Professor Carlos Brebbia visited the University Institute of the Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires where research is carried out in different bio-engineering projects. The Institute, which also awards degrees in medicine, pharmacy and nursing, is active in a variety of research projects, some leading to PhD degrees.
Carlos started by explaining the objectives of the Wessex Institute and in particular, the projects that are related to medicine. They varied from thermal modelling of different organs to the analysis of electrical and electromagnetic fields and their effects on the human body. In the past, other studies comprised bone behaviour and biofluid circulation and the effect of electric fields on the brain.
The Boundary Element Method, Carlos explained, is well suited to a variety of applications in bio-engineering. The technique has the advantage of being able to deal with infinite domains, giving very accurate results, allowing as well for mesh movement and growth.
A series of problems being studied at the Hospital can be modelled using BEM and it is expected that the visit will lead to a mutually profitable interchange of information. It also opened up the possibility of collaborating in a series of training activities such as courses and research supervisions.
Wessex Institute