Method for Determining the Coefficient of Friction Variation Pattern as a Function of Density at Low Temperatures Using the Example of Dry Ice-Steel Contact.

The developments in manufacturing technologies are expected to reduce energy input without compromising product quality. Regarding the material densification process, numerical simulation methods are applied to achieve this goal. In this case, relevant material models are built using functions that describe the variation in mechanical parameters of the material in question due to its deformation. The literature review conducted for this research has revealed a shortage of experimental research methods allowing a determination of the coefficient of friction at low temperatures, approximately 200 K. This article proposes a method for determining the friction coefficient of dry ice sliding against steel. The experimental results were analysed to obtain several functions describing the variation in the coefficient of friction. These functions were then compared using goodness-of-fit indexes. Finally, two functions with similar goodness-of-fit values were chosen. The findings of this research project will complement the already available information and may be used in various research and implementation projects related to the development or improvement of currently used crystallised carbon dioxide conversion processes.

Biomechanical Comparison of the Simple Suture Technique, Meniscal Matrix-Assisted Repair, and a Novel Meniscus Cap Suture Technique for Complex Meniscal Repair.

Background: Meniscal repair is the gold standard for simple morphology tears. However, when the morphology and chronicity of the tear are less favorable, the success of the standard techniques is reduced. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare meniscal repair augmented by a new bioresorbable implant (Meniscus Cap) versus a traditional simple suture technique and the currently available augmented repair collagen matrix meniscus wrapping technique. It was hypothesized that the Meniscus Cap suture technique would increase ultimate failure load and less displacement during cyclic loading. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 80 fresh porcine menisci were harvested. Complex tears were created in 60 menisci, and 20 intact menisci were tested as the control group. Repairs were performed on the 60 meniscal tears using 1 of the 3 techniques (20 menisci each): an inside-out H-suture group (SS), the collagen matrix wrapping technique (CMW), and the Meniscus Cap bioresorbable implant group (CM). The menisci were subjected to 500 loading cycles from 4 to 20 N at a frequency of 1 Hz, and the total displacement was recorded. Then, the specimens underwent load to failure testing at a rate of 3.15 mm/s, and the failure mode was noted. Results: After 500 cycles of cyclic loading, there were no significant differences in displacement between the controls and CM group (0.524 vs 0.448 mm; P = .95). The displacement after the CM was significantly smaller compared with the CMW and the SS (0.448 vs 1.077 mm [P = .0009] and 0.448 vs 0.848 mm [P = .04], respectively). The ultimate load to failure was significantly greater for the controls and the CM group compared with the SS and CMW groups (controls, 1278.7 N and CM, 628.5 N vs CMW, 380.1 N and SS, 345.1 N; P < .05). The failure mode was suture breakage (suture failure) for all repairs. Conclusion: In a porcine specimen meniscal repair model, the biomechanical properties of a novel Meniscus Cap repair technique were superior to that of the simple suture and CMW techniques. Clinical Relevance: The results suggest that the Meniscal Cap repair technique may provide sufficient primary stability of the meniscal fixation even in the cases of complex meniscal tears.

Influence of Die Land Length on the Maximum Extrusion Force and Dry Ice Pellets Density in Ram Extrusion Process.

The management of waste materials, particularly non-biodegradable substances such as plastics and composites, is an increasingly pressing issue. Energy efficiency in industrial processes is crucial throughout their life cycle, including the handling of materials such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a significant environmental impact. This study focuses on the conversion of solid CO2 into pellets using ram extrusion, a widely used technique. The length of the die land (DL) in this process plays a critical role in determining the maximum extrusion force and the density of dry ice pellets. However, the influence of DL length on the characteristics of dry ice snow, known as compressed carbon dioxide (CCD), remains understudied. To address this research gap, the authors conducted experimental trials using a customized ram extrusion setup, varying the DL length while keeping the other parameters constant. The results demonstrate a substantial correlation between DL length and both the maximum extrusion force and dry ice pellets density. Increasing the DL length leads to a decreased extrusion force and optimized pellet density. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the ram extrusion process of dry ice pellets and improving waste management, energy efficiency, and product quality in industries utilizing this technique.

