Rational Approximation Research Articles

Perturbation-based nonperturbative method

This paper presents a nonperturbative method for solving eigenproblems. This method applies to almost all potentials and provides nonperturbative approximations for any energy level. The method converts an eigenproblem into a perturbation problem, obtains perturbation solutions through standard perturbation theory, and then analytically continues the perturbative solution into a nonperturbative solution. Concretely, we follow three main steps: (1) Introduce an auxiliary potential that can be solved exactly and treat the potential to be solved as a perturbation on this auxiliary system. (2) Use perturbation theory to obtain an approximate polynomial of the eigenproblem. (3) Use a rational approximation to analytically continue this approximate polynomial into the nonperturbative region.

Lyapunov stability of suspension bridges in turbulent flow

In the era of sleek, super slender suspension bridges, facing the issue of stability against dynamic wind actions represents an increasingly complex challenge. Despite the significant progress over the last decades, the impact of atmospheric turbulence on bridge stability remains partially not understood, evoking the need for innovative research approaches. This study aims to address a gap in current research by investigating the random flutter stability associated with variations in the angle of attack due to turbulence, which has not formally been addressed yet. The present investigation employs the 2D rational function approximation model to express self-excited forces in a turbulent flow. The application of this type of models to bridge dynamics yields a viscoelastic coupled dynamic system characterized by memory effects and driven by broad-band long-time-scale noise, described here by a linear homogeneous time-variant differential equation, which shows apparent nonlinear features, and which has rarely been matter of research. Utilizing a Monte Carlo methodology, this work innovates in applying the largest Lyapunov exponent (LE) and the moment Lyapunov exponents (MLE) to study bridge random flutter stability. The calculation of LE and MLE under diverse turbulent wind conditions uncovers lower flutter stability than without turbulence effects. In most cases, sample and low-order p-th moment stability thresholds closely align with the bridge dynamic response pattern; therefore, the flutter critical wind speed is unequivocal. However, under certain turbulence scenarios, it is necessary to resort to MLE for a complete description of stability, evoking some additional consideration of which statistical moments should be considered for the engineering assessment of the flutter limit. Finally, this work provides a qualitative insight into the instability mechanisms by approximating the random parametric excitation with a sinusoidal gust and evaluating the time-periodic system stability via Floquet theory.

Transparent boundary condition and its effectively local approximation for the Schrödinger equation on a rectangular computational domain

The transparent boundary condition for the free Schrödinger equation on a rectangular computational domain requires implementation of an operator of the form ∂t−i△Γ where △Γ is the Laplace-Beltrami operator. It is known that this operator is nonlocal in time as well as space which poses a significant challenge in developing an efficient numerical method of solution. The computational complexity of the existing methods scale with the number of time-steps which can be attributed to the nonlocal nature of the boundary operator. In this work, we report an effectively local approximation for the boundary operator such that the resulting complexity remains independent of number of time-steps. At the heart of this algorithm is a Padé approximant based rational approximation of certain fractional operators that handles corners of the domain adequately. For the spatial discretization, we use a Legendre-Galerkin spectral method with a new boundary adapted basis which ensures that the resulting linear system is banded. A compatible boundary-lifting procedure is also presented which accommodates the segments as well as the corners on the boundary. The proposed novel scheme can be implemented within the framework of any one-step time marching schemes. In particular, we demonstrate these ideas for two one-step methods, namely, the backward-differentiation formula of order 1 (BDF1) and the trapezoidal rule (TR). For the sake of comparison, we also present a convolution quadrature based scheme conforming to the one-step methods which is computationally expensive but serves as a golden standard. Finally, several numerical tests are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our novel method as well as to verify the order of convergence empirically.

Rapid computation of the plasma dispersion function: Rational and multi-pole approximation, and improved accuracy

The plasma dispersion function Z(s) is a fundamental complex special integral function widely used in the field of plasma physics. The simplest and most rapid, yet accurate, approach to calculating it is through rational or equivalent multi-pole expansions. In this work, we summarize the numerical coefficients that are practically useful to the community. In addition to the Padé approximation to obtain coefficients, which are accurate for both small and large arguments, we also employ optimization methods to enhance the accuracy of the approximation for the intermediate range. The best coefficients provided here for calculating Z(s) can deliver 12 significant decimal digits. This work serves as a foundational database for the community for further applications.

