Assessment of an edge type settlement of above ground liquid storage tanks using a simple beam model

Analysis of deformation and bending moment distributions along sections of the bottom plate of a large unanchored cylindrical liquid storage tank with appreciable out-of-plane localized differential edge settlement is considered. The analysis uses approximate simple slender beam bending theory to model localized edge settlements of the plate and takes into account the effects of foundation compliance, initial settlement shape, shell and hydrostatic loadings and the shell-bottom plate junction stiffness. The obtained model is solved, in the elastic range, using a combined analytical–numerical procedure for the deflection and bending moment distributions along the beam. The obtained approximate solutions were displayed graphically for selected values of system parameters: edge settlement amplitude, plate thickness, foundation stiffness, and hydrostatic load. The maximum allowable edge displacement amplitudes based on the plate yielding stress predicted by the present study are compared for the selected values of system parameters with those recommended in the API standard 653.     

Effect of gravity on subject-specific human lung deformation

A biomechanical model of human lung is developed and used to investigate the effect of gravity on lung deformation. The lung is assumed to behave as a poro-elastic medium with spatially dependent elastic property. Finite element analysis is performed on a three-dimensional (3D) lung geometry reconstructed from a four-dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT) scan dataset of human patient. The spatially dependent Young’s modulus (YM) values are estimated using inverse analysis from a linear elastic deformation model. The predicted deformation of selected landmarks is monitored with and without gravity, and compared with data obtained from 4DCT registration. The results show that gravity indeed significantly affects the magnitude and distribution of lung deformation with the maximum displacement enhanced by 54% in the direction of gravity, for the conditions investigated. In summary, the accuracy of predicted deformation is improved through incorporation of gravity in the biomechanical model of lung.     

Elastic Properties of Muscle Tissue: Comparison of an Inverse Finite Element Approach and Homogeneous Deformation

Parameters of material models are commonly identified by fitting predicted stress-stretch relations to experimentally derived ones, assuming homogeneous deformation. This approach has been compared with an inverse finite element strategy, where an FE model of the actual measurement set-up is created to obtain stress-stretch data. Compressive tests of skeletal muscle tissue have been conducted for different fiber orientations, with a stereo camera system capturing the geometry of the sample. The material exhibited an exponential increase in stiffness with increasing stretch, with large differences related to the fiber orientation; this behavior is described well by a model for arterial layers. Assuming homogeneous deformation led to significantly different stress-stretch curves indicating that this assumption is unrealistic in this case. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A novel algorithm for the inverse problem in elasticity imaging by means of variational r-adaption

Elasticity imaging or elastography is a powerful technique in medicinal imaging for visualizing the stiffness distribution in soft tissue in vivo. It is motivated by the observation that the stiffness in soft tissue is affected by pathologies in many cases. More precisely, diseased tissue tends to be stiffer than the healthy surrounding tissue. The two steps involved in elasticity imaging are: first deforming the tissue and measuring the displacement field in the region of interest using ultrasound or MRI signals; second calculating the underlying stiffness distribution using an inverse analysis. While in common approaches this inverse analysis is based on minimizing the distance between the measured and the computed deformation field depending only on the unknown stiffness distribution, an additional variation of the underlying finite element discretization is the focus of the present work. In doing so, the triangulation is optimized improving the accuracy of the results and increasing the efficiency of the computational framework. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Response of Kidney Tissue to Dynamical Loading

In shock-wave lithotripsy – a medical procedure to fragment kidney stones – the patient is subjected to hypersonic waves focused at the kidney stone. Although this procedure is widely applied, the physics behind this medical treatment, in particular the question of how the injuries of the surrounding kidney tissue arise, is still under investigation. Here we contribute to the solution of this problem with large scale numerical simulations of a human kidney under shock-wave loading. For this purpose we developed a complex constitutive model of the bio-mechanical kidney system. Assuming a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient and adopting an internal variable formulation for the inelastic deformation the model is able to handle large deformations, time-effects, rate-sensitivity and material damage. By finite element simulations we study the shock-wave propagation into the kidney tissue and analyze the resulting stress states. Unknown material parameters are adapted and special attention is paid on the bubble expansion within the soft tissue. The numerical simulations predict localized damage in the human kidney within the focal region of the shock waves. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A finite element model of localized deformation in frictional materials taking a strong discontinuity approach

A finite element model of localized deformation in frictional materials taking a strong discontinuity approach is presented. A rate-independent, non-associated, strain-softening Drucker–Prager plasticity model is formulated in the context of strong discontinuities and implemented along with an enhanced quadrilateral element within the framework of an assumed enhanced strain finite element method. For simple model problems such as uniform compression, the strong discontinuity approach has been shown to lead to mesh-independent finite element solutions when localized deformation is present. In this paper, a finite element analysis of localized deformation occurring in a more complex model problem of slope stability is conducted in a nearly mesh-independent manner. The effect of dilatancy on the orientation of slip lines is demonstrated for the slope stability problem.     

