Obstacle Numbers of Graphs

An obstacle representation of a graph G is a drawing of G in the plane with straight-line edges, together with a set of polygons (respectively, convex polygons) called obstacles, such that an edge exists in G if and only if it does not intersect an obstacle. The obstacle number (convex obstacle number) of G is the smallest number of obstacles (convex obstacles) in any obstacle representation of G. In this paper, we identify families of graphs with obstacle number 1 and construct graphs with arbitrarily large obstacle number (convex obstacle number). We prove that a graph has an obstacle representation with a single convex k-gon if and only if it is a circular arc graph with clique covering number at most k in which no two arcs cover the host circle. We also prove independently that a graph has an obstacle representation with a single segment obstacle if and only if it is the complement of an interval bigraph.     

Finite difference technique for solving obstacle problems

In this paper, we use the variational inequality theory coupled with finite difference technique to obtain an approximate solution for a class of obstacle problems in elasticity, like those describing the equilibrium configuration of an elastic string stretched over an elastic obstacle. The variational inequality formulation is used to discuss the problem of uniqueness and existence of the solution of the obstacle problems.     

On a class of nonlinear obstacle problems with measure data

We study the notion of solution to an obstacle problem for a strongly monotone and Lipschitz operator A, when the forcing term is a bounded Radon measure. We obtain existence and uniqueness results. We study also some properties of the obstacle reactions associated with the solutions of the obstacle problems, obtaining the Lcwy­Stampacchia inequality. Moreover we investigate the interaction between obstacle and data and the complementarity conditions     

Obstacle problem for nonlinear parabolic equations

We show the existence of a continuous solution to a nonlinear parabolic obstacle problem with a continuous time-dependent obstacle. The solution is constructed by an adaptation of the Schwarz alternating method. Moreover, if the obstacle is Hölder continuous, we prove that the solution inherits the same property.     

Detecting a hidden obstacle via the time domain enclosure method. A scalar wave case

The characterization problem of the existence of an unknown obstacle behind a known obstacle is considered by using a singe observed wave at a place where the wave is generated. The unknown obstacle is invisible from the place by using a visible ray. A mathematical formulation of the problem using the classical wave equation is given. The main result consists of two parts: (a) one can make a decision whether the unknown obstacle exists or not behind a known impenetrable obstacle by using a single wave over a finite time interval under some a‐priori information on the position of the unknown obstacle; (b) one can obtain a lower bound on the Euclidean distance of the unknown obstacle to the center point of the support of the initial data of the wave. The proof is based on the idea of the time domain enclosure method and employs some previous results on the Gaussian lower/upper estimates for the heat kernels and domination of semigroups.     

Convergence of free boundaries in discrete obstacle problems

We show that a piecewise linear finite element approximation of the obstacle problem gives an approximate free boundary converges, in an appropriate distance, to the free boundary of the continuous problem under a stability condition on the obstacle.     

Reconstructing small perturbations of an obstacle for acoustic waves from boundary measurements on the perturbed shape itself

We derive relationships between the shape deformation of an impenetrable obstacle and boundary measurements of scattering fields on the perturbed shape itself. Our derivation is rigorous by using a systematic way, based on layer potential techniques and the field expansion (FE) method (formal derivation). We extend these techniques to derive asymptotic expansions of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DNO) and Neumann-to-Dirichlet (NDO) operators in terms of the small perturbations of the obstacle as well as relationships between the shape deformation of an obstacle and boundary measurements of DNO or NDO on the perturbed shape itself. All relationships lead us to very effective algorithms for determining lower order Fourier coefficients of the shape perturbation of the obstacle.     

Two dimensional incompressible ideal flow around a thin obstacle tending to a curve

In this work we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the incompressible two dimensional Euler equations in the exterior of a single smooth obstacle when the obstacle becomes very thin tending to a curve. We extend results by Iftimie, Lopes Filho and Nussenzveig Lopes, obtained in the context of an obstacle tending to a point, see [D. Iftimie, M.C. Lopes Filho, H.J. Nussenzveig Lopes, Two dimensional incompressible ideal flow around a small obstacle, Comm. Partial Differential Equations 28 (1–2) (2003) 349–379].     

Optimal Control of the Obstacle Problem in a Perforated Domain

We study the problem of optimally controlling the solution of the obstacle problem in a domain perforated by small periodically distributed holes. The solution is controlled by the choice of a perforated obstacle which is to be chosen in such a fashion that the solution is close to a given profile and the obstacle is not too irregular. We prove existence, uniqueness and stability of an optimal obstacle and derive necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality. When the number of holes increase indefinitely we determine the limit of the sequence of optimal obstacles and solutions. This limit depends strongly on the rate at which the size of the holes shrink.     

Motion of a vibrating string in the presence of a convex obstacle: A free boundary problem

Here we study the motion of a vibrating string in the presence of an arbitrary obstacle. We show that if the string always rebounds on the concave parts of the obstacle, it can either rebound or roll on the convex parts. The latter is the case if the velocity of the string is null at the contact point just before contact, or if the contact point propagates at a characteristic speed. Four examples are given. The three first correspond to the same obstacle, a sinusoidal arc, but with different initial conditions. In the first case, the string rebounds on the whole of the obstacle and the motion is explicitly determined when it is periodic. In the second case, the string rolls on the convex part of the obstacle up to the inflexion point and then rebounds on the concave part and unwinds on the convex part. In the third case, the string is initially at rest on the obstacle; then it instantaneously leaves the concave part while it unwinds progressively on the convex part. The fourth case is similar to the third but with a different obstacle; the motion, which is periodic, is determined explicitly.     

