Explicit solutions for a two-phase unidimensional Lamé-Clapeyron-Stefan problem with source terms in both phases

A two-phase Stefan problem with heat source terms of a general similarity type in both liquid and solid phases for a semi-infinite phase-change material is studied. We assume the initial temperature is a negative constant and we consider two different boundary conditions at the fixed face x=0, a constant temperature or a heat flux of the form (q₀>0). The internal heat source functions are given by (j=1 solid phase; j=2 liquid phase) where βj=βj(η) are functions with appropriate regularity properties, ρ is the mass density, l is the fusion latent heat by unit of mass, is the diffusion coefficient, x is the spatial variable and t is the temporal variable. We obtain for both problems explicit solutions with a restriction for data only for the second boundary conditions on x=0. Moreover, the equivalence of the two free boundary problems is also proved. We generalize the solution obtained in [J.L. Menaldi, D.A. Tarzia, Generalized Lamé-Clapeyron solution for a one-phase source Stefan problem, Comput. Appl. Math. 12 (2) (1993) 123-142] for the one-phase Stefan problem. Finally, a particular case where βj (j=1,2) are of exponential type given by βj(x)=exp(−²(x+dj)) with x and dj∈R is also studied in details for both boundary temperature conditions at x=0. This type of heat source terms is important through the use of microwave energy following [E.P. Scott, An analytical solution and sensitivity study of sublimation-dehydration within a porous medium with volumetric heating, J. Heat Transfer 116 (1994) 686-693]. We obtain a unique solution of the similarity type for any data when a temperature boundary condition at the fixed face x=0 is considered; a similar result is obtained for a heat flux condition imposed on x=0 if an inequality for parameter q₀ is satisfied.     

A unique solution to a nonlinear elliptic equation

The purpose of this paper is to prove the existence of a unique, classical solution to the nonlinear elliptic partial differential equation −∇⋅(a(u(x))∇u(x))=f(x) under periodic boundary conditions, where u(x₀)=u₀ at x₀∈Ω, with Ω=TN, the N-dimensional torus, and N=2,3. The function a is assumed to be smooth, and a(u(x))>0 for , where G⊂R is a bounded interval. We prove that if the functions f and a satisfy certain conditions, then a unique classical solution u exists. The range of the solution u is a subset of a specified interval . Applications of this work include stationary heat/diffusion problems with a source/sink, where the value of the solution is known at a spatial location x₀.     

Maximum principles for bounded solutions of the telegraph equation in space dimensions two and three and applications

A maximum principle is proved for the weak solutions of the telegraph equation in space dimension three u_tt−Δ_xu+cu_t+λu=f(t,x), when c>0, λ∈(0,c²/4] and (Theorem 1). The result is extended to a solution and a forcing belonging to a suitable space of bounded measures (Theorem 2). Those results provide a method of upper and lower solutions for the semilinear equation u_tt−Δ_xu+cu_t=F(t,x,u). Also, they can be employed in the study of almost periodic solutions of the forced sine-Gordon equation. A counterexample for the maximum principle in dimension four is given.     

On Asymptotically Optimal Methods of Prediction and Adaptive Coding for Markov Sources

The problem of predicting a sequence x₁, x₂, … generated by a discrete source with unknown statistics is considered. Each letter x_t+1 is predicted using information on the word x₁x₂…x_t only. In fact, this problem is a classical problem which has received much attention. Its history can be traced back to Laplace. To estimate the efficiency of a method of prediction, three quantities are considered: the precision as given by the Kullback–Leibler divergence, the memory size of the program needed to implement the method on a computer, and the time required, measured by the number of binary operations needed at each time instant. A method is presented for which the memory size and the average time are close to the minimum. The results can readily be translated to results about adaptive coding.     

Convergence of a Block Coordinate Descent Method for Nondifferentiable Minimization

We study the convergence properties of a (block) coordinate descent method applied to minimize a nondifferentiable (nonconvex) function f(x ₁, . . . , x _N ) with certain separability and regularity properties. Assuming that f is continuous on a compact level set, the subsequence convergence of the iterates to a stationary point is shown when either f is pseudoconvex in every pair of coordinate blocks from among N-1 coordinate blocks or f has at most one minimum in each of N-2 coordinate blocks. If f is quasiconvex and hemivariate in every coordinate block, then the assumptions of continuity of f and compactness of the level set may be relaxed further. These results are applied to derive new (and old) convergence results for the proximal minimization algorithm, an algorithm of Arimoto and Blahut, and an algorithm of Han. They are applied also to a problem of blind source separation.     

