An Outward-Wave-Favouring Finite Element-Based Strategy for Exterior Acoustical Problems

This work presents a finite element-based strategy for exterior acoustical problems based on an assumed pressure form that favours outgoing waves. The resulting governing equation, weak formulation, and finite element formulation are developed both for coupled and uncoupled problems. The developed elements are very similar to conventional elements in that they are based on the standard Galerkin variational formulation and use standard Lagrange interpolation functions and standard Gaussian quadrature. In addition and in contrast to wave envelope formulations and their extensions, the developed elements can be used in the immediate vicinity of the radiator/scatterer. The method is similar to the perfectly matched layer (PML) method in the sense that each layer of elements added around the radiator absorbs acoustical waves so that no boundary condition needs to be applied at the outermost boundary where the domain is truncated. By comparing against strategies such as the PML and wave-envelope methods, we show that the relative accuracy, both in the near and far-field results, is considerably higher.

A novel Q-learning algorithm with function approximation for constrained Markov decision processes

We present a novel multi-timescale Q-learning algorithm for average cost control in a Markov decision process subject to multiple inequality constraints. We formulate a relaxed version of this problem through the Lagrange multiplier method. Our algorithm is different from Q-learning in that it updates two parameters - a Q-value parameter and a policy parameter. The Q-value parameter is updated on a slower time scale as compared to the policy parameter. Whereas Q-learning with function approximation can diverge in some cases, our algorithm is seen to be convergent as a result of the aforementioned timescale separation. We show the results of experiments on a problem of constrained routing in a multistage queueing network. Our algorithm is seen to exhibit good performance and the various inequality constraints are seen to be satisfied upon convergence of the algorithm.

A POSTERIORI ERROR CONTROL OF DISCONTINUOUS GALERKIN METHODS FOR ELLIPTIC OBSTACLE PROBLEMS

In this article, we derive an a posteriori error estimator for various discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods that are proposed in (Wang, Han and Cheng, SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 48: 708-733, 2010) for an elliptic obstacle problem. Using a key property of DG methods, we perform the analysis in a general framework. The error estimator we have obtained for DG methods is comparable with the estimator for the conforming Galerkin (CG) finite element method. In the analysis, we construct a non-linear smoothing function mapping DG finite element space to CG finite element space and use it as a key tool. The error estimator consists of a discrete Lagrange multiplier associated with the obstacle constraint. It is shown for non-over-penalized DG methods that the discrete Lagrange multiplier is uniformly stable on non-uniform meshes. Finally, numerical results demonstrating the performance of the error estimator are presented.

Generalized Model Predictive Static Programming and Angle-Constrained Guidance of Air-to-Ground Missiles

A new generalized model predictive static programming technique is presented for rapidly solving a class of finite-horizon nonlinear optimal control problems with hard terminal constraints. Two key features for its high computational efficiency include one-time backward integration of a small-dimensional weighting matrix dynamics, followed bya static optimization formulation that requires only a static Lagrange multiplier to update the control history. It turns out that under Euler integration and rectangular approximation of finite integrals it is equivalent to the existing model predictive static programming technique. In addition to the benchmark double integrator problem, usefulness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by solving a three-dimensional angle-constrained guidance problem for an air-to-ground missile, which demands that the missile must meet constraints on both azimuth and elevation angles at the impact point in addition to achieving near-zero miss distance, while minimizing the lateral acceleration demand throughout its flight path. Simulation studies include maneuvering ground targets along with a first-order autopilot lag. Comparison studies with classical augmented proportional navigation guidance and modern general explicit guidance lead to the conclusion that the proposed guidance is superior to both and has a larger capture region as well.

