Assessing cutter-rock interaction during TBM tunnelling in granite:Large-scale standing rotary cutting tests and 3D DEM simulations

The widespread utilisation of tunnel boring machines(TBMs)in underground construction engineering requires a detailed investigation of the cutter-rock interaction.In this paper,we conduct a series of largescale standing rotary cutting tests on granite in conjunction with high-fidelity numerical simulations based on a particle-type discrete element method(DEM)to explore the effects of key cutting parameters on the TBM cutter performance and the distribution of cutter-rock contact stresses.The assessment results of cutter performance obtained from the cutting tests and numerical simulations reveal similar dependencies on the key cutting parameters.More specifically,the normal and rolling forces exhibit a positive correlation with penetration but are slightly influenced by the cutting radius.In contrast,the side force decreases as the cutting radius increases.Additionally,the side force shows a positive relationship with the penetration for smaller cutting radii but tends to become negative as the cutting radius increases.The cutter's relative effectiveness in rock breaking is significantly impacted by the penetration but shows little dependency on the cutting radius.Consequently,an optimal penetration is identified,leading to a low boreability index and specific energy.A combined Hertz-Weibull function is developed to fit the cutter-rock contact stress distribution obtained in DEM simulations,whereby an improved CSM(Colorado School of Mines)model is proposed by replacing the original monotonic cutting force distribution with this combined Hertz-Weibull model.The proposed model outperforms the original CSM model as demonstrated by a comparison of the estimated cutting forces with those from the tests/simulations.The findings from this work that advance our understanding of TBM cutter performance have important implications for improving the efficiency and reliability of TBM tunnelling in granite.

A vector sum analysis method for stability evolution of expansive soil slope considering shear zone damage softening

Slope stability analysis is a classical mechanical problem in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology.It is of great significance to study the stability evolution of expansive soil slopes for engineering construction in expansive soil areas.Most of the existing studies evaluate the slope stability by analyzing the limit equilibrium state of the slope,and the analysis method for the stability evolution considering the damage softening of the shear zone is lacking.In this study,the large deformation shear mechanical behavior of expansive soil was investigated by ring shear test.The damage softening characteristic of expansive soil in the shear zone was analyzed,and a shear damage model reflecting the damage softening behavior of expansive soil was derived based on the damage theory.Finally,by skillfully combining the vector sum method and the shear damage model,an analysis method for the stability evolution of the expansive soil slope considering the shear zone damage softening was proposed.The results show that the shear zone subjected to large displacement shear deformation exhibits an obvious damage softening phenomenon.The damage variable equation based on the logistic function can be well used to describe the shear damage characteristics of expansive soil,and the proposed shear damage model is in good agreement with the ring shear test results.The vector sum method considering the damage softening behavior of the shear zone can be well applied to analyze the stability evolution characteristics of the expansive soil slope.The stability factor of the expansive soil slope decreases with the increase of shear displacement,showing an obvious progressive failure behavior.

Endoscopic radial incision and cutting method for adult congenital duodenal webs:A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital duodenal webs are rare in adults and can lead to various symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,and postprandial fullness.The treatment for this disease is mostly surgical.Endoscopic treatment techniques have been developed and attempted for this disease.Endoscopic radial incision and cutting(RIC)techniques are reportedly very effective in benign anastomotic stricture.This case report highlights the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic RIC as a minimally invasive treatment for adult congenital duodenal webs.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old female patient with indigestion was referred to a tertiary hospital.The patient complained of postprandial fullness in the epigastric region.Previous physical examinations or blood tests indicated no abnormalities.Computed tomography revealed an eccentric broad-based delayed-enhancing mass-like lesion in the second portion of the duodenum.Endoscopy showed an enlarged gastric cavity and a significantly dilated duodenal bulb;a very small hole was observed in the distal part of the second portion,and scope passage was not possible.Gastrografin upper gastrointestinal series was performed,revealing an intraduodenal barium contrast-filled sac with a curvilinear narrow radiolucent rim,a typical"windsock"sign.Endoscopic RIC was performed on the duodenal web.The patient recovered uneventfully.Follow-up endoscopy showed a patent duodenal lumen without any residual stenosis.The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms at the 18-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Endoscopic RIC may be an effective treatment for congenital duodenal webs in adults.

