Stability analysis of linear fractional differential system with multiple time delays

In this paper, we study the stability of n-dimensional linear fractional differential equation with time delays, where the delay matrix is defined in (R ⁺)^n×n. By using the Laplace transform, we introduce a characteristic equation for the above system with multiple time delays. We discover that if all roots of the characteristic equation have negative parts, then the equilibrium of the above linear system with fractional order is Lyapunov globally asymptotical stable if the equilibrium exist that is almost the same as that of classical differential equations. As its an application, we apply our theorem to the delayed system in one spatial dimension studied by Chen and Moore [Nonlinear Dynamics 29, 2002, 191] and determine the asymptotically stable region of the system. We also deal with synchronization between the coupled Duffing oscillators with time delays by the linear feedback control method and the aid of our theorem, where the domain of the control-synchronization parameters is determined.     

Lagrangian dynamics and possible isochronous behavior in several classes of non-linear second order oscillators via the use of Jacobi last multiplier

In this paper, we employ the technique of Jacobi Last Multiplier (JLM) to derive Lagrangians for several important and topical classes of non-linear second-order oscillators, including systems with variable and parametric dissipation, a generalized anharmonic oscillator, and a generalized Lane–Emden equation. For several of these systems, it is very difficult to obtain the Lagrangians directly, i.e., by solving the inverse problem of matching the Euler–Lagrange equations to the actual oscillator equation. In order to facilitate the derivation of exact solutions, and also investigate possible isochronous behavior in the analyzed systems, we next invoke some recent theoretical results and attempt to map the potential term to either the simple harmonic oscillator or the isotonic potential for specific values of the coefficient parameters of each non-linear oscillator. We find non-trivial parameter sets corresponding to isochronous dynamics in some of the considered systems, but none in others. Finally, the Lagrangians obtained here are coupled to Noether׳s theorem, leading to non-trivial conservation laws for several of the oscillators.     

Computational dynamics of soft machines

Soft machine refers to a kind of mechanical system made of soft materials to complete sophisticated mis-sions, such as handling a fragile object and crawling along a narrow tunnel corner, under low cost control and actuation. Hence, soft machines have raised great challenges to compu-tational dynamics. In this review article, recent studies of the authors on the dynamic modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation of soft machines are summarized in the framework of multibody system dynamics. The dynamic modeling approaches are presented first for the geometric nonlinearities of coupled overall motions and large deforma-tions of a soft component, the physical nonlinearities of a soft component made of hyperelastic or elastoplastic mate-rials, and the frictional contacts/impacts of soft components, respectively. Then the computation approach is outlined for the dynamic simulation of soft machines governed by a set of differential-algebraic equations of very high dimensions, with an emphasis on the efficient computations of the non-linear elastic force vector of finite elements. The validations of the proposed approaches are given via three case stud-ies, including the locomotion of a soft quadrupedal robot, the spinning deployment of a solar sail of a spacecraft, and the deployment of a mesh reflector of a satellite antenna, as well as the corresponding experimental studies. Finally, some remarks are made for future studies.     

Dimension reduction of homoclinic orbits of buckled beams via the non-linear normal modes technique

The problem of detecting the homoclinic orbits of an initially straight buckled beam is addressed. Two families of boundary conditions are identified and investigated in detail. For the first family, the homoclinic orbits belong to a planar invariant manifold, and are easily computed in closed form. For the second family, the manifold is no longer planar, and is detected via the non-linear normal modes technique by obtaining approximate expressions which are sufficient to highlight the effects of the non-flatness. A hierarchy of reduced order, single degree of freedom, models is determined. These are obtained by taking into account increasing degrees of non-linearity in the potential energy, which allow for a more and more refined computation of the homoclinic solution. The various models are compared with each other and discussed in detail, and the non-planarity of the manifold is illustrated through examples.     

Hysteresis models of dynamic mode atomic force microscopes: analysis and identification via harmonic balance

A new class of models based on hysteresis functions is developed to describe the operation of dynamic mode atomic force microscopy. Such models can account for dissipative phenomena affecting the interaction between the probe and the sample. The model analysis, which is developed using frequency domain techniques, provides a insights into experimentally observed behavior. Experimental data corroborates the models developed.