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Sideways fall-induced hip fracture is a major worldwide health problem among the elderly population. Biomechanical modeling is a practical way to study hip fracture risk. However, all existing biomechanical models for assessing hip fracture risk mainly consider the femur-related parameters. Their accuracy is limited as hip fracture is significantly affected by loading conditions as well. The objective of this study is to introduce a two-level subject-specific model to improve the assessment of hip fracture risk. The proposed biomechanical model consists of a whole-body dynamics model and a proximal femur finite element model, which are constructed from the subject’s whole-body and hip DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan. The whole-body dynamics model is used to determine the impact force onto the hip during a sideways fall. Obtained load/constraint conditions are applied to the finite element model in order to determine the stress/strain distribution in the proximal femur. Fracture risk index is then defined over the critical locations of the femur using the finite element solutions. It is found that hip fracture risk is significantly affected by the subject’s body configuration during the fall, body anthropometric parameters, trochanteric soft tissue thickness, load/constraint conditions, and bone mineral density, which are not effectively taken into account by currently available hip fracture discriminatory tools. Predicted hip fracture risk of 130 clinical cases, including 80 females and 50 males, by the proposed model reveals that biomechanical determinants of hip fracture differ widely from individual to individual. This study presents the first in-depth subject-specific model that provides a comprehensive, fast, accurate, and non-expensive method for assessing the hip fracture risk. The proposed model can be easily adopted in clinical centers to identify patients at high risk of hip fracture who may benefit from the in-time treatment to reduce the fracture risk. / May 2016

Understanding the deformation mechanisms and the impact forces generated by landslides on structures is essential for risk assessment and improving the design of mitigation measures. This thesis studies the effect of different basal sliding characteristics of biplanar compound landslides on the post-failure mechanics and the interaction with rigid structures. The Material Point Method (MPM), an advanced numerical tool capable of simulating large deformations, captures the whole instability and the impact process. A simple geometry of a biplanar compound landslide is considered with two different types of biplanar slope transitions along the basal surface – sharp transition (or "kink" geometry) and curved transition (with different radii). A comprehensive parametric study with more than 280 simulations is performed to analyze the landslide post-failure behavior in terms of the radii of transition, the basal friction angle, the distance to the rigid wall, the roughness of the rigid wall, and the scale of the landslide. The results are presented in terms of maximum impact force on the rigid wall and final runout (in the absence of the wall). Results show that the basal characteristics impact the landslide kinetics and energy dissipations, which in turn, influence the impact forces on the rigid wall as well as the final runout of the landslide. The basal friction amplifies the influence of slope geometry on maximum impact forces. In addition, the maximum impact force from numerical results is compared with the predictions from existing semi-empirical approaches. Finally, a preliminary empirical framework is proposed to incorporate the effects of basal sliding characteristics of compound landslides into predicting impact forces on retaining walls. / Master of Science / Landslides and slope failures are a major problem in the geotechnical field that causes significant damage to lives and infrastructure worldwide. It, therefore, becomes essential to understand the mechanisms and the deformation patterns from the standpoint of assessing the impact on infrastructure near the landslide. This thesis studies the effects of the geometry of compound landslides on the maximum impact forces exerted on a rigid structure at a given distance from the landslide. It uses the Material Point Method (MPM), a numerical method that simulates problems involving large deformations. MPM allows the study of the entire instability process from failure initiation to final runout and impact against barriers. Several theoretical models of generic landslides of different radii of slope transition, friction on the sliding surface, and different distances from the wall are presented to study the effects of these parameters on the maximum impact force exerted on the wall. Along with this, the effects of the scale of a landslide on the impact forces are also analyzed. Based on the results, an empirical framework is proposed to help calculate maximum impact forces on a vertical rigid wall while incorporating the basal failure surface characteristics.

