A method for calculating invariant subspaces of symmetric hyperbolic equations

An algorithm is constructed for calculating invariant subspaces of symmetric hyperbolic systems arising in electromagnetic, acoustic, and elasticity problems. Discrete approximations are calculated for subspaces that correspond to minimal eigenvalues and smooth eigenfunctions. Difficulties related to the presence of an infinite-dimensional kernel in the differential operator are successfully handled. The efficiency of the algorithm is demonstrated using acoustics equations.     

Simulation of the nonlinear vibration of a string using the Cellular Automata based on the reflection rule

In this study, the nonlinear dynamic responses of a string are simulated using the Cellular Automata method based on the reflection rule. In the case of nonlinear systems, the velocity of wave propagation is not constant and depends on the amplitude. A new treatment of the dynamic time step is proposed for the Cellular Automata method considering the effect of the propagation velocity. As numerical examples, first, the dynamic responses of a string with linear characteristic are simulated using the Cellular Automata method. A typical resonance curve can be obtained. Second, the dynamic responses of a string with nonlinear characteristic are simulated using the proposed method. Some characteristic types of vibration can be obtained. It is concluded that the linear and nonlinear dynamic responses of a string may be obtained by simulation using the Cellular Automata method.     

Time delay as a key to apoptosis induction in the p53 network

A feedback mechanism that involves the proteins p53 and mdm2, induces cell death as a controlled response to severe DNA damage. A minimal model for this mechanism demonstrates that the response may be dynamic and connected with the time needed to translate the mdm2 protein. The response takes place if the dissociation constant k between p53 and mdm2 varies from its normal value. Although it is widely believed that it is an increase in k that triggers the response, we show that the experimental behaviour is better described by a decrease in the dissociation constant. The response is quite robust upon changes in the parameters of the system, as required by any control mechanism, except for few weak points, which could be connected with the onset of cancer. Received 8 May 2002 / Received in final form 9 July 2002 Published online 17 September 2002     

Some degenerate and quasilinear parabolic systems not in divergence form

This paper deals with positive solutions of degenerate and quasilinear parabolic systems not in divergence form: u_t=u^p(Δu+av), v_t=v^q(Δv+bu), with null Dirichlet boundary conditions and positive initial conditions, where p, q, a and b are all positive constants. The local existence and uniqueness of classical solution are proved. Moreover, it will be proved that all solutions exist globally if and only if ab?λ₁², where λ₁ is the first eigenvalue of −Δ in Ω with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition.     

Matrix perturbation theory for driven three‐level systems with damping

We investigate the dynamics of the Λ system driven by two resonant laser fields in presence of dissipation for coupling strengths where the rotating‐wave approximation starts to break down. This regime is characterised by Rabi frequencies being approximately equal or smaller than the field frequencies. A systematic procedure to obtain an expansion for the solution of the Bloch evolution equations of the system is presented. The lowest contribution results to be the well‐known rotating‐wave approximation. The method is based on a semi‐classical treatment of the problem, and its predictions are interpreted fully quantum mechanically. The theory is illustrated by a detailed study of the disappearance of coherent population trapping as the intensities of the fields increase.     

Numerical analysis of turbulent structure in compound meandering open channel by algebraic Reynolds stress model

The turbulent flow in a compound meandering channel with a rectangular cross section is one of the most complicated turbulent flows, because the flow behaviour is influenced by several kinds of forces, including centrifugal forces, pressure‐driven forces and shear stresses generated by momentum transfer between the main channel and the flood plain. Numerical analysis has been performed for the fully developed turbulent flow in a compound meandering open‐channel flow using an algebraic Reynolds stress model. The boundary‐fitted coordinate system is introduced as a method for coordinate transformation in order to set the boundary conditions along the complicated shape of the meandering open channel. The turbulence model consists of transport equations for turbulent energy and dissipation, in conjunction with an algebraic stress model based on the Reynolds stress transport equations. With reference to the pressure–strain term, we have made use of a modified pressure–strain term. The boundary condition of the fluctuating vertical velocity is set to zero not only for the free surface, but also for computational grid points next to the free surface, because experimental results have shown that the fluctuating vertical velocity approaches zero near the free surface. In order to examine the validity of the present numerical method and the turbulent model, the calculated results are compared with experimental data measured by laser Doppler anemometer. In addition, the compound meandering open channel is clarified somewhat based on the calculated results. As a result of the analysis, the present algebraic Reynolds stress model is shown to be able to reasonably predict the turbulent flow in a compound meandering open channel. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The mesa problem for Neumann boundary value problem

In this paper, we study the singular limit of the Porous Medium equation u_t=Δu^m+g(x,u), as m→∞, in a bounded domain with Neumann boundary condition.     

Electronic transport properties of bismuth nanobridges through silicon-nitride membranes

The electronic transport through nanostructured bismuth nanobridges has been investigated at low temperatures (T<2 K) and in magnetic fields B up to 8.5 T. The samples show reproducible resistance fluctuations as a function of B, superimposed on a large magnetoresistance of up to 50%. In addition, time-dependent resistance fluctuations in zero magnetic field demonstrate the presence of bistable scatterers in the constriction region of our samples, which are described by two-level systems. Their dynamics are shown to be sensitive to subtle modifications of the static scatterer configuration in their vicinity, which cannot be detected in the sample magnetofingerprint.     

Energy decay of solutions to Maxwell's equations with conductivity and polarization

In this paper, Maxwell's equations involving generally nonlinear polarization and field-dependent currents are studied. The main objective is the asymptotic behavior of the solution for t→∞ if no damping term occurs in the equation governing the polarization field.     

Oscillation theorems for differential equations with a nonlinear damping term

In this paper, we are concerned with a class of nonlinear second-order differential equations with a nonlinear damping term. Passage to more general class of equations allows us to remove a restrictive condition usually imposed on the nonlinearity, and, as a consequence, our results apply to wider classes of nonlinear differential equations. Two illustrative examples are considered.