A Novel Fracturing Fluid with High-Temperature Resistance for Ultra-Deep Reservoirs

Ultra-deep reservoirs play an important role at present in fossil energy exploitation.Due to the related high temperature,high pressure,and high formation fracture pressure,however,methods for oil well stimulation do not produce satisfactory results when conventional fracturing fluids with a low pumping rate are used.In response to the above problem,a fracturing fluid with a density of 1.2~1.4 g/cm^(3)was developed by using Potassium formatted,hydroxypropyl guanidine gum and zirconium crosslinking agents.The fracturing fluid was tested and its ability to maintain a viscosity of 100 mPa.s over more than 60 min was verified under a shear rate of 1701/s and at a temperature of 175℃.This fluid has good sand-carrying performances,a low viscosity after breaking the rubber,and the residue content is less than 200 mg/L.Compared with ordinary reconstruction fluid,it can increase the density by 30%~40%and reduce the wellhead pressure of 8000 m level reconstruction wells.Moreover,the new fracturing fluid can significantly mitigate safety risks.

Graph theoretical analysis of limestone fracture network damage patterns based on uniaxial compression test

The topological attributes of fracture networks in limestone,subject to intense hydrodynamics and intricate geological discontinuities,substantially influence the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of the rock mass.The dynamical evolution of fracture networks under stress is crucial for unveiling the interaction patterns among fractures.However,existing models are undirected graphs focused on stationary topology,which need optimization to depict fractures'dynamic development and rupture process.To compensate for the time and destruction terms,we propose the damage network model,which defines the physical interpretation of fractures through the ternary motif.We focus primarily on the evolution of node types,topological attributes,and motifs of the fracture network in limestone under uniaxial stress.Observations expose the varying behavior of the nodes'self-dynamics and neighbors'adjacent dynamics in the fracture network.This approach elucidates the impact of micro-crack behaviors on large brittle shear fractures from a topological perspective and further subdivides the progressive failure stage into four distinct phases(isolated crack growth phase,crack splay phase,damage coalescence phase,and mechanical failure phase)based on the significance profile of the motif.Regression analysis reveals a positive linear and negative power correlation between fracture network density and branch number to the rock damage resistance,respectively.The damage network model introduces a novel methodology for depicting the interaction of two-dimensional(2D)projected fractures,considering the dynamic spatiotemporal development characteristics and fracture geometric variation.It helps dynamically characterize properties such as connectivity,permeability,and damage factors while comprehensively assessing damage in rock mass fracture networks.

Influence of masticatory fatigue on the fracture resistance of the pulpless teeth restored with quartz-fiber post-core and crown

To investigate whether masticatory fatigue affects the fracture resistance and pattern of lower premolars restored with quartz-fiber post-core and full crown, 44 single rooted lower premolars recently extracted from orthodontic patients were divided into two groups of 22 each. The crowns of all teeth were removed and endodontically treated and then restored with quartz-fiber post-core and full crown. Twenty-two teeth in one group were selected randomly and circularly loaded at 45° to the long axis of the teeth of 127.4 N at a 6 Hz frequency, and the other group was not delivered to cyclic loading and considered as control. Subsequently, all teeth in two groups were continually loaded to fail at 45° to the long axis of the teeth at a crosshead speed of 1 mm.min-1. The mean destructive force values were （733.88±254.99） and （869.14±280.26） N for the experimental and the control group, respectively, and no statistically significant differences were found between two groups （P〉O.05）. Bevel fracture and horizontal fracture in the neck of root were the major fracture mode of the specimens. Under the circumstances of this study, it seems that cyclic loading does not affect the fracture strength and pattern of the quartz-fiber post-core-crown complex.

