Fatigue Behavior of a Box-Type Welded Structure of Hydraulic Support Used in Coal Mine
Hydraulic support is the main supporting equipment of the coal mining systems, and they are usually subjected to fatigue failure under the high dynamic load. The fracture positions are generally at welded joints where there is a serious stress concentration. In order to investigate and further improve the fatigue strength of hydraulic support, the present work first located the possible position where fatigue failure occurs through finite element analysis, and then fatigue tests were carried out on the different forms of welded joints for the dangerous parts. Finally, Fatigue strength-life (S-N) curves and fracture mechanism were studied. This research will provide a theoretical reference for the fatigue design of welded structures for hydraulic support.
The effect of shot peening on fatigue life of welded tubular joint in offshore structure
An offshore structure is exposed to environmental loading and cyclic stress variations throughout its life. This would result in the possibility of fatigue cracking in its members. Cracks in these structures usually initiate around welded areas, then grow progressively from the heat-affected zone to base metal through the thickness of the tubular members. Therefore, fatigue life improvement of offshore structures is of great importance. In this paper, structural analysis of an offshore platform is carried out and the critical joint is specified. The welding process is simulated and the residual stresses due to the welding are determined. Experimental residual stress measurement is carried out and is compared with the simulation result. The simulation results show that the heat affected zone (HAZ) is formed in whole thickness of the brace at weld toe location and approximately half thickness of the chord. The fatigue life of the welded tubular X-joints of offshore structure is investigated experimentally. Furthermore, some joints are shot peened and the effect of shot peening on fatigue life of these joints is explored. The results of experiment show that the fatigue life of shot peened tubular joint is about twice of the original tubular joint. Cracks are initiated in all cases at weld toe. Also a crack on chord branch of joints under fatigue test is observed.
Familial Cortical Myoclonic Tremor and Epilepsy, an Enigmatic Disorder: From Phenotypes to Pathophysiology and Genetics. A Systematic Review
Background Autosomal dominant familial cortical myoclonic tremor and epilepsy (FCMTE) is characterized by distal tremulous myoclonus, generalized seizures, and signs of cortical reflex myoclonus. FCMTE has been described in over 100 pedigrees worldwide, under several different names and acronyms. Pathological changes have been located in the cerebellum. This systematic review discusses the clinical spectrum, treatment, pathophysiology, and genetic findings. Methods We carried out a PubMed search, using a combination of the following search terms: cortical tremor, myoclonus, epilepsy, benign course, adult onset, familial, and autosomal dominant; this resulted in a total of 77 studies (761 patients; 126 pedigrees) fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Phenotypic differences across pedigrees exist, possibly related to underlying genetic differences. A “benign” phenotype has been described in several Japanese families and pedigrees linked to 8q (FCMTE1). French patients (5p linkage; FCMTE3) exhibit more severe progression, and in Japanese/Chinese pedigrees (with unknown linkage) anticipation has been suggested. Preferred treatment is with valproate (mind teratogenicity), levetiracetam, and/or clonazepam. Several genes have been identified, which differ in potential pathogenicity. Discussion Based on the core features (above), the syndrome can be considered a distinct clinical entity. Clinical features may also include proximal myoclonus and mild progression with aging. Valproate or levetiracetam, with or without clonazepam, reduces symptoms. FCMTE is a heterogeneous disorder, and likely to include a variety of different conditions with mutations of different genes. Distinct phenotypic traits might reflect different genetic mutations. Genes involved in Purkinje cell outgrowth or those encoding for ion channels or neurotransmitters seem good candidate genes.