Numerical Continuation Scheme Research Articles

Numerical bifurcation and stability for the capillary–gravity Whitham equation

We adopt a robust numerical continuation scheme to examine the global bifurcation of periodic travelling waves of the capillary–gravity Whitham equation, which combines the dispersion in the linear theory of capillary–gravity waves and a shallow water nonlinearity. We employ a highly accurate numerical method for space discretization and time stepping, to address orbital stability and instability for a rich variety of the solutions. Our findings can help classify capillary–gravity waves and understand their long-term dynamics.

Choreographies in the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations

We study periodic solutions of the discrete nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation (DNLSE) that bifurcate from a symmetric polygonal relative equilibrium containing $n$ sites. With specialized numerical continuation techniques and a varying physically relevant parameter we can locate interesting orbits, including infinitely many choreographies. Many of the orbits that correspond to choreographies are stable, as indicated by Floquet multipliers that are extracted as part of the numerical continuation scheme, and as verified \textit{a posteriori} by simple numerical integration. We discuss the physical relevance and the implications of our results.

On multiple steady states for natural convection (low Prandtl number fluid) within porous square enclosures: Effect of nonuniformity of wall temperatures

A Brinkman extended Darcy model has been used to study the effect of spatial nonuniformity of wall temperatures on the multiplicity of steady convective flows within a square porous enclosure saturated with low Prandtl fluid (Pr=0.026). The convection is assumed to be driven by the hotter bottom wall in conjunction with colder side walls, where bottom-side wall junctions maintain continuity of temperature to represent a more realistic situation. This configuration enforces nonuniformity on either bottom wall or side walls or both bottom and side wall temperatures. The degree of nonuniformity of wall temperatures are varied parametrically in terms of thermal aspect ratio (Θ) to simulate various possible scenarios of nonuniform bottom/side wall temperatures and steady solution branches are traced in the parameter space of Θ to investigate the variation of multiplicity of the flows. A perturbation technique has been used to initiate the steady solution branches, which are then traced by numerical continuation scheme. A penalty finite element approximation in conjunction with Newton–Raphson method and parameter continuation scheme has been used to construct the bifurcation diagrams of various steady branches. This work reveals three steady symmetric branches and four steady asymmetric branches with exhibition of symmetry breaking bifurcation. This work also shows that the nonuniformity of wall temperatures play a crucial role for the existence of multiple solutions as well as the multiplicity of convective flows.

Linear Modal Analysis of L-shaped Beam Structures – Parametric Studies

Linear modal analysis of L-shaped beam structures indicates that there are two independent motions, these are in-plane bending and out of plane motions including bending and torsion. Natural frequencies of the structure can be determined by finding the roots of two transcendental equations which correspond to in-plane and out-of-plane motions. Due to the complexity of the equations of motion the natural frequencies cannot be determined explicitly. In this article we nondimensionalise the equations of motion in the space and time domains, and then we solve the transcendental equations for selected values of the L-shaped beam parameters in order to determine their natural frequencies. We use a numerical continuation scheme to perform the parametric solutions of the considered transcendental equations. Using plots of the solutions we can determine the natural frequencies for a specific L-shape beam configuration.

Tensile behaviors of pre-twisted composite strands

In this paper, we address the tensile behaviors of pre-twisted composite strands, which consists of a pre-twisted single core filament surrounded by n-helical side filaments. Based on the extensible rod with zero bending and small twisting moduli for the core filament and inextensible rod for the side filaments, we develop the analytical method of the tensile behaviors of pre-twisted composite strands. Using a numerical continuation scheme, we elucidate the effects of microscopic factors such as initial helical angle, pre-twist of core filament, ratio of elastic modulus of core to that of side filament, and the number of the side filaments on the macroscopic tensile behavior of the strand as a whole structure. As a result, we show that the behavior is not trivial, even though the filament is a linear elastic due to the interplay of both geometrical constraint and finite deformation of the strand.

Shape and stability of axisymmetric levitated viscous drops

We consider levitation of an axisymmetric drop of molten glass above a spherical porous mould through which air is injected at a constant velocity. Owing to the viscosity contrast, the float height for a given shape is established on a much shorter time scale than the subsequent deformation of the drop under gravity, surface tension and the underlying lubrication pressure. Equilibrium shapes, in which an internal hydrostatic pressure is coupled to the external lubrication pressure through the total curvature and the Young–Laplace equation, are determined using a numerical continuation scheme. The set of solution branches is surprisingly complicated and shows a rich bifurcation structure in the parameter space (Bo=ρgV2/3/γ, Ca=μav/γ), where Bo is bond number and Ca is capillary number, ρ and V are the drop density and volume, γ the surface tension, μa the air viscosity and v the injection velocity. The linear stability of equilibria is determined using a boundary-integral representation for drop deformation that factors out the rapid vertical adjustment of the float height. The results give good agreement with time-dependent simulations. For sufficiently large Ca there are intervals of Bo for which there are no stable solutions and, as Ca increases, these intervals grow and merge. The region of stability decreases as the mould radius aM increases with an approximate scaling Ca~aM−5, which imposes practical limitations on the use of this geometry for the manufacture of lenses.

Design space optimization using a numerical design continuation method

AbstractA generalized optimization problem in which design space is also a design to be found is defined and a numerical implementation method is proposed. In conventional optimization, only a portion of structural parameters is designated as design variables while the remaining set of other parameters related to the design space are often taken for granted. A design space is specified by the number of design variables, and the layout or configuration. To solve this type of design space problems, a simple initial design space is selected and gradually improved while the usual design variables are being optimized. To make the design space evolve into a better one, one may increase the number of design variables, but, in this transition, there are discontinuities in the objective and constraint functions. Accordingly, the sensitivity analysis methods based on continuity will not apply to this discontinuous stage. To overcome the difficulties, a numerical continuation scheme is proposed based on a new concept of a pivot phase design space. Two new categories of structural optimization problems are formulated and concrete examples shown. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using homotopy to invert geophysical data

Homotopy is a powerful tool for solving nonlinear equations. It is used here to solve small‐dimensional geophysical inverse problems by locating the solutions of the governing normal equations. An Euler‐Newton numerical continuation scheme is used to map trajectories in model space that start from a prescribed solution to a trivial set of equations and terminate at a solution to the inverse problem. The trajectories often map out a continuum of equivalent solutions that are caused by model equivalences or overparameterization. This allows exploration of the solution space topology. The homotopy method, in this application, is relatively insensitive to the choice of starting model. Several examples based on synthetic controlled‐source electromagnetic (CSEM) responses are shown to illustrate the method. An inversion of actual CSEM data from the Canadian Shield is also provided.

Coiling of flexible ropes

A thin flexible inextensible rope fed continuously from a fixed height and falling on a horizontal plane usually forms a circular coil. This phenomenon is analysed as a geometrically nonlinear free-boundary problem for a linearly elastic rope. The stiffness and velocity of the rope, the height from which it is fed and gravity are taken into account. The problem is solved by using a numerical continuation scheme. The coil radius is determined as a function of the various parameters. Tables and graphs of the results are presented.