Influence of fiber posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with different dental defects

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of quartz fiber post placement on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with different dental defects under dynamic loading.Fifty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were randomized into five groups.Each group was prepared according to numbers of residual walls ranged from 0 to 4.Then each group was divided into two subgroups with one restored with quartz fiber posts and the other without posts.In no-post groups,gutta percha point 2 mm below cemento-enamel junction was removed.Composite resin was adapted to the well and used to shape the core directly.Each tooth was restored with a complete metal crown.Dynamic loading was carried out in a masticatory simulator with a nominal load of 50 N at 2 Hz for 300 000 loading cycles.Then a quasi-statically load was applied in a universal testing machine 306 to the long axis with a crosshead speed of 1 mm？min21until fracture.Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparison（P,0.05）.No specimens failed during dynamic loading.The fracture resistance enhanced with the increase of numbers of coronal walls and the differences were significant（P,0.05）.Placement of fiber posts had a significant effect when fewer than two walls remained（P,0.05）,but it had no significant influence in groups with two,three or four walls（P.0.05）.Fiber post did not change failure mode,and the fracture pattern was mainly favorable.More dentin walls need to be retained in clinic.When no less than two walls remained,a fiber post is not always necessary.

Timing theory continuous nursing,resistance training:Rehabilitation and mental health of caregivers and stroke patients with traumatic fractures

BACKGROUND Stroke is the leading cause of adult lifelong disability worldwide.A stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease with a variety of causes and corresponding clinical symptoms.Around 75%of surviving stroke patients experience impaired nerve function,and some suffer from traumatic fractures,which can lead to special care needs.AIM To determine the effect of timing theory continuous care,with resistance training,on the rehabilitation and mental health of caregivers and stroke patients with traumatic fractures.METHODS Between January 2017 to March 2021,we selected 100 hospital admissions with post-stroke hemiplegia complicated with a traumatic fracture.Two participant groups were created:(1)Control group:given resistance training;and(2)Observation group:given timing theory continuous care combined with resistance training.The degree of satisfaction and differences in bone and phosphorus metabolism indexes between the two groups were compared.The self-perceived burden scale(SPBS)and caregiver burden questionnaire were used to evaluate the psychological health of patients and caregivers.The Harris hip function score,ability of daily living(ADL)scale,and global quality of life questionnaire(GQOL-74)were used to evaluate hip function,ability of daily living,and quality of life.RESULTS Data were collected prior to and after intervention.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP),osteocalcin,and vitamin D3 in the observation group and control group increased after intervention(P<0.05),and carboxy-terminal peptide of type I collagenβSpecial sequence(β-CTX)decreased(P<0.05).ALP and osteocalcin in the observation group were higher than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference inβ-CTX and vitamin D3 between the two groups(P>0.05).The SPBS score of the observation group was lower and the ADL score was higher than the control group.The burden score was lower and the Harris hip function and GQOL-74 scores were higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s satisfaction rating was 94.00%,which was higher than the rating from the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Timing theory continuous nursing with resistance training can reduce hip dysfunction in stroke patients with a traumatic fracture and enhance quality of life and mental health of patients and caregivers.

Overall Evaluation of the Effect of Residual Stress Induced by Shot Peening in the Improvement of Fatigue Fracture Resistance for Metallic Materials

Before 1980s,the circular suspension spring in automobile subjected to torsion fatigue load,under the cyclic normal tensile stresses,the majority of fatigue fracture occurred was in normal tensile fracture mode（NTFM）and the fracture surface was under 45°diagonal.Because there exists the interaction between the residual stresses induced by shot peening and the applied cyclic normal tensile stresses in NTFM,which represents as＂stress strengthening mechanism＂,shot peening technology could be used for improving the fatigue fracture resistance（FFR）of springs.However,since 1990s up to date,in addition to regular NTFM,the fatigue fractures occurred of peened springs from time to time are in longitudinal shear fracture mode（LSFM）or transverse shear fracture mode（TSFM）with the increase of applied cyclic shear stresses,which leads to a remarkable decrease of FFR.However,LSFM/TSFM can be avoided effectively by means of shot peening treatment again on the peened springs.The phenomena have been rarely happened before.At present there are few literatures concerning this problem.Based upon the results of force analysis of a spring,there is no interaction between the residual stresses by shot peening and the applied cyclic shear stresses in shear fracture.This;means that the effect of＂stress strengthening mechanism＂for improving the FFR of LSFM/TSFM is disappeared basically.During shot peening,however,both of residual stress and cyclic plastic deformed microstructure are induced synchronously like＂twins＂in the surface layer of a spring.It has been found for the first time by means of force analysis and experimental results that the modified microstructure in the＂twins＂as a＂structure strengthening mechanism＂can improve the FFR of LSFM/TSFM.At the same time,it is;also shown that the optimum technology of shot peening strengthening must have both＂stress strengthening mechanism＂and＂structure strengthening mechanism＂simultaneously so that the FFR of both NTFM and LSFM/TSFM can be improved by shot peening.