Asymptotic boundary and nonexistence of traveling waves in a discrete diffusive epidemic model

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we establish the asymptotic boundary of traveling waves (first-component) in a discrete diffusive epidemic model, whose existence is well-known. Meanwhile, we derive the nonexistence of traveling wave solutions with non-positive wave speed. We solve two open problems left in two papers [Fu et al., Nonlinear Convex A. 17 (2016), pp. 1739–1751; Wu, J. Differential Equations 262 (2017), pp. 272–282].     

Decorrelation Estimates for a 1D Tight Binding Model in the Localized Regime

In this article, we prove decorrelation estimates for the eigenvalues of a 1D discrete tight-binding model near two distinct energies in the localized regime. Consequently, for any integer n ≥ 2, the asymptotic independence for local level statistics near n distinct energies is obtained.     

Multi-scale modeling of beam-like structures: A new boundary condition concept for the RVE

In this work a coupled two-scale beam model using Timoshenko beam elements [1] with finite displacements on the macro scale and fully non-linear 3D brick elements on the micro scale is proposed. The calculation is carried out with the so-called FE² concept. To achieve the coupling between the beam and the brick elements, the algorithm from [2] is adapted. Within the degenerated concept of the Timoshenko beam, the introduction of a pure shear deformation leads to significant problems concerning the equilibrium condition on the micro scale. Applying this deformation mode on the RVE with periodic boundary conditions results in a rigid body rotation. Using linear displacement boundary conditions instead, the wrapping deformation is suppressed on the boundary, leading to a length dependency in the torsional deformation mode. In addition, the shear forces introduce a bending moment, which depends on the length of the RVE and adds spurious normal stresses and a length dependency of the shear stiffness. To overcome these problems, periodic boundary conditions are applied and the displacement assumptions are modified such that the shear deformation is achieved with force pairs on both ends of the RVE. The resulting model leads to length independent results in tension, bending and torsion and a domain which is able to produce a pure shear stress state. Consequently, only this domain of the model should be homogenized which can be accomplished by modifying the variations in the algorithm [2]. The concept is validated by simple linear and non-linear test problems. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

中厚度复合材料夹芯层板变分渐近精细模型

为准确预测对中厚度复合材料夹芯层板分层开裂至关重要的沿厚向应力/应变分布,利用板固有小参数将原三维板分析严格拆分为沿厚向的一维分析和二维板非线性分析,并将原三维能量渐近扩展为系列二维近似能量泛函;通过对近似能量泛函中主导变分项(含翘曲项)的渐近修正,得到与原三维模型尽可能接近的近似能量,从而构建无需任何场变量假设的精细模型,并转换为工程常用的Reissner模型形式．通过4层复合材料夹芯板柱形弯曲算例表明:基于所构建模型重构的三维场精度较一阶剪切变形理论和经典层合理论更好,与精确解基本一致;由于所构建的变分渐近模型为等效单层板模型,在保证足够精度的前提下,相比三维有限元计算可减少2~3阶计算量,在精确性和有效性间取得较好的折衷．     

Homogenization of bone elasticity based on tissue‐independent (‘universal’) phase properties

As candidates for tissue‐independent phase properties of cortical and trabecular bone we consider (i) hydroxyapatite, (ii) collagen, (iii) ultrastructural water and non‐collagenous proteins, and (iv) marrow (water) filling the Haversian canals and the intertrabecular space. From experiments reported in the literature, we assign stiffness properties to these phases (experimental set I). On the basis of these phase definitions, we develop, within the framework of continuum micromechanics, a two step homogenization procedure: (i) At a length scale of 100 – 200 nm, hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals build up a crystal foam ('polycrystal'), and water and non‐collagenous organic matter fill the intercrystalline space (homogenization step I); (ii) At the ultrastructural scale of mineralized tissues, i.e. 5 to 10 microns, collagen assemblies composed of collagen molecules are embedded into the crystal foam, acting mechanically as cylindrical templates. At an enlarged material scale of 5 to 10 mm, the second homogenization step also accommodates the micropore space as cylindrical pore inclusions (Haversian and Volkmann canals, inter‐trabecular space), that are suitable for both trabecular and cortical bone. The input of this micromechanical model are tissue‐specific volume fractions of HA, collagen, and of the micropore space. The output are tissue‐specific ultrastructural and microstructural (=macroscopic=apparent) elasticity tensors. A second independent experimental set (composition data and experimental stiffness values) is employed to validate the proposed model. We report a a good agreement between model predictions and experimentally determined macroscopic stiffness values. The validation suggests that hydroxyapatite, collagen, and water are tissue‐independent phases, which define, through their mechanical interaction, the elasticity of all bones, whether cortical or trabecular.     