Study of engineering developing decagonal-like rational approximant structure of Al–Ni–Cu–Fe–Mn–Cr senary system in aluminum alloy through additive manufacturing

Quasi-periodic materials hold unique properties, but mass-producing bulk materials with such structures remains challenging. The rational approximant phase belongs to the Bravais crystal system but exhibits irrational cut features and diffraction symmetries, which are similar to quasicrystals. This study uses additive manufacturing (AM) and prolonged annealing to create an aluminum-based alloy featuring a quasicrystal-like rational approximant phase, Al6(Cu, Ni)1(Cr, Mn, Fe)1, overcoming the production limitations of reproducible quasi-periodic materials. This phase transformation occurs at the Al–Al9FeNi interface, resulting in a monoclinic periodic structure with long-range translational symmetry. The structure comprises sublattices of stars and compressed hexagons, forming tile mode coverings with pseudo-five-fold decagonal shield-like tiles (SLTs) through transition-element atoms. Furthermore, HAADF imaging reveals clear dark monoclinic rhombic patterns with long-range ordered translational symmetry, free from atomic defects. The rational approximant phase has been verified crystallography through X-ray diffraction, confirming its translational symmetry. Additionally, the Al3(Zr, Sc) phase facilitates the phase transformation process through lattice interactions. These findings introduce a novel perspective on the phase transformation in decagonal-like rational approximants and broaden the realm for future engineering applications.

On the Influence of Fractional-Order Resonant Capacitors on Zero-Voltage-Switching Quasi-Resonant Converters

This paper focuses on the influence of the fractional-order (FO) resonant capacitor on the zero-voltage-switching quasi-resonant converter (ZVS QRC). The FO impedance model of the capacitor is introduced to the circuit model of the ZVS QRC; hence, a piecewise smooth FO model is developed for the converter. Numerical solutions of the converter are obtained by using both the fractional Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (F-ABM) method and Oustaloup’s rational approximation method. In addition, the analytical solution of the converter is obtained by the Grünwald–Letnikov (GL) definition, which reveals the influence of the FO resonant capacitor on the zero-crossing point (ZCP) and resonant state of the converter. An experimental platform was built to verify the results of the theoretical analysis and numerical calculation.

Enhancing computation performance of rational approximation for frequency-dependent network equivalents with parallelism and complex vector fitting

This work examines two strategies for enhancing the rational approximation of Frequency-Dependent Network Equivalents (FDNE) using an 8-port FDNE featuring a frequency response marked by numerous peaks and valleys. Firstly, we employ Complex Vector Fitting (CVF), an alternative to the Vector Fitting (VF). CVF eliminates the constraint of complex conjugate pairs and was originally conceived for modeling baseband equivalents through scattering parameters. The implications of CVF for admittance (or impedance) matrix synthesis have not yet been previously reported in specialized literature. To enhance code performance and remove dependence on commercial software such as MATLAB®, VF and CVF were implemented in the C-language, utilizing a low-level linear algebra package and exploiting parallelism. We evaluated performance by varying the model order, number of ports, and frequency samples. The results confirm the feasibility of our approach, prompting a more in-depth exploration of the potential benefits regarding FDNE realization.

Sparsifiable spectral equivalence of DtN mapping and its application to elliptic problems

A sparsifiable spectrally equivalent preconditioner is developed for a special finite element discretization of two-dimensional elliptic problems. We start with a spectrally equivalent preconditioner which is closely related to the discrete Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) mappings in sub-domains. The fullness of discrete DtN mappings renders an essential difficulty for a direct implementation. Based on numerical evidences, we present a particular square root matrix that is spectrally equivalent to the discrete DtN mappings. Unfortunately, this square root matrix is still not sparsifiable. To remedy this problem, we resort to the Chebyshev rational approximation. Incorporated with the fast sine transforms, a sparsifiable and spectrally equivalent preconditioner is finally obtained. Numerical examples are provided to validate efficiency of the proposed preconditioning technique.

A constructive approach for investigating the stability of incommensurate fractional differential systems

This paper is devoted to studying the asymptotic behaviour of solutions to generalized incommensurate fractional systems. To this end, we first consider fractional systems with rational orders and introduce a criterion that is necessary and sufficient to ensure the stability of such systems. Next, from the fractional order pseudospectrum definition proposed by Šanca et al., we formulate the concept of a rational approximation for the fractional spectrum of incommensurate fractional systems with general, not necessarily rational, orders. Our first important new contribution is to show the equivalence between the fractional spectrum of a incommensurate linear system and its rational approximation. With this result in hand, we use ideas developed in our earlier work to demonstrate the stability of an equilibrium point to nonlinear systems in arbitrary finite-dimensional spaces. A second novel aspect of our work is the fact that the approach is constructive. It is effective and widely applicable in studying the asymptotic behaviour of solutions to linear incommensurate fractional differential systems with constant coefficient matrices and linearized stability theory for nonlinear incommensurate fractional differential systems. Finally, we give numerical simulations to illustrate the merit of the proposed theoretical results.

