Studies on structural safety in stochastically excited Duffing oscillator with double potential wells

The effects of the Gaussian white noise excitation on structural safety due to erosion of safe basin in Duffing oscillator with double potential wells are studied in the present paper. By employing the well-developed stochastic Melnikov condition and Monte–Carlo method, various eroded basins are simulated in deterministic and stochastic cases of the system, and the ratio of safe initial points (RSIP) is presented in some given limited domain defined by the system’s Hamiltonian for various parameters or first-passage times. It is shown that structural safety control becomes more difficult when the noise excitation is imposed on the system, and the fractal basin boundary may also appear when the system is excited by Gaussian white noise only. From the RSIP results in given limited domain, sudden discontinuous descents in RSIP curves may occur when the system is excited by harmonic or stochastic forces, which are different from the customary continuous ones in view of the first-passage problems. In addition, it is interesting to find that RSIP values can even increase with increasing driving amplitude of the external harmonic excitation when the Gaussian white noise is also present in the system. The project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10302025 and 10672140). The English text was polished by Yunming Chen.     

Direct simulation of isolated elliptic vortices and of their radiated noise

The aerodynamic evolution and the acoustic radiation of elliptic vortices with various aspect ratios and moderate Mach numbers are investigated by solving numerically the full compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Three behaviours are observed according to the aspect ratio σ = a/b where a and b are the major and minor semi-axes of the vortices. At the small aspect ratio σ = 1.2, the vortex rotates at a constant angular velocity and radiates like a rotating quadrupole. At the moderate aspect ratio σ = 5, the vortex is initially unstable. However the growth of instability waves is inhibited by the return to axisymmetry which decreases its aspect ratio. The noise level becomes lower with time and the radiation frequency increases. For vortices with larger aspect ratios σ ≥ 6, the return to axisymmetry does not occur quickly enough to stop the growth of instabilities, which splits the vortices. Various mergers are then found to occur. For instance in the case σ = 6, several successive switches between an elliptic state and a configuration of two co-rotating vortices are observed. The present results show that the initial value of the aspect ratio yields the relative weight between the return to axisymmetry which stabilizes the vortex and the growth of instabilities which tends to split it. Moreover the noise generated by the vortices is also calculated using the analytical solution derived by Howe (J. Fluid Mech. 71:625–673, 1975) and is compared with the reference solution provided by the direct computation. This solution is found to be valid for σ = 1.2. An extended solution is proposed for higher aspect ratios. Finally, the pressure field appears weakly affected by the switches between the two unstable configurations in the case σ = 6, which underlines the difficulty to detect the split or the merger of vortices from the radiated pressure. This study also shows that elliptic vortices can be used as a basic configuration of aerodynamic noise generation.      

Rheology of lyotropic and thermotropic lamellar phases

We investigate the steady-state rheological behaviour of the lamellar phase of a lyotropic system (CpCl, hexanol, brine) and of a thermotropic system (8CB). Power laws characterize the behaviour of the imposed stress as a function of the measured shear rate and similarities are observed for both systems; the same regime γ˙∼σ ^m with m≈1.7 is obtained at low shear stresses corresponding to a texture of oily streaks oriented in the direction of the flow, as shown by microscopic observations. The “onion state” only exists in the case of dilute samples of the lyotropic lamellar phase; the stress then varies as γ˙∼σ ^m with m≈4.8, as already observed by other groups with different systems. Rheological measurements at different temperatures allow determination of different activation energies relating to the still badly understood processes involved in the different rheological regimes. We propose a model which reproduces the experimental power laws and which is based on an analogy with the theory of high-temperature creep in metals and alloys. Received: 19 October 1999/Accepted: 1 November 1999     

Fatigue gage utilizing slip-initiation phenomenon in electroplated copper foil

Fundamental experiments are carried out to examine the parameter that dominates the slip-band initiation in electroplated copper foil under the condition where the mean stress as well as the stress amplitude varies. In the case of constant-amplitude stressing, the relation between the critical stress for the slip-band initiation σ _p and the number of cyclesN is well represented by σ _p ^α N=C. In other words, the slip bands appear when the total hysteresis energy applied to the copper foil attains a critical value. In the case of variable stresses, the range-pair mainly dominates the occurrence of the slip bands, and Miner's linear cumulative damage rule holds for the accumulation of the fatigue damage for the slip-band initiation. Accordingly, the parameter (Σσ _i ^α n _i/Σn _i)^1/α is equivalent to the critical stress σ _p under constant amplitude stressing, where σ _i andn _i are the stress amplitude and the number of cycles counted by the range-pair method, respectively, and α is the exponent of the σ _p -N relation. Based on these results, the applicability of the copper foil to the fatigue gage that accumulates and indicates a load experience is discussed.     