This research involves the study of a one- and two-cylinder convertible reciprocating Freon compressor for air conditioning or refrigeration purposes. The main concern is the reduction of the vibration (noise) caused during the operation of the compressor. Vibration is a main concern when the compressor is shifted from the one-cylinder operation to the two-cylinder operation mode and the reverse of this shift. The objectives for this research are (1) to investigate the shaking force due to the reciprocating mass at high frequencies, which are up to 4600 Hz (80w) in this research; (2) to determine the dominant force for compressor vibration among the three possible sources of shaking force due to reciprocating mass, impact forces due to clearance at the connecting rod - piston joint, and the z-axis force from the motor torque due to the rotor's conductor rods being skewed at an angle; (3) to minimize the difference in change of kinetic energies when switching between the one- and two-cylinder operating modes of the compressor. The properties of the vibration in one- and two-cylinder operation have been studied and results have been analyzed in terms of kinetic energies generated in different setting of operation of the compressor. Dynamic simulation for the impact force is computed using SIMULINK. The Z-axis force due to the motor is computed. Results indicated that shaking force due to the reciprocating mass is the dominant force for only the first two harmonics (w, 2w). An optimization routine based on Hooke and Jeeves pattern search method is developed and an optimized setting of angle, force, and torque for balancing of the crankshaft to achieve objective (3) is determined. / Master of Science

The human body is a complicated dynamic system that is difficult to model because of the numerous interactions that occur between limbs during various tasks. There are documented movement differences when assessing movement in various populations, for example, joint angle and loading symmetry differences when comparing a clinical and healthy population. Symmetry deficits can impact quality of life and in some cases have been associated with an increase in injury risk. Therefore, it is essential to understand movement and loading symmetry in healthy individuals to facilitate the identification of rehabilitation targets. The purpose of this research was to assess the impact that task type and sex have on movement variability and load symmetry in healthy younger adults. The tasks included in this study represent activities of daily living such as level walking, stair ascent, stair descent and standing up from a chair. A wireless, single-sensor in-shoe force sensor allowed for data collection in a non-laboratory setting so that peak impact force and average loading rate could be evaluated across the different daily tasks. To assess movement variability, the coefficients of variation (CV) were determined for each task. The peak impact force (PIF) did not show a significant interaction between sex and task (p=0.627) or between sexes (p=0.685). The PIF did show significant between-task differences (p < 0.001), where the highest mean CV was observed in the sit-to-stand task and the lowest CV was observed during level walking. The variation between movements could be a result of the differential motor skill required to perform the task. The average loading rate (ALR) did not show a significant interaction between sex and task (p=0.069) or between sexes (p=0.624). The average loading rate showed significant between-task differences (p < 0.001), where the highest mean CV was observed in the sit-to-stand task and the lowest CV was observed during level walking. Based on these results, differences in movement type needs to be considered when evaluating average loading rate. To assess the impact of task type on load symmetry, the absolute symmetry index was calculated for the peak impact force and the average loading rate. For both parameters, only between task differences were identified (p < 0.001) and further analysis showed that sit-to-stand was significantly different from the other three movement tasks. The acceptable threshold for a healthy level of asymmetry has been defined in a clinical population to be less than 10%. Based on a chi square analysis, the 10% threshold accurately represents 95% of the population when used to measure peak impact force in level walking, stair ascent and stair descent. However, when assessing peak impact force symmetry during sit-to-stand or assessing average loading rate symmetry between tasks, the 10% threshold does not consistently represent 95% of the population. These results indicate that a threshold for a healthy symmetry may need to be redefined for bilateral movements and that the symmetry threshold may need to be specific to the outcome measure of interest. / Master of Science / When an individual completes a task there are many options for how they accomplish the movement each of which requires the different use of motor skills, these differences in how tasks are completed are called movement variability. A better understanding of these movement differences during various tasks in a healthy population