ABSTRACT
Impacts to the back of the head due to rearward falls, also referred to as "backfall" events, represent a common source of TBI for athletes and soldiers. A new experimental apparatus is described for replicating the linear and rotational kinematics of the head during backfall events. An anthropomorphic test device (ATD) with a head-borne sensor suite was configured to fall backwards from a standing height, inducing contact between the rear of the head and a ground surface simulant. A pivoting swing arm and release strap were used to generate consistent and realistic head kinematics. Backfall experiments were performed with the ATD fitted with an American football helmet and the resulting linear and rotational head kinematics, as well as calculated injury metrics, compared favorably with those of football players undergoing similar impacts during games or play reconstructions. This test method complements existing blunt impact helmet performance experiments, such as drop tower and pneumatic ram test methods, which may not be able to fully reproduce head-neck-torso kinematics during a backfall event.
Subject(s)
Accidental Falls , Athletic Injuries/physiopathology , Craniocerebral Trauma/physiopathology , Football/injuries , Models, Biological , Telemetry/instrumentation , Wearable Electronic Devices , Acceleration , Biomechanical Phenomena , Head , Head Protective Devices , Humans , Male , Mouth Protectors , RotationABSTRACT
As the simplest two-dimensional (2D) polymer, graphene has immensely high intrinsic strength and elastic stiffness but has limited toughness due to brittle fracture. We use atomistic simulations to explore a new class of graphene/polyethylene hybrid 2D polymer, "graphylene", that exhibits ductile fracture mechanisms and has a higher fracture toughness and flaw tolerance than graphene. A specific configuration of this 2D polymer hybrid, denoted "GrE-2" for the two-carbon-long ethylene chains connecting benzene rings in the inherent framework, is prioritized for study. MD simulations of crack propagation show that the energy release rate to propagate a crack in GrE-2 is twice that of graphene. We also demonstrate that GrE-2 exhibits delocalized failure and other energy-dissipating fracture mechanisms such as crack branching and bridging. These results demonstrate that 2D polymers can be uniquely tailored to achieve a balance of fracture toughness with mechanical stiffness and strength.
ABSTRACT
A mathematical model was developed to simulate the operation of an activated sludge system with biomass support particles. Based on the results of this simulation study, it would appear that a system with biomass particle supports offers several advantages not offered by conventional systems. These include the ability to resist failure from large hydraulic surges; stable nitrification under transient inhibitory conditions resulting from temperature changes, hydraulic surges, and/or toxic chemicals; and the ability to establish stable operating conditions with respect to both carbon oxidation and nitrification at short hydraulic retention times and low sludge ages.