Compression Strength of PLA Bolts Produced via FDM.

The aim of this research was to define the compression strength of polylactic acid bolts produced using the fused deposition modelling method. In accomplishing this, static and cyclic compression tests for different metric thread sizes were carried out in accordance with ISO 4014. Tests were conducted on M42, M48, M56, M60, and M64 threads, while samples with three different types of pitch-one nominal and two fine threads-were prepared for each diameter. Standard ISO 604 for defining the compression modulus Ec was implemented as the test basis. Accordingly, the mean compression modulus value Ec for all measurements was 917.79 ± 184.99 MPa. Cyclic compression tests were then carried out on samples with the M64 × 4 thread. Fifty thread loading cycles were carried out for each variant to obtained different strain amplitude values and strain frequencies. Our work indicated that the values of the storage modulus defined in cyclic tests E' increased, while the values of the loss modulus E″ decreased when the value of the strain frequency increased. We found it not possible to determine the nature of the changes in the value of the storage modulus E' in the function of the strain amplitude. We did, however, observe an increase in the value of the loss modulus E″, together with the increase in the tested range of the strain amplitude. The determined mechanical values can be therefore be used for designing threaded connections made of polylactic acid using the fused deposition modelling method.

Numerical Simulation of Dry Ice Compaction Process: Comparison of the Mohr-Coulomb Model with the Experimental Results.

How to reduce consumption of energy in manufacturing has become a topical issue nowadays. Certain manufacturing processes are known for being highly energy-intensive and compression of materials belongs to this group. This article presents the simulation of the process of compression of dry ice snow with the use of the Mohr-Coulomb model. Two simulation variants were considered in this research. In the first one, constant input parameters were used and in the second one, the input parameters were variable, depending on the changing density of the compressed material. The experimental data were compared with the predicted values to find that the model using constant input parameters was inferior as regards to the goodness of fit. On the other hand, the model with variable input parameters was less accurate in predicting the maximum compression force acting in the process. The last section of this article deals with simulations performed with the Drucker-Prager Cap and modified Cam-Clay models. Finally, it was concluded that the Mohr-Coulomb model yields a more accurate representation of the compression process while requiring less information on the variation of the material parameters.

Modelling of the Process of Extrusion of Dry Ice through a Single-Hole Die Using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) Method.

This article presents the outcome of research on modelling the process of the extrusion of crystalline dry ice. The purpose of this process is to densify the material and obtain pellets of several millimeters in diameter. This reduces the sublimation rate in ambient conditions of the material whose temperature in a solid state is 195 K. A lower sublimation rate means a reduction of the loss of product in its final applications, which include refrigeration and reduction of atmospheric emissions of gaseous CO2. A ram-type extruder was considered in this analysis, in which dry ice was extruded through a single-hole die of varying geometry. The article presents the results of numerical analyses of the extrusion process, using a simulation method based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) approach. The results from simulations were verified by the experimental data in terms of the maximum force required to complete the process, in order to assess the applicability of the proposed method in further research on dry ice compression.

Numerical Simulation of Dry Ice Compaction Process: Comparison of Drucker-Prager/Cap and Cam Clay Models with Experimental Results.

This article presents the results of a numerical experimental study on the simulation of the dry ice compaction process. The first part of the article presents a description of the material used, material models and the methodology of experimental research. In the second part, numerical and experimental study results are presented. For the purpose of comparison, a parametric method based on the residual sum of squares was used. The application of the indicated method fills the gap in the available literature as the authors are not aware of any existing data from previous studies on the method of comparing the results of numerical tests in terms of the obtained results and the change of the value of the tested parameter as a function of another variable. The results of this study can be useful in research work aimed at further development of the process of extrusion and compaction of dry ice using Drucker-Prager/Cap and modified Cam-Clay material models for instance for optimization of geometric parameters of parts and components of the main assembly of the machine used in the process of dry ice extrusion.

Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Dry Ice Compression on the Poisson Ratio.

In the processing of waste materials, attention must be given to the efficient use of energy. The pelletization of dry ice is a good example of such processes. A literature review shows that in the pelletizers available on the market, the force applied in the process is excessive. As a result, the efficiency of the utilization of inputs, including electricity and carbon dioxide, is at a very low level. This article presents the results of experimental research on the effect of the degree of dry ice compression on the value of the Poisson ratio. The first part of this article presents the research methodology and a description of the test stand, developed specifically for this research, bearing in mind the unique properties of carbon dioxide in the solid state. The results presented show the behavior of dry ice during compression in a rectangular chamber for different final densities of the finished product. As a result, it is possible to determine the values of the Poisson ratio as a function of density, using for this purpose four mathematical models. The findings of this research may be useful for research work focused on the further development of this process, such as by using the Drucker-Prager/Cap numerical model to optimize the geometric parameters of the parts and components of the main unit of the machine used in the extrusion process of dry ice.

The Influence of Density on the Value of Young's Modulus for Dry Ice.

The efficiency of material consumption is an important consideration for production processes; this is particularly true for processes that use waste materials. Dry ice extrusion serves as a good example. An examination of the literature on this subject leads to an observation that the commercially available machines for dry ice compression are characterized by a high value of working force. Consequently, the effectiveness of the source consumption, electric energy and carbon dioxide, is very low. The subject of the experimental research presented in the article is the influence of the density of dry ice on the value of Young's modulus. The first part of the article presents the test methodology and the special test stand that was developed to accommodate the unique characteristics of solid-state carbon dioxide. The test results present the characteristics of compaction and relaxation used as the basis for determining the value of Young's modulus. Based on the test results obtained for various material density values, the characteristics of Young's modulus are developed and graphed as a function of the density. The presented results are important for furthering the research on the development of extrusion and compaction processes; for example, using the Drucker-Prager/Cap model for the purpose of optimizing the geometrical characteristics of the work assembly components.

A Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Simulation and Tool Optimization for Belt Punching Process with a Single Cutting Edge.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the belt punching process with the use of a single cutting edge and discuss the influence of geometrical features of the piercing punch on the perforation force. Two basic shapes of the piercing punch with a single cutting edge were tested: tools with the blade pointing inside or pointing outside. The analytical models of the stress distribution in the shearing cross sections were derived for both punches. The presented model, along with the series of empirical tests and Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian simulation, was used for finding the effective geometry of the piercing punch with a single cutting edge for the belt perforation. The geometrical parameters taken into consideration for the tool optimization were the following: angle of the blade, thickness of the wall and diameter of the piercing punch cutting edge. The obtained results show that changing these parameters has a significant influence on the perforation force necessary to execute the machining process and affects the quality of the holes in the perforated belts. The most important geometrical features of the hollow sharpened punch are the angle and the direction of the blade, which change the force distribution and, as a result, the mechanics of the process.

The Impact of the Human Body Position Changes During Wheelchair Propelling on Motion Resistance Force: A Preliminary Study.

