26,274 research outputs found
Complex singularities and PDEs
In this paper we give a review on the computational methods used to
characterize the complex singularities developed by some relevant PDEs. We
begin by reviewing the singularity tracking method based on the analysis of the
Fourier spectrum. We then introduce other methods generally used to detect the
hidden singularities. In particular we show some applications of the Pad\'e
approximation, of the Kida method, and of Borel-Polya method. We apply these
techniques to the study of the singularity formation of some nonlinear
dispersive and dissipative one dimensional PDE of the 2D Prandtl equation, of
the 2D KP equation, and to Navier-Stokes equation for high Reynolds number
incompressible flows in the case of interaction with rigid boundaries
Caustic Skeleton & Cosmic Web
We present a general formalism for identifying the caustic structure of an
evolving mass distribution in an arbitrary dimensional space. For the class of
Hamiltonian fluids the identification corresponds to the classification of
singularities in Lagrangian catastrophe theory. Based on this we develop a
theoretical framework for the formation of the cosmic web, and specifically
those aspects that characterize its unique nature: its complex topological
connectivity and multiscale spinal structure of sheetlike membranes, elongated
filaments and compact cluster nodes. The present work represents an extension
of the work by Arnol'd et al., who classified the caustics for the 1- and
2-dimensional Zel'dovich approximation. His seminal work established the role
of emerging singularities in the formation of nonlinear structures in the
universe. At the transition from the linear to nonlinear structure evolution,
the first complex features emerge at locations where different fluid elements
cross to establish multistream regions. The classification and characterization
of these mass element foldings can be encapsulated in caustic conditions on the
eigenvalue and eigenvector fields of the deformation tensor field. We introduce
an alternative and transparent proof for Lagrangian catastrophe theory, and
derive the caustic conditions for general Lagrangian fluids, with arbitrary
dynamics, including dissipative terms and vorticity. The new proof allows us to
describe the full 3-dimensional complexity of the gravitationally evolving
cosmic matter field. One of our key findings is the significance of the
eigenvector field of the deformation field for outlining the spatial structure
of the caustic skeleton. We consider the caustic conditions for the
3-dimensional Zel'dovich approximation, extending earlier work on those for 1-
and 2-dimensional fluids towards the full spatial richness of the cosmic web
Analysis of complex singularities in high-Reynolds-number Navier-Stokes solutions
Numerical solutions of the laminar Prandtl boundary-layer and Navier-Stokes
equations are considered for the case of the two-dimensional uniform flow past
an impulsively-started circular cylinder. We show how Prandtl's solution
develops a finite time separation singularity. On the other hand Navier-Stokes
solution is characterized by the presence of two kinds of viscous-inviscid
interactions that can be detected by the analysis of the enstrophy and of the
pressure gradient on the wall. Moreover we apply the complex singularity
tracking method to Prandtl and Navier-Stokes solutions and analyze the previous
interactions from a different perspective
Excitable neurons, firing threshold manifolds and canards
We investigate firing threshold manifolds in a mathematical model of an excitable neuron. The model analyzed investigates the phenomenon of post-inhibitory rebound spiking due to propofol anesthesia and is adapted from McCarthy et al. (SIAM J. Appl. Dyn. Syst. 11(4):1674-1697, 2012). Propofol modulates the decay time-scale of an inhibitory GABAa synaptic current. Interestingly, this system gives rise to rebound spiking within a specific range of propofol doses. Using techniques from geometric singular perturbation theory, we identify geometric structures, known as canards of folded saddle-type, which form the firing threshold manifolds. We find that the position and orientation of the canard separatrix is propofol dependent. Thus, the speeds of relevant slow synaptic processes are encoded within this geometric structure. We show that this behavior cannot be understood using a static, inhibitory current step protocol, which can provide a single threshold for rebound spiking but cannot explain the observed cessation of spiking for higher propofol doses. We then compare the analyses of dynamic and static synaptic inhibition, showing how the firing threshold manifolds of each relate, and why a current step approach is unable to fully capture the behavior of this model
Scattering off an oscillating target: Basic mechanisms and their impact on cross sections
