This Key Note presents a summary of the development of the Finite Element Method in the field of Electromagnet ic Engineering, together with a description of several contributions of the authors to the Finite Element Method and its application to the solution of electromagnetic problems. First, a self-adaptive mesh scheme is presented in the context of the quasi-static and full-wave analysis of general anisotropic multiconductor arbitrary shaped waveguiding structures. A comparison between two a posteriori error estimates is done. The first one is based on the complete residual of the differential equations defining the problem. The second one is based on a recovery or smoothing technique of the electromagnetic field. Next, an implementation of the first family of Nedelec's curl-conforming elements done by the authors is outlined. Its features are highlighted and compared with other curl-conforming elements. A presentation of an iterative procedure using a numerically exact radiation condition for the analysis of open (scattering and radiation) problems follows. Other contributions of the authors, like the use of wavelet like basis functions and an implementation of a Time Domain Finite Element Method in the context of two-dimensional scattering problems are only mentioned due to the lack of space.

The finite element method in electromagnetics

Restenosis after successful PTCA remains a major problem limiting the efficacy of the procedure. The pathophysiologic mechanism of restenosis has been enigmatic so far, but accumulated evidence strongly suggests that intimal hyperplasia is the major mechanism. Based on current understanding of the process of intimal hyperplasia, one unifying concept may be that there are at least two major local biologic determinants influencing this process, lesion characteristics and regional flow dynamics. Lesion characteristics include the plaque structure and the quantity of smooth muscle. These may provide the anatomic substrate that determines the extent of injury and the degree of smooth muscle cell proliferation. The amount of smooth muscle cells in the stenotic lesion activated by injury to undergo proliferation may determine the eventual bulk of the restenotic lesion. In addition, low wall shear stress could promote intimal hyperplasia and cause structural change of vessels to decrease the lumen, whereas high wall shear stress exerts the opposite effects. Intimal hyperplasia after balloon injury is a complex process involving platelets, growth factors, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, mechanical injury, wall shear stress, and probably other unknown factors. Platelets not only contribute growth factors such as PDGF but also cause organized thrombus. Different growth factors may be involved in initiating smooth muscle cell proliferation and may come from many different sources, including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Intact confluent endothelial cells may produce heparin sulfates and inhibit intimal proliferation; however, regenerating endothelial cells may have the opposite effect. Thus, the proliferative potential of smooth muscle cells, endothelial recovery, extent of injury, wall shear stress, and other unknown factors may all influence this process. Based on these concepts concerning the biology of restenosis, some research directions concerning potential forms of therapy are proposed.

Restenosis after coronary angioplasty. Potential biologic determinants and role of intimal hyperplasia.

A review of 4D printing

Numerical Techniques in Electromagnetics is designed to show the reader how to pose, numerically analyze, and solve electromagnetic (EM) problems. It gives them the ability to expand their problem-solving skills using a variety of available numerical methods. Topics covered include fundamental concepts in EM; numerical methods; finite difference methods; variational methods, including moment methods and finite element methods; transmission-line matrix or modeling (TLM); and Monte Carlo methods. The simplicity of presentation of topics throughout the book makes this an ideal text for teaching or self-study by senior undergraduates, graduate students, and practicing engineers.

Numerical Techniques in Electromagnetics, Second Edition

https://www.jvascsurg.org/article/0741-5214(87)90048-6/pdf

Shear stress regulation of artery lumen diameter in experimental atherogenesis

Velocity measurements in steady flow through axisymmetric stenoses at moderate Reynolds numbers

Pulsatile poststenotic flow studies with laser Doppler anemometry

Flow disturbance measurements through a constricted tube at moderate Reynolds numbers.

Origami engineering aims to combine origami principles with advanced materials to yield active origami shapes, which fold and unfold in response to external stimuli. This paper explores the potential and limitations of dielectric elastomers (DEs) as the enabling material in active origami engineering. DEs are compliant materials in which the coupled electro-mechanical actuation takes advantage of their low modulus and high breakdown strength. Until recently, prestraining of relatively thick DE materials was necessary in order to achieve the high electric fields needed to trigger electrostatic actuation without inducing a dielectric breakdown. Although prestrain improves the breakdown strength of the DE films and reduces the voltage required for actuation, the need for a solid frame to retain the prestrain state is a limitation for the practical implementation of DEs, especially for active origami structures. However, the recent availability of thinner DE materials (50 μm, 130 μm, 260 μm) has made DEs a likely medium for active origami. In this work, the folding and unfolding of DE multilayered structures, along with the realization of origami-inspired 3D shapes, are explored. In addition, an exhaustive study on the fundamentals of DE actuation is done by directly investigating the thickness actuation mechanism and comparing their performance using different electrode types. Finally, changes in dielectric permittivity as a function of strain, electrode type and applied electric field are assessed and analyzed. These fundamental studies are key to obtaining more dramatic folding and to realizing active origami structures using DE materials.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0964-1726/23/9/094003/pdf

Saad Ahmed

Papers

Velocity measurements in steady flow through axisymmetric stenoses at moderate Reynolds numbers

Pulsatile poststenotic flow studies with laser Doppler anemometry

Flow disturbance measurements through a constricted tube at moderate Reynolds numbers.

Investigating the performance and properties of dielectric elastomer actuators as a potential means to actuate origami structures

Velocity characteristics of turbulent natural convection in symmetrically and asymmetrically heated vertical channels