22 research outputs found
On the use of exponential basis functions in the analysis of shear deformable laminated plates
In this report, we introduce a meshfree approach for static analysis of isotropic/orthotropic crossply
laminated plates with symmetric/non-symmetric layers. Classical, first and third order shear
deformation plate theories are employed to perform the analyses. In this method, the solution is
first split into homogenous and particular parts and then the homogenous part is approximated by
the summation of an appropriately selected set of exponential basis functions (EBFs) with
unknown coefficients. In the homogenous solution the EBFs are restricted to satisfy the
governing differential equation. The particular solution is derived using a similar approach and
another series of EBFs. The imposition of the boundary conditions and determination of the
unknown coefficients are performed by a collocation method through a discrete transformation
technique. The solution method allows us to obtain semi-analytical solution of plate problems
with various shapes and boundary conditions. The solutions of several benchmark plate
problems with various geometries are presented to validate the results
Exponential basis functions in solution of incompressible fluid problems with moving free surfaces
In this report, a new simple meshless method is presented for the solution of incompressible
inviscid fluid flow problems with moving boundaries. A Lagrangian formulation established on
pressure, as a potential equation, is employed. In this method, the approximate solution is
expressed by a linear combination of exponential basis functions (EBFs), with complex-valued
exponents, satisfying the governing equation. Constant coefficients of the solution series are
evaluated through point collocation on the domain boundaries via a complex discrete transformation
technique. The numerical solution is performed in a time marching approach using an implicit
algorithm. In each time step, the governing equation is solved at the beginning and the end of the
step, with the aid of an intermediate geometry. The use of EBFs helps to find boundary velocities
with high accuracy leading to a precise geometry updating. The developed Lagrangian meshless
algorithm is applied to variety of linear and nonlinear benchmark problems. Non-linear sloshing
fluids in rigid rectangular two-dimensional basins are particularly addressed
HDG-NEFEM with Degree Adaptivity for Stokes Flows
This paper presents the first degree adaptive procedure able to directly use the geometry given by a CAD model. The technique uses a hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin discretisation combined with a NURBS-enhanced rationale, completely removing the uncertainty induced by a polynomial approximation of curved boundaries that is common within an isoparametric approach. The technique is compared against two strategies to perform degree adaptivity currently in use. This paper demonstrates, for the first time, that the most extended technique for degree adaptivity can easily lead to a non-reliable error estimator if no communication with CAD software is introduced whereas if the communication with the CAD is done, it results in a substantial computing time. The proposed technique encapsulates the CAD model in the simulation and is able to produce reliable error estimators irrespectively of the initial mesh used to start the adaptive process. Several numerical examples confirm the findings and demonstrate the superiority of the proposed technique. The paper also proposes a novel idea to test the implementation of high-order solvers where different degrees of approximation are used in different elements
Resource utilization and costs during the initial years of lung cancer screening with computed tomography in Canada
Background
It is estimated that millions of North Americans would qualify for lung cancer screening and that billions of dollars of national health expenditures would be required to support population-based computed tomography lung cancer screening programs. The decision to implement such programs should be informed by data on resource utilization and costs.
Methods
Resource utilization data were collected prospectively from 2059 participants in the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Participants who had 2% or greater lung cancer risk over 3 years using a risk prediction tool were recruited from seven major cities across Canada. A cost analysis was conducted from the Canadian public payer's perspective for resources that were used for the screening and treatment of lung cancer in the initial years of the study.
Results
The average per-person cost for screening individuals with LDCT was USD453 (95% confidence interval [CI], USD400–USD505) for the initial 18-months of screening following a baseline scan. The screening costs were highly dependent on the detected lung nodule size, presence of cancer, screening intervention, and the screening center. The mean per-person cost of treating lung cancer with curative surgery was USD33,344 (95% CI, USD31,553–USD34,935) over 2 years. This was lower than the cost of treating advanced-stage lung cancer with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or supportive care alone, (USD47,792; 95% CI, USD43,254–USD52,200; p = 0.061).
Conclusion
In the Pan-Canadian study, the average cost to screen individuals with a high risk for developing lung cancer using LDCT and the average initial cost of curative intent treatment were lower than the average per-person cost of treating advanced stage lung cancer which infrequently results in a cure