一类高次多项式系统极限环的存在性和唯一性

通过变换将一类高次多项式系统转化为广义Liénard系统,并利用广义Liénard系统的结果研究了其极限环存在性问题,推广了相关文献的结果.     

A dynamical strategy for approximation methodsUne stratégie dynamique pour les méthodes d'approximation

The numerical result provided by an approximation method is affected by a global error, which consists of both a truncation error and a round-off error. Let us consider the converging sequence generated by successively dividing by two the step size used. If computations are performed until, in the convergence zone, the difference between two successive approximations is only due to round-off errors, then the global error on the result obtained is minimal. Furthermore its significant bits which are not affected by round-off errors are in common with the exact result, up to one. To cite this article: F. Jézéquel, C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).     

Colour in visualisation for computational fluid dynamics

Colour is used in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations in two key ways. First it is used to visualise the geometry and allow the engineer to be confident that the model constructed is a good representation of the engineering situation. Once an analysis has been completed, colour is used in post-processing the data from the simulations to illustrate the complex fluid mechanic phenomena under investigation. This paper describes these two uses of colour and provides some examples to illustrate the key visualisation approaches used in CFD.     

Assessing the predictive effectiveness of the variety seeking and reinforcement models

Prediction of customer choice behaviour has been a big challenge for marketing researchers. They have adopted various models to represent customers purchase patterns. Some researchers considered simple zero–order models. Others proposed higher–order models to represent explicitly customers tendency to seek [variety] or [reinforcement] as they make repetitive choices. Nevertheless, the question [Which model has the highest probability of representing some future data?] still prevails. The objective of this paper is to address this question. We assess the predictive effectiveness of the well–known customer choice models. In particular, we compare the predictive ability of the [dynamic attribute satiation] (DAS) model due to McAlister (Journal of Consumer Research, 91, pp. 141–150, 1982) with that of the well–known stochastic variety seeking and reinforcement behaviour models. We found that the stochastic [beta binomial] model has the best predictive effectiveness on both simulated and real purchase data. Using simulations, we also assessed the effectiveness of the stochastic models in representing various complex choice processes generated by the DAS. The beta binomial model mimicked the DAS processes the best. In this research we also propose, for the first time, a stochastic choice rule for the DAS model.     

A statistical process control approach to selecting a warm-up period for a discrete-event simulation

The selection of a warm-up period for a discrete-event simulation continues to be problematic. A variety of selection methods have been devised, and are briefly reviewed. It is apparent that no one method can be recommended above any other. A new approach, based upon the principles of statistical process control, is described (SPC method). Because simulation output data are often highly autocorrelated and potentially non-normal, the batch means method is employed in constructing the control chart. The SPC method is tested on seven data sets and encouraging results are obtained concerning its accuracy. The approach is also discussed with respect to its ease of implementation, simplicity, generality of use and requirements for parameter estimation.     

A different construction of Gaussian fields from Markov chains: Dirichlet covariances

We study a class of Gaussian random fields with negative correlations. These fields are easy to simulate. They are defined in a natural way from a Markov chain that has the index space of the Gaussian field as its state space. In parallel with Dynkin's investigation of Gaussian fields having covariance given by the Green's function of a Markov process, we develop connections between the occupation times of the Markov chain and the prediction properties of the Gaussian field. Our interest in such fields was initiated by their appearance in random matrix theory.     

Evaluating alternative system configurations using simulation: A nonparametric approach

The real utility of simulation lies in comparing different alternatives that might represent competing system designs. Conventional statistical techniques are not directly applicable to the analysis of simulation output data in the evaluation of competing alternatives since the usual assumptions of normality and common variance are difficult to justify in simulation experiments. This paper revisits a known nonparametric test whose application has recently become feasible due to considerable increases in computing power:randomization tests assess the significance of the observed value of the test statistic by evaluating different permutations of the data. The procedure only requires invariance of the data under all permutations.     

Effets des forces de Coriolis sur le seuil convectif stationnaire d'une couche liquide confinée en cellule de Hele–Shaw annulaire en rotationEffects of the Coriolis forces on the stationary convectif threshold of a liquid layer confined in an annular Hele–Shaw Cell in rotation

The convective instability of a horizontal liquid layer confined in an annular Hele–Shaw cell subject to a constant rotation and submitted to a centrifugal gradient of temperature is investigated. Using a linear stability analysis, we study the effects of both Coriolis forces and curvature aspect on the stationary convective threshold when the Prandtl number is of the order of unity or larger than unity. We show that the Coriolis forces have a stabilizing effect, and the wave number is independent of these forces. However, a multicellular regime in the radial direction is observed for small Ekman numbers. The results related to the influence of the curvature are also shown. To cite this article: S. Ramezani et al., C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 633–640.     

Robust simulation with a base environmental scenario

In the design of a system, the comparison of possible solutions using simulation is generally performed with fixed environmental conditions. In practice, however, unexpected changes can occur for example in the part mix of a manufacturing facility or in the customer demand. Such changes, which are considered as modifications in environmental factors, can impact the system response. As a consequence, a solution A that is better than B for a given environment, can yield poorer performance than B for another environment. Therefore, we are interested in robust simulation studies, which aim at taking into account several possible environments. In methods based on Taguchi’s principles, no distinction is made between these environments in the robustness computation. In the suggested heuristic approach, we focus on problems where a particular environment is expected when the system will be in operation (the others being unexpected environments). This particular environment will be considered in the study as a “base environmental scenario”. The robustness of a solution of the design problem is computed as an approximate measure of what will be saved or lost if the environment becomes the unexpected. Reference curves are suggested to allow these solutions to be empirically compared in accordance with the decision-maker’s requirements. A simplified example is provided. The results are different from those obtained using a signal to noise ratio, which is typically used in Taguchian approaches.     

Simulation numérique directe de l'influence de la forme aval d'une plaque séparatrice sur une couche de mélangeDirect-numerical simulation of the splitting-plate downstream-shape influence upon a mixing layer

In this Note, we present direct numerical simulation results of a spatial mixing layer generated behind an upstream plate separating two boundary layers. The effect of the shape of the trailing edge of the plate is considered through comparisons between flows obtained from a bevelled or a blunt plate. In the former case, a spatial mixing layer consistent with previous experimental and numerical observations is obtained. In the latter case, the self-excited state that establishes in the near wake region dominates primary and secondary instability mechanisms while understating the importance of inflow perturbations. This behaviour is interpreted in terms of convective or absolute instability. The effects on turbulent statistics are also discussed. To cite this article: S. Laizet, E. Lamballais, C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).