Derivations, data, details of computational implementation, and additional notes for A combined 3D in vitro - in silico approach to modelling bubble dynamics in decompression sickness from A combined three-dimensional <i>in vitro–in silico</i> approach to modelling bubble dynamics in decompression sickness

The growth of bubbles within the body is widely believed to be the cause of decompression sickness (DCS). Dive computer algorithms that aim to prevent DCS by mathematically modelling bubble dynamics and tissue gas kinetics are challenging to validate. This is due to lack of understanding regarding the mechanism(s) leading from bubble formation to DCS. In this work, a biomimetic <i>in vitro</i> tissue phantom and a three-dimensional computational model, comprising a hyperelastic strain-energy density function to model tissue elasticity, were combined to investigate key areas of bubble dynamics. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the diffusion coefficient was the most influential material parameter. Comparison of computational and experimental data revealed the bubble surface's diffusion coefficient to be 30 times smaller than that in the bulk tissue and dependent on the bubble's surface area. The initial size, size distribution and proximity of bubbles within the tissue phantom were also shown to influence their subsequent dynamics highlighting the importance of modelling bubble nucleation and bubble–bubble interactions in order to develop more accurate dive algorithms

Electric vehicle efficiency mapping

Utilisation of pure electric vehicles (EV) enables a step change in vehicle efficiency when compared to those powered by an internal combustion engine. Cenex, the UK's Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies specialises in understanding the real-world and whole-vehicle performance of low carbon vehicles and in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and Loughborough University has undertaken chassis dynamometer testing of an OEM electric passenger car. This paper presents the methodology and results of laboratory testing that studied the whole vehicle efficiency and energy consumption over a range of vehicle speed and battery load points and reports on the charging and battery efficiency of the EV during the test period to present a total plug-to-wheel EV efficiency when operated over both regulated and real-world drive cycles. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited.</p