On space-time methods based on Isogeometric analysis for structures analysis

International audienceDespite some early pioneering attempts in the 1970s and 1980s, space-time methods did not experience the same success as finite-elements combined with discrete time-integration scheme (implicit/explicit finite-differences, Newmark, HHT, etc). Since these years, the software and hardware context has changed and we propose to rediscuss the interest of these methods in the context of the Isogeometric Analysis method (IGA). We show the construction of different formulations adapted to different situations in solid mechanics: elastodynamics, viscoelasticity, thermo-mechanical coupling, etc. From representative numerical examples, we show that we can obtain promising numerical performances (optimum convergence rate, …) that make space-time methods a credible alternative to standard paradigms for structures analysis

Are vertical cosmic rays the most suitable to radio detection ?

The electric field induced by extensive air showers generated by high energy cosmic rays is considered and, more specifically, its dependence on the shower incident angle. It is shown that for distances between the shower axis and the observation point larger than a few hundred meters, non-vertical showers produce larger fields than vertical ones. This may open up new prospects since, to some extent, the consideration of non-vertical showers modifies the scope of the radio-detection domain.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Analyse Isogéométrique espace-temps pour le Calcul des Structures

International audienceLa méthode des éléments finis est aujourd'hui la méthode numérique la plus utilisée en mécanique. Généralement utilisée dans la discrétisation de l'espace, elle est souvent associée à une méthode de type différences finies pour la résolution en temps. Nous nous intéressons dans cette étude à appliquer un schéma de discrétisation en espace et en temps simultanément. Nous utilisons l'Analyse Isogéométrique (IGA) comme méthode de discrétisation (voir [1]) dans le but de profiter des qualités numériques de la méthode en résolution en temps. Dans ce papier, nous validons partiellement la stabilité de manière numérique des tests de convergence triviaux pour les équations de la chaleur et d'ondes en 1D, et vérifions qualitativement le potentiel de la méthode sur un modèle mécanique de viscoélasticité dynamique 1D

Logistic, ethical, and political dimensions of stepped wedge trials: critical review and case studies

Background: Three arguments are usually invoked in favour of stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trials: the logistic convenience of implementing an intervention in phases, the ethical benefit of providing the intervention to all clusters, and the potential to enhance the social acceptability of cluster randomised controlled trials. Are these alleged benefits real? We explored the logistic, ethical, and political dimensions of stepped wedge trials using case studies of six recent evaluations. Methods: We identified completed or ongoing stepped wedge evaluations using two systematic reviews. We then purposively selected six with a focus on public health in high, middle, and low-income settings. We interviewed their authors about the logistic, ethical, and social issues faced by their teams. Two authors reviewed interview transcripts, identified emerging issues through qualitative thematic analysis, reflected upon them in the context of the literature, and invited all participants to co-author the manuscript. Results: Our analysis raises three main points. First, the phased implementation of interventions can alleviate problems linked to simultaneous roll-out, but also brings new challenges. Issues to consider include the feasibility of organising intervention activities according to a randomised sequence, estimating time lags in implementation and effects, and accommodating policy changes during the trial period. Second, stepped wedge trials, like parallel cluster trials, require equipoise: without it, randomising participants to a control condition, even for a short time, remains problematic. In stepped wedge trials, equipoise is likely to lie in the degree of effect, effectiveness in a specific operational milieu, and the balance of benefit and harm, including the social value of better evaluation. Third, the strongest arguments for a stepped wedge design are logistic and political rather than ethical. The design is advantageous when simultaneous roll-out is impractical and when it increases the acceptability of using counterfactuals. Conclusions: The logistic convenience of phased implementation is context-dependent, and may be vitiated by the additional requirements of phasing. The potential for stepped wedge trials to enhance the social acceptability of cluster randomised trials is real, but their ethical legitimacy still rests on demonstrating equipoise and its configuration for each research question and setting