Verified computation of solutions for obstacle problems with guaranteed L∞ error bound

In this paper, we consider a numerical enclosure method with guaranteed L^∞ error bound for the solutions of obstacle problems. Using the finite-element approximations and the explicit a priori error estimates for obstacle problems, we present an effective verification procedure that automatically generates on a computer a set which includes the exact solution. A particular emphasis is that our method needs no assumption of the existence of the solution of the original obstacle problems, but it follows as the result of computation itself. A numerical example for an obstacle problem is presented.     

Drift-Diffusion Past an Ellipse: Singular Perturbation Analysis of the Illuminated Region

We consider steady-state drift-diffusion of some substance past an elliptical obstacle. We apply singular perturbation methods to the governing PDE to obtain asymptotic representations of the concentration profile of the substance exterior to the obstacle. We assume that the drift (which represents gravity or EM fields in some applications) is stronger than the diffusion and obtain various asymptotic expansions in the “illuminated” spatial region. This region is the portion of the plane which is exterior to the ellipse and is not shielded from the drifting substance by the obstacle. It includes the face of the obstacle, where an expected build-up of the substance is seen.     

Diffraction of the Electromagnetic Wave on a Small Obstacle of Elliptic Form in a Layer

The problem on the diffraction of the electromagnetic plane wave on a small obstacle included in a layer is investigated. The obstacle is assumed to be an elliptic cylinder whose diameter and focal distance are small in comparison with the length of the incident wave. It is proved that the small obstacle radiates as a point source, and its amplitude is proportional to the area of the cross-section and the jumps of the dielectric and magnetic constants on the interfaces. Bibliography: 5 titles.     

Solution procedures for three-dimensional eddy current problems

The problem under consideration is that of the scattering of time periodic electromagnetic fields by metallic obstacles. A common approximation here is that in which the metal is assumed to have infinite conductivity. The resulting problem, called the perfect conductor problem, involves solving Maxwell's equations in the region exterior to the obstacle with the tangential component of the electric field zero on the obstacle surface. In the interface problem different sets of Maxwell equations must be solved in the obstacle and outside while the tangential components of both electric and magnetic fields are continuous across the obstacle surface. Solution procedures for this problem are given. There is an exact integral equation procedure for the interface problem and an asymptotic procedure for large conductivity. Both are based on a new integral equation procedure for the perfect conductor problem. The asymptotic procedure gives an approximate solution by solving a sequence of problems analogous to the one for perfect conductors.     

Optimal control of the obstacle in a quasilinear elliptic variational inequality

In this paper we consider an obstacle control problem where the state satisfies a quasilinear elliptic variational inequality and the control function is the obstacle. The state is chosen to be close to the desire profile while the H² norms of the obstacle is not too large. Existence and necessary conditions for the optimal control are established.     

On imaging obstacles inside inhomogeneous media

We show that an obstacle inside a known inhomogeneous medium can be determined from measurements of the scattering amplitude at one frequency, without a priori knowledge of the boundary condition. We also show that an obstacle inside a known inhomogeneous anisotropic conducting medium can be determined from electrostatic current and voltage measurements on the boundary of a domain containing the obstacle. Moreover, two obstacles with boundary measurements which are merely comparable as operators must be identical. The first part of the paper gives an extension of the factorization method which may be of independent interest and also yields a new reconstruction procedure.     

Regularity estimates for the solution and the free boundary of the obstacle problem for the fractional Laplacian

We use a characterization of the fractional Laplacian as a Dirichlet to Neumann operator for an appropriate differential equation to study its obstacle problem. We write an equivalent characterization as a thin obstacle problem. In this way we are able to apply local type arguments to obtain sharp regularity estimates for the solution and study the regularity of the free boundary.     

Décomposition de domaine pour un calcul hybride de l'équation de helmholtz

We prove an estimate for the Dirichlet-Neumann operator, and for the H¹ local norm for solutions of Helmholtz equation outside an obstacle without trapping rays. We give an algorithm solving Helmholtz equation outside a union of such obstacles. Convergence follows from this estimate. At each step of the resolution, only one obstacle is considered for itself; this defines a decomposition domain technique fitting this equation. One can use different numerical schemes, one at each step, adapted to the considered component of the obstacle; therefore, this algorithm is a hybrid computation. The results are given for two obstacles, and the generalization is straightforward     

Computing Skeletons for Rectilinearly Convex Obstacles in the Rectilinear Plane

Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications - We introduce the concept of an obstacle skeleton, which is a set of line segments inside a polygonal obstacle $$\omega $$ that can be used in place...     

An obstacle problem for nonlinear hemivariational inequalities at resonance

In this paper we examine an obstacle problem for a nonlinear hemivariational inequality at resonance driven by the p-Laplacian. Using a variational approach based on the nonsmooth critical point theory for locally Lipschitz functionals defined on a closed, convex set, we prove two existence theorems. In the second theorem we have a pointwise interpretation of the obstacle problem, assuming in addition that the obstacle is also a kind of lower solution for the nonlinear elliptic differential inclusion.