Meeting at Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires

Professor Carlos Brebbia visited the Hospital Italiano Research facilities in Buenos Aires. The Meeting was hosted by Dr Daniel Luna, Chair of the HealthInformatics Department.

Dr Sonia Elizabeth Benitez, Prof Carlos Brebbia,
 Dr Dante Graña and Dr Daniel Luna

Carlos gave a Powerpoint presentation on the objectives of the Wessex Institute of Technology, and the importance of the Boundary Element Method in bio-engineering. He described some numerical experiments that can be carried out using a BEM Model of the human body or parts of it, such as the eye and other organs. Specific effects included the effects of different types of radiation on the body, including electromagnetic waves of various frequencies. Carlos explained how different parts of the human body can be modelled and then analysed to predict what is happening, using the properties of tissues, fluids, etc.

Carlos also mentioned WIT’s interest in Rapid Manufacturing, which relates to the design and analysis of implants. One can predict the life of an implant by using fatigue curves, combined with crack propagation.

Dr Luna explained that his research unit is interested in the preparation of patient records with a view to using them in data mining at a later date. Another important area of research is visualisation for surgical purposes, including computer robotic surgery.

The visit was highly successful and it is hoped that it will lead to further collaboration.

Impact and Blast Resistant Design Methods 2015

Recent events have highlighted the fragility and vulnerability of our infrastructure and environment to accidental explosions and terrorist attacks, and how important it is to continue to improve safety and security.

Professor Norman Jones FREng and Dr Graham Schleyer FIMechE from the University of Liverpool, School of Engineering recently delivered a short course on impact and blast resistant design methods over 5 days at the Wessex Institute of Technology to a group of participants from the UK, Canada, US, Pakistan, Turkey, France and Denmark.

This course was designed to equip professional engineers and researchers with the tools and methods to analyse and better understand problems in industry associated with large dynamic loads produced by a variety of energetic sources such as explosions, dropped objects and high velocity projectiles. Practical design examples and case studies were used throughout with reference to commonly used design manuals and codes of practice. Hands-on sessions were included to allow typical problems to be solved using spreadsheet analysis tools. Participants received the new edition of Prof Jones’ book on Structural Impact, together with other course literature. The material presented applied to structural crashworthiness, explosion mitigation, hazards evaluation and safety calculations throughout the civil, mechanical, nuclear, transportation, petrochemical and process industries.

The presenters are internationally recognised and accomplished in their field with experience in research and teaching over many years. The participants commented on how useful they found the course in view of the versatility and accessibility of the methods and appreciated the comprehensive set of notes and worked examples.

The next course will take place from 7-10 November 2016. For further details, please contact Jane Chantler, jchantler@wessex.ac.uk