碾压混凝土坝施工层面变形分析模型

针对碾压混凝土坝施工层面对大坝变形产生显著影响的问题,深入研究了施工层面的变化性质及规律,提出了层面不同阶段变形的模拟方法,建立了施工层面有厚度和无厚度分析模型,提出的模型能反映层面的弹性变形、衰减蠕变、不可逆变形以及加速蠕变等变形状态．实例分析表明:所提出的碾压混凝土坝施工层面有厚度和无厚度分析模型能较客观地模拟大坝的结构变化形态,尤其是施工层面有厚度分析模型较完整地模拟了层面的渐变规律,其计算结果与原位监测成果吻合较好．同时,提出的方法和建立的分析模型可推广应用于常规混凝土坝,特别是坝基内断层和夹层等变形规律的分析．     

A generalized real option pricing method of R&D investments: jump diffusion and external competition

ABSTRACT

Numerous studies have assessed Research and Development (R&D) investment using the real option pricing approach. This paper proposes a more general real option pricing method that both considers the specificity of R&D investment (such as uncertainty) and the R&D investment opportunity of a business in a market environment with external competitors. Specifically, we adopt a jump diffusion model to evaluate R&D investments that incorporate the uncertainties of these activities. The model values a pioneer's R&D investment opportunity allowing the chance that competitors may enter the market and the project value may vary with time. By construction and analysis of the model, we then analyse the optimal timing to realize profit on an investment. Overall, this model should facilitate a more comprehensive evaluation for R&D investments.     

A Class of Auslander-Regular Macaulay Rings

Abstract

For a (left and right) noetherian semilocal ring R we analyse a regularity concept (called weak regularity) based on the equation gld R = dim R. Examples are regular Cohen-Macaulay orders over a regular local ring, localized enveloping algebras of finite dimensional Lie algebras, and the regular rings classified in Rump (2001b). We prove that weakly regular rings are Auslander-regular and Macaulay.     

Structural damage accumulation and stable postcritical deformation of composite materials

The macroscopic failure of composite materials is preceded by complex multilevel processes accompanied by accumulation and localization of damaged centers and formation of a failure cluster. Therefore, the study of these mechanisms is one of the basic problems for the mechanics of modern composite materials used in aerospace engineering. The formation of a theory of the stable postcritical deformation of the work-softening media is considered. The pseudo-plastic deformation affected by structural damage of granular composites is investigated within the framework of the considered two-level structurally phenomenological model of heterogeneous media. The stable evolution of the interconnected processes is accompanied by stress redistributions, partial or complete unloading, and strain or damage localization that are one of the main causes of implementation of the postcritical deformation stage. The numerical calculation results of inelastic deformation and failure of the periodic unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites are presented under conditions of the displacement-controlled transverse proportional loading mode. The main mechanisms of the work-softening behavior for the indicated type of materials are described in the macro-homogeneous stress-strain states. Macroscopically, the failure of heterogeneous media as a result of postcritical deformation and the loss of stability of damage accumulation depends on the stiffness of the loading system. When a deformable body is fixed on the closed surface with sufficiently but not infinitely large coefficients of stiffness, it is possible to observe the equilibrium development of the localized volumes of work-softening and damage. The constitutive equations for the work-softening isotropic, transverse isotropic, and orthotropic media are presented. The effect of the loading system on the stability of deformation, damage accumulation, and failure under monotone and nonmonotone triaxial loading was studied. The growth of failure strains with increase in stiffness of the loading system and unequal resistance of heterogeneous body are registered and investigated. A preventive unloading method is offered for the mathematical modeling of the damage accumulation during the testing of the materials on the servo-controlled systems. The displacement-controlled mode is simulated by a series of soft loading and unloading cycles. The detected phenomenon of failure where the unloading leads to stress-strain diagrams with a negative slope of the descending branch was not found either in the displacement or stress-controlled monotone loading mode.Submitted to the 10th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials, April 20–23, 1998, Riga, Latvia.Perm' State Technical University, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 234–250, March–April, 1998.     

