Theoretical and experimental analysis of continuous casting with soft-contacted mould

Coupling the quasi 3D numerical simulation of electromagnetic field and the experiments with some metals such as tin, aluminum, copper and steel, the electromagnetic characteristics of continuous casting with soft contacted mould, especially the influences of power frequency, the mould structure, and the inductor position, size and current on the electromagnetic force and pressure on the billet, were analyzed. The result shows that, in continuous casting with soft contacted mould, the electromagnetic pressure on the surface of billet increases with the rising of the power frequency as a logarithmically parabolic function and, with that of inductor current as a parabolic function. The design principle of the soft contacted mould is that 1) the mould structure should be ‘more segments and thin slits’; 2) the topside of inductor should be at the same location with the meniscus of molten metal; 3) the inductor should cover the initial solidifying shell of billet.

THE COMPUTATION AND EXPERIMENT ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTINUOUS CASTING WITH SOFT-CONTACTED MOULD

In this paper, coupling the quasi-3D numerical simulation of electromagnetic field and the experiments of continuous casting with soft-contacted mould with some metals such as tin, aluminum, copper and steel, the electromagnetic characteristics of continuous casting with soft-contacted mould is analyzed. It is shown that the electromagnetic pressure on the surface of billet is increasing with the rising of power frequency as a logarithmically parabolic function, with that of electric conductivity of billet as a power junction, and with that of the current in inductor as a parabolic junction.

Effectiveness of toric soft contact lenses for vision correction in patients with different degrees of astigmatism: a real-world study

AIM:To assess the visual correction of patients with different degrees of astigmatism with toric soft contact lenses(TSC).METHODS:It was a real-world study with prospective and single-arm design.A total of 384 patients with astigmatism who came for TSC fitting and alignment from November 2022 to January 2023 were included.According to the difference in astigmatism,patients were divided into groups A(cylinder degree:-0.75 to-0.50 D),B(cylinder degree:-1.75 to-1.00 D)and C(cylinder degree≤-2.00 D),and followed up on the day of wear,1wk,1 and 3mo,mainly to observe visual acuity,refraction,lens fit,visual quality and comfort at 1wk after wear.The visual acuity success rate and the overall success rate of the fitting were evaluation indicators(taking into account the four dimensions of visual acuity,fitting,quality of vision and comfort).The visual acuity success rate was calculated by taking“corrected visual acuity with contact lenses is no less than 1 line or better than best spectacle-corrected visual acuity”(i.e.corrected visual acuity with contact lenses is 1 line below,equal to,one line above or more than best spectaclecorrected visual acuity)as the criterion for visual success,and the the overall success rate of the fitting was calculated by using the comprehensive indicators(visual acuity,fit,visual quality,comfort)to meet certain conditions as the judgment criteria for successful fitting.RESULTS:After 1wk of wearing TSC,the visual acuity success rates of patients were 100%(207/207),98.58%(139/141)and 97.22%(35/36)in the three groups,respectively,with residual cylinder closed to 0.The acceptability of the lens fitting was over 95%;the incidence of adverse visual symptoms was within 10%and the comfort acceptability was over 97%.The overall success rate of fitting for patients with high,medium and low astigmatism was 93.72%(194/207),90.78%(128/141)and 88.89%(32/36),respectively.CONCLUSION:TSC(model:G&G POP·CT)are effective in correcting astigmatism in patients with different degrees of astigmatism.

Theoretical and experimental analyses of continuous casting with soft-contacted mould (Ⅱ)—EMF calculation and experimental analyses

Coupling the quasi 3D numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field and the experiments with some metals, a series of phenomena in the processes of continuous casting with soft contacted mould was analyzed. Some theoretical and experimental models were presented, from which following results were obtained. 1) The electromagnetic force is related with electric conductivity of billet as a power function to 0.4. 2) The heat transfer between billet and mould is related with the contacting pressure, and it is a linear function for tin billet approximately. 3) The distance between initial solidification point and meniscus in billet is related with the surface magnetic flux density as a fourth root function. 4) The temperature gradient in the initial solidifying shell is reduced, which can decrease the tendency of hot tearing on the surface of billet, and increase the equiaxed crystal zone in billet. 5) The stronger the magnetic flux density is, the more shallow and the thinner the oscillation mark on the surface of billet is. 6) The depth of oscillation mark on the billet cast by the soft contacted mould can be reduced to about 10% in comparison with that on the billets cast by traditional mould. 7) In non dimensional condition, the average depth of the oscillation marks on the billets cast by the soft contacted mould decreases with increasing magnetic flux density on there as a complementary error function. [

Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer and Deformation of Initial Shell in Soft Contact Continuous Casting Mold Under High Frequency Electromagnetic Field

Heat transfer and deformation of initial solidification shell in soft contact continuous casting mold under high frequency electromagnetic field were analyzed using numerical simulation method; the relative electromagnetic parameters were obtained from the previous studies. Owing to the induction heating of a high frequency electromagnetic field （20 kHz）, the thickness of initial solidification shell decreases, and the temperature of strand surface and slit copper mold increases when compared with the case without the electromagnetic filed. The viscosity of flux de- creases because of the induction heating of the high frequency electromagnetic field, and the dimension of the flux channel increases with electromagnetic pressure; thus, the deformation behavior of initial solidification shell was different before and after the action of high frequency electromagnetic field. Furthermore, the abatement mechanism of oscillation marks under high frequency electromagnetic field was explained.

Numerical modeling of large deformation and nonlinear frictional contact of excavation boundary of deep soft rock tunnel

Roadways excavated in soft rocks at great depth are difficult to be maintained due to large deformation of surrounding rocks, which greatly influences the safety and efficiency of deep resources exploitation. During the excavation process of a deep soft rock tunnel, the rock wall may be compacted due to large deformation. In this paper, the technique to address this problem by a two-dimensional (2D) finite element software, large deformation engineering analyses software (LDEAS 1.0), is provided. By using the Lagrange multiplier method, the kinematic constraint of non-penetrating condition and static constraint of Coulomb friction are introduced to the governing equations in the form of incremental displacement. The numerical example demonstrates the efficiency of this technology. Deformations of a transportation tunnel in inclined soft rock strata at the depth of 1 000 m in Qishan coal mine and a tunnel excavated to three different depths are analyzed by two models, i.e. the additive decomposition model and polar decomposition model. It can be found that the deformation of the transportation tunnel is asymmetrical due to the inclination of rock strata. For extremely soft rock, large deformation can converge only for the additive decomposition model. The deformation of surrounding rocks increases with the increase in the tunnel depth for both models. At the same depth, the deformation calculated by the additive decomposition model is smaller than that by the polar decomposition model.

Meniscus Behavior in Electromagnetic Soft-Contact Continuous Casting Round Billet Mold

Using molten Pb-Sn-Bi alloy, the meniscus shape under high frequency magnetic field of φ100 mm round billet caster was investigated. The effect of some parameters on meniscus shape was studied. The results show that for a mold with 12 segments, the meniscus shape is relatively stable. With increasing power input, the menis- cus height increases with intensification of fluctuation. For the given caster, the reasonable power input is about 70 kW. The coil should be near to the top of mold and/or the initial meniscus should be near to the center of the coil. The lower the frequency, the higher is the meniscus height. With increasing frequency, the free surface is more flattened and meniscus becomes more stable. In practice, the power input should be increased simultaneously with frequency. The optimal frequency is about 20 kHz.

Oxygen permeability of soft contact lenses in different pH, osmolality and buffering solution

AIMTo determine the effect of pH, osmolality, and buffering system on the oxygen permeability (Dk) of soft contact lenses.METHODSTwo hydrogel lenses (nelfilcon A and etafilcon A) and 2 silicone hydrogel lenses (lotrafilcon A and balafilcon A) were used in the study. These lenses were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and borate-buffered saline (BBS) solutions adjusted by 0.8 pH increments to a pH in the range of 5.8-9.0 or in hypotonic (280 mOsmol/kg), isotonic (310 mOsmol/kg) and hypertonic (380 mOsmol/kg) PBS solutions. Polarographic method was used for measuring the Dk and lenses were stacked as 4 layers to correct the boundary effect.RESULTSDk values of all contact lenses measured in BBS solutions were more stable than those in PBS solutions. Especially the etafilcon A lens showed a relative big change compared with other types of contact lenses at the same conditions. When the osmolality of PBS solution increased from hypotonic to hypertonic, Dk of all contact lenses decreased. Variations in Dk existed depending on lens materials, etafilcon A lens was the most affected and nelfilcon A was the least affected by osmolality.CONCLUSIONFrom the result obtained, it is revealed that Dk of contact lenses is changed by the pH, osmolality, and buffering condition of tear. Thus, Dk of contact lens can be varied by the lens wearers' physiological and/or pathological conditions.

