A novel two-stage discrete crack method based on the screened Poisson equation and local mesh refinement

We propose an alternative crack propagation algo- rithm which effectively circumvents the variable transfer procedure adopted with classical mesh adaptation algo- rithms. The present alternative consists of two stages: a mesh-creation stage where a local damage model is employed with the objective of defining a crack-conforming mesh and a subsequent analysis stage with a localization limiter in the form of a modified screened Poisson equation which is exempt of crack path calculations. In the second stage, the crack naturally occurs within the refined region. A staggered scheme for standard equilibrium and screened Poisson equa- tions is used in this second stage. Element subdivision is based on edge split operations using a constitutive quantity (damage). To assess the robustness and accuracy of this algo- rithm, we use five quasi-brittle benchmarks, all successfully solved.

The Associations Between the Maladaptive Personality Dimensions of Neediness and Self-Criticism, Defense Styles, Selfobject Needs, and Attachment Styles in an Iranian Sample

The present study extends previous findings by examining whether defense styles, selfobject needs, attachment styles relate to Neediness and Self-Criticism, as maladaptive personality dimensions focused, respectively, on relatedness and self-definition in an Iranian sample. Three hundred and fifty two participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire as well as the Persian forms of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, Experience of Close Relationships-Revised, Defense Style Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory–II and Selfobject Needs Inventory. Two Multiple Linear Regression Analyses, entering Self-criticism and Neediness as criterion variables, were computed. According to the results high Attachment anxiety, high Immature defenses, high depressive symptoms, and high need for idealization were related to self-criticism, and explained 47% of its variance. In addition, high attachment anxiety, low mature defenses, high neurotic defenses, high avoidance of mirroring, and low avoidance of idealization/twinship were related to neediness, and explained 40% of its variance. A Principal Component Analysis was performed, entering all the studied variables. Three factors emerged; one describing a maladaptive form of psychological functioning and two describing more mature modes of psychological functioning. The results are discussed in their implications for the understanding of neediness and self-criticism as maladaptive personality dimensions focused, respectively, on relatedness and self-definition.