Analytical solution for longitudinal deformation of shield tunnel induced by overcrossing tunnelling considering circumferential joints

This paper presents a new analytical solution for assessing the longitudinal deformation of shield tunnel associated with overcrossing tunnelling in consideration of circumferential joints.A simplified longitudinal beam-spring model(SLBSM)is established to model the longitudinal behaviours of shield tunnel,which can consider the opening and dislocation between segmental rings simultaneously.Then,the existing tunnel is treated as the SLBSM resting on the elastic foundation.The state equations including tunnel displacements and internal forces are constructed to solve the discontinuous deformation of circumferential joint-segmental ring.The feasibility of the proposed solution is verified through three well-documented cases.The predictions from the proposed method are also compared with other analytical methods.It is found that the proposed method can well capture the deformation of tunnel segmental rings and joints,where the rigid displacement mainly occurs in the segmental rings while the rotation and dislocation occur in the circumferential joints.Some dominant parameters are also analysed to explore the effects on existing tunnel deformation,including the rotation stiffness and shearing stiffness of joints,the skew angle and the clearance between new and old tunnels.

The longitudinal epineural incision and complete nerve transection method for modeling sciatic nerve injury

Injury severity, operative technique and nerve regeneration are important factors to consider when constructing a model of peripheral nerve injury. Here, we present a novel peripheral nerve injury model and compare it with the complete sciatic nerve transection method. In the experimental group, under a microscope, a 3-mm longitudinal incision was made in the epineurium of the sciatic nerve to reveal the nerve fibers, which were then transected. The small, longitudinal incision in the epineurium was then sutured closed, requiring no stump anastomosis. In the control group, the sciatic nerve was completely transected, and the epineurium was repaired by anastomosis. At 2 and 4 weeks after surgery, Wallerian degeneration was observed in both groups. In the experimental group, at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, distinct medullary nerve fibers and axons were observed in the injured sciatic nerve. Regular, dense myelin sheaths were visible, as well as some scarring. By 12 weeks, the myelin sheaths were normal and intact, and a tight lamellar structure was observed. Functionally, limb movement and nerve conduction recovered in the injured region between 4 and 12 weeks. The present results demonstrate that longitudinal epineural incision with nerve transection can stably replicate a model of Sunderland grade IV peripheral nerve injury. Compared with the complete sciatic nerve transection model, our method reduced the difficulties of micromanipulation and surgery time, and resulted in good stump restoration, nerve regeneration, and functional recovery.

Effect of Fiber Volume Fraction on Longitudinal Tensile Properties of SiCf/Ti-6Al-4V Composites

The longitudinal tensile properties of SiCf/Ti-6Al-4V composites with different fiber volume fractions were simulated by the Monte Carlo 2-D finite element model. The random distribution of fiber strength was expressed by the two-parameter Weibull function. Meanwhile, contact elements and birth-death elements were used to describe the interfacial sliding process after debonding and fiber breakage（or matrix cracking） respectively, which was realized by subroutine complied in ANSYS-APDL（ANSYS Parametric Design Language）. The experimental results show that the yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of SiCf/Ti-6Al-4V composites increase with increasing fiber volume fraction, while the corresponding strain of them is just on the contrary. In addition, almost the same failure mode is obtained in SiCf/Ti-6Al-4V composites with various fiber volume fractions when the interfacial shear strength is fixed. Finally, the tensile strength predicted by finite element analysis is compared with that predicted by Global load-sharing model, Local load-sharing model and conventional rule of mixtures, thus drawing the conclusion that Local load-sharing model is very perfect for the prediction of the ultimate tensile strength.