Fracture Resistance and Failure Patterns of Open Apex Root Teeth with Different Posts after Endodontic Treatment

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different posts on the fracture mechanics of endodontically-treated teeth with open apex. Forty-eight human maxillary anterior teeth were collected, and the root was transversely sectioned 12 mm under the cementoenamal junction （CEJ）. These samples were then randomly divided into two groups, i.e., minor diameter open apex root （group A） and major diameter open apex root （group B）, with mineral trioxide aggregate （MTA） placed into the apical 4 mm in the root canals. Subsequently, both groups were respectively further divided into three subgroups as follows： fiber-post （subgroup 1）, metal post （subgroup 2） and non-post （subgroup 3） group. Teeth were restored with a composite resin crown and tested by using a universal testing machine at the rate of 1 mm/min cross-head. Values of the maximum fracture resistance and failure patterns were recorded and compared among all subgroups. In addition, the changes of MTA properties were carefully examined via X-ray photography. Our results indicate that （1） In group A, the mean value of fracture resistance for teeth restored with fiber posts were statistically higher than that with either metal post or non-post; （2） In group B, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of fracture resistance among three subgroups; （3） No statistical significance in the mean value of fracture resistance was found between group A and group B; （4） The failure modes of most samples （58%） were irreparable; （5） MTA in two teeth developed cracks after loading tests. In conclusion, endodontically-treated teeth restored with fiber posts are more resistant to fracture than those restored with either metal posts or non-post, and most of the fracture modes are catastrophic in nature.

Effect of Boron on Delayed Fracture Resistance of Medium-Carbon High Strength Spring Steel

The delayed fracture behavior of medium carbon high strength spring steel containing different amounts of boron （0. 000 5%, 0. 001 6 %） was studied using sustained load delayed fracture test. The results show that delayed fracture resistance of boron containing steels is higher than that of conventional steel 60Si2MnA at the same strength level and it increases with the increase of boron eontent from 0. 000 5% to 0. 001 6%. The delayed fracture mode is mainly intergranular in the boron containing steels tempered at 350℃, which indicates that the addition of boron does not change the fracture character. However, the increase of boron content enlarges the size of the crack initia tion area. Further study of phase analysis indicates that most boron is in solid solution, and only a very small quantity of boron is in the M3 （C, B） phase.

Fracture resistance of posterior teeth restored with modern restorative materials

We studied the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars restored with recent restorative materials. Fifty maxillary premolars were divided into five groups： Group 1 were unprepared teeth; Group 2 were teeth prepared without restoration; Group 3 were teeth restored with tetric ceram HB; Group 4 were teeth restored with InTen S; and Group 5 were teeth restored with Admira. The samples were tested using a universal testing machine. Peak loads at fracture were recorded. The teeth restored with Admira had the highest fracture resistance followed by those restored with InTen-S and tetric ceram HB. Prepared, unrestored teeth were the weakest group. There was a significant difference between the fracture resistance of intact teeth and the prepared, unrestored teeth. There was also a significant difference among the tested restorative materials. Teeth restored with Admira showed no significant difference when compared with the unprepared teeth. It was concluded that the teeth restored with Admira exhibited the highest fracture resistance.

FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF 3D-C/SiC COMPOSITES AT 1300℃

Based on the energy conservation, the elastic energy linked to the compliance change, non-elastic energy dissipated by irreversible deformation and the resistance for crack propagation were quantitatively characterized by evaluation the load/load point displacement curves tested by three points bend experiment with single notch beam at 1300℃. The cracks length was determined by compliance calibration curves. It is shown by experimental results that the compliance of 3D-C/SiC composites changes with the cracks can be described by third order polynomial. The variation of crack advancing resistance with non-dimensional equivalent crack length presents a convex curve. The crack advancing resistance increases firstly and then decreases with the non-dimensional equivalent crack length, finally is in comparatively low level. The maximum values of crack advancing resistance are 269.73kJ/m2 for non-dimensional equivalent crack length of 0.318 and original notch length of 0.35mm, and 138.65kJ/m2 for non-dimensional equivalent crack length of 0.381 and original notch length of 2.06mm, respectively.

Low-Energy Multi-Impact Fracture Resistance of Cross Rolled Low Chromium Cast Semi-Steel Containing Rare Earth Grinding Ball

The low-energy multi-impact fracture resistance of the cross rolled low chromium cast semi-steel containing RE grinding balls was studied. Moreover, its damage mode was analyzed by means of metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopic examination and drop ball test. The results show that it can obtain extractive impact fracture resistance after proper heat treatment. More advantages were obtained for the ball worked in the condition of low-imp ductility act. The main reasons are the function of RE and the change in morphology of eutectic carbide network.

Effect of restorative techniques on fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of restorative materials and glass fiber post on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars. Material and Methods: Fifty extracted single rooted lower premolars were used in this in vitro study and divided into 5 groups: sound teeth (control group);mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) preparation + endodontic treatment + composite restoration;MOD preparation + endodontic treatment + glass fiber post + composite restoration;MOD preparation + endodontic treatment + amalgam restoration;MOD preparation + endodontic treatment + glass fiber post + amalgam restoration. The specimens were loaded on a universal testing machine at the crosshead speed of1 mm/min until fracture. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA test. Results: The mean loads at fracture were 860.11 N, 801.79 N, 761.39 N, 737.14 N and 707.85 N respectively. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in the fracture resistance of teeth restored with composite and amalgam, as well as restored with or without glass fiber post. Conclusions: The type of restorative material and the usage of glass fiber post do not have visible influence on the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated mandibular premolars.

Direct tension and fracture resistance curves of ultra high performance marine composite materials

Fracture behavior is one of the most important,yet still little understood properties of ultra-high performance cementitious composites(UHPCC),a new marine structural engineering material. Research on the fracture and direct tension behavior of UHPCC was carried out.The constitution law of UHPCC was divided into three phases:pre-partial debonding,partial debonding,and pullout phases.A direct tension constitution law was constructed based on the proposed fiber reinforcing parameter as a function of fiber volume fraction,fiber diameter and length,and fiber bonding strength.With the definition of linear crack shape,the energy release rate of UHPCC was derived and the R-curve equation was calculated from this.Loading tests of UHPCC using a three-point bending beam with an initial notch were carried out.The predictions from the proposed R-curve were in good agreement with the test results, indicating that the proposed R-curve accurately describes the fracture resistance of UHPCC.Introduction of a fiber reinforcement parameter bridges the fracture property R-curve and micro-composites’ mechanics parameters together.This has laid the foundation for further research into fracture properties based on micro-mechanics.The proposed tension constitution law and R-curve can be references for future UHPCC fracture evaluation.

Hardness, Wear Resistance and Fracture Toughness of Cast Hiduminium/Corundum Particulate Composites

This paper reports some results obtained in an investigation to see how increasing the corundum dispersoid content from 0% to 7% in a matrix of as-cast and wrought hiduminium alloy affects the hardness. wear resistance and fracture toughness of the composite. The results show that as the corundum content is increased, the hardness and the wear resistance increase remarkably,whereas the fracture toughness drops significantly. It was found that Just a minute amount of corundum is sufficient to cause a fairly large change in these mechanical properties. The hardness of the material is also affected signifIcantly by the aging time. Moreover, if other factors are kept constant, hot extrusion improves both its hardness and its wear resistance. whereas the fracture toughness is decreased

Static Performance and Fracture Numerical Analysis of 301L/Q235B Dissimilar Steel Resistance Spot Welded Joints

