Blood Clot Simulation Model by Using the Bond-Graph Technique

The World Health Organization estimates that 17 million people die of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attacks and strokes, every year. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot that occludes an artery in the cerebral circulation and the process concerning the removal of this obstruction involves catheterisation. The fundamental object of the presented study consists in determining and optimizing the necessary simulation model corresponding with the blood clot zone to be implemented jointly with other Mechanical Thrombectomy Device simulation models, which have become more widely used during the last decade. To do so, a multidomain technique is used to better explain the different aspects of the attachment to the artery wall and between the existing platelets, it being possible to obtain the mathematical equations that define the full model. For a better understanding, a consecutive approximation to the definitive model will be presented, analyzing the different problems found during the study. The final presented model considers an elastic characterization of the blood clot composition and the possibility of obtaining a consecutive detachment process from the artery wall. In conclusion, the presented model contains the necessary behaviour laws to be implemented in future blood clot simulation models

Modelling the Interoperability and the Use of Control Equipment in an Electrical Substation

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A Robust Model Predictive Control for Virtual Coupling in Train Sets

In recent decades, the demand for rail transport has been growing steadily and faces a double problem. Not only must the transport capacity be increased, but also a more flexible service is needed to meet the real demand. Both objectives can be achieved through virtual coupling (VC), which is an evolution of the current moving block systems. Trains under VC can run much closer together, forming what is called a virtually coupled train set (VCTS). In this paper, we propose an approach in which virtual coupling is implemented via model predictive control (MPC). For this purpose, we define a robust controller that can predict, based on a dynamic model of the train, the state of the system at later moments of time and make the appropriate control decisions. A robust MPC (RMPC) is obtained by introducing two uncertain variables. The first uncertain variable is added to the acceleration equation of the dynamic model, while the second uncertain variable is used to define the uncertainty in the train positioning. To test the RMPC for virtual coupling, two simulation cases are performed for a metro line, analysing the influence of both the uncertainties. In all cases, the results obtained show a safer operation of the virtual coupling without significantly affecting the service

New Anti-Derailment System in Railway Crossings

The objective of this paper is to design a new system to reduce the risk of derailment at crossings, which are critical points in railway lines. Crossings are a common element in conventional lines of current railway systems and are the only point on the track where there is a discontinuity. Our proposal is based on adding an element to the crossing that occupies part of the crossing gap, providing a larger support surface next to the wing rail, such that the wheel does not fall into the gap. The lateral force—which is the most influential parameter in derailments—is substantially decreased, thus reducing the risk of derailment due to lifting on the rail. The proposed approach also increases the safety of the dynamic behaviour, which has a direct impact on passenger comfort and influences the service life of both the rolling stock and the track, thus reducing the cost and even increasing safety at higher speeds. It has a simple structure that is easy to assemble and does not interrupt traffic during installation. The results of simulations using this innovative solution indicate a significant reduction in lateral stresses and strains on the track, which undoubtedly produces an improvement in traffic safety; however, the results cannot be fully quantified in terms of accident reduction with only the data obtained from simulations. Therefore, it was concluded that implementation of the new crossing design provides better conditions for rolling stock to run on turnouts, increasing safety by reducing the risk of derailment. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to carry out a program of experimental tests, which we intend to make the subject of future research