Experimental study of multi-timescale crack blunting in hydraulic fracture

Hydraulic fracture is important in unconventional oil and gas exploration.During the propagation of the hydraulic fracture,the crack tip is blunted due to the development of the process zone in the near-tip area.In this study,the blunting of the hydraulic fracture in polymethyl methacrylate specimens due to multi-timescale stress concentration is investigated.The ratio of the initiation toughness to the arrest toughness of the blunted hydraulic fracture is measured using both the dynamic and the static methods.Results show that a hydraulic fracture can be blunted with the time span of stress concentration from 1 ms to 600 s.It is also shown that the blunting of hydraulic fracture is a highly localized process.The morphology of the blunted crack depends on the stress distribution in the vicinity of the crack tip.

Analysis of the blunting line in ductile fracture toughness J_(IC) test method

The blunting line equation is very important in J-integral testing because of its indispensability in the determination of valid data and JIC value. The blunting line equation in current standard has had a larger relative error in depiction of the crack blunting compared to the experimentally measured results. By analyzing the blunting process of the crack tip according to the D-B model, a new form of blunting line was obtained on the base of the path independence of J-integral, i.e., J=1.25(σs+Sf)/(1+n)·WSZ. Experimental results show that this equation is more precise to describe the crack blunting than those in current standards.

Edge Blunting of Hard Alloy Cutter Blade for Cutting Chemical Fibers

Through the establishment mathematical model and experimental verification, the course of blunting of hard alloy cutter blade for cutting chemical fiber have been studied. The result shows that the cutter blade sharpness would be greatly reduced in the course of fiber cutting as the initial edge radius and edge angle, the linear wear, and the notch depth of cutter blade are increased. The blunting of cutter blade in the course of fiber cutting can be divided into four stages. The reducing degree of the sharpness is different in different stages. The linear wear of cutter blade is almost negligible. The blunting of the cutter blade is directly related to the depth of notches generated on the cutting edge. The deeper the notch, the more the cutter blade sharpness would be decreased.

Finite Element Modeling of Crack Tip Blunting for Estimation of Energy Release Rate Component of Mode I Crack near a Strength Mismatched Interface

The paper presents finite element modeling of crack tip blunting for numerical estimation of fracture parameter of a Mode I crack, in weak alloy steel, which is near and normal to the interface of elastically identical but stronger maraging steel. The bimetallic body is subjected to monotonic load in K dominated regime. Crack tip yield zone across the interface, treated as Dugdale’s cohesive zone, is isolated from the bimetallic domain and is modeled alone under the action of respective cohesive stress over yield zones for obtaining the contribution of mismatch between yield strength of the steels in crack energy release rate component, Jinterface. Effect of far field load on Jinterface is found separately from a theoretical model. Numerical and theoretical results of Jinterface are in good agreement.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Traumatic internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion is a rare complication of skull base fractures,characterized by high mortality and disability rates,and poor prognosis.Therefore,timely discovery and correct management are crucial for saving the lives of such patients and improving their prognosis.This article retrospectively analyzed the imaging and clinical data of three patients,to explore the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion,combined with severe skull base fractures.CASE SUMMARY This case included three patients,all male,aged 21,63,and 16 years.They underwent plain film skull computed tomography(CT)examination at the onset of their illnesses,which revealed fractures at the bases of their skulls.Ultimately,these cases were definitively diagnosed through CT angiography(CTA)examinations.The first patient did not receive surgical treatment,only anticoagulation therapy,and recovered smoothly with no residual limb dysfunction(Case 1).The other two patients both developed intracranial hypertension and underwent decompressive craniectomy.One of these patients had high intracranial pressure and significant brain swelling postoperatively,leading the family to choose to take him home(Case 2).The other patient also underwent decompressive craniectomy and recovered well postoperatively with only mild limb motor dysfunction(Case 3).We retrieved literature from PubMed on skull base fractures causing ICA occlusion to determine the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for this type of disease.CONCLUSION For patients with cranial trauma combined with skull base fractures,it is essential to complete a CTA examination as soon as possible,to screen for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

Numerical study on the blocking effect of skin on Flash-Ball Impact and damage assessment

