Existence of strong minimizers for the Griffith static fracture model in dimension two

We consider the Griffith fracture model in two spatial dimensions, and prove existence of strong minimizers, with closed jump set and continuously differentiable deformation fields. One key ingredient, which is the object of the present paper, is a generalization to the vectorial situation of the decay estimate by De Giorgi, Carriero, and Leaci. This is based on replacing the coarea formula by a method to approximate $SB{D}^p$ functions with small jump set by Sobolev functions, and is restricted to two dimensions. The other two ingredients will appear in companion papers and consist respectively in regularity results for vectorial elliptic problems of the elasticity type and in a method to approximate in energy $GSB{D}^p$ functions by $SB{V}^p$ ones.     

The Bertini irreducibility theorem for higher codimensional slices

In [3], Poonen and Slavov recently developed a novel approach to Bertini irreducibility theorems over an arbitrary field, based on random hyperplane slicing. In this paper, we extend their work by proving an analogous bound for the dimension of the exceptional locus in the setting of linear subspaces of higher codimensions.     

Poroelastic toughening in polymer gels: A theoretical and numerical study

We explore the Mode I fracture toughness of a polymer gel containing a semi-infinite, growing crack. First, an expression is derived for the energy release rate within the linearized, small-strain setting. This expression reveals a crack tip velocity-independent toughening that stems from the poroelastic nature of polymer gels. Then, we establish a poroelastic cohesive zone model that allows us to describe the micromechanics of fracture in gels by identifying the role of solvent pressure in promoting poroelastic toughening. We evaluate the enhancement in the effective fracture toughness through asymptotic analysis. We confirm our theoretical findings by means of numerical simulations concerning the case of a steadily propagating crack. In broad terms, our results explain the role of poroelasticity and of the processes occurring in the fracturing region in promoting toughening of polymer gels.     

Quintic hyperbolic nonpolynomial spline and finite difference method for nonlinear second order differential equations and its application

An efficient numerical method based on quintic nonpolynomial spline basis and high order finite difference approximations has been presented. The scheme deals with the space containing hyperbolic and polynomial functions as spline basis. With the help of spline functions we derive consistency conditions and high order discretizations of the differential equation with the significant first order derivative. The error analysis of the new method is discussed briefly. The new method is analyzed for its efficiency using the physical problems. The order and accuracy of the proposed method have been analyzed in terms of maximum errors and root mean square errors.     

Numerical analysis of stress distribution in the upper arm tissues under an inflatable cuff: Implications for noninvasive blood pressure measurement

An inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm is widely used in noninvasive blood pressure measurement. However, the mechanical interaction between cuff and arm tissues, a factor that potentially affects the accuracy of noninvasive blood pressure measurement, remains rarely addressed. In the present study, finite element (FE) mod-els were constructed to quantify intra-arm stresses generated by cuff compression, aiming to provide some theoretical evi-dence for identifying factors of importance for blood pressure measurement or explaining clinical observations. Obtained results showed that the simulated tissue stresses were highly sensitive to the distribution of cuff pressure on the arm sur-face and the contact condition between muscle and bone. In contrast, the magnitude of cuff pressure and small variations in elastic properties of arm soft tissues had little influence on the efficiency of pressure transmission in arm tissues. In par-ticular, it was found that a thickened subcutaneous fat layer in obese subjects significantly reduced the effective pres-sure transmitted to the brachial artery, which may explain why blood pressure overestimation occurs more frequently in obese subjects in noninvasive blood pressure measurement.     

Rational points and Galois points for a plane curve over a finite field

We study the relationship between rational points and Galois points for a plane curve over a finite field. It is known that the set of Galois points coincides with that of rational points of the projective plane if the curve is the Hermitian, Klein quartic or Ballico–Hefez curve. The author proposes a problem: Does the converse hold true? If the curve of genus zero or one has a rational point, we have an affirmative answer.     

Nonstandard Finite Difference Schemes for Differential Equations

This paper gives an introduction to nonstandard finite difference methods useful for the construction of discrete models of differential equations when numerical solutions are required. While the general rules for such schemes are not precisely known at the present time, several important criterion have been found. We provide an explanation of their significance and apply them to several model ordinary and partial differential equations. The paper ends with a discussion of several outstanding problems in this area and other related issues.