Experimental and field study on dissipation coefficient of supersaturated total dissolved gas

The elevated supersaturation of total dissolved gas （TDG） downstream of a high-dam spill has deleterious effects on fish in a large range. A one-dimensional （l-D） longitudinal model is optimal for the prediction of supersaturated TDG dissipation over a long distance. The key issue of the model is to determine the dissipation coefficient accurately. In agreement with field observations and experiment data, dimensional analysis and regression were performed to propose a formula for estimating the dissipation coefficient of supersaturated TDG in various rivers and reservoirs, and it involves the effects of the turbulence intensity, the hydro-pressure and the solid-liquid interface. The friction velocity, water depth, hydraulic radius and Froude number are independent variables in the formula which are easy to determine in practical applications. The 1-D longitudinal model is implemented to calculate the dissipation of TDG in a reach of the Jinsha River. Good agreement is found between the calculated results and field data for both the dissipation coefficient and the dissipation process.

Influences of affiliated components and train length on the train wind

The induced airfl w from passing trains,which is recognized as train wind,usually has adverse impacts on people in the surroundings,i.e.,the aerodynamic forces generated by a high-speed train＇s wind may act on the human body and endanger the safety of pedestrians or roadside workers.In this paper,an improved delayed detached eddy simulation（IDDES） method is used to study train wind.The effects of the affiliate components and train length on train wind are analyzed.The results indicate that the aff liated components and train length have no effect on train wind in the area in front of the leading nose.In the downstream and wake regions,the longitudinal train wind becomes stronger as the length of the train increases,while the transverse train wind is not affected.The presence of affiliate components strengthens the train wind in the near fiel of the train because of strong fl w solid interactions but has limited effects on train wind in the far field.

Analytical and numerical analysis on the torsional performance of elliptically deformed tunnels in the longitudinal direction

Segmental lining structures constructed by shields/tunnel boring machines are often subjected to uneven longitudinal cross-section torsion as a result of eccentric external loads,which is extremely adverse to tunnel safety but has not received sufficient attention for a long time.To figure out the torsional performance of segmental tunnels,it is essential to assess the longitudinal torsional stiffness and active-torsion-rejection capability of a segmented tunnel.The aim of the paper is to derive an analytical solution to the longitudinal torsional stiffness of a segmental tunnel with existing elliptical deformation.The longitudinal torsional stiffness under different internal force combinations is deduced considering the longitudinal axial force and bending moment based on the equivalent continuous model and force balance equation.The validity of the analytical solution is verified by comparing it with finite element method results.Then,a parametric analysis,using the new analytical solution,is included to investigate the effect of the key parameters on torsional behaviors,including the segment size,the bolt size and the transverse bending stiffness,etc.It is found that:(1)the longitudinal torsional stiffness efficiency(LTSE)of the segmental tunnel decreases with the rise of segment thickness to diameter ratio but increases with the ring width to diameter ratio;(2)the LTSE reduces with the increase of the effective shear length but rises with the diameter of bolts;(3)the LTSE increases rapidly with the ratio of compression-torsion or bending-torsion.Furthermore,the envelope curve of the critical load(N0,M0)for a tunnel to actively resist a certain internal torque is given.The proposed solution can be easily utilized to determine the longitudinal torsional stiffness of segmental tunnels and is an effective tool for tunnel design and maintenance.

Longitudinal control for person-following robots

Purpose–This paper aims to address the longitudinal control problem for person-following robots(PFRs)for the implementation of this technology.Design/methodology/approach–Nine representative car-following models are analyzed from PFRs application and the linear model and optimal velocity model/full velocity difference model are qualified and selected in the PFR control.Findings–A lab PFR with the bar-laser-perception device is developed and tested in the field,and the results indicate that the proposed models perform well in normal person-following scenarios.Originality/value–This study fills a gap in the research on PRFs longitudinal control and provides a useful and practical reference on PFRs longitudinal control for the related research.

Time-varying latent model for longitudinal data with informative observation and terminal event times

Longitudinal data often occur in follow-up studies, and in many situations, there may exist informative observation times and a dependent terminal event such as death that stops the follow-up. We propose a semiparametric mixed effect model with time-varying latent effects in the analysis of longitudinal data with informative observation times and a dependent terminal event. Estimating equation approaches are developed for parameter estimation, and asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are established. The finite sample behavior of the proposed estimators is evaluated through simulation studies, and an application to a bladder cancer study is provided.