Extensions of nonlinear error propagation analysis for explicit pseudodynamic testing

Two important extensions of a technique to perform a nonlinear error propagation analysis for an explicit pseudodynamic algorithm （Chang, 2003） are presented. One extends the stability study from a given time step to a complete step-by-step integration procedure. It is analytically proven that ensuring stability conditions in each time step leads to a stable computation of the entire step-by-step integration procedure. The other extension shows that the nonlinear error propagation results, which are derived for a nonlinear single degree of freedom （SDOF） system, can be applied to a nonlinear multiple degree of freedom （MDOF） system. This application is dependent upon the determination of the natural frequencies of the system in each time step, since all the numerical properties and error propagation properties in the time step are closely related to these frequencies. The results are derived from the step degree of nonlinearity. An instantaneous degree of nonlinearity is introduced to replace the step degree of nonlinearity and is shown to be easier to use in practice. The extensions can be also applied to the results derived from a SDOF system based on the instantaneous degree of nonlinearity, and hence a time step might be appropriately chosen to perform a pseudodynamic test prior to testing.

Experience of valve replacement under mild hypothermia on pump-beating heart: an analysis of 800 cases

Objective: To assess the outcome of valve replacement under mild hypothermia on pump-beating heart and to discuss the risk factors of cardiac valve surgery. Methods: In the period from November 1997 to May 2003, a total of 800 cases of valve replacement were carried out in our institute. The clinical data were reviewed and the technique of mild hypothermia and pump-beating heart to replace cardiac valve was described in detail. Results: 800 patients, 308 male and 492 female, with age range from 8 to 66 years, weighing 19 to 88 kg, underwent operation. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was (109.38± 40.64) min, the average clamping time of the vena cava was (77.87±27.99) min and the average mechanical ventilation time was (17.78±12.21) h. There were 17 patients died in the early postoperative stage with an early mortality rate of 2.13%. The causes of death were failure in the weaning of extracorporeal circulation in 2 cases, severe low output syndrome in 3 cases, ventricular fibrillation in 3 cases, obstruction of coronary ostium of mechanical prosthetic valve in 1 case, hepatic failure in 2 cases, pulmonary failure in 1 case, multiorgan failure in 4 cases, and prosthetic valve dysfunction in 1 case. Severe postopertive complications occurred in 51 cases (6.375%), which included reexploration because of excessive bleeding in 16 cases (2.0%), lavage of poststernal infection in 2 cases (0.25%), postoperative strike in 7 cases (0.875%), pulmonary failure in 5 cases (0.625%), hepatic failure in 4 cases (0.5%), multiorgan failure in 11 cases (1.375%), ventricular arrhythmia in 5 cases (0.625%) and peripheral circulation failure in 1 case (0.125%). Conclusion: Mild hypothermia and pump-beating heart result in satisfying clinical outcome in patients undergoing valve replacement. The integrated sequenced deairing procedure ensures the avoidance of air embolism during operation. Pump-beating heart technique offers a safe and practical option especially in patients with severe critical valvular disorder.

APPLICATION OF SINTAP TO THE SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF X65 PIPELINE STEEL

The recently developed European flaw assessment procedure, structural integrity assessment procedure（SiNTAP） is applied to assessment for welded joints of the API 5L X65 pipeline steel with an assumed embedded flaw and surface flaw at the weld toe. As one of the basic input data, fracture toughness crack tip opening displacement （CTOD） tests are conducted at 0℃ and performed according to the requirements of the standard of BS7448. For the heat affected zone （HAZ） specimens, the microstructure observation is performed to insure that the tip of the crack is located in the coarse grain zone. The result explains the dispersity of the test values. In structural integrity assessment procedure-fracture assessment diagram（SINTAP FAD） method, the failure curves of welded joints at level 1 and 3 are derived from the tensile test results. The results of the assessment show that all assessment points are located within the failure lines of analysis level 1 and 3. So the welded joint of the pipeline is safe. This study laid the foundation of application of SINTAP to pipeline structure assessment.