To explore the response law of non-lethal large-size kinetic energy projectiles to blunt attack on skin tissue,and to evaluate the skin injury characteristics of the attacked personnel and the use safety of kinetic energy projectiles.Based on the LS-DYNA simulation software,a three-layer skin simulation model and a Flash-Ball rubber bullet model are established,and the force-time and deformation-time biomechanical corridors of the Flash-Ball rubber bullet impacting human skin tissue are obtained.The corridor curve and the energy transfer and diffusion are analyzed and compared.The safety evaluation of the damage caused by the rubber bullet shooting a human body at different distances is carried out using the empirical formula of the penetration limit.Finally,the safe shooting distance is obtained.The results show that the model used in the simulation has a good correlation with the experimental data,its biomechanical corridor characteristics are different from those of conventional vehicle impact and smallsize projectile response characteristics.The energy transfer and action time of medium and low-speed impact may cause greater damage.The fat layer is the largest energy absorption unit.The minimum safe shooting distance to ensure skin tissue from penetrating damage is 15.8 m,and the limit specific kinetic energy of skin damage is 7.88 J/cm^(2).This study can be extended to the study of biomechanical response law and safety evaluation under the impact of the same type of large kinetic energy projectile,which provides an important theoretical reference for the police to use large kinetic energy projectiles to conduct safe shooting in peacekeeping operations.

Follow-up strategy for early detection of delayed pseudoaneurysms in patients with blunt traumatic spleen injury: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND The spleen is the most commonly injured solid organ in blunt abdominal trauma,and splenic pseudoaneurysm rupture is associated with a high risk of mortality.Nonoperative management has become the standard treatment for hemodynam-ically stable patients with splenic injuries.On the other hand,delayed splenic pseudoaneurysms can develop in any patient,and at present,there are no known risk factors that may reliably predict their occurrence.Furthermore,there is a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate strategies for monitoring and mana-ging splenic injuries,especially lower-grade(I-III).AIM To determine the predictors of pseudo-aneurysm formation following splenic injury and develop follow-up strategies for early detection of pseudoaneurysms.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who visited the Level I Trauma Center bet-ween January 2013 and December 2022 and were diagnosed with spleen injuries after blunt abdominal trauma.RESULTS Using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma spleen injury scale,the splenic injuries were categorized into the following order based on severity:Grade I(n=57,17.6%),grade II(n=114,35.3%),grade III(n=89,27.6%),grade IV(n=50,15.5%),and grade V(n=13,4.0%).Of a total of 323 patients,35 underwent splenectomy and 126 underwent angioembolization.19 underwent delayed angioembolization,and 5 under-went both initial and delayed angioem-bolization.In 14 patients who had undergone delayed angioembolization,no extravasation or pseudoaneurysm was observed on the initial computed tomography scan.There are no particular patient-related risk factors for the formation of a delayed splenic pseudoaneurysm,which can occur even in a grade I spleen injury or even 21 days after the injury.The mean detection time for a delayed pseudoaneurysm was 6.26±5.4(1-21,median:6,inter-quartile range:2-9)days.CONCLUSION We recommend regular follow-up computed tomography scans,including an arterial and portal venous phase,at least 1 week and 1 month after injury in any grade of blunt traumatic spleen injury for the timely detection of delayed pseudoaneurysms.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture

The internal carotid artery occlusion caused by head and neck trauma,also known as traumatic intracranial artery occlusion,is relatively rare clinically.Traumatic skull base fracture is a common complication of traumatic brain injury.Traumatic skull base fracture is one of the causes of traumatic internal carotid artery occlusion.If not detected early and treated in time,the prognosis of patients is poor.This editorial makes a relevant analysis of this disease.