HALF-CUTTING METHOD during Hysterectomy for Large Uterine Cervical Myoma

Hysterectomy for large uterine cervical myoma is a challenging surgical procedure due to the limited operative field for lateral and posterior dissections. Existing procedures such as performing myomectomy before hysterectomy or performing retrograde hysterectomy remain suboptimal in expanding the operative field, especially in cases with a huge cervical myoma. In this report, we introduce a new procedure, the “HALF-CUTTING METHOD” which can be used to obtain an adequate surgical field during hysterectomy.

Longwall mining “cutting cantilever beam theory” and 110 mining method in China——The third mining science innovation

With the third innovation in science and technology worldwide, China has also experienced thismarvelous progress. Concerning the longwall mining in China, the ＂masonry beam theory＂ （MBT） wasfirst proposed in the 1960s, illustrating that the transmission and equilibrium method of overburdenpressure using reserved coal pillar in mined-out areas can be realized. This forms the so-called ＂121mining method＂, which lays a solid foundation for development of mining science and technology inChina. The ＂transfer rock beam theory＂ （TRBT） proposed in the 1980s gives a further understanding forthe transmission path of stope overburden pressure and pressure distribution in high-stress areas. In thisregard, the advanced 121 mining method was proposed with smaller coal pillar for excavation design,making significant contributions to improvement of the coal recovery rate in that era. In the 21st century,the traditional mining technologies faced great challenges and, under the theoretical developmentspioneered by Profs. Minggao Qian and Zhenqi Song, the ＂cutting cantilever beam theory＂ （CCBT） wasproposed in 2008. After that the 110 mining method is formulated subsequently, namely one stope face,after the first mining cycle, needs one advanced gateway excavation, while the other one is automaticallyformed during the last mining cycle without coal pillars left in the mining area. This method can beimplemented using the CCBT by incorporating the key technologies, including the directional presplittingroof cutting, constant resistance and large deformation （CRLD） bolt/anchor supporting systemwith negative Poisson＇s ratio （NPR） effect material, and remote real-time monitoring technology. TheCCBT and 110 mining method will provide the theoretical and technical basis for the development ofmining industry in China.

Improved EEMD-based standardization method for developing long tree-ring chronologies

Long tree-ring chronologies can be developed by overlapping data from living trees with data from fossil trees through cross-dating.However,low-frequency climate signals are lost when standardizing tree-ring series due to the"segment length curse".To alleviate the segment length curse and thus improve the standardization method for developing long tree-ring chronologies,here we first calculated a mean value for all the tree ring series by overlapping all of the tree ring series.The growth trend of the mean tree ring width(i.e.,cumulated average growth trend of all the series)was determined using ensemble empirical mode decomposition.Then the chronology was developed by dividing the mean value by the growth trend of the mean value.Our improved method alleviated the problem of trend distortion.Long-term signals were better preserved using the improved method than in previous detrending methods.The chronologies developed using the improved method were better correlated with climate than those developed using conservative methods.The improved standardization method alleviates trend distortion and retains more of the low-frequency climate signals.

Predictive Modeling and Parameter Optimization of Cutting Forces During Orbital Drilling

To optimize cutting control parameters and provide scientific evidence for controlling cutting forces,cutting force modeling and cutting control parameter optimization are researched with one tool adopted to orbital drill holes in aluminum alloy 6061.Firstly,four cutting control parameters(tool rotation speed,tool revolution speed,axial feeding pitch and tool revolution radius)and affecting cutting forces are identified after orbital drilling kinematics analysis.Secondly,hybrid level orthogonal experiment method is utilized in modeling experiment.By nonlinear regression analysis,two quadratic prediction models for axial and radial forces are established,where the above four control parameters are used as input variables.Then,model accuracy and cutting control parameters are analyzed.Upon axial and radial forces models,two optimal combinations of cutting control parameters are obtained for processing a13mm hole,corresponding to the minimum axial force and the radial force respectively.Finally,each optimal combination is applied in verification experiment.The verification experiment results of cutting force are in good agreement with prediction model,which confirms accracy of the research method in practical production.