A Kerr metric solution in tetrad theory of gravitation

Using an axial parallel vector field we obtain two exact solutions of a vacuum gravitational field equations. One of the exact solutions gives the Schwarzschild metric while the other gives the Kerr metric. The parallel vector field of the Kerr solution have an axial symmetry. The exact solution of the Kerr metric contains two constants of integration, one being the gravitational mass of the source and the other constant h is related to the angular momentum of the rotating source, when the spin density S_ij^μ of the gravitational source satisfies ∂_μS_ij^μ=0. The singularity of the Kerr solution is studied.     

Boundedness of solutions for asymmetric Duffing equations

In this paper, we are concerned with the boundedness of all the solutions and the existence of quasiperiodic solutions for some Duffing equations , where e(t) is of period 1, and g : R → R possesses the characters: g(x) is superlinear when x ? d₀, d₀ is a positive constant and g(x) is semilinear when x ? 0.     

Uniform blow-up rate for parabolic equations with a weighted nonlocal nonlinear source

In this paper, the blow-up rate of solutions of semi-linear reaction-diffusion equations with a more complicated source term, which is a product of nonlocal (or localized) source and weight function a(x), is investigated. It is proved that the solutions have global blow-up, and that the rates of blow-up are uniform in all compact subsets of the domain. Furthermore, the blow-up rate of _∞|u(t)| is precisely determined.     

Existence of a unique solution to a quasilinear elliptic equation

The purpose of this paper is to prove the existence of a unique classical solution u(x) to the quasilinear elliptic equation −∇⋅(a(u)∇u)+v⋅∇u=f, where u(x₀)=u₀ at x₀∈Ω and where n⋅∇u=g on the boundary ∂Ω. We prove that if the functions a, f, v, g satisfy certain conditions, then a unique classical solution u(x) exists. Applications include stationary heat/diffusion problems with convection and with a source/sink, where the value of the solution is known at a spatial location x₀∈Ω, and where n⋅∇u is known on the boundary.     

A homogeneous limit methodology and refinements of computationally efficient zigzag theory for homogeneous,laminated composite,and sandwich plates

The Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT) for homogeneous, laminated composite, and sandwich plates is revisited to offer a fresh insight into its fundamental assumptions and practical possibilities. The theory is introduced from a multiscale formalism starting with the inplane displacement field expressed as a superposition of coarse and fine contributions. The coarse displacement field is that of first‐order shear‐deformation theory, whereas the fine displacement field has a piecewise‐linear zigzag distribution through the thickness. The resulting kinematic field provides a more realistic representation of the deformation states of transverse‐shear‐flexible plates than other similar theories. The condition of limiting homogeneity of transverse‐shear properties is proposed and yields four distinct variants of zigzag functions. Analytic solutions for highly heterogeneous sandwich plates undergoing elastostatic deformations are used to identify the best‐performing zigzag functions. Unlike previously used methods, which often result in anomalous conditions and nonphysical solutions, the present theory does not rely on transverse‐shear‐stress equilibrium constraints. For all material systems, there are no requirements for use of transverse‐shear correction factors to yield accurate results. To model homogeneous plates with the full power of zigzag kinematics, infinitesimally small perturbations in the transverse shear properties are derived, thus enabling highly accurate predictions of homogeneous‐plate behavior without the use of shear correction factors. The RZT predictive capabilities to model highly heterogeneous sandwich plates are critically assessed, demonstrating its superior efficiency, accuracy, and a wide range of applicability. This theory, which is derived from the virtual work principle, is well‐suited for developing computationally efficient, C⁰ a continuous function of (x₁,x₂) coordinates whose first‐order derivatives are discontinuous along finite element interfaces and is thus appropriate for the analysis and design of high‐performance load‐bearing aerospace structures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010     

Potential well method for Cauchy problem of generalized double dispersion equations

In this paper we study Cauchy problem of generalized double dispersion equations utt−uxx−uxxtt+uxxxx=f(u)_xx, where f(u)=p|u|, p>1 or u2k, . By introducing a family of potential wells we not only get a threshold result of global existence and nonexistence of solutions, but also obtain the invariance of some sets and vacuum isolating of solutions. In addition, the global existence and finite time blow up of solutions for problem with critical initial conditions E(0)=d, I(u₀)?0 or I(u₀)<0 are proved.     

Separation of variables of a generalized porous medium equation with nonlinear source

This paper considers a general form of the porous medium equation with nonlinear source term: u_t=(D(u)u_xⁿ)_x+F(u), n≠1. The functional separation of variables of this equation is studied by using the generalized conditional symmetry approach. We obtain a complete list of canonical forms for such equations which admit the functional separable solutions. As a consequence, some exact solutions to the resulting equations are constructed, and their behavior are also investigated.     