Simultaneous perturbation methods for adaptive labor staffing in service systems

We consider the problem of optimizing the workforce of a service system. Adapting the staffing levels in such systems is non-trivial due to large variations in workload and the large number of system parameters do not allow for a brute force search. Further, because these parameters change on a weekly basis, the optimization should not take longer than a few hours. Our aim is to find the optimum staffing levels from a discrete high-dimensional parameter set, that minimizes the long run average of the single-stage cost function, while adhering to the constraints relating to queue stability and service-level agreement (SLA) compliance. The single-stage cost function balances the conflicting objectives of utilizing workers better and attaining the target SLAs. We formulate this problem as a constrained parameterized Markov cost process parameterized by the (discrete) staffing levels. We propose novel simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA)-based algorithms for solving the above problem. The algorithms include both first-order as well as second-order methods and incorporate SPSA-based gradient/Hessian estimates for primal descent, while performing dual ascent for the Lagrange multipliers. Both algorithms are online and update the staffing levels in an incremental fashion. Further, they involve a certain generalized smooth projection operator, which is essential to project the continuous-valued worker parameter tuned by our algorithms onto the discrete set. The smoothness is necessary to ensure that the underlying transition dynamics of the constrained Markov cost process is itself smooth (as a function of the continuous-valued parameter): a critical requirement to prove the convergence of both algorithms. We validate our algorithms via performance simulations based on data from five real-life service systems. For the sake of comparison, we also implement a scatter search based algorithm using state-of-the-art optimization tool-kit OptQuest. From the experiments, we observe that both our algorithms converge empirically and consistently outperform OptQuest in most of the settings considered. This finding coupled with the computational advantage of our algorithms make them amenable for adaptive labor staffing in real-life service systems.

A Reliable Residual Based A Posteriori Error Estimator for a Quadratic Finite Element Method for the Elliptic Obstacle Problem

A residual based a posteriori error estimator is derived for a quadratic finite element method (FEM) for the elliptic obstacle problem. The error estimator involves various residuals consisting of the data of the problem, discrete solution and a Lagrange multiplier related to the obstacle constraint. The choice of the discrete Lagrange multiplier yields an error estimator that is comparable with the error estimator in the case of linear FEM. Further, an a priori error estimate is derived to show that the discrete Lagrange multiplier converges at the same rate as that of the discrete solution of the obstacle problem. The numerical experiments of adaptive FEM show optimal order convergence. This demonstrates that the quadratic FEM for obstacle problem exhibits optimal performance.

A hybrid finite element formulation for flexible multibody dynamics

This work deals with the transient analysis of flexible multibody systems within a hybrid finite element framework. Hybrid finite elements are based on a two-field variational formulation in which the displacements and stresses are interpolated separately yielding very good coarse mesh accuracy. Most of the literature on flexible multibody systems uses beam-theory-based formulations. In contrast, the use of hybrid finite elements uses continuum-based elements, thus avoiding the problems associated with rotational degrees of freedom. In particular, any given three-dimensional constitutive relations can be directly used within the framework of this formulation. Since the coarse mesh accuracy as compared to a conventional displacement-based formulation is very high, the scheme is cost effective as well. A general formulation is developed for the constrained motion of a given point on a line manifold, using a total Lagrangian method. The multipoint constraint equations are implemented using Lagrange multipliers. Various kinds of joints such as cylindrical, prismatic, and screw joints are implemented within this general framework. Hinge joints such as spherical, universal, and revolute joints are obtained simply by using shared nodes between the bodies. In addition to joints, the formulation and implementation details for a DC motor actuator and for prescribed relative rotation are also presented. Several example problems illustrate the efficacy of the developed formulation.

超声速气流中含灰气体点源流动特性

采用Lagrange方法，研究了超声速气流中含灰气体点源的流动特性，求得了对称辆附近激波层内的流动参数。计算数值模拟结果揭示了大惯性颗粒在激波层内沿着相互交叉的振荡轨迹运动，颗粒分布形成了高、低密度层交错出现的“多层结构”，而且粒子子在轨迹包络线附近急剧聚集。

Finite Element Analysis of Deformed Legs of Offshore Platform Structures

The element stiffness matrix of the equivalent beam or pipe element of the deformed leg of the platform is derived by the finite element method. The stresses and displacements of some damaged components are calculated, and the numeri-cal solutions agree well with those obtained by the fine mesh finite element method. Finally, as an application of this method, the stresses of some platform structures are calculated and analyzed.

