Impact resistance performance and optimization of the sand-EPE composite cushion in rock sheds

Rock sheds are widely used to prevent rockfall disasters along roads in mountainous areas.To improve the capacity of rock sheds for resisting rockfall impact,a sand and expandable polyethylene(EPE)composite cushion was proposed.A series of model experiments of rockfall impact on rock sheds were conducted,and the buried depth of the EPE foam board in the sand layer was considered.The impact load and dynamic response of the rock shed were investigated.The results show that the maximum impact load and dynamic response of the rock shed roof are all significantly less than those of the sand cushion.Moreover,as the distance between the EPE foam board and rock shed roof decreases,the maximum rockfall impact force and impact pressure gradually decrease,and the maximum displacement,acceleration and strain of the rock shed first decrease and then change little.In addition,the vibration acceleration and vertical displacement of the rock shed roof decrease from the centre to the edge and decrease faster along the longitudinal direction than that along the transverse direction.In conclusion,the buffering effect of the sand-EPE composite cushion is better than that of the pure sand cushion,and the EPE foam board at a depth of 1/3 the thickness of the sand layer is appropriate.

Numerical simulation on the impact characteristics between rockfalls of different shapes and gravel cushions

The shape of rockfalls significantly affects the performance of the impact cushion,which is manifested by the difference in the impact force and the penetration depth of the rockfall during the collision.In this study,we built the collision numerical model between rockfalls and cushions based on the results from previous studies,and simulated the collision process of rockfalls with four different shapes(cylindrical,cuboid,spherical,and cubic)and different cushions.Essential parameters when rockfalls impact cushions are calculated,including the maximum impact forces on the surface and bottom of the cushions and the maximum penetration depth of the rockfall.The results showed that the maximum impact force on the surface and the bottom of the cushions varies with the rockfall shapes.The maximum impact force on the cushion surface caused by cylindrical rockfall is the smallest,followed by the cuboid rockfall,the cube rockfall,and the spherical rockfall.The maximum impact force at the cushion bottom also follows this trend.However,the penetration depth of cuboid rockfall is the smallest,followed by the cylindrical rockfall,the cubic rockfall,and the spherical rockfall.The results of this study provide more extensive theoretical support for rockfall disaster prevention using gravel cushions.

Optimization and Aerodynamic Characteristics of New Air-Cushion Nozzle of Floating Furnace for Automobile Body Sheet

It is very important to develop new air-cushion nozzles so as to raise the heat treatment property of aluminum alloy automobile body sheet(ABS). A geometric model of air-cushion furnace equipment of ABS was built up and flow field was simulated by using k-ε turbulence equations of COMSOL Multi-physics. The influence and regularity of number(n),diameter(d) and arrangement of middle hole,and main control parameters of new air-cushion nozzle on aerodynamic characteristics and flow field were studied. The results show that:1) with n increases,airflow vortexes in air-cushion area increase in multiple; d decreases or n increases,air cushion pressure(p_c) becomes uniform; 2) average of p_c is proportional to pressure in nozzle box(p_t),when n increases,ratio of average of p_c to p_t increases,and when n ≤ 3 and d < b / 2,they have little effect on ratio of p_c average to p_t; 3) when n is an even number,n ≥4,and d ≤ b/2,p_c shows good uniformity; when n is an odd number,the center hole affects p_c uniformity greatly,and,when diameter of center hole is less than b / 4 and diameter of non-center is between b / 4 and b / 2,p_c has good uniformity. A new air-cushion jet model was presented,and the deviation of this new model with simulation data and experimental measured data are less than 7.75% and 7.76%,respectively. The present research is valuable for improving air-cushion stability,Al strip temperature homogeneity,and temperature control precision.