Determining the Effect of Cutting Fluids on Surface Roughness in Turning AISI 1330 Alloy Steel Using Taguchi Method

Taguchi method has been employed to investigate the effects of cutting fluids on surface roughness in turning AISI 1330 alloy steel, using manually operated lathe machine. Experiments have been conducted using L27 (34) orthogonal array and each experiment was repeated three times and each test used a new cutting tool, High Speed Steel (HSS), to ensure accurate readings of the surface roughness. The statistical methods of Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to investigate effects of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness under different cutting fluids. Minitab 14 software was used to analyze the effect of variables on the surface roughness. Results obtained indicated that optimal variables for the minimum surface roughness were cutting speed of 35 m/min (level 2), feed of 0.124 mm/rev (level 1), depth of cut of 0.3 mm (level 1) and a cutting fluid with a viscosity of 2.898 mm2/s (level 3). Hence, the optimal parameters to obtain better surface roughness of the workpiece material were obtained when groundnut oil based cutting fluid was used. Analysis of variance shows that feed rate has the most significant effect on surface roughness.

From the new Austrian tunneling method to the geoengineering condition evaluation and dynamic controlling method

The new Austrian tunneling method （NATM） is widely applied in design and construction of underground engineering projects. When the type and distribution of unfavorable geological bodies （UGBs） associated with their influences on geoengineering are complicated or unfortunately are overlooked, we should pay more attentions to internal features of rocks grades IV and V （even in local but mostly controlling zones）. With increasing attentions to the characteristics, mechanism and influences of engineering construction-triggered geohazards, it is crucial to fully understand the disturbance of these geohazards on project construction. A reasonable determination method in construction procedure, i.e. the shape of working face, the type of engineering support and the choice of feasible procedure, should be considered in order to mitigate the construction-triggered geohazards. Due to their high sensitivity to groundwater and in-situ stress, various UGBs exhibit hysteretic nature and failure modes. To give a complete understanding on the internal causes, the emphasis on advanced comprehensive geological forecasting and overall reinforcement treatment is therefore of more practical significance. Compre- hensive evaluation of influential factors, identification of UGB, and measures of discontinuity dynamic controlling comprises the geoengineering condition evaluation and dynamic controlling method. In a case of a cut slope, the variations of UGBs and the impacts of key environmental factors are presented, where more severe construction-triggered geohazards emerged in construction stage than those predicted in design and field investigation stages. As a result, the weight ratios of different influential factors with respect to field investigation, design and construction are obtained.

Simulation and Analysis of Ring Compression Using RP/RVP Meshless Method

To avoid mesh distortion and iterative remeshing in mesh-based numerical analysis,a meshless approach based on element free Galerkin (EFG) method is applied to the metal forming analysis of ring compression. Discrete equations are formulated upon the moving least-squares (MLS) approximation and modified Markov variational principles for rigid-plastic/ rigid-viscoplastic (RP/RVP) material models. The penalty function is used for the incompressible condition without volumetric locking. Based on the axisymmetric mechanical model,ring tests with different friction coefficients are studied. The deformed nodal configurations and shaded contours of equivalent strains are shown by developed meshless post processor. The comparison of meshless and finite element (FE) results validates the feasibility and accuracy for meshless method to simulate metal forming process.

Risk identification and risk mitigation during metro station construction by enlarging shield tunnel combined with cut-and-cover method

Constructing a metro station by enlarging shield tunnels combined with a mining/cut-and-cover method provides a new method to solve the contradictions of construction time limits of shield tunnels and stations. As a new-style construction method, there are several specific risks involved in the construction process. Based on the test section of Sanyuanqiao station on Beijing metro line 10, and combined with the existing methods of risk identification at present, including a review of world-wide operational experience of similar projects, the study of generic guidance on hazards associated with the type of work being undertaken, and discussions with qualified and experienced staff from the project team, etc., the specific risks during the construction process of the metro station constructed by enlarging shield tunnels combined with the cut-and-cover method are identified. The results show that the specific risks mainly come from three construction processes which include constructing upper enclosure structures, excavating the soil between shield tunnels and demolishing shield segments. Then relevant risk mitigation measures are put forward. The results can provide references for scheme improvement and a comprehensive risk assessment of the new-style construction method.

Effect of cutting speed on residual stress of special coating during remanufacturing

To study the residual stress of the special coating at different cutting speeds, the cutting of FeA1CrBSiNb coating is analyzed with the finite element method （FEM） and experiment according to the coating characteristics. The CNC machine tool is used to cut the coating and the X-ray stress equipment is used to measure the residual stress of coating. The experimental and FEM results agree with each other. Also, the residual-stress coating depth is deeper and the residual stress of the coating surface is larger with increasing cutting speed. In addition, the residual stress of the coating surface is in the suppression state affected by axial residual stress and circumferential residual stress, and the residual stress of the deeper coating is in the tensile state based on the original state of arc spraying and cutting process.