Pelvic fractures in blunt trauma patients:A comparative study

BACKGROUND Pelvic fractures(PF)with concomitant injuries are on the rise due to an increase of high-energy trauma.Increase of the elderly population with age related comorbidities further complicates the management.Abdominal organ injuries are kindred with PF due to the proximity to pelvic bones.Presence of contrast blush(CB)on computed tomography in patients with PF is considered a sign of active bleeding,however,its clinical significance and association with outcomes is debatable.AIM To analyze polytrauma patients with PF with a focus on the geriatric population,co-injuries and the value of contrast blush.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 558 patients with PF admitted to level 1 trauma center(01/2017-01/2023).Analyzed variables included:Age,sex,mechanism of injury(MOI),injury severity score(ISS),Glasgow coma scale(GCS),abbreviated injury scale(AIS),co-injuries,transfusion requirements,pelvic angiography,embolization,laparotomy,orthopedic pelvic surgery,intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay,discharge disposition and mortality.The study compared geriatric and non-geriatric patients,patients with and without CB and abdominal co-injuries.Propensity score matching was implemented in comparison groups.RESULTS PF comprised 4%of all trauma admissions.89 patients had CB.286(52%)patients had concomitant injuries including 93(17%)patients with abdominal co-injuries.Geriatric patients compared to non-geriatric had more falls as MOI,lower ISS and AIS pelvis,higher GCS,less abdominal co-injuries,similar CB and angio-embolization rates,less orthopedic pelvic surgeries,shorter lengths of stay and higher mortality.After propensity matching,orthopedic pelvic surgery rates remained lower(8%vs 19%,P<0.001),hospital length of stay shorter,and mortality higher(13%vs 4%,P<0.001)in geriatric patients.Out of 89 patients with CB,45(51%)were embolized.After propensity matching,patients with CB compared to without CB had more pelvic angiography(71%vs 12%,P<0.001),higher embolization rates(64%vs 22%,P=0.02)and comparable mortality.CONCLUSION Half of the patients with PF had concomitant co-injuries,including abdominal co-injuries in 17%.Similarly injured geriatric patients had higher mortality.Half of the patients with CB required an embolization.

Flow characteristics of hypersonic inlets with different cowl-lip blunting methods

Under hypersonic flight conditions,the sharp cowl-lip leading edges have to be blunted because of the severe aerodynamic heating.This paper proposes four cowl-lip blunting methods and studies the corresponding flow characteristics and performances of the generic hypersonic inlets by numerical simulation under the design conditions of a flight Mach number of 6 and an altitude of 26 km.The results show that the local shock interference patterns in the vicinity of the blunted cowl-lips have a substantial influence on the flow characteristics of the hypersonic inlets even though the blunting radius is very small,which contribute to a pronounced degradation of the inlet performance.The Equal Length blunting Manner(ELM)is the most optimal in that a nearly even reflection of the ramp shock produces an approximately straight and weak cowl reflection shock.The minimal total pressure loss,the lowest cowl drag,maximum mass-capture and the minimal aeroheating are achieved for the hypersonic inlet.For the other blunting manners,the ramp shock cannot reflect evenly and produces more curved cowl reflection shock.The Type V shock interference pattern occurs for the Cross Section Cutting blunting Manner(CSCM)and the strongest cowl reflection shock gives rise to the largest flow loss and drag.The cowl-lip blunted by the other two blunting manners is subjected to the shock interference pattern that transits with an increase in the blunting radius.Accordingly,the peak heat flux does not fall monotonously with the blunting radius increasing.Moreover,the cowl-lip surface suffers from severe aerothermal load when the shear layer or the supersonic jet impinges on the wall.

New role of α phase in the fracture behavior and fracture toughness of a β-type bio-titanium alloy

The role of α precipitates formed during aging in the fracture toughness and fracture behavior of β-type bio-titanium alloy Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6Zr(TNTZ) was studied. Results showed that the fracture toughness of the TNTZ alloy aged at 723 K decreases to the minimum of 72.07–73.19 kJ·m^(-2)when the aging time is extended to 4–8 h and then gradually increases and reaches 144.89 kJ·m^(-2)after 72 h. The decrease in fracture toughness within the aging time of 4–8 h is caused by the large stress concentration at the tip of acicular α precipitates with a high aspect ratio and the preferential crack propagation along the inhomogeneous acicular α precipitates distributed in “V-shape” and “nearly perpendicular shape”. When the aging time is extended to 8–72 h, the precrack tip is uniformly blunted, and the crack is effectively deflected by α precipitates with multi long axis directions, more high homogeneity, low aspect ratio, and large number density. Analysis of the effect of αprecipitates on the fracture behavior suggested that the number of long axis directions of α precipitates is the key controlling factor for the fracture behavior and fracture toughness of the TNTZ alloy aged for different times.

Panscleritis After Blunt Ocular Trauma in A Child with Epididymitis

We reported an 8-year-old boy with panscleritis in left eye and right epididymitis after falling on the ground.Etiologic diagnosis played a key role in this case.Systemic examinations ruled out systemic autoimmune diseases,tumors,and infections as the cause of scleritis and suggested that the disease was caused by a local delayedtype hypersensitivity(DTH)induced by ocular trauma and was non-infectious.Still,the right epididymitis was infectious.Both conditions were treated successfully using steroids and antibiotics,respectively.Thus,early etiologic diagnosis and reasonable treatment are crucial to prevent visual loss.