Distribution of Magnetic Flux Density in Soft-Contact EMCC Rectangular Mold

The distribution of the magnetic flux density in a soft-contact electromagnetic continuous casting （EMCC） rectangular mold was investigated. The experimental results show that with an increase in electric power, the magnetic flux density increases. The position where the maximum magnetic flux density appears will shift up when the coil moves to the top of the mold. At the same time, the maximum magnetic flux density will increase and the effective acting range of electromagnetic pressure will widen. As a result, in practice, the coil should be placed near the top part of the mold. The meniscus should be controlled near the top part of the coil, as this not only remarkably improves the billet surface quality but also saves energy. With the same electric power input, the higher the frequency, the lower the magnetic flux density.

Is the Use of Empirically Designed Custom Soft Contact Lenses a Good Option for Challenging Patients?

Purpose: Reasons for the lack of success for contact lens patients range from poor fit, to discomfort or to a less than optimum wearing schedule. This project was a preliminary investigation of customized soft toric contact lenses as an alternative for unsuccessful contact lens patients or potential drop-outs. Methods: Fifteen healthy non-compromised, previously unsuccessful contact lens wearing patients (13 women, 2 men) with ages from 21 to 33 years (25.1 ± 2.7 years) were the subjects for this study. They were empirically fitted with 15 astigmatic and 5 spherical customized SpecialEyes soft contact lenses. Visual acuities, comfort, lens movement, and rotation were evaluated. Results: Patients fitted with customized SpecialEyes soft contact lenses had statistically significant better visual acuities than with Phoropter Manifest Refraction. The lenses used in this study centered well and moved no more than 1 mm upon each blink. Lens rotation was less than 10 degrees for all toric lenses. Patients gave very positive vision and comfort ratings. Conclusion: This preliminary study supports the application of a software program to empirically design and manufacture Special Eyes custom soft lenses based upon corneal topographical parameters and subjective manifest refraction for those patients who either have challenging corneal parameters, high sphero-cylindrical prescriptions, or are currently dissatisfied with their contact lenses and are potential drop-outs.

Corneal Wavefront Aberrations in Patients Wearing Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in corneal wavefront aberrations in young adults who have been fit with multifocal soft contact lenses for myopia progression control. Findings have been analyzed for statistical significance and clinical relevance and compared to reportedly successful Orthokeratology outcomes. Methods: The dominant eye of 40 participants (27 women, 13 men;mean age 27.3 ± 3.2 years;range 23 to 39 years) was fit with Proclear Multifocal center distance lenses (Coopervision, Pleasanton, USA) having a variety of distance powers and reading additions. Refractive errors were limited to a range of –6.00 D up to +1.00 D of sphere, and no greater than –1.00 D of cylinder. Corneal wavefront measurements were performed over 6 mm diameters with a Zeiss Atlas 9000 corneal topographer (Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, USA) prior to, and following lens fitting. Data were converted into rectangular Fourier optics terms M, J0, J45 and RMS values for each reading addition were statistically analyzed. Following evaluation of statistical significance and clinical relevance, results were compared to published data from successful Orthokeratology treatments. Results: Statistically significant changes in higher order aberrations were detected for lenses of all reading additions. Lens groups with higher Add-powers demonstrated stronger changes with increased significance. Final RMS values relating to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Zernike Orders reached clinical significance with a wavefront error of 0.10 μm, the equivalent of 0.25D. Moreover, as Add-powers increased, 3rd and 4th order aberrations likewise showed an increase. Pre-fitting astigmatism values accounted for the highest recorded aberrations and remained predominantly unchanged. Conclusion: Proclear Multifocal center-distance contact lenses were found to increase higher order wavefront aberrations in a manner dependent on their Add-power. In comparison to successful Orthokeratology outcomes, the amounts of resulting aberrations are notably different.