Analysis and Optimization of Inside-Cushion Structure in High-Speed Hydraulic Cylinders

An inside-cushion structure with sidestep and taper-shaped plungers is studied to address the problems of high impact and vibration in high-speed hydraulic cylinders.First,the three stages of cushion processes are discussed according to the varying flow area as the piston moves.Then,to establish a precise mathematical model,the states of the flow field are estimated in terms of the Reynolds number.Accordingly,the simulation model parameterized against measured data is developed and verified by experiment.Last,the average velocity,peak cushion pressure,and terminal velocity are defined to evaluate cushion performance.According to these optimized objectives,the non-linear programming by quadratic Lagrange(NLPQL)algorithm is applied to optimize the structure parameters.The optimization results indicate that the peak cushion pressure is reduced by 28%and terminal velocity is reduced by 21%without reduction of average velocity.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids

AIM:To identify a more effective treatment protocol for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids.METHODS:A total of 192 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were randomized into the treatment group,where they underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection,or the control group,where traditional external dissection and internal ligation were performed.Postoperative recovery and complications were monitored.RESULTS:The time to wound healing was 12.96 ± 2.25 d in the treatment group shorter than 19.58 ± 2.71 d in the control group.Slight pain rate was 58.3% in the treatment group higher than 22.9% in the control group;moderate pain rate was 33.3% in the treatment group lower than 56.3% in the control group severe pain rate was 8.4% in the treatment group lower than 20.8% in the control group.No edema rate was 70.8% in the treatment group higher than 43.8% in the control group;mild local edema rate was 26% in the treatment group lower than 39.6% in the control group obvious local edema was 3.03% in the treatment group lower than 16.7% in the control group.No stenosis rate was 85.4% in the treatment group higher than 63.5% in the control group;moderate stenosis rate was 14.6% in the treatment group Lower than 27.1% in the control group severe anal stenosis rate was 0% in the treatment group lower than 9.4% in the control group.CONCLUSION:Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection is the optimal treatment for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids and can be widely applied in clinical settings.

Tracking Control for a Cushion Robot Based on Fuzzy Path Planning With Safe Angular Velocity

This study proposes a new nonlinear tracking control method with safe angular velocity constraints for a cushion robot. A fuzzy path planning algorithm is investigated and a realtime desired motion path of obstacle avoidance is obtained. The angular velocity is constrained by the controller, so the planned path guarantees the safety of users. According to Lyapunov theory, the controller is designed to maintain stability in terms of solutions of linear matrix inequalities and the controller's performance with safe angular velocity constraints is derived.The simulation and experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method and verify that the angular velocity of the cushion robot provided safe motion with obstacle avoidance.

How cushion communities are maintained in alpine ecosystems： A review and case study on alpine cushion plant reproduction

Cushion species occur in nearly all alpine environments worldwide. In past decades, the adaptive and ecosystem-engineering roles of such highly specialized life forms have been well studied. However, the adaptive strategies responsible for cushion species reproductive success and maintenance in severe alpine habitats remain largely unclear. In this study, we reviewed the current understanding of reproductive strategies and population persistence in alpine cushion species. We then present a preliminary case study on the sexual reproduction of Arenaria polytrichoides(Caryophyllaceae), a typical cushion species inhabiting high elevations of the Himalaya Hengduan Mountains, which is a hotspot for diversification of cushion species. Finally, we highlight the limitations of our current understanding of alpine cushion species reproduction and propose future directions for study.

Anal cushion lifting method is a novel radical management strategy for hemorrhoids that does not involve excision or cause postoperative anal complications

