Lagrangian transport and chaos in the near wake of the flow around an obstacle: a numerical implementation of lobe dynamics

In this paper we study Lagrangian transport in the near wake of the flow around an obstacle, which we take to be a cylinder. In this case, for the range of Reynolds numbers investigated, the flow is two-dimensional and time periodic. We use ideas and methods from transport theory in dynamical systems to describe and quantify transport in the near wake. We numerically solve the Navier-Stokes equations for the velocity field and apply these methods to the resulting numerical representation of the velocity field. We show that the method of lobe dynamics can be used in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics methods to give very detailed and quantitative information about Lagrangian transport. In particular, we show how the stable and unstable manifolds of certain saddle-type stagnation points on the cylinder, and one in the wake, can be used to divide the flow into three distinct regions, an upper wake, a lower wake, and a wake cavity. The significance of the division using stable and unstable manifolds lies in the fact that these invariant manifolds form a template on which the transport occurs. Using this, we compute fluxes from the upper and lower wakes into the wake cavity using the associated turnstile lobes. We also compute escape time distributions as well as compare transport properties for two different Reynolds numbers

Current-driven destabilization of both collinear configurations in asymmetric spin-valves

Spin transfer torque in spin valves usually destabilizes one of the collinear configurations (either parallel or antiparallel) and stabilizes the second one. Apart from this, balance of the spin-transfer and damping torques can lead to steady precessional modes. In this letter we show that in some asymmetric nanopillars spin current can destabilize both parallel and antiparallel configurations. As a result, stationary precessional modes can occur at zero magnetic field. The corresponding phase diagram as well as frequencies of the precessional modes have been calculated in the framework of macrospin model. The relevant spin transfer torque has been calculated in terms of the macroscopic model based on spin diffusion equations.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Strong flows of dilute suspensions of microstructure

We consider dilute suspensions that have a microstructure that may be characterized by an axial state vector. Examples include axisymmetric particles, line elements of the fluid itself, or, as an approximation, droplets of fluid or polymer molecules. Past studies, in which sufficient conditions for stretch or coherent orientation of the microstructure are obtained for steady flows with homogeneous velocity gradient tensors are shown not to apply to the general situation. Instead, a careful analysis of the microdynamical equations reveals that stretching and orientation of the microstructure by the flow must be analyzed over a time interval. Using techniques from the theory of dynamical systems, a quantitative measure is developed to determine orientations and/or stretched lengths of the microstructure, that are robust and attractive to nearby states. This leads to a strong flow criterion for unsteady flows with inhomogeneous velocity gradient tensors in which the effects of history dependence are apparent. A particular model system is treated in the case of general two-dimensional flow. The sensitivity of the results to changes in the modeling assumptions is investigated

Finding NHIM: Identifying High Dimensional Phase Space Structures in Reaction Dynamics using Lagrangian Descriptors

Phase space structures such as dividing surfaces, normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds, their stable and unstable manifolds have been an integral part of computing quantitative results such as transition fraction, stability erosion in multi-stable mechanical systems, and reaction rates in chemical reaction dynamics. Thus, methods that can reveal their geometry in high dimensional phase space (4 or more dimensions) need to be benchmarked by comparing with known results. In this study, we assess the capability of one such method called Lagrangian descriptor for revealing the types of high dimensional phase space structures associated with index-1 saddle in Hamiltonian systems. The Lagrangian descriptor based approach is applied to two and three degree-of-freedom quadratic Hamiltonian systems where the high dimensional phase space structures are known, that is as closed-form analytical expressions. This leads to a direct comparison of features in the Lagrangian descriptor plots and the phase space structures' intersection with an isoenergetic two-dimensional surface and hence provides a validation of the approach.Comment: 39 pages, 7 figures, Submitted to Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulatio

Radiator design system computer programs

Minimum weight space radiator subsystems which can operate over heat load ranges wider than the capabilities of current subsystems are investigated according to projected trends of future long duration space vehicles. Special consideration is given to maximum heat rejection requirements of the low temperature radiators needed for environmental control systems. The set of radiator design programs that have resulted from this investigation are presented in order to provide the analyst with a capability to generate optimum weight radiator panels or sets of panels from practical design considerations, including transient performance. Modifications are also provided for existing programs to improve capability and user convenience

Do actions occur inside the body?

The paper offers a critical examination of Jennifer Hornsby's view that actions are internal to the body. It focuses on three of Hornsby's central claims: (P) many actions are bodily movements (in a special sense of the word “movement”) (Q) all actions are tryings; and (R) all actions occur inside the body. It is argued, contra Hornsby, that we may accept (P) and (Q) without accepting also the implausible (R). Two arguments are first offered in favour of the thesis (Contrary-R): that no actions occur inside the body. Three of Hornsby's arguments in favour of R are then examined. It is argued that we need to make a distinction between the causes and the causings of bodily movements (in the ordinary sense of the word “movement”) and that actions ought to be identified with the latter rather than the former. This distinction is then used to show how Hornsby's arguments for (R) may be resisted

Nontarget host utilization of thistle species by introduced biological control agents and spatial prediction of non-target feeding habitats

Rhinocyllus conicus Fröelich and Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) were introduced from Europe into North America as biological control agents of the exotic weed species Carduus nutans L. Concern exists over the feeding of these weevils on at least 25 species of native Cirsium thistles. Research was conducted to 1) estimate phenological synchrony of the eight thistle species in Tennessee with R. conicus and T. horridus, 2) investigate naturally-occurring populations of the five native Cirsium thistle species for non-target activity by R. conicus and T. horridus, 3) quantify the impacts to plants of each thistle species to feeding of R. conicus and T. horridus, and 4) identify potential areas of non-target feeding by the weevils using spatial analysis. Phenologies of two native species, C. carolinianum and C. horridulum, are synchronous with R. conicus reproduction, and all eight thistle species are phenologically synchronous with the reproduction of T. horridus. No non-target activity by R. conicus was observed in naturally-occurring populations of Cirsium thistles, but adults of T. horridus were documented for the first time on the native species C. carolinianum, C. horridulum, and C. muticum. In caged plant studies, larvae of R. conicus completed development in heads of C. carolinianum and C. horridulum and reduced seed numbers of both native species. Basal meristems of all eight thistle species exposed to T. horridus were damaged at varying levels in caged plant studies, but no other impacts to plants were observed. Spatial analyses showed associations between Mahalanobis distance values and plant counts of Carduus nutans and Cirsium carolinianum in predicted habitats, and the occurrence of Carduus nutans was associated with the occurrence of both weevil species in these habitats. About 12% of the total study area consisted of habitats where C. nutans and Cirsium carolinianum overlap. The potential exists for these weevils to utilize native Cirsium species found in Tennessee as plant hosts. The spatial model developed during this study not only allows potential monitoring of populations of C. carolinianum to be more targeted, but also may be modified to apply to other systems involving interactions among introduced and native species