Range of validity of weakly non-linear theory in Rayleigh-Bénard convection

In this paper we examine the equilibrium states of periodic finite amplitude flow in a horizontal channel with differential heating between the two rigid boundaries. The solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained by means of a perturbation method for evaluating the Landau coefficients and through a Newton-Raphson iterative method that results from the Fourier expansion of the solutions that bifurcate above the linear stability threshold of infini- tesimal disturbances. The results obtained from these two different methods of evaluating the convective flow are compared in the neighbourhood of the critical Rayleigh number. We find that for small Prandtl numbers the discrepancy of the two methods is noticeable.

Exploratory data analysis with non-linear and missing data in geochemistry

Exploratory analysis of data seeks to find common patterns to gain insights into the structure and distribution of the data. In geochemistry it is a valuable means to gain insights into the complicated processes making up a petroleum system. Typically linear visualisation methods like principal components analysis, linked plots, or brushing are used. These methods can not directly be employed when dealing with missing data and they struggle to capture global non-linear structures in the data, however they can do so locally. This thesis discusses a complementary approach based on a non-linear probabilistic model. The generative topographic mapping (GTM) enables the visualisation of the effects of very many variables on a single plot, which is able to incorporate more structure than a two dimensional principal components plot. The model can deal with uncertainty, missing data and allows for the exploration of the non-linear structure in the data. In this thesis a novel approach to initialise the GTM with arbitrary projections is developed. This makes it possible to combine GTM with algorithms like Isomap and fit complex non-linear structure like the Swiss-roll. Another novel extension is the incorporation of prior knowledge about the structure of the covariance matrix. This extension greatly enhances the modelling capabilities of the algorithm resulting in better fit to the data and better imputation capabilities for missing data. Additionally an extensive benchmark study of the missing data imputation capabilities of GTM is performed. Further a novel approach, based on missing data, will be introduced to benchmark the fit of probabilistic visualisation algorithms on unlabelled data. Finally the work is complemented by evaluating the algorithms on real-life datasets from geochemical projects.

Addressing missing data in geochemistry: a non-linear approach

Exploratory analysis of petroleum geochemical data seeks to find common patterns to help distinguish between different source rocks, oils and gases, and to explain their source, maturity and any intra-reservoir alteration. However, at the outset, one is typically faced with (a) a large matrix of samples, each with a range of molecular and isotopic properties, (b) a spatially and temporally unrepresentative sampling pattern, (c) noisy data and (d) often, a large number of missing values. This inhibits analysis using conventional statistical methods. Typically, visualisation methods like principal components analysis are used, but these methods are not easily able to deal with missing data nor can they capture non-linear structure in the data. One approach to discovering complex, non-linear structure in the data is through the use of linked plots, or brushing, while ignoring the missing data. In this paper we introduce a complementary approach based on a non-linear probabilistic model. Generative topographic mapping enables the visualisation of the effects of very many variables on a single plot, while also dealing with missing data. We show how using generative topographic mapping also provides an optimal method with which to replace missing values in two geochemical datasets, particularly where a large proportion of the data is missing.

Approaching the non-linear Shannon limit

We review the recent progress of information theory in optical communications, and describe the current experimental results and associated advances in various individual technologies which increase the information capacity. We confirm the widely held belief that the reported capacities are approaching the fundamental limits imposed by signal-to-noise ratio and the distributed non-linearity of conventional optical fibres, resulting in the reduction in the growth rate of communication capacity. We also discuss the techniques which are promising to increase and/or approach the information capacity limit.

Experimental measurement of switched reluctance motor non-linear characteristics

For a Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM), the flux linkage characteristic is the most basic magnetic characteristic, and many other quantities, including the incremental inductance, back emf, and electromagnetic torque can be determined indirectly from it. In this paper, two methods of measuring the flux linkage profile of an SRM from the phase winding voltage and current measurements, with and without rotor locking devices, are presented. Torque, incremental inductance and back emf characteristics of the SRM are then obtained from the flux linkage measurements. The torque of the SRM is also measured directly as a comparison, and the closeness of the calculated and directly measured torque curves suggests the validity of the method to obtain the SRM torque, incremental inductance and back emf profiles from the flux linkage measurements. © 2013 IEEE.

Study of synchronisation in chains of coupled non-linear oscillators and resonators

DUE TO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION AT ASTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

Some aspects of the solution of non-linear differential equations

DUE TO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION AT ASTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

A comparisation of methods for the optimisation of a non-linear function subject to non-linear constraints

DUE TO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION AT ASTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

A non-linear encoder using a binary counterfor pulse-code modulation

DUE TO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION AT ASTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

Challenges of developing non-linear devices to achieve the linear Shannon limit

To achieve the Shannon Capacity Limit, we need to develop practical, effective and deployable non-linear devices to invert the non-linear effects of the transmission line. In this work, we will summarise the progress we are making to realise these, specifically looking at optical phase conjugation and phase regenerators as methods to improve non-linear tolerances. © 2014 IEEE.

High spectral efficiency transmission emulation for non-linear transmission performance estimation for high order modulation formats

We demonstrate a simple method to experimentally evaluate nonlinear transmission performance of high order modulation formats using a low number of channels and channel-like ASE. We verify it's behaviour is consistent with the AWGN model of transmission.

Travelling-wave model of semiconductor optical amplifier based non-linear loop mirror

A travelling-wave model of a semiconductor optical amplifier based non-linear loop mirror is developed to investigate the importance of travelling-wave effects and gain/phase dynamics in predicting device behaviour. A constant effective carrier recovery lifetime approximation is found to be reasonably accurate (±10%) within a wide range of control pulse energies. Based on this approximation, a heuristic model is developed for maximum computational efficiency. The models are applied to a particular configuration involving feedback.