Exact solutions of the Dirac equation with Pschl-Teller double-ring-shaped Coulomb potential via the Nikiforov-Uvarov method

Exact analytical solutions of the Dirac equation are reported for the Poschl-Teller double-ring-shaped Coulomb potential.The radial,polar,and azimuthal parts of the Dirac equation are solved using the Nikiforov-Uvarov method,and the exact bound-state energy eigenvalues and corresponding two-component spinor wavefunctions are reported.

Evaluating performance of cutting machines during sawing dimension stones

The performance of cutting machines in terms of energy consumption and vibration directly affects the production costs. In this work, our aim was to evaluate the performance of cutting machines using hybrid intelligent models. For this purpose, a systematic experimental work was performed. A database of the carbonate and granite rocks was established, in which the physical and mechanical properties of these rocks (i.e., UCS, elastic modulus, Mohs hardness, and Schmiazek abrasivity factor) and the operational parameters (i.e., depth of cut and feed rate) were considered as the input parameters. The predictive models were developed incorporating a combination of the multi-layered perceptron artificial neural networks and genetic algorithm (GANN-BP) and the support vector regression method and Cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA-SVR). The results obtained indicated that the performance of the developed GANN-BP and COA-SVR models was close to each other and that these models had good agreements with the measured values. These results also showed that these proposed models were suitable tools in evaluating the performance of cutting machines.

Inter-Laboratory Ring Trial to Evaluate Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods Used for <i>Dolphin Morbillivirus</i>Detection in Italy

Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV) is one of the most frequently detected pathogens in stranded cetacean specimens worldwide as well as in Italy. Due to the persistence of DMV in the Mediterranean Sea and to the lack of information about the efficiency of the available diagnostic techniques, the Italian National Reference Centre for diagnostic activities on dead stranded marine mammals (C.Re.Di.Ma) performed the first inter-laboratory ring trial with the aim to standardize a diagnostic biomolecular approach for DMV in Italy. Viral isolation is usually considered the “gold standard” for the definitive diagnosis of most pathogens, but it is not often feasible in DMV diagnosis, due to the poor preservation of virus-targeted tissues in stranded cetacean carcasses, as well as to the lack of appropriate sensitivity of cell lines towards DMV variability. Therefore direct viral detection on tissues by means of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) represents a valuable option for DMV infection’s diagnosis. For detecting DMV in cetacean die-offs occurred in the Mediterranean basin since 2013, C.Re.Di.Ma developed an RT-PCR based method targeting to a 287 bp fragment of DMV nucleoprotein (N) gene. With the purpose to evaluate its performances in terms of accuracy (Se = sensitivity and Sp = specificity) and precision (reproducibility), it was submitted to a ring trial. So, 12 Public Laboratories belonging to the Italian dead stranded marine mammals diagnostic network were asked to analyze a panel of 40 samples (positive and negative for DMV, using different dilutions of a viral suspension obtained from a cell culture supernatant of a DMV strain) with the aforementioned technique. Furthermore, we also aimed at comparing the accuracy of other 7 molecular methods routinely applied for DMV detection in Italy. For this purpose, the second panel of identical 40 DMV +ve and -ve samples was provided to Laboratories that routinely used DMV detection methods other than those developed by C.Re.Di.Ma, in order to be analyzed simultaneously with the method they usually applied. The C.Re.Di.Ma technique showed high accuracy [mean Se = 97.8% (95% CI 84.2% - 99.3%), mean Sp = 98.1% (95% CI 72.5% - 99.9%)] and very good precision [k combined equal to 0.91 (95% CI 0.87 - 0.95)]. In conclusion, this study highlighted a satisfactory reliability of most of the molecular methods used in Italy for DMV detection.