We investigate classical scattering off a harmonically oscillating target in
two spatial dimensions. The shape of the scatterer is assumed to have a
boundary which is locally convex at any point and does not support the presence
of any periodic orbits in the corresponding dynamics. As a simple example we
consider the scattering of a beam of non-interacting particles off a circular
hard scatterer. The performed analysis is focused on experimentally accessible
quantities, characterizing the system, like the differential cross sections in
the outgoing angle and velocity. Despite the absence of periodic orbits and
their manifolds in the dynamics, we show that the cross sections acquire rich
and multiple structure when the velocity of the particles in the beam becomes
of the same order of magnitude as the maximum velocity of the oscillating
target. The underlying dynamical pattern is uniquely determined by the phase of
the first collision between the beam particles and the scatterer and possesses
a universal profile, dictated by the manifolds of the parabolic orbits, which
can be understood both qualitatively as well as quantitatively in terms of
scattering off a hard wall. We discuss also the inverse problem concerning the
possibility to extract properties of the oscillating target from the
differential cross sections.Comment: 18 page
The Zeldovich approximation: key to understanding Cosmic Web complexity
We describe how the dynamics of cosmic structure formation defines the
intricate geometric structure of the spine of the cosmic web. The Zeldovich
approximation is used to model the backbone of the cosmic web in terms of its
singularity structure. The description by Arnold et al. (1982) in terms of
catastrophe theory forms the basis of our analysis.
This two-dimensional analysis involves a profound assessment of the
Lagrangian and Eulerian projections of the gravitationally evolving
four-dimensional phase-space manifold. It involves the identification of the
complete family of singularity classes, and the corresponding caustics that we
see emerging as structure in Eulerian space evolves. In particular, as it is
instrumental in outlining the spatial network of the cosmic web, we investigate
the nature of spatial connections between these singularities.
The major finding of our study is that all singularities are located on a set
of lines in Lagrangian space. All dynamical processes related to the caustics
are concentrated near these lines. We demonstrate and discuss extensively how
all 2D singularities are to be found on these lines. When mapping this spatial
pattern of lines to Eulerian space, we find a growing connectedness between
initially disjoint lines, resulting in a percolating network. In other words,
the lines form the blueprint for the global geometric evolution of the cosmic
web.Comment: 37 pages, 21 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA
Normal Forms for Symplectic Maps with Twist Singularities
We derive a normal form for a near-integrable, four-dimensional symplectic
map with a fold or cusp singularity in its frequency mapping. The normal form
is obtained for when the frequency is near a resonance and the mapping is
approximately given by the time- mapping of a two-degree-of freedom
Hamiltonian flow. Consequently there is an energy-like invariant. The fold
Hamiltonian is similar to the well-studied, one-degree-of freedom case but is
essentially nonintegrable when the direction of the singular curve in action
does not coincide with curves of the resonance module. We show that many
familiar features, such as multiple island chains and reconnecting invariant
manifolds, are retained even in this case. The cusp Hamiltonian has an
essential coupling between its two degrees of freedom even when the singular
set is aligned with the resonance module. Using averaging, we approximately
reduced this case to one degree of freedom as well. The resulting Hamiltonian
and its perturbation with small cusp-angle is analyzed in detail.Comment: LaTex, 27 pages, 21 figure
Viscous-Inviscid Interactions in a Boundary-Layer Flow Induced by a Vortex Array
In this paper we investigate the asymptotic validity of boundary layer
theory. For a flow induced by a periodic row of point-vortices, we compare
Prandtl's solution to Navier-Stokes solutions at different numbers. We
show how Prandtl's solution develops a finite time separation singularity. On
the other hand Navier-Stokes solution is characterized by the presence of two
kinds of viscous-inviscid interactions between the boundary layer and the outer
flow. These interactions can be detected by the analysis of the enstrophy and
of the pressure gradient on the wall. Moreover we apply the complex singularity
tracking method to Prandtl and Navier-Stokes solutions and analyze the previous
interactions from a different perspective
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