Interface interaction and inter-osmosis effect of Fe x (SiO2)1-x nanocomposite materials on magnetic properties

Fe _x (SiO₂)_1-x nanocomposites prepared by using mechanical alloying method were reported. The microstructure character and magnetic properties of Fe _x (SiO₂)_1-x nanocomposite samples with different Fe content and different ball milling time were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Faraday magnetic balance in a wide temperature range. The results indicate that the rnicrostructure and magnetic properties are closely related to ball milling time and Fe content. When Fe content is less than 20 wt%, the sample after 80-h ball milling has very complex microstructure. Small α-Fe grains and Fe cluster are implanted in SiO₂ matrix. And there are not only isolated α-Fe granular and Fe cluster, but also nanometer scaled sandwich network-like structure. Fe _x (SiO₂)_1-x nanocomposite samples display a rich variety of physical and chemical properties as a result of their unique nanostructure, strong interface interaction and inter-osmosis effect in Fe-SiO₂ boundaries, and the grain size effect.     

Colliding dissipative pulses—The shooting manifold

We study multi-pulse solutions in excitable media. Under the assumption that a single pulse is asymptotically stable, we show that there is a well-defined “shooting manifold,” consisting of two pulses traveling towards each other. In phase space, the two-dimensional manifold is a graph over the manifold of linear superpositions of two pulses located at x₁ and x₂, with x₁−x₂?1. It is locally invariant under the dynamics of the reaction-diffusion system and uniformly asymptotically attracting with asymptotic phase. The main difficulty in the proof is the fact that the linearization at the leading order approximation is strongly non-autonomous since pulses approach each other with speed of order one.     

On the period five trichotomy of all positive solutions of xn+1=(p+xn−2)/xn

We study the behavior of all positive solutions of the difference equation in the title, where p is a positive real parameter and the initial conditions x₋₂,x₋₁,x₀ are positive real numbers. For all the values of the positive parameter p there exists a unique positive equilibrium x? which satisfies the equation

     

On the relationship of some Fredholm integral equations of the first kind to a family of boundary value problems

It is shown that the solution of a class of forced convection heat transfer problems can be used as a vehicle for exhibiting a correspondence between certain boundary value problems and their associated integral equations. If the solution of the boundary value problem is known then the solution of the integral equation can be found by a simple calculation. This generalizes the relationship of certain solutions of Laplace's equation to integral equations having logarithmic or Cauchy kernels. When the boundary value problems have separable solutions, the solution of the integral equation can be reduced to the verification of a set of identities μ_n ∫_EP(t) φ_n(t) k(x ? t) dt = φ_n(x), x?E, where the {φ_n} form an orthonormal set on E.Once the method of solution has been derived from the physical approach it can be put on a firm mathematical basis.     

Diophantine equations with products of consecutive terms in Lucas sequences

In this paper, we show that if (u_n)_n?1 is a Lucas sequence, then the Diophantine equation in integers n?1, k?1, m?2 and y with |y|>1 has only finitely many solutions. We also determine all such solutions when (u_n)_n?1 is the sequence of Fibonacci numbers and when u_n=(xⁿ-1)/(x-1) for all n?1 with some integer x>1.     

Transient nonlinear optically-thick radiative–convective double-diffusive boundary layers in a Darcian porous medium adjacent to an impulsively started surface: Network simulation solutions

A boundary-layer model is described for the two-dimensional nonlinear transient thermal convection heat and mass transfer in an optically-thick fluid in a Darcian porous medium adjacent to an impulsively started vertical surface, in the presence of significant thermal radiation and buoyancy forces in an (X¹,Y¹,t¹) coordinate system. An algebraic approximation is employed to simplify the integro-differential equation of radiative transfer for unidirectional flux normal to the plate into the boundary-layer regime, by incorporating this flux term in the energy conservation equation. The conservation equations are non-dimensionalized into an (X,Y,T) coordinate system and solved using the Network Simulation Method (NSM), a robust numerical technique which demonstrates high efficiency and accuracy. The transient variation of non-dimensional streamwise velocity component (u) and temperature (T) and concentration (C) functions is computed for various selected values of Stark number (radiation–conduction interaction parameter) and Darcy number. Transient velocity (u) and steady-state local skin friction (τ_X) are also studied for various thermal Grashof number (Gr), species Grashof number (Gm), Schmidt number (Sc) and Stark number (N) values. These computations for the infinite permeability case (Da → ∞) are compared with previous finite difference solutions [Prasad et al. Int J Therm Sci 2007;46(12):1251–8] and shown to be in excellent agreement. An increase in Darcy number is seen to accelerate the flow and boost velocity. A decrease in Stark number (corresponding to an increase in thermal radiation heat transfer contribution) is shown to increase the velocity values. Temperature function is observed to fall in value with a rise in Da and increase with decrease in N (corresponding to an increase in thermal radiation heat transfer contribution). Applications of the study include rocket combustion chambers, astrophysical flows, spacecraft thermal fluid dynamics in debris-laden environments (cosmic dust), heat transfer in forest fire spread, geochemical contamination and ceramic materials processing.