Some experiments with high order compact methods using a computer algebra software - Part II (non-uniform grid)

We generalize a procedure proposed by Mancera and Hunt [P.F.A. Mancera, R. Hunt, Some experiments with high order compact methods using a computer algebra software-Part 1, Appl. Math. Comput., in press, doi: 10.1016/j.amc.2005.05.015] for obtaining a compact fourth-order method to the steady 2D Navier-Stokes equations in the streamfunction formulation-vorticity using the computer algebra system Maple, which includes conformal mappings and non-uniform grids. To analyse the procedure we have solved a constricted stepped channel problem, where a fine grid is placed near the re-entrant corner by transformation of the independent variables. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of spherical non-uniform perturbations in the universe

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Non-uniform drag force on the Fermi accelerator model

Some dynamical properties of a particle suffering the action of a generic drag force are obtained for a dissipative Fermi Acceleration model. The dissipation is introduced via a viscous drag force, like a gas, and is assumed to be proportional to a power of the velocity: F alpha -nu(gamma). The dynamics is described by a two-dimensional nonlinear area-contracting mapping obtained via the solution of Newton's second law of motion. We prove analytically that the decay of high energy is given by a continued fraction which recovers the following expressions: (i) linear for gamma = 1; (ii) exponential for gamma = 2; and (iii) second-degree polynomial type for gamma = 1.5. Our results are discussed for both the complete version and the simplified version. The procedure used in the present paper can be extended to many different kinds of system, including a class of billiards problems.

Embedded crack elements with non-uniform discontinuity modes

The consequences of the use of embedded crack finite elements with uniform discontinuity modes (opening and sliding) to simulate crack propagation in concrete are investigated. It is shown the circumstances in which the consideration of uniform discontinuity modes is not suitable to accurately model the kinematics induced by the crack and must be avoided. It is also proposed a technique to embed cracks with non-uniform discontinuity modes into standard displacement-based finite elements to overcome the shortcomings of the uniform discontinuity modes approach.

Quantum rings of arbitrary shape and non-uniform width in a threading magnetic field

The electronic states of quantum rings with centerlines of arbitrary shape and non-uniform width in a threading magnetic field are calculated. The solutions of the Schrodinger equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions are obtained by a variational separation of variables in curvilinear coordinates. We obtain a width profile that compensates for the main effects of the curvature variations in the centerline. Numerical results are shown for circular, elliptical, and limacon-shaped quantum rings. We also show that smooth and tiny variations in the width may strongly affect the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations.

A general technique to embed non-uniform discontinuities into standard solid finite elements

A general technique to embed non-uniform displacement discontinuities into standard solid finite elements is presented. The technique is based on the decomposition of the kinematic fields into a component related to the deformation of the solid portion of the element and one related to the rigid-body motion due to a displacement discontinuity. This decomposition simplifies the incorporation of discontinuity interfaces and provides a suitable framework to account for non-uniform discontinuity modes. The present publication addresses two families of finite element formulations: displacement-based and stress hybrid finite element. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolutionary modeling of larval dispersal in blowflies using non-uniform cellular automata

When the food supply flnishes, or when the larvae of blowflies complete their development and migrate prior to the total removal of the larval substrate, they disperse to find adequate places for pupation, a process known as post-feeding larval dispersal. Based on experimental data of the Initial and final configuration of the dispersion, the reproduction of such spatio-temporal behavior is achieved here by means of the evolutionary search for cellular automata with a distinct transition rule associated with each cell, also known as a nonuniform cellular automata, and with two states per cell in the lattice. Two-dimensional regular lattices and multivalued states will be considered and a practical question is the necessity of discovering a proper set of transition rules. Given that the number of rules is related to the number of cells in the lattice, the search space is very large and an evolution strategy is then considered to optimize the parameters of the transition rules, with two transition rules per cell. As the parameters to be optimized admit a physical interpretation, the obtained computational model can be analyzed to raise some hypothetical explanation of the observed spatiotemporal behavior. © 2006 IEEE.

Non-lacunary Gibbs Measures for Certain Fractal Repellers

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Hausdorff dimension of non-hyperbolic repellers. I: Maps with holes

This is the first paper in a two-part series devoted to studying the Hausdorff dimension of invariant sets of non-uniformly hyperbolic, non-conformal maps. Here we consider a general abstract model, that we call piecewise smooth maps with holes. We show that the Hausdorff dimension of the repeller is strictly less than the dimension of the ambient manifold. Our approach also provides information on escape rates and dynamical dimension of the repeller.

Hausdorff dimension for non-hyperbolic repellers II: Da diffeomorphisms

We study non-hyperbolic repellers of diffeomorphisms derived from transitive Anosov diffeomorphisms with unstable dimension 2 through a Hopf bifurcation. Using some recent abstract results about non-uniformly expanding maps with holes, by ourselves and by Dysman, we show that the Hausdorff dimension and the limit capacity (box dimension) of the repeller are strictly less than the dimension of the ambient manifold.

MIGRATION MEASUREMENTS FROM PLASTIC PACKAGING: A SIMULATION STUDY ON INFLUENCE OF INITIAL CONCENTRATION PROFILE

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Experience gained and difficulties in performing dynamic load test in composite piles made with steel rails

The results of dynamic instrumentation in two construction sites that used steel rails as pile foundation are presented in this paper. The first dynamic load tests were executed in piles made by single steel rails of the type TR32 and TR37. In the second group of dynamic tests, the piles were made by a composition of two and three steel rails of the same type TR37. The difficulties in placing the sensors, the effect of hammer blow eccentricity and the influence of the non-uniform welding along the pile length are presented in detail and discussed.

Treatment of PET and PU polymers by atmospheric pressure plasma generated in dielectric barrier discharge in air

Plasma treatments are frequently employed to modify surface properties of materials such as adhesivity, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity etc. Present work deals with surface modification of common commercial polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PU) by an air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure. The DBD treatment was performed in a plain reactor in wire-duct geometry (non-uniform field reactor), which was driven by a 60 Hz power supply. Material characterization was carried out by water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The plasma-induced modifications are associated with incorporation of polar oxygen and nitrogen containing groups on the polymer surface. The AFM analysis reveals that the plasma treatment roughens the material surface. Due to these structural and morphological changes the surface of DBD-treated polymers becomes more hydrophilic resulting in enhanced adhesion properties. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Some orbital characteristics of lunar artificial satellites

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Low-altitude, near-polar and near-circular orbits around Europa

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)