The aim of this research was to analyze the impact of the human body position changes caused by propelling a wheelchair with the pushrim propulsion on the value of motion resistance force. The discussed research works are in progress; therefore, the presented results should be treated as preliminary. The research was carried out in the group of six volunteers propelling a wheelchair of which frame was inclined, in respect to the horizontal plane, under the angle of 0 deg, 7 deg, and 14 deg. The area of the position variability of the human body center of gravity (COG) and the coefficients of wheelchair rolling resistance have been determined. Based on the measurements conducted, rolling resistance force FT and motion resistance force FR have been defined for three values of frame inclination angle. The determined force of rolling resistance Ft depended on the location of the COG of the human body and the value of the coefficients of rolling resistance of the front and rear wheels of a wheelchair. This force was a component of the resistance to motion FR, which also took into account the influence of gravity resulting from the inclination of the wheelchair on an inclined plane. For the tested inclination angles relative to the horizontal plane, the rolling resistance force ranged from 9.82 N to 22.81 N. Analyzing the variability of the rolling resistance force FT, it was found that for the final phase of the driving motion, it increased by 36% for the inclination angle of 0 deg and 43% for the inclination angle of 7 deg. Its increase was 48% for the inclination angle of 14 deg in relation to the human body position for the beginning of the driving motion. In the case of measuring the value of the resistance to motion FR, it was observed that, depending on the angle of the incline of the wheelchair, it ranged from 14.69 N to 256.33 N. The measurements conducted enabled the derivation of an analytical model for determining rolling resistance force depending on the position of the human body COG and the wheelchair inclination angle. The conducted research demonstrated the impact of the COG position on the changes of motion resistance force, thus expanding the state of knowledge, introducing a new parameter which, like a surface type and wheel type, affects motion resistances.

Mathematical Model Describing the Influence of Geometrical Parameters of Multichannel Dies on the Limit Force of Dry Ice Extrusion Process.

The article presents a formulated mathematical model that enables the determination of the required compressive force in the extrusion process of dry ice employing multichannel dies. This is the main parameter in the piston-based dry ice extrusion process. The indicated model was developed for the purpose of further improvement of the energy efficiency of this extrusion process. It allows for the determination of the value of compressive force by accounting for 12 variables related to the geometrical parameters of the die and the physical characteristics of dry ice. Furthermore, the paper also provides descriptions of the empirical study methodologies together with the results. These were carried out in order to determine the difference between the results of mathematical modeling and actual measurement results. The final part of the article presents the results of the analysis of the mathematical model's sensitivity to the change of the physical characteristics of dry ice. The formulated tool may be employed to adapt the geometric parameters of the die in order to obtain the desired compressive force value and dry ice granulation with reduced energy consumption.

Minimally invasive reconstruction technique for chronic Achilles tendon tears allows rapid return to walking and leads to good functional recovery.

PURPOSE: Chronic Achilles tendon tears, including chronic ruptures with end gap over 6 cm making end-to-end suturing impossible, can be treated with autologous hamstring graft reconstruction. The primary goal of this study was to present the biomechanical and long-term clinical results of recently developed minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction technique. METHODS: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction was applied to 8 foot and ankle cadaveric specimens as well as 18 patients with chronic Achilles tendon tears. Repaired cadavers were subjected to the biomechanical testing using a cyclic loading protocol. Patients with reconstructed Achilles tendon were subjected to the clinical, functional and isokinetic tests at 12 months after the treatment. RESULTS: All of tested Achilles cadaveric specimens survived 2 loading blocks (250 cycles of 10-100 N load followed by additional 250 cycles of 10-200 N load). With three specimens, it was possible to perform the third cyclic loading block with 20-300 N load and two specimens survived the fourth block with 20-400 N load. Therefore, a mean number of 838 cycles (±178) within the range of 509-1000 was recorded. Two specimens which survived all 1000 cycles were pulled to failure at 25 mm/s rate. The results obtained in the load to failure testing were as follows: 398 N and 608 N of maximum load. The results of functional heel rise endurance test and single leg hop for distance test indicated a decrease in the endurance and strength of the injured limb. However, the results of the weight-bearing lunge tests indicated no tendency for elongation of the Achilles tendon. A comparative analysis of the isokinetic test results for the non-injured and injured limb was revealed no statistically significant differences for every isokinetic test (n. s.), with significant difference for isometric strength parameters (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the biomechanical tests as well as 1-year extensive functional, clinical and isokinetic results of the minimally invasive technique for chronic Achilles tendon tears are encouraging. Patients returned to their normal physical activity, including sport pre-injury level in most cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.