then could help prevent long term injury and allow for the development of interventions to aid in recovery following injury. One way to assess measurements of the human body is to look at symmetry. Movements that are performed on a daily basis include walking, stair ascent, stair descent and standing up from a chair are considered activities of daily living throughout literature. Therefore, it is important to simulate these daily activities to assess a healthy population. Thus, this research aims to assess the impact that the type of task being completed has on the variability of movement and load symmetry in a healthy young adult population. Data collection was performed with an in-shoe measurement device that connects via Bluetooth to an iPad. These sensors allow for data to be collected outside of a laboratory setting allowing for the collection of a wider variety of tasks. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for each task. This is a measure that allows for an understanding of the standard deviation of a measure in relation to the mean of the data. Differences in peak impact force and average loading rate variability were observed between tasks. For both parameters, the sit-to-stand task had the largest variability, most likely due to this being a task that allows for the use of limbs, which provides individuals with more flexibility in how they complete the movement. To assess load symmetry between tasks, the absolute symmetry index was calculated, a value that computes a percent difference between the right and left limbs. The peak impact force symmetry of the sit-to-stand task was different from the others because it requires the loading of both limbs simultaneously, which allows individuals to preferentially load one limb versus the other when completing this task. When evaluating load symmetry, clinicians have been using a threshold of 10% when defining a healthy symmetry benchmark when evaluating injury recovery. A difference greater than 10% between limbs may suggest a higher susceptibility to injury or a lack of recovery. This study evaluated if this 10% threshold accurately represents symmetry in peak impact force and average loading rate for 95% of the participants. While the 10% threshold does accurately describe the between limb differences in walking, stair ascent and stair descent tasks, the 10% threshold does not represent the results from 95% of those in this healthy population when standing up from a chair. Further, this 10% threshold did not accurately describe the symmetry discrepancies in average loading rate for any task evaluated in this study. These results suggest that a benchmark for defining healthy symmetry may need to be redefined for some tasks and outcome measures.

The current design code governing bridge structure resistance to vessel impact loads in the U.S. is the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) Guide Specification and Commentary for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges. The code stipulated method, based on Meir-Dornberg's equivalent static load method, is usually not warranted because of insufficient data on the impact load histories and wide scatter of the impact force values. The AASHTO load equations ignore certain fundamental factors that affect the determination of impact forces and bridge dynamic responses. Some examples of factors that are omitted during standard impact force analysis are: impact duration, pier geometry, barge-barge and barge-pier interactions, and structural characteristics of bridges. The purpose of this research is to develop new methods and models for predicting barge impact forces on piers. In order to generate research information and produce more realistic flotilla impact data, extensive finite element simulations are conducted. A set of regression formulas to calculate the impact force and time duration are derived from the simulation results. Also, a parametric study is performed systematically to reveal the dynamic features of barge-bridge collisions. A method to determine the quasi upper bound of the average impact force under any given scenarios is preposed. Based on the upper bounds of the average impact forces, an impact spectrum procedure to determine the dynamic response of piers is developed. These analytical techniques transform the complex dynamics of barge-pier impact into simple problems that can be solved through hand calculations or design charts. Furthermore, the dependency of the impact forces on barge-barge and barge-pier interactions are discussed in detail. An elastoplastic model for the analysis of multi-barge flotillas impacting on bridge piers is presented. The barge flotilla impact model generates impact force time-histories for various simulation cases in a matter of minutes. The results from the proposed model are compatible with the respective impact time-histories produced by an exhuaustive finite element simulation. All of the proposed methods and loading functions in this study are illustrated through design examples. Accordingly, the research results may help engineers to enhance bridge resistance to barge impacts and also lead to economic savings in bridge protection design.