Bamboo （Bambusa vulgaris） Regeneration by Cuttings： Comparative Study of Planting Methods of Culm Cuttings at UR-CAVM Busogo Campus Tree Nursery

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing and highest yielding renewable resources with multiple uses in the world. Lack of seedlings in sufficient number has generally been a major constraint in establishing more bamboo plantations. This study investigated the efficiency of regenerating Bambusa vulgaris through cuttings at Busogo sector, Musanze district, using vertical and horizontal methods with and without water treatment. The experiment consisted in a RCBD （Randomized Complete Block Design） with 4 replications. The growth and sprouting of the 64 cuttings were monitored for three months and 18 days （105 days）. In terms of planting method, horizontal planting method showed best sprouting percentage of 68%. In terms of treatment used, horizontal planting method without using water treatment showed slightly better sprouting percentage of 60%. The results further show that about 87% of sprouts had between 0 and 30 cm height and 98% of sprouts had basal diameter ranging from 0 to 20 mm only 105 days after planting. Indeed, the horizontal planting methods provided highest survival rate of sprouts than the vertical planting method （74%） of planted cuttings. Furthermore, the results show that, 105 days after planting, cuttings with horizontal method were more productive in terms of root development. In terms of planting method using water treatment, the horizontal planting method with water treatment showed highest rooting percentage （44%）. Therefore, farmers should be trained and encouraged to use horizontal planting method using water treatment in order to get better results in regenerating bamboo through cuttings.

Optimizing the Glass Fiber Cutting Process Using the Taguchi Methods and Grey Relational Analysis

This paper mainly describes a new approach to optimizing of the cutting glass fiber with multiple performance characteristics, based on reliability analysis, Taguchi and Grey methods. During the cutting process, the speed, the volume and the cutting load are optimized cutting parameters when the performance characteristics, which include Weibull modulus and blade wear, are taken into consideration. In this paper, optimization with multiple performance characteristics is found to be the highest cutting speed and the smallest cutting volume, and the medium cutting load. An analysis of the variance of the blade wear indicates that the cutting speed (47.21%), the cutting volume (14.62%) and the cutting load (12.20%) are the most significant parameters in the cutting process of glass fibers. In summary, the most optimal cutting parameter should be A3B1C2. The results of experiments have shown that the multiple performance characteristics of cutting glass fiber are improved effectively through this approach.

The Effect of Tool Construction and Cutting Parameters on Surface Roughness and Vibration in Turning of AISI 1045 Steel Using Taguchi Method

This paper presents an experimental investigation focused on identifying the effects of cutting conditions and tool construction on the surface roughness and natural frequency in turning of AISI1045 steel. Machining experiments were carried out at the lathe using carbide cutting insert coated with TiC and two forms of cutting tools made of AISI 5140 steel. Three levels for spindle speed, depth of cut, feed rate and tool overhang were chosen as cutting variables. The Taguchi method L9 orthogonal array was applied to design of experiment. By the help of signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance, it was concluded that spindle speed has the significant effect on the surface roughness, while tool overhang is the dominant factor affecting natural frequency for both cutting tools. In addition, the optimum cutting conditions for surface roughness and natural frequency were found at different levels. Finally, confirmation experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the Taguchi method in optimizing the cutting parameters for surface roughness and natural frequency.

Rock Cutting Analysis Employing Finite and Discrete Element Methods

The petroleum industry has shown great interest in the study of drilling optimization on pre-salt formations given the low rates of penetration observed so far. Rate of penetration is the key to economically drill the pre-salt carbonate rock. This work presents the results of numerical modeling through finite element method and discrete element method for single cutter drilling in carbonate samples. The work is relevant to understand the mechanics of drill bit-rock interaction while drilling deep wells and the results were validated with experimental data raised under simulated downhole conditions. The numerical models were carried out under different geometrical configurations, varying the cutter chamfer size and back-rake angles. The forces generated on the cutter are translated into mechanical specific energy as this parameter is often used to measure drilling efficiency. Results indicate that the chamfer size does not change significantly the mechanical specific energy values, characteristic. Results also show there is a significant increase although the cutter aggressiveness is influenced by this geometrical in drilling resistance for larger values of back-rake angle.

Power Generation Expansion Planning Using an Interior Point with Cutting Plane （IP/CP） Method

The generation expansion planning is one of complex mixed-integer optimization problems, which involves a large number of continuous or discrete decision variables and constraints. In this paper, an interior point with cutting plane （IP/CP） method is proposed to solve the mixed-integer optimization problem of the electrical power generation expansion planning. The IP/CP method could improve the overall efficiency of the solution and reduce the computational time. Proposed method is combined with the Bender＇s decomposition technique in order to decompose the generation expansion problem into a master investment problem and a slave operational problem. The numerical example is presented to compare with the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.