Bouncing universe models in an extended gravity theory

Some bouncing models are investigated in the framework of an extended theory of gravity. The extended gravity model is a simple extension of the General Relativity where an additional matter geometry coupling is introduced to account for the late time cosmic speed up phenomena. The dynamics of the models are discussed in the background of a flat FRW universe. Some viable models are reconstructed for specifically assumed bouncing scale factors. The behavior of the models are found to be decided mostly by the parameters of the respective models. The extended gravity based minimal matter-geometry coupling parameter has a role to remove the omega singularity occurring at the bouncing epoch. It is noted that the constructed models violate the energy conditions, however, in some cases this violation leads to the evolution of the models in phantom phase. The stability of the models are analyzed under linear homogeneous perturbations and it is found that, near the bounce, the models show instability but the perturbations decay out smoothly to provide stable models at late times.     

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation of wave energy converters based on dielectric elastomer generators

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are soft electrostatic generators based on low-cost electroactive polymer materials. These devices have attracted the attention of the marine energy community as a promising solution to implement economically viable wave energy converters (WECs). This paper introduces a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation framework for a class of WECs that combines the concept of the oscillating water columns (OWCs) with the DEGs. The proposed HIL system replicates in a laboratory environment the realistic operating conditions of an OWC/DEG plant, while drastically reducing the experimental burden compared to wave tank or sea tests. The HIL simulator is driven by a closed-loop real-time hydrodynamic model that is based on a novel coupling criterion which allows rendering a realistic dynamic response for a diversity of scenarios, including large scale DEG plants, whose dimensions and topologies are largely different from those available in the HIL setup. A case study is also introduced, which simulates the application of DEGs on an OWC plant installed in a mild real sea laboratory test-site. Comparisons with available real sea-test data demonstrated the ability of the HIL setup to effectively replicate a realistic operating scenario. The insights gathered on the promising performance of the analysed OWC/DEG systems pave the way to pursue further sea trials in the future.

     

Dedication

Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications -     

Isolated resonances and nonlinear damping

We analyze isolated resonance curves (IRCs) in single-degree-of-freedom systems possessing nonlinear damping. Through the combination of singularity theory and the averaging method, the onset and merging of IRCs, which coincide to isola and simple bifurcation singularities, respectively, can be analytically predicted. Numerical simulations confirm the accuracy of the analytical developments. Another important finding of this paper is that we unveil a geometrical connection between the topology of the damping force and IRCs. Specifically, we demonstrate that extremas and zeros of the damping force correspond to the appearance and merging of IRCs. Considering a damping force possessing several minima and maxima confirms the general validity of the analytical result. It also evidences a very complex scenario for which different IRCs are created, co-exist and then merge together to form a super IRC which eventually merges with the main resonance peak.     

Full-Field Deformation Measurements in Liquid-like-Solid Granular Microgel Using Digital Image Correlation

This paper presents the experimental characterization of the in-plane deformation field at any depth within a granular support medium (GSM) called Carbomer 940 using digital image correlation (DIC) and particle image velocimetry (PIV). A method was developed to produce a 2D plane of randomly shaped speckles within the GSM for DIC. Four different needle diameters and four different speeds were used as test specimens representative of those utilized for 3D printing of soft matter in the GSM. The results can be used to determine dimensional tolerances and assessing interactions between multiple injection needles and acceptable spacing. The displacements in the direction of needle motion (u) and transverse (v) were obtained. Subsequently, the magnitudes were determined as a function of distance from the needle path and time history. Results show that near the needle there is a region of yielded/fluidized material and away from the needle path the material acts like a viscoelastic solid. Permanent deformation decreases with increased distance from the path and recovery is enhanced by reversing back through the path.     

Transient dynamic analysis of cracked structures with multiple contact pairs using generalized HSNC

Nonlinear Dynamics - The development of efficient computational methods for cracked structures is critical in the fields of civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering since the influence of...     

An adaptive multilevel wavelet framework for scale‐selective WENO reconstruction schemes

We put forth a dynamic computing framework for scale‐selective adaptation of weighted essential nonoscillatory (WENO) schemes for the simulation of hyperbolic conservation laws exhibiting strong discontinuities. A multilevel wavelet‐based multiresolution procedure, embedded in a conservative finite volume formulation, is used for a twofold purpose. (i) a dynamic grid adaptation of the solution field for redistributing grid points optimally (in some sense) according to the underlying flow structures, and (ii) a dynamic minimization of the in built artificial dissipation of WENO schemes. Taking advantage of the structure detection properties of this multiresolution algorithm, the nonlinear weights of the conventional WENO implementation are selectively modified to ensure lower dissipation in smoother areas. This modification is implemented through a linear transition from the fifth‐order upwind stencil at the coarsest regions of the adaptive grid to a fully nonlinear fifth‐order WENO scheme at areas of high irregularity. Therefore, our computing algorithm consists of a dynamic grid adaptation strategy, a scale‐selective state reconstruction, a conservative flux calculation, and a total variation diminishing Runge‐Kutta scheme for time advancement. Results are presented for canonical examples drawn from the inviscid Burgers, shallow water, Euler, and magnetohydrodynamic equations. Our findings represent a novel direction for providing a scale‐selective dissipation process without a compromise on shock capturing behavior for conservation laws, which would be a strong contender for dynamic implicit large eddy simulation approaches.     

Continuous sliding mode controllers for multi-input multi-output systems

Nonlinear Dynamics - This paper develops new continuous sliding mode controllers for multi-input multi-output mechanical systems in the presence of unknown, but bounded uncertainties in the given...