L’objectif de cette thèse était d'évaluer la force d’impact dans des conditions proches de la pratique des Sports de Combat et des Arts Martiaux (SCAM) à l'aide d'un ergomètre composé d’un bloc-cible instrumenté avec un accéléromètre et un dynamomètre, et monté sur une lame flexible fixée verticalement sur le sol. La force d'impact a été calculée à partir des trois composantes mesurées par le dynamomètre, d'une part, et à partir de l'accélération du bloc-cible, grâce à un modèle mécanique original, d'autre part. Les mesures dynamiques ont été associées à des mesures cinématiques 3D à haute vitesse afin de caractériser les gestes de frappe de quatre boxeurs en situation d'entraînement, et d'en identifier les paramètres d'optimisation : gamme des énergies cinétiques pic et incidente du membre supérieur, gamme des pics de force d’impact, et forces intra articulaires au poignet, au coude et à l'épaule, calculées par dynamique inverse. Parallèlement, l’évaluation mécanique de quelques protections de boxe française (gants et bandages) et de karaté (gants, protège-pieds et protège-tibias) a montré que le test défini par la norme NF EN 13277-2 était insuffisant pour caractériser leurs propriétés amortissantes. Les résultats des mesures en situation et en laboratoire ont mis en évidence la qualité discutable de certains gants de boxe française et l'absence d’effet protecteur des bandages. La Fédération Française de Boxe Française (FFSBFDA) doit encore tirer toutes les conclusions de ces résultats. Les résultats des protections de karaté ont permis à la Fédération Française de Karaté (FFKDA) d'en définir les caractéristiques souhaitables, qui ont été approuvées par la Fédération Mondiale de Karaté (WKF). Au-delà de ces conséquences pratiques, la cible-ergomètre conçue, fabriquée et mise en oeuvre dans cette thèse, et le modèle mécanique associé présentent des avantages expérimentaux et ergonomiques qui ouvrent des perspectives d’évaluation de la force d'impact de nombreuses techniques de frappe utilisées dans les Sports de Combat et les Arts Martiaux. / The purpose of this thesis was to assess the impact force in conditions close to the practice of Fighting Sports and Martial Arts using an ergometer composed of a target-block instrumented with an accelerometer and a dynamometer, and mounted on a flexible lath vertically fixed on the floor. The impact force was computed from the three components measured by the dynamometer, and also from the acceleration of the target-block, using an original mechanical model. The dynamic measurements have been combined with those of a 3-D high speed kinematic analysis in order to characterize the striking movements of four French Boxers in training conditions, and to identify their optimization parameters : range of maximal and incident linear kinetic energies, range of impact force peaks, and joint forces at the wrist, the elbow and the shoulder, computed by inverse dynamics. Concurrently, the mechanical evaluation of some protective gears for French Boxing (gloves and handwraps) and Karate (gloves, leg-protections and shin protections) has shown that the test defined by the NF EN 13277-2 norm was not sufficient for assessing their damping properties. The results of practice and laboratory measurements exhibited the doubtful quality of some French Boxing gloves and the lack of damping effect of handwraps. The French Federation of French Boxing (FFSBFDA) should still draw all the conclusions of these results. The results of the Karate protective gears have allowed the French Karate Federation (FFKDA) to define their desirable characteristics, which have been approved by the World Karate Federation (WKF). Beyond these practical outcomes, the striking ergometer, designed, built and used in this thesis, and the associated mechanical model have / possess experimental and ergonomic advantages, which open wide perspectives for assessing the impact force of many striking techniques used in Fighting Sports and Martial Arts.

The bump at the end of the railway bridge is a result of differential movement between the bridge deck and the approach embankment. The movement can have the form of a bump or a dip. Either defect in the track geometry can cause significant problems in track performance. The current state of practice was evaluated by conducting a literature review and an industry survey. According to the survey, approximately half of all railway bridges are affected by the bump/dip. The total annual cost for repairing these bridge transition problems is estimated at $26 million. This does not take into account the considerable cost resulting from speed reductions that railroads must place on trains at these locations. In addition to the increased maintenance costs, the bump/dip leads to higher impact loads, uncomfortable rides and possible safety hazards. The track response due to the bump at the end of the bridge was evaluated by creating a 4-D finite element model of the train, track structure and track substructure. The motion of the train model across a bridge/approach transition, with and without a bump/dip, was then simulated using LS-DYNA. It was found that a track modulus differential alone (no bump/dip) at a bridge/approach location leads to impact forces as well as increased ballast and subgrade pressures on the approach. This instigates the formation of a bump or dip in the track. The track response is increased when a bump/dip is present in the track profile. A parametric study looking at the influence of train direction, train speed, bump/dip size, approach embankment soil modulus, approach tie material, bridge tie material, bridge deck type, ballast thickness and approach tie length on the magnitude of impact forces, track deflection, ballast and subgrade pressures was also performed with the model. Finally, a design solution to minimize the bump at the end of the bridge is proposed. The solution involves installing varying length steel bars into a soft subgrade approach embankment. The solution addresses both the settlement and track modulus differential between the bridge and the embankment. A full-scale field test of this prototype solution is underway.