Long-term strength of metals in complex stress state (a survey)

An analytic survey of experimental data and theoretical approaches characterizing the long-term strength of metals in complex stress state is given. In Sections 2 and 3, the results of plane stress tests (with opposite and equal signs of the nonzero principal stresses, respectively) are analyzed. In Section 4, the results of inhomogeneous stress tests (thick-walled tubes under the action of internal pressures and tensile forces) are considered. All known experimental data (35 test series) are analyzed by a criterion approach. An equivalent stress σ _e is introduced as a characteristic of the stress state. Attention is mainly paid to the dependence of σ _e on the principal stresses. Statistical methods are used to obtain an expression for σ _e, which can be used to study various types of the complex stress state. It is shown that for the long-term strength criterion one can use the power or power-fractional dependence of the time to rupture on the equivalent stress. The methods proposed to describe the test results give a good correspondence between the experimental and theoretical values of the time to rupture. In Section 5, the possibilities of complicating the expressions for σ _e by using additional material constants are considered.     

Euler–Poisson Systems as Action-Minimizing Paths in the Wasserstein Space

This paper uses a variational approach to establish existence of solutions (σ _t , v _t ) for the 1-d Euler–Poisson system by minimizing an action. We assume that the initial and terminal points σ ₀, σ _T are prescribed in , the set of Borel probability measures on the real line, of finite second-order moments. We show existence of a unique minimizer of the action when the time interval [0,T] satisfies T < π. These solutions conserve the Hamiltonian and they yield a path t → σ _t in . When σ _t  = δ _y(t) is a Dirac mass, the Euler–Poisson system reduces to . The kinetic version of the Euler–Poisson, that is the Vlasov–Poisson system was studied in Ambrosio and Gangbo (Comm Pure Appl Math, to appear) as a Hamiltonian system. WG gratefully acknowledges the support provided by NSF grants DMS-02-00267, DMS-03-54729 and DMS-06-00791. TN gratefully acknowledges the postdoctoral support provided by NSF grants DMS-03- 54729 and the School of Mathematics. AT gratefully acknowledges the support provided by the School of Mathematics.     

Hybrid stress analysis by digitized photoelastic data and numerical methods

A method is presented that determines photoelastic isochromatic values at the nodal points of a grid mesh which in turn is generated by a computer program that accepts digitized input. Values of σ₁ - σ₂ are computed from the digitized fringe orders. The Laplace equation is solved to separate the principal stresses at each nodal point. The method is extended to digitize isoclinics. Subsequently, σ _x - σ _y and τ _xy are calculated to be used as starting values for the solution of the pertaining partial differential equations to enhance convergence. For further accelerating the rate of convergence, superfluous boundary conditions are added from the digitized data; significant improvement is demonstrated. Estimated values of σ _x - σ _y from the digitized data are further used in conjunction with the solution of the Laplace equation to determine the state of stress without solving the boundary value problems. Paper was presented at the 1988 SEM Spring Conference on Experimental Mechanics held in Portland, OR on June 5–10.     

Global transient dynamics of nonlinear parametrically excited systems

In this paper we examine the response of a typical nonlinear system that is subjected to parametric excitation. Particular attention is paid to how basins of attraction evolve such that the global transient stability of the system may be assessed. We show that at a forcing level that is considerably smaller than that at which the steady-state attractor loses its stability, there may exist a rapid erosion and stratification of the basin, signifying a global loss of engineering integrity of the system.We also show, for a system near its equilibrium state, that the boundaries in parameter space can become fractal. The significance of such an analysis is not only that it corresponds to a failure locus for a system subjected to a sudden pulse of excitation, but since the phase-space basin is often eroded throughout its central region, the determination of basin boundaries in control space can often reflect the characteristics of the phase-space basin structure, and hence on the macroscopic level they provide information regarding the global transient stability of the system.     

Bifurcation From Stability to Instability for a Free Boundary Problem Arising in a Tumor Model

We consider a time-dependent free boundary problem with radially symmetric initial data: σ_t − Δσ + σ = 0 if and σ(r,0)=σ₀(r) in {r < R(0)} where R(0) is given. This is a model for tumor growth, with nutrient concentration (or tumor cells density) σ(r,t) and proliferation rate then there exists a unique stationary solution (σ_S(r), R_S), where R_S depends only on the number . We prove that there exists a number μ_*, such that if μ < μ_* . . . then the stationary solution is stable with respect to non-radially symmetric perturbations, whereas if μ > μ_* then the stationary solution is unstable.     