Necroptosis plays a crucial role in the exacerbation of retinal injury after blunt ocular trauma

Retinal injury after blunt ocular trauma may directly affect prognosis and lead to vision loss.To investigate the pathological changes and molecular mechanisms involved in retinal injury after blunt ocular trauma,we established a weight drop injury model of blunt ocular trauma in male Beagle dogs.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunofluorescence staining,western blotting,and TUNEL assays were performed to investigate retinal injury within 14 days after blunt ocular trauma.Compared with the control group,the thicknesses of the inner and outer nuclear layers,as well as the number of retinal ganglion cells,gradually decreased within 14 days after injury.The number of bipolar cells in the inner nuclear layer began to decrease 1 day after injury,while the numbers of cholinergic and amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer did not decrease until 7 days after injury.Moreover,retinal cell necroptosis increased with time after injury;it progressed from the ganglion cell layer to the outer nuclear layer.Visual electrophysiological findings indicated that visual impairment began on the first day after injury and worsened over time.Additionally,blunt ocular trauma induced nerve regeneration and Müller glial hyperplasia;it also resulted in the recruitment of microglia to the retina and polarization of those microglia to the M1 phenotype.These findings suggest that necroptosis plays an important role in exacerbating retinal injury after blunt ocular trauma via gliosis and neuroinflammation.Such a role has important implications for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Isolated traumatic gallbladder injury: A case report

BACKGROUND Isolated gallbladder injury(GI)(IGI)directly induced by abdominal trauma is rare.Symptoms,indications,and imaging examinations of IGI are frequently non-specific,posing tremendous diagnostic challenges,which are simple to overlook and may have severe implications.Improving doctors'understanding of gallbladder injury(GI)facilitates early detection and decreases the likelihood of severe consequences,including death.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of IGI caused by blunt violence(after falling from three meters with the umbilicus as the stress point)and performed laparoscopic repair of the gallbladder rupture,which helps clinicians understand IGI and reduce the severe consequences of delayed diagnosis.Through extensive medical history and dynamic abdominal ultrasound evaluation,doctors can identify GI early and begin surgery,thereby decreasing the devastating repercussions of delayed diagnosis.CONCLUSION This article aims to improve clinicians'understanding of IGI and propose a method for the diagnosis and treatment of GI.

Night time blood pressure dip

The advent of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring permitted examination of blood pressures during sleep and recognition of the associated circadian fall in pressure during this period. The fall in pressure,called the "dip",is defined as the difference between daytime mean systolic pressure and nighttime mean systolic pressure expressed as a percentage of the day value. Ten percent to 20% is considered normal. Dips less than 10%,referred to as blunted or absent,have been considered as predicting an adverse cardiovascular event. This view and the broader concept that white coat hypertension itself is a forerunner of essential hypertension is disputable. This editorial questions whether mean arterial pressures over many hours accurately represent the systolic load,whether nighttime dipping varies from measure to measure or is a fixed phenomenon,whether the abrupt morning pressure rise is a risk factor or whether none of these issues are as important as the actual night time systolic blood pressure itself. The paper discusses the difference between medicated and nonmedicated white coat hypertensives in regard to the cardiovascular risk and suggests that further work is necessary to consider whether the quality and duration of sleep are important factors.

Simulation of shape variation of projectile nose during high-speed penetration into concrete

A formula is developed to estimate the total mass loss of projectile, based on the assump- tions that the peeling of molten surface layer in projectile nose is the primary cause of mass loss, and the frictional heat is totally absorbed by the projectile. Extrapolating this formula to predict the mass loss of local area of projectile, the receding displacement on projectile surface is obtained, which is vertical to the symmetry axis of projectile. Thereby, a finite difference method model is constructed to simulate the variation of projectile shape. The shape of residual projectile, depth of penetration of projectile and its mass loss obtained by calculation are found in good consistency with respective experimental data.