探讨角膜塑形镜、周边离焦软镜对8~10岁儿童近视控制疗效比较

目的 探究8~10岁儿童使用角膜塑形镜(Ortho-k)和周边离焦软镜(DISCs)对近视防控效果比较。方法 前瞻性非随机临床对照研究。将儿童分为Ortho-k组和DISCs组,观察其在近视防控方面的效果。观察两组患者的等效球镜(SE)及眼轴(AL)变化特点。结果 6月随访:两组的平均SE分别为(-3.30±1.27)D、(-3.09±1.31)D,平均AL分别为(24.83±0.89)mm、(24.75±0.94)mm。1年随访:两组的平均SE分别为(-3.49±1.24)D、(-3.32±1.29)D,平均AL分别为(24.96±0.88)mm、(24.92±0.92)mm。随访中:两组的SE和AL均有所增加,但差异无统计学意义。结论 本研究发现两种近视矫正方式在近视防控中具有相似疗效。

一种塑壳断路器操作机构关键参数的设计

在简述塑壳式断路器操作机构的动作原理基础上,以某型号双断点塑壳断路器为设计研究对象,运用ADAMS分析软件计算得出触头三要素、触头分合闸速度、机构分合闸力、分合闸行程、分合闸时间等操作机构的重要参数。仿真得到的参数与样机的实测参数误差极小,进而为塑壳断路器操作机构关键参数的设计提供了一种方法。

Computational dynamics of soft machines

Soft machine refers to a kind of mechanical system made of soft materials to complete sophisticated missions, such as handling a fragile object and crawling along a narrow tunnel corner, under low cost control and actuation. Hence, soft machines have raised great challenges to computational dynamics. In this review article, recent studies of the authors on the dynamic modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation of soft machines are summarized in the framework of multibody system dynamics. The dynamic modeling approaches are presented first for the geometric nonlinearities of coupled overall motions and large deformations of a soft component, the physical nonlinearities of a soft component made of hyperelastic or elastoplastic materials, and the frictional contacts/impacts of soft components, respectively. Then the computation approach is outlined for the dynamic simulation of soft machines governed by a set of differential-algebraic equations of very high dimensions, with an emphasis on the efficient computations of the nonlinear elastic force vector of finite elements. The validations of the proposed approaches are given via three case studies, including the locomotion of a soft quadrupedal robot, the spinning deployment of a solar sail of a spacecraft, and the deployment of a mesh reflector of a satellite antenna, as well as the corresponding experimental studies. Finally, some remarks are made for future studies.

Indentation of a compressible soft electroactive half-space: Some theoretical aspects

We theoretically study the indentation response of a compressible soft electroactive material by a rigid punch. The half-space material is assumed to be initially subjected to a finite deformation and an electric biasing field. By adopting the linearized theory for incremental fields, which is established on the basis of a general nonlinear theory for electroelasticity, the appropriate equations governing the perturbed infinitesimal elastic and electric fields are derived particularly when the material is subjected to a uniform equibiaxial stretch and a uniform electric displacement. A general solution to the governing equations is presented, which is concisely expressed in terms of four quasi-harmonic functions. By adopting the potential theory method, exact contact solutions for three common perfectly conducting rigid indenters of fiat-ended circular, conical and spherical geometries can be derived, and some explicit relations that are of practical importance are outlined.

SOFT X-RAY IMAGES OF CHROMOSOMES WITHIN INTACT TUMOR CELLS TREATED WITH COLCHICINE

In order to avoid any possible effect of separating procedures from intact cell on morphologic structure of the chromosomes, cultivated Hep-2 tumor cells were treated with colchicine and observed by soft X-ray contact microscopy for the first time. The fine structures of chromosomes are more clear with stereo features. The thread-like and coarse granular structures twine and tangle up together within chromosome masses which can not easily be revealed in Wright’s stained sample by light microscope or osmium stained sample by transmission electron

Continuous Wear of Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Therapeutic Use

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and complications of continuous wear of etafilcon A for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 228 eyes of 219 outpatients prescribed contact lens (CL) for one week of continuous therapeutic wear during 10 years. The reason for prescription of CLs, the primary disease, the duration of CL wear and the complications were assessed retrospectively. Results: The predominant reason for prescription of CLs was relief of pain or a foreign-body sensation (62.3%) and protection of the corneal epithelium (20.6%). The primary disease was post-penetrating keratoplasty (36.8%), followed by corneal epithelial erosion (14.5%), post-lamellar keratoplasty (14.0%) and bullous keratopathy (12.2%). The average duration of wearing single lens was 6.5 ± 3.2 days. The average duration of wearing CLs in total was 9.2 ± 10.7 months. The most frequent problem associated with continuous wear of CLs was their dropping out of CLs (12.3%). The complications associated with CLs included conjunctivitis with papillary hyperplasia, corneal erosion and superficial punctate keratitis, but corneal ulcer and corneal infiltrates were not found. Conclusion: Serious complications were not shown changing the lenses every week to keep to the prescribed time limit for continuous therapeutic wear, even if corneal epithelial barrier function is impaired.