Static Solutions of the Vlasov-Einstein System

Static solutions of the SO(3)-symmetric Vlasov-Einstein system are studied via a variational approach. For the constitutive relation of the Emden-Fowler type φ(E,F)≡E ^{σ+ 1} F ^k we prove the existence of such solutions of sufficiently small mass-energy, provided 0<σ < k+3/2. These solutions are local minimizers of the energy-Casimir functional, subjected to a variational barrier. Accepted July 16, 2000?Published online January 22, 2001     

Noise-Induced Chaos in Duffing Oscillator with Double Wells

Stochastic Melnikov method is employed to predict noise-induced chaotic response in the Duffing oscillator with double wells. The safe basin is simulated to show the noise-induced fractal boundary. Three cases are considered: harmonic excitation, both harmonic and Gaussian white noise excitations, and Gaussian white noise excitation. The leading Lyapunov exponent estimated by Rosenstein's algorithm is shown to quantify the chaotic nature of the sample time series of the system. The results show that the boundary of the safe basin can be fractal even if the system is excited only by external Gaussian white noise.     

The Remarkable Nature of Radially Symmetric Deformation of Spherically Uniform Linear Anisotropic Elastic Solids

Antman and Negron-Marrero [1] have shown the remarkable nature of a sphere of nonlinear elastic material subjected to a uniform pressure at the surface of the sphere. When the applied pressure exceeds a critical value the stress at the center r=0 of the sphere is infinite. Instead of nonlinear elastic material, we consider in this paper a spherically uniform linear anisotropic elastic material. It means that the stress-strain law referred to a spherical coordinate system is the same for any material point. We show that the same remarkable nature appears here. What distinguishes the present case from that considered in [1] is that the existence of the infinite stress at r=0 is independent of the magnitude of the applied traction σ0 at the surface of the sphere. It depends only on one nondimensional material parameter κ. For a certain range of κ a cavitation (if σ0>0) or a blackhole (if σ0<0) occurs at the center of the sphere. What is more remarkable is that, even though the deformation is radially symmetric, the material at any point need not be transversely isotropic with the radial direction being the axis of symmetry as assumed in [1]. We show that the material can be triclinic, i.e., it need not possess a plane of material symmetry. Triclinic materials that have as few as two independent elastic constants are presented. Also presented are conditions for the materials that are capable of a radially symmetric deformation to possess one or more symmetry planes. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Finite-Amplitude Equilibrium Solutions for Plane Poiseuille–Couette Flow

Two-dimensional nonlinear equilibrium solutions for the plane Poiseuille–Couette flow are computed by directly solving the full Navier–Stokes equations as a nonlinear eigenvalue problem. The equations are solved using the two-point fourth-order compact scheme and the Newton–Raphson iteration technique. The linear eigenvalue computations show that the combined Poiseuille–Couette flow is stable at all Reynolds numbers when the Couette velocity component σ₂ exceeds 0.34552. Starting with the neutral solution for the plane Poiseuille flow, the nonlinear neutral surfaces for the combined Poiseuille–Couette flow were mapped out by gradually increasing the velocity component σ₂. It is found that, for small σ₂, the neutral surfaces stay in the same family as that for the plane Poiseuille flow, and the nonlinear critical Reynolds number gradually increases with increasing σ₂. When the Couette velocity component is increased further, the neutral curve deviates from that for the Poiseuille flow with an appearance of a new loop at low wave numbers and at very low energy. By gradually increasing the σ₂ values at a constant Reynolds number, the nonlinear critical Reynolds numbers were determined as a function of σ₂. The results show that the nonlinear neutral curve is similar in shape to a linear case. The critical Reynolds number increases slowly up to σ₂∼ 0.2 and remains constant until σ₂∼ 0.58. Beyond σ₂ > 0.59, the critical Reynolds number increases sharply. From the computed results it is concluded that two-dimensional nonlinear equilibrium solutions do not exist beyond a critical σ₂ value of about 0.59. Received: 26 November 1996 and accepted 12 May 1997     

A critical review of microscale mechanical testing methods used in the design of microelectromechanical systems

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are evolving at a rapid rate with increasing activity in the design, fabrication, and commercialization of a wide variety of microscale systems and devices. The importance of accurate mechanical property measurement for successful design was realized early on in the development of this field. Consequently, there exist many different techniques to measure quantities such as the Young's modulus (E), yield strength (σ _Y ), fracture strength (σ _F ), residual stress (σ _F ), and residual stress gradient (∇σ _R ) of microscale structures and materials. We review and critically compare several of the important techniques including the microtension test, axisymmetric plate bend test, microbeam bend test, M-test, wafer curvature measurements, dynamic (resonant) tests, fabrication of passive strain sensors, and Raman spectroscopy. We discuss the characteristics of typical test structures, and the common sources of structure-related errors in measurement. A rational approach for the selection of test techniques for the design of microsystems is suggested.     