This paper presents an experimental study on the static tensile test of resistance spot welding between 2.0 mm thick dissimilar 301L⁃DLT and Q235B in tensile⁃shear specimens with different welding nugget diameters.Force⁃displacement curves of the specimens were compared with simulation curves by the finite element software.The stress⁃strain distribution and fracture evolution process during the tensile process were analyzed.The hardness of the nugget was higher than that of the base material and the heat affected zone.Under static tensile load,the stress and strain in the spot welded joints increased exponentially with the increase of displacement,and the maximum stress was located at the nugget edge of the 301L plate loading side.The static tensile strength and plastic deformation of the spot welded joint failure by the nugget pulled⁃out fracture mode was better than that by the interface fracture mode.The critical nugget diameter of Q235B for the transition from nugget interfacial fracture to the pull⁃out fracture was 7.12 mm,and that of 301L was 7.81 mm,which was about 5√t.

Permeability evaluation for artificial single rock fracture according to geometric aperture variation using electrical resistivity

A convenient approach was proposed by which to evaluate and monitor the permeability of a rock fracture by verifying the quantitative correlation between the electrical resistivity and permeability at laboratory scale.For this purpose,an electrical resistivity measurement system was applied to the laboratory experiments using artificial cells with the shape of a single rock fracture.Sixty experiments were conducted using rock fractures according to the geometry,aperture sizes,wavelengths,and roughness amplitudes.The overall negative relationship between the normalized electrical resistivity values and the aperture sizes directly linked with the permeability,was well fitted by the power-law function with a large determination coefficient(≈0.86).The effects of wavelength and roughness amplitude of the rock fracture on the electrical resistivity were also analyzed.Results showed that the electrical resistivity was slightly increased with decreasing wavelength and increasing roughness amplitude.An empirical model for evaluating the permeability of a rock fracture was proposed based on the experimental data.In the field,if the electrical resistivity of pore groundwater could be measured in advance,this empirical model could be applied effectively for simple,quick monitoring of the fracture permeability.Although uncertainty may be associated with the permeability estimation due to the limited control parameters considered in this research,this electrical resistivity approach could be helpful to monitor the rock permeability in deep underground facilities such as those used for radioactive waste repositories or forms of energy storage.

Characterisation of Fractures and Fracture Zones in a Carbonate Aquifer Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Pricking Probe Methodes

Position, width and fragmentation level of fracture zones and position, sig-nificance and characteristic distance of fractures were aimed to determine in a carbonate aquifer. These are fundamental parameters, e.g. in hydrogeological modelling of aquifers, due to their role in subsurface water movements. The description of small scale fracture systems is however a challenging task. In the test area (Kádárta, Bakony Mts, Hungary), two methods proved to be applicable to get reasonable information about the fractures: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Pricking-Probe (PriP). PriP is a simple mechanical tool which has been successfully applied in archaeological investigations. ERT results demonstrated its applicability in this small scale fracture study. PriP proved to be a good verification tool both for fracture zone mapping and detecting fractures, but in certain areas, it produced different results than the ERT. The applicability of this method has therefore to be tested yet, although its problems most probably origin from human activity which reorganises the near-surface debris distribution. In the test site, both methods displayed fracture zones including a very characteristic one and a number of individual fractures and determined their characteristic distance and significance. Both methods prove to be able to produce hydrogeologically important parameters even individually, but their simultaneous application is recommended to decrease the possible discrepancies.