Time domain modeling of lightning transients in grounding systems considering frequency dependence and soil ionization

This paper presents a new model for analyzing transient grounding system behavior during a direct lightning strike. The modeling that we propose allows us to consider a simple grounding conductor buried horizontally or vertically, a grounding grid, wind turbine grounding system and grounding circuits for wind farms while including the aerial parts (towers and blades). This modeling is developed directly in the time domain taking into account the frequency dependence of the impedance and admittance of the wired conductors and of the electrical parameters of the soil (ρ, ε) and also considering the ionization of the soil. This formalism is based on transmission line equations, rational approximation by vector fitting and the Finite Difference Time Domain numerical method. The proposed formalism is verified considering both simulations and experimental results from available published researches. The Ground Potential Rise GPR in the grounding circuits of wind farms are discussed during the first stroke and also during the subsequent stroke whose frequency range generates more propagation of electrical waves along conductors. This formalism makes it possible to contribute to all knowledge/research of grounding systems.

SPICE-Compatible Circuit Models of Multiports Described by Scattering Parameters with Arbitrary Reference Impedances

New SPICE-compatible circuit models of a multiport are presented here that are suitable for the frequency-domain and time-domain analyses of hybrid systems containing linear distributed elements and possibly non-linear lumped elements. Distributed elements models are based on scattering parameters with potentially complex reference impedances, which are not necessarily equal for all ports. Both exact and approximated (lumped) models are proposed. The scattering parameters are directly taken as the model element values in the former case. In the latter case, the model element values are equal to the real and imaginary parts of the poles and residues of the rational approximation. The models comprise a multiport (with an admittance matrix numerically equal to the modeled scattering matrix or approximating it) equipped with a pair of coupled impedances at each port. A few examples validate the proposed approach and prove its efficiency in terms of matrix size and analysis time compared to some selected commercial counterparts.

An Exact Solution to the Inverse Problem of Steady Free-Surface Flow over Topography

A simple exact solution is presented to the inverse problem in steady, two-dimensional idealised flow over topography that seeks the bottom profile given knowledge of the free-surface data. Attention is focused on the case when a uniform stream flows over a localised obstacle, although the solution is not restricted to this case. The inverse problem is formulated as a Stieltjes integral equation which is solved exactly using a Fourier transform. The solution requires the analytic continuation of two real functions representing the surface speed and the angle between the surface velocity vector and the horizontal. Some example surface profiles and their corresponding bottom topographies are discussed. Although the solution requires the prescription of the surface as a function of the velocity potential, it is shown to closely resemble the corresponding profile in physical space, even for quite large surface displacements, while significant discrepancy occurs at the bottom. Inference of the bottom profile from discrete surface data is accomplished by way of polynomial interpolation and rational approximation in the complex plane for the sample case of a hydraulic fall.

Rational Approximations for the Oscillatory Two-Parameter Mittag–Leffler Function

The two-parameter Mittag–Leffler function Eα,β is of fundamental importance in fractional calculus, and it appears frequently in the solutions of fractional differential and integral equations. However, the expense of calculating this function often prompts efforts to devise accurate approximations that are more cost-effective. When α>1, the monotonicity property is largely lost, resulting in the emergence of roots and oscillations. As a result, current rational approximants constructed mainly for α∈(0,1) often fail to capture this oscillatory behavior. In this paper, we develop computationally efficient rational approximants for Eα,β(−t), t≥0, with α∈(1,2). This process involves decomposing the Mittag–Leffler function with real roots into a weighted root-free Mittag–Leffler function and a polynomial. This provides approximants valid over extended intervals. These approximants are then extended to the matrix Mittag–Leffler function, and different implementation strategies are discussed, including using partial fraction decomposition. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed approximants.

Partition Entropy as a Measure of Regularity of Music Scales

The entropy of the partition generated by an n-tone music scale is proposed to quantify its regularity. The normalized entropy relative to a regular partition and its complementary, here referred to as the bias, allow us to analyze various conditions of similarity between an arbitrary scale and a regular scale. Interesting particular cases are scales with limited bias because their tones are distributed along specific interval fractions of a regular partition. The most typical case in music concerns partitions associated with well-formed scales generated by a single tone h. These scales are maximal even sets that combine two elementary intervals. Then, the normalized entropy depends on each number of intervals as well as their relative size. When well-formed scales are refined, several nested families stand out with increasing regularity. It is proven that a scale of minimal bias, i.e., with less bias than those with fewer tones, is always a best rational approximation of log2h.