AIM: To describe the anal cushion lifting(ACL) method with preliminary clinical results. METHODS: Between January to September 2007, 127 patients who received ACL method for hemorrhoid was investigated with informed consent. In this study, three surgeons who specialized in anorectal surgery performed the procedures. Patients with grade two or more severe hemorrhoids according to Goligher's classification were considered to be indicated for surgery. The patients were given the choice to undergo either the ACL method or theligation and excision method. ACL method is an original technique for managing hemorrhoids without excision. After dissecting the anal cushion from the internal sphincter muscle, the anal cushion was lifted to oral side and ligated at the proper position. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients were recorded including complications after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were enrolled. Their median age was 42(19-84) years, and 74.8% were female. In addition, more than 99% of the patients had grade 3 or worse hemorrhoids. The median followup period was 26(0-88) mo, and the median operative time was 15(4-30) min. After surgery, analgesics were used for a median period of three days(0-21). Pain control was achieved using extra-oral analgesic drugs, although some patients required intravenous injections of analgesic drugs. The median duration of the patients' postoperative hospital stay was 7(2-13) d. A total of 10 complications(7.9%) occurred. Bleeding was observed in one patient and was successfully controlled with manual compression. Urinary retention occurred in 6 patients, but it disappeared spontaneously in all cases. Recurrent hemorrhoids developed in 3 patients after 36, 47, and 61 mo, respectively. No anal stenosis or persistent anal pain occurred. CONCLUSION: We consider that the ACL method might be better than all other current methods for managing hemorrhoids.

Diversity patterns of cushion plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau:A basic study for future conservation efforts on alpine ecosystems

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)is an important cushion plant hotspot.However,the distribution of cushion plants on the QTP is unknown,as are the factors that drive cushion plant distribution,limiting our understanding of the evolution of cushion species in the region.In this study,we assessed spatial patterns of total cushion plant diversity(including taxonomic and phylogenetic)over the entire QTP and compared patterns of diversity of cushion plants with different typologies(i.e.,compact vs.loose).We also examined how these patterns were related to climatic features.Our results indicate that the southern QTP hosts the highest total cushion plant richness,especially in the south-central Hengduan Mountains subregion.The total number of cushion species declines from south to north and from southeast to northwest.Compact cushion plants exhibit similar patterns as the total cushion plant richness,whereas loose cushion plants show random distribution.Cushion plant phylogenetic diversity showed a similar pattern as that of the total cushion plant richness.In addition,cushion plant phylogenetic community structure was clustered in the eastern and southwestern QTP,whereas random or overdispersed in other areas.Climatic features represented by annual energy and water trends,seasonality and extreme environmental factors,had significant effects on cushion plant diversity patterns but limited effects on the phylogenetic community structure,suggesting that climatic features indeed promote the formation of cushion plants.Because cushion plants play vital roles in alpine ecosystems,our findings not only promote our understanding of the evolution and formation of alpine cushion plant diversity but also provide an indispensable foundation for future studies on cushion plant functions and thus alpine ecosystem sustainability in the entire QTP region.

A Discrete Numerical Study of the Effect of the Thickness and the Porosity of the Sand Cushion on the Impact Response Due to the Rockfall

The prevention and the reduction of the rockfall are the common measures of the prevention and the reduction of disasters.When the rock-shed resists the impact of the rockfall,the force that acts on the structure consists of the cushion dead load and the impact-induced load,of which the dynamic process of the propagation of the impactinduced load is complex.Therefore,we conducted a numerical study to investigate the impact of the rockfall.Considering the highly discrete characteristic of the sand,we developed a numerical model on the basis of the discrete element method(DEM).The numerical model,which simulation results were validated by the results of real-scale experiments,was used to investigate the dynamic response of the impact force of the rockfall and the transmission of the impact force under the different magnitude of the falling height and the different thickness of the sand cushion.The results of our study indicated that the cushion thickness had little effect on the impact of the rockfall,and the dense sand cushion generated higher impact force than did the loose sand cushion.Although the high thickness enhanced the buffer performance of the sand cushion,the additional force induced by the dead load of sand cushion was significant.Therefore,to determine the appropriate thickness of the sand cushion,we suggested designers consider the buffer performance and the dead load of the sand cushion.The analysis presented in this paper provided a practical estimation of the impact-induced force of the thick sand cushion.

