Calculation of stress concentration in the manipulator element using a combined finite and boundary element method

Elastic stress concentration in a manipulator element is calculated within the framework of the two-dimensional stressed state model. The purpose here is to make recommendations for selecting the radius of joining of the beam parts of the element based on analysis of maximum stresses in the stress concentration zone. Combination of the finite element and boundary element methods is proposed for solving the problem. A coarse finite element subdivision is used for the initial calculation for the entire element. Then, the solution is refined by using boundary elements in the identified zone. Comparison of calculation results with solutions obtained by the finite element and boundary element methods points to the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for stress concentration calculations.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 6, pp. 72–74, June, 1991.     

Plaque herniation through an intracoronary stent

We present a case where a Wiktor intracoronary stent was inserted for 'poor angiographic result' following balloon angioplasty. Despite appropriate positioning and repeated dilation of the stent a suboptimal result was achieved because of plaque herniation through the stent. The case emphasizes that the choice of stent used is important and will become more so as the number of choices available increases.     

Distribution of investments in the stock market, information types, and algorithmic complexity

For a simplest mathematical model of a stock market, the problem of optimal distribution of investments among different securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) is considered. Our results, which are obtained in terms of algorithmic complexity, allow to discuss heuristically the properties of sufficiently complex security portfolios in the conditions of daily changing return rates. All considerations are given in the combinatorial framework and do not use any probabilistic models.