Influence of Cr element on impact fracture process of ductile Ni-resistant alloyed iron at low temperature

In this study, in order to investigate the influence of Cr element on the impact fracture process of ductile Ni-resistant alloyed iron at low temperature, different contents of Cr element were added to ductile Ni-resistant(DNR) austenitic alloyed iron. The experimental results show that Cr addition can increase the hardness of the DNR alloyed iron, but it has an destructive effect on low-temperature impact properties. Through the analysis of the dynamic load and absorbed energy of samples with different Cr contents in the impact fracture process, and the comparison of the impact fracture process at room and low temperatures, it reveals that Cr addition into the DNR alloyed iron can facilitate the formation of the carbide mixture in Mn23C6 and Cr23C6 with homogeneous and discontinuous distribution. Meanwhile, Cr addition also can improve the the maximum dynamic load and crack initiation energy at low temperature, but has no obvious effect on the yield behavior of the DNR alloyed iron in the impact fracture process. Compared with the impact crack propagation process at room temperature, the metastable propagation energy at low temperature declines significantly with an increase in Cr content. This is because the micro-cracks that caused by the carbides weaken the matrix, resulting in the decline of impact crack propagation resistance. The fracture analysis results also show that the impact fracture mechanism gradually transforms from ductile to brittle with an increase in Cr content at low temperature. It explains that too much Cr addition can lead to brittle fracture even though the austenitic matrix has a good toughness at low temperature.

Feasibility of progressive strength training shortly after hip fracture surgery

AIM: To investigate the feasibility of a 6-wk progressive strength-training programme commenced shortly after hip fracture surgery in community-dwelling patients.METHODS: This prospective, single-blinded cohort study evaluated 31 community-dwelling patients from four outpatient geriatric health centres aged 60 years or older, who started a 6-wk programme at a mean of 17.5 ± 5.7 d after hip fracture surgery. The intervention consisted primarily of progressive fractured kneeextension and bilateral leg press strength training(twice weekly), with relative loads commencing at 15 and increasing to 10 repetitions maximum(RM), with three sets in each session. The main measurements included progression in weight loads, hip fracture-related pain during training, maximal isometric knee-extension strength, new mobility score, the timed up and go test, the 6-min walk test and the 10-meter fast speed walk test, assessed before and after the programme.RESULTS: Weight loads in kilograms in the fractured limb knee-extension strength training increased from 3.3 ± 1.5 to 5.7 ± 1.7 and from 6.8 ± 2.4 to 7.7 ± 2.6, respectively, in the first and last 2 wk(P < 0.001). Correspondingly, the weight loads increased from 50.3 ± 1.9 to 90.8 ± 40 kg and from 108.9 ± 47.7 to 121.9 ± 54 kg in the bilateral leg press exercise(P < 0.001). Hip fracture-related pain was reduced, and large improvements were observed in the functional outcome measurements, e.g., the 6-min walk test improved from 200.6 ± 79.5 to 322.8 ± 68.5 m(P < 0.001). The fractured limb knee-extension strength deficit was reduced from 40% to 17%, compared with the non-fractured limb. Ten patients reported knee pain as a minor restricting factor during the last 10 RM knee-extension strength-training sessions, but with no significant influences on performance. CONCLUSION: Progressive strength training, initiated shortly after hip fracture surgery, seems feasible and does not increase hip fracture-related pain. Progressive strength training resulted in improvement, although a strength deficit of 17% persisted in the fractured limb compared with the non-fractured limb.

IMPROVEMENT OF TYPE IV CRACKING RESISTANCE OF 9Cr HEAT RESISTING STEEL WELDMENT BY BORON ADDITION

Creep lives of high Cr ferritic heat resisting steel weldments decrease due to Type Ⅳ fracture, which occurs as a result of formation and growth of creep voids and cracks on grain boundaries in fine-grained heat affected zone (HAZ). Because boron is considered to suppress the coarsening of grain boundary precipitates and growth of creep voids, we have investigated the effect of boron addition on the creep properties of 9Cr steel weldments. Four kinds of 9Cr3WSCoVNb steels with boron content varying from 4.7×10-5 to 1.8×10-4 and with nitrogen as low as 2.0×10-5 were prepared. The steel plates were welded by gas tungsten arc welding and crept at 923K. It was found that the microstructures of HAZ were quite different from those of conventional high Cr steels such as P91 and P92, namely the fine-grained HAZ did not exist in the present steel weldments. Boron addition also has the effect to suppress coarsening of grain boundary carbides in HAZ during creep. As a result of these phenomena, the welded joints of present steels showed no Type Ⅳ fractures and much better creep lives than those of conventional steels.