Residual settlement calculation of geocell cushion over gravel piles

The calculation of residual settlement of bidirectional reinforced composite foundation, which is composed of geocell cushion over gravel piles, was studied. The geocell cushion was modeled as a thin flexible plate with large deflection. Based on the Kirchhoff hypothesis, the governing differential equations and boundary conditions of the deformation of geocell cushion under working load were founded using von Karman method and solved by Galerkin method. On theses bases, the gravel piles and inter-pile soils were assumed as Winkler ground with variable spring stiffness so as to execute the approximate calculation of the residual settlement of the bidirectional reinforced composite foundation. The calculation method was verified by two laboratory experiments concerning settlement of embankments. One experiment was with just geocell cushion installed to treat the soft clay under embankments; another one was with both geocell cushion and gravel piles installed. The results show that the calculated settlement curve and the maximum settlement are closed to the observed ones.

Finite Element Analysis of Contact Pressures between Seat Cushion and Human Buttock-Thigh Tissue

Unrelieved pressure on load-bearing muscle tissues of humans can produce pressure ulcers. In a seated upright posture, the highest pressures occur inferior to the ischial tuberosities (ITs). Moreover, the vibration can initiate the development of pressure ulcer. Therefore, the seat cushion is not only used to lower the maximum seating pressure on buttocks but also minimize the transmission of vibration to human body. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying vertical vibration frequencies on seat-interface contact pressure during sitting on three different seat cushions by using a finite element modeling approach. A simplified two-dimensional human buttock-thigh model was developed to simulate the mechanical response of the muscle of buttocks and thigh under vertical vibration. Static and vibrational loads with five different frequencies of 0.1, 1, 10, 30 and 50 Hz and the same amplitude of 3 mm were applied to different seat cushions. The result showed that the “SAF 6060” seat cushion with both hyperelastic and viscoelastic behaviors could be effective in reducing the amplitude of varying maximum contact pressure, especially for the frequency of 10-20 Hz. This method could help in design of seat cushions with appropriate material properties and shape so as to reduce vibrations transmitted to human body at a certain frequency range.

Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Migration Law of Gas Mixture Using Carbon Dioxide as Cushion Gas in Underground Gas Storage Reservoir

One of the major technical challenges in using carbon dioxide( CO2) as part of the cushion gas of the underground gas storage reservoir( UGSR) is the mixture of CO2and natural gas. To decrease the mixing extent and manage the migration of the mixed zone,an understanding of the mechanism of CO2and natural gas mixing and the diffusion of the mixed gas in aquifer is necessary. In this paper,a numerical model based on the three dimensional gas-water two-phase flow theory and gas diffusion theory is developed to understand this mechanism. This model is validated by the actual operational data in Dazhangtuo UGSR in Tianjin City,China.Using the validated model,the mixed characteristic of CO2and natural gas and the migration mechanism of the mixed zone in an underground porous reservoir is further studied. Particularly,the impacts of the following factors on the migration mechanism are studied: the ratio of CO2injection,the reservoir porosity and the initial operating pressure. Based on the results,the optimal CO2injection ratio and an optimal control strategy to manage the migration of the mixed zone are obtained. These results provide technical guides for using CO2as cushion gas for UGSR in real projects.

Experimental study on the shear behavior of the interface between cushion materials and the concrete raft

Cushion is a layer of granular materials between the raft and the ground. The shear behavior of the interface between the cushion and the raft may influence the seismic performance of the superstructure. In order to quantify such influences, horizontal shear tests on the interfaces between different cushion materials and concrete raft under monotonic and cyclic loading were carried out. The vertical pressure P_v, material type and cushion thickness h_c were taken as variables. Conclusions include： 1） under monotonic loading, P_v is the most significant factor; the shear resistance P_（hmax） increases as P_v increases, but the normalized factor of resistance μ_n has an opposite tendency; 2） for the materials used in this study, μ_n varies from 0.40 to 0.70, the interface friction angle δ_s varies from 20° to 35°, while u_（max） varies from 3 mm to 15 mm; 3） under cyclic loading, the interface behavior can be abstracted as a ＂three-segment＂ back-bone curve, the main parameters include μ_n, the displacement u_1 and stiffness K_1 of the elastic stage, the displacement u_2 and stiffness K_2 of the plastic stage; 4） by observation and statistical analysis, the significance of different factors, together with values of K_1, K_2 and μ_n have been obtained.