An Improved Rational Approximation of Bark Scale Using Low Complexity and Low Delay Filter Banks

An Improved Rational Approximation of Bark Scale Using Low Complexity and Low Delay Filter Banks

A New Closed-Form Formula of the Gauss Hypergeometric Function at Specific Arguments

In this paper, the authors briefly review some closed-form formulas of the Gauss hypergeometric function at specific arguments, alternatively prove four of these formulas, newly extend a closed-form formula of the Gauss hypergeometric function at some specific arguments, successfully apply a special case of the newly extended closed-form formula to derive an alternative form for the Maclaurin power series expansion of the Wilf function, and discover two novel increasing rational approximations to a quarter of the circular constant.

Enhancing rational approximation of wideband resonant MIMO systems with frequency-domain data

Vector Fitting (VF) is a successful methodology for both time and frequency domain estimation of dynamic systems. These algorithms have gained popularity as a system identification tool due to their ability to provide a practical procedure for accurately approximating the measured frequency response behavior of complex and highly resonant dynamic systems using rational models. Instrumental Variable (IV) techniques can also be added to the VF algorithm to enhance the optimality of the solutions in the presence of measurement noise. In this context, this paper presents a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) generalization of instrumental variable (IV-)VF. The proposed algorithm can be applied to accurately estimating models formed by either continuous- or discrete-time rational basis functions (RBFs). We show that such a generalization preserves the main implementation features observed in Standard VF, but with improved optimality property for its solutions. Additionally, in order to alleviate convergence problems that may arise from the fixed high-frequency normalization, we also present in this paper how to incorporate in the proposed IV-VF method the relaxed formulation found in standard VF for both the continuous and discrete-time cases. The resulting MIMO IV-VF algorithm can be easily understood by VF users, and its applicability is discussed by using an estimation case study with two power system pieces of equipment (an 88 kV Transformer and a 550 kV Instrument Transformer) for which actual frequency domain measurements were collected in the field. It is shown that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the modeling accuracy when compared to standard VF algorithms.

Use of rational approximations for phonon density of states in evaluation of neutron thermal scattering law

We propose and explore a new analytical formulation for evaluation of Thermal Scattering Law (TSL) using continuous phonon spectra for neutron inelastic scattering. It involves approximating Phonon Density of States (PDOS) in terms of rational approximations in energy transfer. Debye Waller coefficient calculated with these forms are in reasonable agreement with LEAPR calculated values. TSL can be expanded as a power series, each term of which can be integrated analytically. The method leads to TSL being a series of exponential cosine integrals which again have closed rational forms in energy transfer. Their shapes are analogous to asymmetric resonance line shapes and show maxima for certain values of energy transfer which could correspond to phonon emission or absorption. The series is shown to be convergent and easy to compute as it does not involve any numerical integration. The approach is applied to Beryllium metal and Graphite which have vastly different PDOS shapes, and is shown to be capable of giving most of the trends shown by TSL and cross section results from NJOY nuclear code processing system, even with smaller number of power series terms. Since TSL can be calculated for both negative and positive energy transfer with equal ease, one can easily check for the validity of the approximation obeying Principle of Detailed Balance (PDB). The results overall have shown promise of our formulation in making a case for rapid calculations of TSL and also for using the rational forms in energy transfer for analysis of experimental/calculated PDOS data.

Probabilistic approach of solving burnup problems

This paper presents a new approach to solve nuclear burnup problems using a probabilistic method. Unlike the traditional methods that rely on complex matrix exponential calculations, the proposed method tracks the transformation of nuclei over a period of time, enabling the estimation of nuclide concentrations. The method is implemented in a C++ program CNUCTRAN and verified against the Chebyshev Rational Approximation Method (CRAM). Three sample calculations are presented, showing a detailed comparison of results obtained using CNUCTRAN and CRAM48. The relative error analysis emphasizes the accuracy of the probabilistic method, with the most significant error observed below 0.001%. The computational efficiency is discussed in terms of CPU time, indicating that CNUCTRAN requires more CPU time than CRAM but with improved accuracy as the time step decreases. The numerical results for various burnup problems demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the probabilistic method, making it a promising alternative for simulating realistic nuclear transmutations.

A Geometric Approach to Polynomial and Rational Approximation

Abstract We strengthen the classical approximation theorems of Weierstrass, Runge, and Mergelyan by showing the polynomial and rational approximants can be taken to have a simple geometric structure. In particular, when approximating a function $f$ on a compact set $K$, the critical points of our approximants may be taken to lie in any given domain containing $K$, and all the critical values in any given neighborhood of the polynomially convex hull of $f(K)$.