Sapientia, 1947, Vol. II, nº 6 (número completo)

Contenido: Ser o no ser : el dilema de la filosofía y cultura actual / La Dirección – Los primeros principios y el tercer grado de abstracción / Reginaldo Garrigou Lagrange – Existencialismo e historia / Juan R. Sepich – F. H. Jacobi y la filosofía : un ejemplo de filosofía del sentimiento / Raymundo Paniker – Ontología de la existencia / Alberto García Vieyra – Notas y comentarios -- Bibliografía

Sapientia, 1953, Vol. VIII, nº 28 (número completo)

Contenido: Intolerancia de la verdad y tolerancia del amor / La Dirección – Definición de la metafísica : sus dificultades y su posibilidad / Reginaldo Garrigou-Lagrange O. P. – La oposición estética forma-contenido / Manuel B. Trías – Ética de la subjetividad : en torno a la ética de G. Marcel y K. Jarspers /José Ignacio Alcorta -- Notas y comentarios -- Bibliografía

Sapientia, 1955, Vol. X, nº 37 (número completo)

Contenido: Trascendencia social de la verdad / La Dirección – Método, sentido y alcance de la investigación metafísica en Heidegger y Sto. Tomás (II) / Octavio N. Derisi – Las nociones de substancia y de causa según el realismo tradicional / R. Garrigou-Lagrange – El ocaso de la educación nueva / Jorge H. Moreno – Notas y comentarios -- Bibliografía

钝体分离旋涡流动的区域分解、杂交数值模拟——Ⅰ.理论方法及其应用

为克服涡旋法不能精确预计物体附近小尺度流动结构的理论缺陷,减少高Reynolds数流动N-S方程差分解的困难,本文提出一种区域分解、杂交耦合N-S方程有限差分解及涡旋法的新的数值模型和理论方法.将流场分解为内外两区,在靠近物体表面、范围为O(R)的内区进行N-S方程有限差分解,外区作Lagrange-Euler涡旋法解,建立了分区流动的联结、耦合条件,给出了杂交耦合求解的数值计算方法.用本方法作了Re=10~2,10~3的圆柱绕流计算,考察了区域交界面位置变化时解的稳定性.与全场N-S方程解及实验结果的比较表明本文方法能精确预计流动分离及近场流动的详细结构,并可有效地计算流动的总体特性,且比全场N-S方程解显著节省机时和计算量.

非线性弹塑性问题的数学分析和有限元公式

本文将国际上流行的两点张量法及 Lagrange 描写方法统一起来。运用虚功原理及张量变换得到了 Lagrangian 坐标系及 Euler 坐标系中的应力率平衡方程以及与之等价的变分方程;同时推导出塑性大变形三维有限元公式。作为特例又导出二维平面应变及平面应力的有限元公式。

材料在高速变形时的动力松弛性质和一维杆中的塑性波

材料在高速变形时,它的整个变形过程能不能只用一个状态方程来描写是值得讨论的。本文认为,状态方程只在x-t Lagrange平面的部分区域内才反映高速变形过程的力学规律。 本文讨论了函数g(σ,ε)在高速变形时的性质,并建议采用如下的形式:g(σ,ε)=A[1-e~-B(1-ε)(σ-f(ε))]. 本文认为横向惯性的存在是状态方程中应力提高项出现的原因或原因之一. 本文用应变率相关理论解释了等应变区的存在. 在每秒几十米的撞击速度范围内,撞击端面间的摩擦力对塑性波的形成和传播具有不可忽视的影响.但在速度高到100米/秒以上时,这种影响又可能予以忽略. 以上五点看法是给合了铬钢短试件和2S铝杆的高速变形分析得到的.