Bending-torsion vibration of a partially submerged cylinder with an arbitrary cross-section

An analytical method is presented to investigate the bending-torsion vibration characteristics of a cylinder with an arbitrary cross-section and partially submerged in water. The compressibility and the free surface waves of the water are considered simultaneously in the analysis. The exact solution of structure–water interaction is obtained mathematically. Firstly, the analytical expression of the velocity potential of the water is derived by using the method of separation of variables. The unknown coefficients in the velocity potential are determined by the longitudinal and circumferential Fourier expansions along the outer surface of the cylinder and are expressed in the form of integral equations including the unknown dynamic bending deflection and torsional angle of the cylinder. Secondly, the force and torque acting on the cylinder per unit length, provided by the water, are obtained by integrating the water dynamic pressure along the circumference of the cylinder. The general solution of bending-torsion vibration of the cylinder under the water dynamic pressure is derived analytically. The integral equations included in the velocity potential of the water can be solved exactly. Finally, the eigenfrequency equation of cylinder–water interaction is obtained by means of the boundary conditions of the cylinder. Some numerical examples for elliptical columns partially submerged in water are provided to show the application of the present method.     

Time dependent analysis of finite buffer fluid flows and risk models with a dividend barrier

Based on the matrix-analytic approach to fluid flows initiated by Ramaswami, we develop an efficient time dependent analysis for a general Markov modulated fluid flow model with a finite buffer and an arbitrary initial fluid level at time 0. We also apply this to an insurance risk model with a dividend barrier and a general Markovian arrival process of claims with possible dependencies in successive inter-claim intervals and in claim sizes. We demonstrate the implementability and accuracy of our algorithms through a set of numerical examples that could also serve as test cases for comparing other solution approaches.      

Mixing methodologies to enhance the implementation of healthcare operational research

Healthcare Operational Research (OR) has had limited success in achieving a sufficient level of stakeholder acceptance to lead to implementation of results. This research study is aimed at combining OR methodologies to achieve greater acceptance of results for organizational change. Patient flow delays in the Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin were identified using case studies. Patient flow was modelled using hard OR (simulation) using case study findings, with active stakeholder participation, and enhanced with outcomes research. Outcomes research allowed achieving greater clinical relevance of OR findings. Results from hard OR, particularly for politically sensitive issues, were persuasive but inadequate to result in change. Soft OR (cognitive mapping) was used to identify new issues and enhance results. Consequently, the planned PICU expansion was deferred, and resources focused on improving staffing strategies identified independently from both hard and soft OR. These findings suggest that: (1) Outcomes research can play a unique role to enhance results in healthcare OR. (2) After obtaining a holistic understanding of the system using hard and soft OR, stakeholders are willing to implement results from each independently, supporting the development of a common form of knowledge, which is consistent with Mixed-Mode Modelling. (3) Hard OR, enhanced with outcomes research, with active stakeholder participation, and combined with soft OR, results in greater acceptance and sustained organizational change.     

Acute Triangulations of Flat Mobius Strips

In this paper we investigate the acute triangulations of flat Mobius strips. We find out that we can always triangulate a flat Mobius strip with at most nine acute triangles, and sometimes (but not always) that many triangles are really needed.     

Measurability criteria for fuzzy random vectors

Fuzzy random vector is a measurable map from a probability space to a collection of fuzzy vectors. Our aim in this paper is to discuss the measurability criteria for fuzzy random vectors, and show that under mild assumption, the measurability criteria for upper semicontinuous fuzzy random vectors can be expressed in several different but equivalent formulations. Finally, applying the obtained results, we resolve an open problem about the relationship between fuzzy random vectors and fuzzy random variables.     

Implicit difference approximation for the two-dimensional space-time fractional diffusion equation

In this paper, we consider a two-dimensional fractional spacetime diffusion equation (2DFSTDE) on a finite domain. We examine an implicit difference approximation to solve the 2DFSTDE. Stability and convergence of the method are discussed. Some numerical examples are presented to show the application of the present technique.     

Mode equation and its solution for dielectric waveguide with parabolic cross-section

The mode equation for the dielectric waveguide with parabolic cross-section is derived using both the effective index method and WKB theory, and the expression of the mode propagation constant or effective index is solved directly from this mode equation, so that the mode-propagation properties of this kind of waveguide can be analysed conveniently with comparative accuracy.     

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical and Chemical Analysis of Expansive Clay Subjected to Heating and Hydration

A fully coupled formulation combining reactive transport and an existing thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) code is presented. Special attention has been given to phenomena likely to be encountered in clay barriers used as part of containment systems of nuclear waste. The types of processes considered include hydrolysis, complex formation, oxidation/reduction reactions, acid/base reactions, precipitation/dissolution of minerals and cation exchange. Both kinetically-controlled and equilibrium-controlled reactions have been incorporated. The total analytical concentrations (including precipitated minerals) are adopted as basic transport variables and chemical equilibrium is achieved by minimizing Gibbs Free Energy. The formulation has been incorporated in a general purpose computer code capable of performing numerical analysis of engineering problems. A validation exercise concerning a laboratory experiment involving the heating and hydration of an expansive compacted clay is described.