Research related to improved computer aided design software package

The comparative computational efficiencies of the finite element (FEM), boundary element (BEM), and hybrid boundary element-finite element (HVFEM) analysis techniques are evaluated for representative bounded domain interior and unbounded domain exterior problems in elastostatics. Computational efficiency is carefully defined in this study as the computer time required to attain a specified level of solution accuracy. The study found the FEM superior to the BEM for the interior problem, while the reverse was true for the exterior problem. The hybrid analysis technique was found to be comparable or superior to both the FEM and BEM for both the interior and exterior problems

NASTRAN solutions of problems described by simultaneous parabolic differential equations

NASTRAN solution techniques are shown for a numerical analysis of a class of coupled vector flow processes described by simultaneous parabolic differential equations. To define one physical problem type where equations of this form arise, the differential equations describing the coupled transfers of heat and mass in mechanical equilibrium with negligible mass average velocity are presented and discussed. Also shown are the equations describing seepage when both electrokinetic and hydrodynamic forces occur. Based on a variational statement of the general problem type, the concepts of scalar transfer elements and parallel element systems are introduced. It is shown that adoptation of these concepts allows the direct use of NASTRAN's existing Laplace type elements for uncoupled flow (the heat transfer elements) for treating multicomponent coupled transfer. Sample problems are included which demonstrate the application of these techniques for both steady-state and transient problems

Italy’s fragile new government is unlikely to stay for the long haul.

This week a new Italian government was finally sworn in and approved by Italy’s Parliament, following months of uncertainty after the country’s elections in February. James Walston assesses the new cabinet, noting that it is intentionally dominated by low profile figures to avoid antagonising the main participating parties. He argues that the government will be under immediate political pressure and could be further undermined by Silvio Berlusconi’s on-going legal battles

Search Techniques for Multi-Objective Optimization of Mixed-Variable Systems Having Stochastic Responses

A method is proposed for solving stochastic multi-objective optimization problems. Such problems are typically encountered when one desires to optimize systems with multiple, often competing, objectives that do not have a closed form representation and must be estimated via simulation. A two-stage method is proposed that combines generalized pattern search/ranking and selection (GPS/R&S) and and Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) developed for single-objective stochastic problems with three multi-objective methods: interactive techniques for the specification of aspiration/reservation levels, scalarization functions, and multi-objective ranking and selection. This combination is devised specifically so as to keep the desirable convergence properties of GPS/R&S and MADS while extending application to the multi-objective case

Improving Kindergartener’s Initiative to Problem Solve Through Integrated STEM

Many teachers are familiar with students who are scared to try to solve a problem and instead look to adults for specific answers. Students need to be prepared to solve problems independently and collaboratively. One of the necessary skills to solve a problem is to first try, or take initiative. The purpose of this action research was to identify Kindergarten students’ initial initiative to problem solve by formal evaluation of student learning-related skills, taken from the Cooper-Farran Behavioral Rating Scale (1991). In this study, students were provided opportunities to take the initiative to problem solve through a series of integrated STEM and Habits of Mind lessons. The students were then observed during the lessons. These observations helped the teacher to prepare appropriate lessons and evaluate students on their learning-related skills. This research suggests that, when a student shows a high level of personal interest in an integrated STEM topic or Habits of Mind lesson, they are more motivated to take the initiative to problem solve. Students were also more likely to participate and persevere through a task when their interest was piqued. Teachers could use students’ personal interests in STEM education as a strategy for supporting future success. Advisor: Amanda Thoma

Witnessing Extermination: Using Diaries to Understand the Holocaust in Poland

December 1942, the International world learned about the atrocities of the German extermination camps. In January 1942, the Final Solution to the ‘Jewish Question’ had been finalized – by the Germans – as extermination. As the violence to the Jews grew more extreme, the populace started to take notice of events. When exactly did people in Poland understand that the Final Solution for the Germans was killing the Jews? And how did witnesses within Poland record these events? By examining these questions, my research investigated the reactions of Polish witnesses as they noted the changes to the German's Final Solution. My research focused on using the diaries and memoirs to analyze when witnesses noted the change in German action. Through my research, I discovered that those in Poland noticed the shift of the Holocaust – to extermination – at least half a year before the international world received notice of events

An investigation of the weavability of wire with observations on the defects of wire and wire cloth

In the course of this year\u27s work under the auspices of the Ludlow-Saylor research fellowship many problems of interest to the wire weaving industry have been investigated. Some of these problems have no academic novelty; others were not completed and have been laid aside for future investigations. The major problem for investigation this year was to discover a method by which the weavability of wire might be evaluated. A second problem for investigation was to discover the causes of some of the defects of wire and wire cloth. In addition to presenting the results of these investigations, this thesis represents an attempt to compile, in an orderly fashion, some of the background material that has been obtained by the author in the last year with regard to wire and the weaving of wire. It should e pointed out that the presentation of this thesis is complicated by having to be intelligible to two audiences; it should make the mechanical problems of the wire weaving industry intelligible to the metallurgist, and it should make the vocabulary of metallurgy intelligible to the wire weaver --Introduction - Definition of Objectives, page 1