Research of air-cushion isolation effects on high arch dam reservoir

A three-dimensional （3D） finite element model of air-cushion isolated arch dam is presented with the nonlinear gas-liquid-solid multi-field dynamic coupling effect taken into account.In this model,the displacement formulation in Lagrange method,pressure formulation in Euler method,nonlinear contact model based on Coulomb friction law are applied to the air-cushion,reservoir and contraction joint domain,respectively.The dynamic response of Jinping I arch dam with a height of 305 m is analyzed using the seismic records of the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008.Numerical results show that the air-cushion isolation reduces significantly the hydrodynamic pressure as well as the opening width for the contraction joints of high arch dam.

Research on Performance of a Rectangular Floatation Cushion with High Stiffness for a Pneumato-static Slideway

In this paper, a high stiffness rectangular floatation cushion with a variable-section pressure equalizing groove of an elastic membrane for a pneumato-static slideway is presented and designed in order to increase stiffness of the floatation cushion. Gas film pressure distribution and carrying capacity of the floatation cushion are studied through theoretical analysis and by using the overlapping stitching technique. The carrying capacity and stiffness were obtained by using the coupling procedure of the gas lubrication governing equation and elastic deformation of the membrane governing equation. The results of theoretical calculations can obtain a conclusion that the effect of the gas pressure makes the annular elastic membrane elastically deform that brings about changes of throttling area and pressure groove depth of the floatation cushion. It makes carrying capacity and stiffness of the new style floata- tion cushion markedly improve over the conventional flotation cushion. The new floatation cushion has a wider ap- plication and popularization of space. Key words： floatation cushion; variable-section pressure equalizing groove;stiffness

Confirmation of the Ball-Screw Force for the Differential Cushion System of Space Docking Mechanism

Based on the analysis of the differential cushion damping system kinematic relation and using principle of virtual work, a new kinematic function expression is established which is between six ball-screws and cushion components. At last the relationship between ball-screw force and attitude is intreduced.

A new weir surface repair layer with shock absorbing cushion design

A shock absorbing cushion has never been introduced into any traditional weir surface repair layer design. However, shocks induced by high discharge with heavy sediment can easily produce brittle fracture and peeling over a weir surthce repair layer as it is impacted by floods accompanied by particles of different sizes. In this study, transcending traditional designs, the authors developed a composite unit designed with a shock absorbing cushion that has performed well during field tests, proving that the weir body can be effectively protected even if the composite units are directly laid on a severely uneven weir surface repair layer.

Earthquake behavior of steel cushion-implemented reinforced concrete frames

The earthquake performance of vulnerable structures can be increased by the implementation of supplementary energy-dissipative metallic elements.The main aim of this paper is to describe the earthquake behavior of steel cushionimplemented reinforced concrete frames（SCI-RCFR）in terms of displacement demands and energy components.Several quasi-static experiments were performed on steel cushions（SC）installed in reinforced concrete（RC）frames.The test results served as the basis of the analytical models of SCs and a bare reinforced concrete frame（B-RCFR）.These models were integrated in order to obtain the resulting analytical model of the SCI-RCFR.Nonlinear-time history analyses（NTHA）were performed on the SCI-RCFR under the effects of the selected earthquake data set.According to the NTHA,SC application is an effective technique for increasing the seismic performance of RC structures.The main portion of the earthquake input energy was dissipated through SCs.SCs succeeded in decreasing the plastic energy demand on structural elements by almost 50% at distinct drift levels.