Characterization of spherical AlSi10Mg powder produced by double-nozzle gas atomization using different parameters

A self-developed double-nozzle gas atomization technique was used to produce AlSi10Mg powder.Effects of delivery tube diameter,gas pressure,and melt superheat on powder characteristics were investigated.The concepts of bluntness and outgrowth were introduced to analyze powder sphericity and satellite index quantitatively.The results showed that the median diameters of all atomized powders ranged from 25 to 33μm.The highest yield rate(72.13%)of fine powder(<50μm)was obtained at a superheat of 350 K.The powder size decreased with increasing melt superheat but increased with increasing delivery tube diameter.Powders with bluntness values between 96%and 98%accounted for over 60%.The outgrowth values demonstrated that 70%-85%of all powders did not contain satellite particles,with few powders adhered two or three particles.Not only Al and Si phases were present but also a metastable Al9Si phase was detected.

Diagnosis and management of colonic injuries following blunt trauma

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the preoperative diagnostic approaches and management of colonic injuries following blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: A total of 82 patients with colonic injuries caused by blunt trauma between January 1992 and December 2005 were enrolled. Data were collected on clinical presentation, investigations, diagnostic methods, associated injuries, and operative management. Colonic injury-related mortality and abdominal complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Colonic injuries were caused mainly by motor vehicle accidents. Of the 82 patients, 58 (70.3%) had other associated injuries. Laparotomy was performed within 6 h after injury in 69 cases (84.1%), laparoscopy in 3 because of haemodynamic instability. The most commonly injured site was located in the transverse colon. The mean colon injury scale score was 2.8. The degree of faecal contamination was classified as mild in 18 (22.0%), moderate in 42 (51.2%), severe in 14 (17.1%), and unknown in 8 (9.8%) cases. Sixty-seven patients (81.7%) were treated with primary repair or resection and anastomosis. Faecal stream diversion was performed in 15 cases (18.3%). The overall mortality rate was 6.1%. The incidence of colonic injury- related abdominal complications was 20.7%. The only independent predictor of complications was the degree of peritoneal faecal contamination (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Colonic injuries following blunt trauma are especially important because of the severity and complexity of associated injuries. A thorough physical examination and a combination of tests can be used to evaluate the indications for laparotomy. One stage management at the time of initial exploration is mostoften used for colonic injuries.

Retrospective analysis of eFAST ultrasounds performed on trauma activations at an academic level-1 trauma center

BACKGROUND:Point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)has become increasingly integrated into the practice of emergency medicine.A common application is the extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma(eFAST)exam.The American College of Emergency Physicians has guidelines regarding the scope of ultrasound in the emergency department and the appropriate documentation.The objective of this study was to conduct a review of performed,documented and billed eFAST ultrasounds on trauma activation patients.METHODS:This was a retrospective review of all trauma activation patients during a 10-month period at an academic level-one trauma center.A list comparing all trauma activations was crossreferenced with a list of all billed eFAST scans.Medical records were reviewed to determine whether an eFAST was indicated,performed,and appropriately documented.RESULTS:We found that 1,507 of 1,597 trauma patients had indications for eFAST,but 396(27%)of these patients did not have a billed eFAST.Of these 396 patients,87(22%)had documentation in the provider note that an eFAST was performed but there was no separate procedure note.The remaining 309(78%)did not have any documentation of the eFAST in the patient’s chart although an eFAST was recorded and reviewed during ultrasound quality assurance.CONCLUSION:A significant proportion of trauma patients had eFAST exams performed but were not documented or billed.Lack of documentation was multifactorial.Emergency ultrasound programs require appropriate reimbursement to support training,credentialing,equipment,quality assurance,and device maintenance.Our study demonstrates a significant absence of adequate documentation leading to potential revenue loss for an emergency ultrasound program.

Blunt diaphragmatic lesions: Imaging findings and pitfalls

Blunt diaphragmatic lesions (BDL) are uncommon in trauma patients, but they should be promptly recognized as a delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality. It is well known that BDL are often overlooked at initial imaging, mainly because of distracting injuries to other organs. Sonography may directly depict BDL only in a minor number of cases. Chest X-ray has low sensitivity in detecting BDL and lesions can be reliably suspected only in case of intra-thoracic herniation of abdominal viscera. Thanks to its wide availability, time-effectiveness and spatial resolution, multi-detector computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing BDL; several direct and indirect CT signs are associated with BDL. Given its high tissue contrast resolution, magnetic resonance imaging can accurately depict BDL, but its use in an emergency setting is limited because of longer acquisition times and need for patient&#x02019;s collaboration.