extension in the period of acceleration, constant velocity and deceleration phase is very important fur the balance recovery. These responses depends on the magnitude and timing of the perturbation. From the present study the accelerometry-system appears to be a promising tool for understanding kinematic accelerative In response to a transient platform perturbation. A more through understanding of balance recovery mechanism may aid in designing methods for reducing falls and the resulting injuries.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.7
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• pp.2756-2766
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• 2024

Small rod-controlled pressurized water reactors (PWR) are the ideal energy source for vessel propulsion, benefiting from their high reactivity control efficiency. Since the control rods (CRs) increase the complexity of reactivity control, this paper seeks to study the performance of CRs in small rod-controlled PWRs to extend the lifetime and reduce power offset due to CRs. This study investigates CR grouping, move-in/out strategies, and axially non-uniform design effects on core neutron physics metrics. These metrics include axial offset (AO), core lifetime (CL), fuel utilization (FU), and radial power peaking factor (R-PPF). To simulate the movement of the CRs, a "Critical-CR-burnup" function was developed in OpenMC. In CR designs, the CRs are grouped into three banks to study the simultaneous and prioritized move-in/out strategies. The results show CL extension from 590 effective full power days (EFPDs) to 638-698 EFPDs. A lower-worth prioritized strategy minimizes AO and the extremum values decrease from -0.69 and + 0.81 to -0.28 and + 0.51. Although an axially non-uniform CR design can improve AO at the beginning of cycle (BOC), considering the overall CR worth change is crucial, as a significant decrease can adversely impact axial power distribution during the middle of cycle (MOC).

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.210-217
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• 2006

Many types of interspinous distraction devices (IDDs) have been recently developed as an alternative surgical treatment to laminectomy and fusion with pedicle screws for the treatment of the lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). They are intended to keep the lumbar spine in a slightly flexed posture to relieve pain caused by narrowing of the spinal canal and vertebral foramen. However, their biomechanical efficacies are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the kinematic behaviors and changes in intradiscal pressure (IDP) of the porcine lumbar spine implanted with IDD. For kinematics analysis, five porcine lumbar spines (L2-L6) were used and the IDD was inserted at L4-L5. Three markers (${\phi}{\le}0.8mm$) were attached on each vertebra to define a rigid body motion for stereophotogrammetric assessment of the spinal motion in 3-D. A moment of 7.5Nm in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were imparted with a compressive force of 700N. Then, IDD was implanted at L3-L4. IDPs were measured using pressure transducer under compression (700N) and additional extension moment (700N+7.5Nm). In kinematic behaviors, insertion of IDD resulted in statistically significant decrease 42.8% at the implanted level in extension. There were considerable changes in ROM at the adjacent levels, but statistically insignificant. In other motions, there were no significant changes in ROM as well regardless of levels. IDPs at the surgical level (L3-L4) under compression and extension moment decreased by 12.9% and 18.8% respectively after surgery (p<0.05). At the superiorly adjacent levels, IDPs increased by 19.4% and 12.9% under compression and extension, respectively (p<0.05). Corresponding changes at the inferiorly adjacent levels were 29.4% and 6.9%, but they were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The magnitude of pressure changes due to IDD, both at the operated and adjacent levels, were far less than the previously reported values with conventional fusion techniques. Our experimental results demonstrated the IDDs can be very effective in limiting the extension motion that may cause narrowing of the spinal canal and vertebral foramens while maintaining kinematic behaviors and disc pressures at the adjacent levels.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.29-42
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• 2021

The utilization of buildings can be improved by extending them vertically. However, the added load of the extension might require building foundations to be underpinned; otherwise, the loads on the foundations might exceed their bearing capacity. In this study, a preloading method was presented aiming at transferring partial loads from existing piles to underpinning piles. A pneumatic-type model preloading device was developed and used to carry out centrifuge experiments to evaluate the load-displacement behavior of piles, the pile-soil interaction during preloading, and the additional loading caused by vertical extension. The results showed that the preloading devices effectively transfer load from existing piles to underpinning piles. In the additional loading test of group piles, the load-sharing ratio of a pile increased with its stiffness. The load-sharing ratio of a preloaded micropile was less than that of a non-preloaded micropile as a result of the reduction in axial stiffness caused by preloading before additional loading. Therefore, a slight reduction of the load-sharing capacity of an underpinning pile should be considered if the preloading method is applied. Further, two full scale preloading devices was developed. The devices preload underpinning piles and thereby produce reaction forces on a reaction frame to jack existing piles upward, thus transferring load from the existing piles to the underpinning piles. Specifically, screw-type and hydraulic-jack type devices were developed for the practical application of foundation underpinning during vertical extension, and their operability and load transfer effect verified via full-scale structural experiments.