Erasmus Student or EU Ambassador? People-to-People Contact in the European Neighbourhood Policy: The Cases of Georgia, Ukraine, and Tunisia

This paper investigates to what extent and why the key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ programme, namely learning mobility of individuals, can be considered a soft power’s instrument on European neighbourhood countries. The core assumption is that due to people-to-people contact, Erasmus participants are most likely to become EU informal ambassadors, in the sense that they become carriers of EU soft power leading to changes in cultural and social perceptions. However, what will the place of Erasmus+ be in the ongoing debate on international cultural relations’ strategy? Erasmus+ can play a major role in this new strategy considering the huge growth of mobility flows between EU and ENP countries, since the new programme was launched. Moreover, EU institutions are looking for new strategic tools of public diplomacy. Have they realised that the external dimension of Erasmus+ lends itself to being one of these? Therefore, the topic of this work is of high interest because it is closely related to the debate about both the means and the ends of the EU external policy. For the sake of this research, three case studies, from different geographical regions neighbouring the EU, have been chosen: Tunisia, Ukraine, and Georgia. A comparison among these three countries will reveal under which conditions Erasmus+ can be considered a soft power’s instrument. Hence, the identification of conditions applicable to all EU partner countries in order to evaluate whether the EU can spread its soft power through Erasmus+, represents the paper’s added value which opens new avenues for further research on the topic.

基于强度参数的内排土场软基底局部换填率估算与应用——以内蒙古白音华一号露天矿为例

为了更加经济有效地提高软基底内排土场边坡稳定性,以白音华一号露天矿为工程背景,通过直剪试验测定了排弃物-弱层接触面和排弃物-砂岩接触面抗剪力学指标,提出了局部换填条件下排弃物与基底接触面的等效抗剪力学参数的确定方法;基于刚体极限平衡理论,计算不同换填率条件下的边坡稳定系数,以安全储备系数为限定条件提出了基于强度参数的内排土场软基底局部换填率估算方法,并采用数值模拟手段进行验证。研究结果表明:确定白音华一号露天矿排弃物-砂岩接触面的黏聚力为25.78 kPa,内摩擦角为17.58°;排弃物-弱层接触面的黏聚力为7.50 kPa,内摩擦角为9.72°;局部换填情况下软基底内排土场边坡稳定性系数与换填率呈正相关一次函数关系;计算求得满足安全储备系数要求的内排土场某阶段基底换填率为20%;局部换填处理后软基底内排土场边坡的滑坡模式仍为以圆弧为侧界面、基底弱层为底界面的组合滑动。

隐伏型软硬岩接触带温纳三极联合反演成像模拟及应用

为研究温纳三极(AMN&MNB)联合反演成像在岩层接触带划分中的有效性,构建整体、局部表层高阻体的软硬岩层地电模型,分析不同高密度电法装置对反演电阻率的响应特征,探讨温纳三极联合反演成像对覆盖层电阻率及厚度变化下岩层接触带的识别能力,并通过改变接触带倾角研究电阻率断面的响应特征。结果表明:1)地表局部高阻体对反演断面的干扰要强于整体高阻体,但影响深度较浅;2)不同装置的反演断面与预设模型基本吻合,但温纳三极联合反演探测深度较大,且对倾角的刻画更加精细;3)降低覆盖层电阻率或增加覆盖层厚度,温纳三极联合反演对倾角的识别能力随之下降;4)温纳三极联合反演能追踪岩层倾角的变化,但高阻上覆岩层易在接触带部位产生虚假低阻异常。结合泗安水库导流隧洞岩层划分的应用可知,温纳三极联合反演成像较常规电法装置获得的接触带产状及位置与实际揭露吻合度更高。