A sharp interface model of crack propagation as a phase transition process is discussed. We develop a multipole expansion technique to solve this free boundary problem numerically. We obtain steady state solutions with a self-consistently selected propagation velocity and shape of the crack, provided that elastodynamic effects are taken into account. Also, we find a saturation of the steady sta...

We introduce a new way of computation of time dependent partial differential equations using hybrid method FEM in space and FDM in time domain and explicit computational scheme. The key idea is quick transformation of standard basis functions into new simple basis functions. This new way is used for better computational efficiency. We explain this way of computation on an example of elastodynam...

Traction therapy is one of the most common conservative treatments for low back pain. However, the effects of traction therapy on lumbar spine biomechanics are not well known. We investigated biomechanical effects of two-step traction therapy, which consists of global axial traction and local decompression, on the lumbar spine using a validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumb...

Continuous cell movement requires the coordination of protrusive forces at the leading edge with contractile forces at the rear of the cell. Myosin II is required to generate the necessary contractile force to facilitate retraction; however, Dictyostelium cells that lack myosin II (mhcA-) are still motile. To directly investigate the role of myosin II in contractility we used a gelatin traction...

In this study we used transmural multipolar electrodes, sonomicrometers implanted within the left ventricular wall, and cardiac electrical stimulation techniques to examine the effect of transient mechanical posterior papillary muscle traction on local myocardial electrophysiologic characteristics. Nine open-chest dogs were atrially paced (cycle length 400 msec) followed by insertion of timed p...