Apparatus for Testing Concrete under Multiaxial Compression at Elevated Temperature (mac2T)

This paper describes a new test facility for determining material mechanical properties of structural concrete. The novel facility subjects 100 mm cubic concrete specimens to true multiaxial compression (σ₁ ≠ σ₂ ≠ σ₃) up to 400 MPa at temperatures of up to 300°C. Forces are delivered through three independent loading frames equipped with servo-controlled hydraulic actuators creating uniform displacement boundary conditions via rigid platens. Specimen deformation is calculated from displacements measured to an accuracy of 10⁻⁶ m using a system of six laser interferometers. The combination of stiff loading frames, rigid platens, an accurate and reliable strain measurement system and a fast control system enables investigation of the material response in the post-peak range. The in-house developed control software allows complex multi-stage experiments involving (i) load and temperature cycling, (ii) small stress probes and (iii) arbitrary (pre-defined) loading paths. The program also enables experiments in which the values of the control parameters and the execution of the test sequences depend on the response of the specimen during the test. The capabilities of the facility are illustrated in this paper by experiments determining the effects of different heat-load regimes on the strength and stiffness of the material and tests identifying the tangent stiffness matrix of the material and the associated changes in the acoustic tensor under multiaxial compression.     

Influence of blowing on the anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor in a turbulent channel flow

The effects of localized wall blowing through a porous strip are investigated using hot-wire anemometry in a turbulent channel flow. Three blowing magnitudes are studied: σ=0.22, 0.36 and 0.58, where σ is the momentum flux gain ratio and that of the incoming channel flow at three different positions from the spanwise porous strip. The main emphasis of this work was the departure from isotropy of the turbulent flow with localized blowing. The anisotropic invariant map (AIM) for the Reynolds stress tensor revealed that blowing decreased the anisotropy of the turbulent structure in the near-wall region, and a decrease in the longitudinal integral length scale was observed when the blowing rate increased.     

Statistics of the surface temperature field of an air/water interface under air flow

Experimental results are presented that reveal the relationship between the root mean square of the surface temperature field of an air/water interface (σ) and the heat flux (q′′) emanating from that interface, over a range of wind speeds. Experiments were conducted for wind speeds ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 m/s to determine if and how the σ versus q′′ relationship was affected by wind speed. Consistent surfactant coverage conditions were maintained for wind speeds ranging from 1.0 to 2.6 m/s, and these are the focus of the results presented herein. For wind speeds above 2.6 m/s the surfactant was consistently pushed downstream, resulting in an inhomogeneous surface condition for the air/water interface. For wind speeds less than 2.6 m/s the relationship between σ and q′′ is approximately linear and is weakly dependent on wind speed. The surface temperature field was obtained by infrared (IR) imaging. Sample IR images are presented in addition to the σ versus q′′ data. IR images are presented for surfaces covered with insoluble surfactants (liquid phase and solid phase), a soluble surfactant, and a clean water surface.

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Controlling erosion of safe basin in nonlinear parametrically excited systems

This paper considers the dynamical behavior of a Duffing-Mathieu type system with a cubic single-well potential during the principal parametric resonance. Both the cases of constant and time-dependent excitation amplitude are used to observe the variation of the extent and the rate of the erosion in safe basins. It is evident that the appearance of fractal basin boundaries heralds the onset of the losing of structural integrity. The minimum value of control parameter to prevent the basin from erosion is given along with the excitation amplitude varying. The results show the time-dependence of excitation amplitude can be used to control the extent and the rate of the erosion and delay the first occurrence of heteroclinic tangency. The project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and PSF of China.     

Adjoint and Compensated Compactness Methods for Hamilton–Jacobi PDE

We investigate the vanishing viscosity limit for Hamilton–Jacobi PDE with nonconvex Hamiltonians, and present a new method to augment the standard viscosity solution approach. The main idea is to introduce a solution σ ^ε of the adjoint of the formal linearization, and then to integrate by parts with respect to the density σ ^ε . This procedure leads to a natural phase space kinetic formulation and also to a new compensated compactness technique.