A method for reduction of human ventricular action potential model

ABSTRACT

Mathematical modelling and computer simulations are important tools in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. High computational costs of complex models make them difficult to apply in large-scale simulations like tissue. Therefore, model reduction are of particular importance in heart studies. In this paper, we introduce a technique for simplification of ventricular cell(VC) complex models. By using this technique, starting with a complex model of human VC including 17state variables, we reduce the number of state variables to two. Our simplified model is compared with the original one via several electrophysiological features and computational efficiency. Results show that the reduced model has acceptable behaviours in single cell and one-dimensional simulation, moreover, is 55 times faster than the original one. As the presented method does not depend on the reference model, it may be applied to every cardiac cell models or each complex excitable dynamical systems with the same dynamics as VC.     

Numerical identification procedure between a micro-Cauchy model and a macro-second gradient model for planar pantographic structures

In order to design the microstructure of metamaterials showing high toughness in extension (property to be shared with muscles), it has been recently proposed (Dell’Isola et al. in Z Angew Math Phys 66(6):3473–3498, 2015) to consider pantographic structures. It is possible to model such structures at a suitably small length scale (resolving in detail the interconnecting pivots/cylinders) using a standard Cauchy first gradient theory. However, the computational costs for such modelling choice are not allowing for the study of more complex mechanical systems including for instance many pantographic substructures. The microscopic model considered here is a quadratic isotropic Saint-Venant first gradient continuum including geometric nonlinearities and characterized by two Lamé parameters. The introduced macroscopic two-dimensional model for pantographic sheets is characterized by a deformation energy quadratic both in the first and second gradient of placement. However, as underlined in Dell’Isola et al. (Proc R Soc Lond A 472(2185):20150790, 2016), it is needed that the second gradient stiffness depends on the first gradient of placement if large deformations and large displacements configurations must be described. The numerical identification procedure presented in this paper consists in fitting the macro-constitutive parameters using several numerical simulations performed with the micro-model. The parameters obtained by the best fit identification in few deformation problems fit very well also in many others, showing that the reduced proposed model is suitable to get an effective model at relevantly lower computational effort. The presented numerical evidences suggest that a rigorous mathematical homogenization result most likely holds.     

Maximum likelihood inference for the Cox regression model with applications to missing covariates

In this paper, we carry out an in-depth theoretical investigation for existence of maximum likelihood estimates for the Cox model [D.R. Cox, Regression models and life tables (with discussion), Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B 34 (1972) 187–220; D.R. Cox, Partial likelihood, Biometrika 62 (1975) 269–276] both in the full data setting as well as in the presence of missing covariate data. The main motivation for this work arises from missing data problems, where models can easily become difficult to estimate with certain missing data configurations or large missing data fractions. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of the maximum partial likelihood estimate (MPLE) for completely observed data (i.e., no missing data) settings as well as sufficient conditions for existence of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) for survival data with missing covariates via a profile likelihood method. Several theorems are given to establish these conditions. A real dataset from a cancer clinical trial is presented to further illustrate the proposed methodology.     

Level Structures on the Weierstrass Family of Cubics

Let W → 𝔸 ² be the universal Weierstrass family of cubic curves over ?. For each N ≥ 2, we construct surfaces parameterizing the three standard kinds of level N structures on the smooth fibers of W. We then complete these surfaces to finite covers of 𝔸 ². Since W → 𝔸 ² is the versal deformation space of a cusp singularity, these surfaces convey information about the level structure on any family of curves of genus g degenerating to a cuspidal curve. Our goal in this note is to determine for which values of N these surfaces are smooth over (0, 0). From a topological perspective, the results determine the homeomorphism type of certain branched covers of S ³ with monodromy in SL₂ (?/N).     

Mathematical modeling of the dynamics of the bladder cancer and the immune response applied to a patient: Evolution and short‐term prediction

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in the urinary system and a highly aggressive neoplasm. The prognosis is not favorable usually, and its evolution for particular patients is very difficult to find out. In this paper, we propose a dynamic mathematical model that describes the bladder tumor growth and the immune response evolution. This model is customized for a single patient, determining appropriate model parameter values via model calibration. Due to the uncertainty of the tumor evolution, using the calibrated model parameters, we predict the tumor size and the immune response evolution over the next few months assuming three different scenarios: favorable, neutral, and unfavorable. In the former, it is not expected any trace of the cancer in the middle of September 2018 (after 16 mo). In the neutral scenario, at the same date, a 7‐ to 8‐mm tumor is expected. In the worst case, a 40‐mm tumor is expected. The patient was cited on 10 September 2018 to check the tumor size, and according to the doctors, there was no sign of recurrence. It seems that we are in the favorable scenario. The patient will be called again for follow‐up in mid‐2019.