Objective: In this paper, finite element model of the L4 vertebra subjected to combination of compression and flexion loading in isotropic and anisotropic cases is investigated. Methods: In both cases, the vertebra is considered homogeneous. Also, the body of vertebra is divided to cancellous and cortical sections in anisotropic model, but the process is assumed isotropic such as isotropic mode...

Objective: In this paper, finite element model of the L4 vertebra subjected to combination of compression and flexion loading in isotropic and anisotropic cases is investigated. Methods: In both cases, the vertebra is considered homogeneous. Also, the body of vertebra is divided to cancellous and cortical sections in anisotropic model, but the process is assumed isotropic such as isotropic mode...

Some aspects of thetmal fracture mechanics of ceramics with temperature-dependent properties are studied. It is first shown that the square-root singular field still prevaiLY in the crack tip region. However, the size of the K-dominant zone may be influenced by the effect of temperature-dependent properties. Then the steady thetmal stress intensity factor in an edge-cracked strip is calculated....

Based on the engineering background of water dissolving mining for hydrocarbon storage in multi-laminated salt stratum, the mixed mode fracture toughness and fracture trajectory of gypsum interlayers soaked in half-saturated brine at various temperatures (20°C, 50°C and 80°C) were studied by using CSNBD (centrally straight-notched Brazilian disc) specimens with required inclination angles (0°, ...

[1] Dry slab avalanches release by propagation of shear fractures in a thin, planar weak layer underneath a cohesive, stronger slab. This implies that a balance between shear fracture toughness and the shear fracture stress intensity factor fundamentally determines snow slab stability. Conventionally, fracture toughness is a material property and, for most materials, emphasis is on tensile frac...

This paper presents a new method for continuum based shape sensitivity analysis for a crack in a homogeneous , isotropic, and linear-elastic body subject to mixed-mode (modes I and II) loading conditions. The method is based on the material derivative concept of continuum mechanics, domain integral representation of an interaction integral, and direct differentiation. Unlike virtual crack exten...

Fatigue, or stress, fractures have been described as occurring in many situations and at widely differing ages from 15 months to 64 years. Most have occurred in young adults, particularly soldiers in training and athletes. Although fatigue fractures usually occur in weight-bearing bones, in particular the metatarsals and tibia, they also occur in the fibula, and have even been described in the ...

A new test method has been developed to measure the resistance of dynamic fracture initiation in brittle materials under combined mode I/I loadings. The Brazilian disks with center-cracks have been fractured under oblique impact loadings in diarnetral-compression. The dynamic stress intensity factors of mode I and H are evaluated from the superposition integrals of the step response functions f...

OBJECTIVE Low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) is defined to supply direct biostimulative light energy to the cells. While several studies have demonstrated that LILT has stimulating effects on bone cells and can accelerate the repair process of the bone, others reported delayed fracture healing or no effects after LILT. The aim of this article was to review the studies evaluating the biomodulati...