Mechanical systems subjected to generalized nonholonomic constraints

We study mechanical systems subject to constraint functions that can be dependent at some points and independent at the rest. Such systems are modelled by means of generalized codistributions. We discuss how the constraint force can transmit an impulse to the motion at the points of dependence and derive an explicit formula to obtain the ``post-impact'' momentum in terms of the ``pre-impact'' momentum.Comment: 24 pages, no figure

Rotating saddle trap as Foucault's pendulum

One of the many surprising results found in the mechanics of rotating systems is the stabilization of a particle in a rapidly rotating planar saddle potential. Besides the counterintuitive stabilization, an unexpected precessional motion is observed. In this note we show that this precession is due to a Coriolis-like force caused by the rotation of the potential. To our knowledge this is the first example where such force arises in an inertial reference frame. We also propose an idea of a simple mechanical demonstration of this effect.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figure

The Possibility of Reconciling Quantum Mechanics with Classical Probability Theory

We describe a scheme for constructing quantum mechanics in which a quantum system is considered as a collection of open classical subsystems. This allows using the formal classical logic and classical probability theory in quantum mechanics. Our approach nevertheless allows completely reproducing the standard mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and identifying its applicability limits. We especially attend to the quantum state reduction problem.Comment: Latex, 14 pages, 1 figur

Chaotic Phenomenon in Nonlinear Gyrotropic Medium

Nonlinear gyrotropic medium is a medium, whose natural optical activity depends on the intensity of the incident light wave. The Kuhn's model is used to study nonlinear gyrotropic medium with great success. The Kuhn's model presents itself a model of nonlinear coupled oscillators. This article is devoted to the study of the Kuhn's nonlinear model. In the first paragraph of the paper we study classical dynamics in case of weak as well as strong nonlinearity. In case of week nonlinearity we have obtained the analytical solutions, which are in good agreement with the numerical solutions. In case of strong nonlinearity we have determined the values of those parameters for which chaos is formed in the system under study. The second paragraph of the paper refers to the question of the Kuhn's model integrability. It is shown, that at the certain values of the interaction potential this model is exactly integrable and under certain conditions it is reduced to so-called universal Hamiltonian. The third paragraph of the paper is devoted to quantum-mechanical consideration. It shows the possibility of stochastic absorption of external field energy by nonlinear gyrotropic medium. The last forth paragraph of the paper is devoted to generalization of the Kuhn's model for infinite chain of interacting oscillators

Capillary condensation in disordered porous materials: hysteresis versus equilibrium behavior

We study the interplay between hysteresis and equilibrium behavior in capillary condensation of fluids in mesoporous disordered materials via a mean-field density functional theory of a disordered lattice-gas model. The approach reproduces all major features observed experimentally. We show that the simple van der Waals picture of metastability fails due to the appearance of a complex free-energy landscape with a large number of metastable states. In particular, hysteresis can occur both with and without an underlying equilibrium transition, thermodynamic consistency is not satisfied along the hysteresis loop, and out-of-equilibrium phase transitions are possible.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Adsorption hysteresis and capillary condensation in disordered porous solids: a density functional study

We present a theoretical study of capillary condensation of fluids adsorbed in mesoporous disordered media. Combining mean-field density functional theory with a coarse-grained description in terms of a lattice-gas model allows us to investigate both the out-of-equilibrium (hysteresis) and the equilibrium behavior. We show that the main features of capillary condensation in disordered solids result from the appearance of a complex free-energy landscape with a large number of metastable states. We detail the numerical procedures for finding these states, and the presence or absence of transitions in the thermodynamic limit is determined by careful finite-size studies.Comment: 30 pages, 18 figures. To appear in J. Phys.: Condens. Matte

Discrete Nonholonomic LL Systems on Lie Groups

This paper applies the recently developed theory of discrete nonholonomic mechanics to the study of discrete nonholonomic left-invariant dynamics on Lie groups. The theory is illustrated with the discrete versions of two classical nonholonomic systems, the Suslov top and the Chaplygin sleigh. The preservation of the reduced energy by the discrete flow is observed and the discrete momentum conservation is discussed.Comment: 32 pages, 13 figure

Numerical study of multilayer adsorption on fractal surfaces

We report a numerical study of van der Waals adsoprtion and capillary condensation effects on self-similar fractal surfaces. An assembly of uncoupled spherical pores with a power-law distributin of radii is used to model fractal surfaces with adjustable dimensions. We find that the commonly used fractal Frankel-Halsey-Hill equation systematically fails to give the correct dimension due to crossover effects, consistent with the findings of recent experiments. The effects of pore coupling and curvature dependent surface tension were also studied.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Probability of local bifurcation type from a fixed point: A random matrix perspective

Results regarding probable bifurcations from fixed points are presented in the context of general dynamical systems (real, random matrices), time-delay dynamical systems (companion matrices), and a set of mappings known for their properties as universal approximators (neural networks). The eigenvalue spectra is considered both numerically and analytically using previous work of Edelman et. al. Based upon the numerical evidence, various conjectures are presented. The conclusion is that in many circumstances, most bifurcations from fixed points of large dynamical systems will be due to complex eigenvalues. Nevertheless, surprising situations are presented for which the aforementioned conclusion is not general, e.g. real random matrices with Gaussian elements with a large positive mean and finite variance.Comment: 21 pages, 19 figure