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Marcos Duarte / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Biomédica, 2015. / Luvas de boxe são utilizadas em lutas e treinamento principalmente para proteção das mãos do lutador. A segurança tanto do atleta que golpeia quanto do que recebe o golpe é prioridade para as federações de lutas que utilizam luvas. Desconhece-se estudos que tenham investigado as repostas mecânicas ao impacto de luvas nacionais. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem dois objetivos: medir quantitativamente as respostas mecânicas ao impacto de luvas brasileiras em comparação com as principais luvas estrangeiras vendidas no Brasil; e determinar qualitativamente, por meio de questionário, quais características subjetivas da luva de boxe são relevantes para o usuário. Para medição das respostas mecânicas serão empregados procedimentos similares ao estudo de Girodet e colaboradores (2009), somente com adaptações dos equipamentos, permitindo assim uma comparação direta dos resultados. O ensaio mecânico consistiu basicamente em deixar cair um corpo de prova sobre a parte da luva com função de amortecimento e medir o pico da força de impacto resultante dessa queda. Nosso experimento testou luvas de marcas diferentes, e cada um dos tipos representados por luvas de 12 e 14oz. Foram 30 tentativas com cada amostra (10 em cada altura de queda da massa de impacto). As tentativas com a marca "A" foram as que produziram menos força de impacto (maior amortecimento). Em segundo lugar, para todas as condições, ficou a marca "D". A diferença na absorção do impacto entre as luvas de mesma oz, mas de marcas diferentes, foi estatisticamente significante em metade das condições testadas, o que sugere a impossibilidade de indicar uma luva de maior proteção apenas pelo peso indicado pelo fabricante. Entre as luvas da mesma marca mas oz diferentes (12 e 14oz), onde esperava-se diferença significativa na absorção do impacto, na maior parte das condições as luvas mostraram-se iguais estatisticamente. Esse resultado também indica a fragilidade das variáveis utilizadas para definir os tipos de luvas que podem oferecer maior proteção ao usuário. Os resultados encontrados pelo ensaio do presente estudo também foram consistentes aos descritos por Girodet e colaboradores (2009). A menor força de impacto (maior amortecimento) foi verificada nas tentativas com as luvas de composição aparentemente mais simples (espuma injetada). / Boxing gloves are used in fights and training for hand protection. The safety of both, the athlete striking and the athlete receiving the blow, is a priority for the associations of fights witch use gloves. Studies that investigated the responses to mechanical impact of national gloves are unknown. In this context, this study has two objectives: to measure quantitatively the mechanical responses to the impact of Brazilian gloves compared to the main foreign gloves sold in Brazil; and determine qualitatively, through a questionnaire, which subjective characteristics of the boxing glove are relevant to the user. For measurement of mechanical responses, we used similar procedures to the study of Girodet and colleagues (2009), only with adjustments to the equipment, thus allowing a direct comparison of results. The mechanical test consisted in dropping a weight on the part of the glove and measure the peak of the resulting impact force this fall. Our experiment tested four different brands of gloves, and each of the types represented by 12 and 14oz gloves. There were 30 trials in each sample (10 in each drop height of the impact mass). Attempts with the brand "A" were those that produced less impact force. Second, for all conditions was the brand "B". The difference in impact absorption between the glove with the same oz but different brands was statistically significant in half of conditions tested, suggesting that it is impossible to indicate a greater protection only by the weight indicated by the manufacturer. Among the gloves of the same brand but different oz (12 and 14oz), where was expected significant difference in the impact absorption, in most conditions the gloves proved was statistically equal. This result also indicates the fragility of the variables used to define the types of gloves which can offer greater protection to the user. The results of the present study were also consistent with the test described by Girodet and col (2009). The lower impact strength was observed in attempts with the seemingly simple composition gloves (injected foam).

This thesis deals with the design of a sporttester, which is a device capable of calculating the cadence of the taken steps and monitoring the impact force of foot on the ground while running. Exposure to long-term strong impacts while running can cause serious fatigue fractures of the hip, calf bone or the foot area. The purpose of the sporttester is to monitor and signal strong impacts to the runner, thus helping to prevent fatigue fractures. The aforementioned features are evaluated based on the change in acceleration measured by the accelerometer. The calculated values of step cadence, running speed and impact force are sent via Bluetooth Low Energy to a compatible mobile application.