30 research outputs found
Shape of an elastica under growth restricted by friction
We investigate the quasi-static growth of elastic fibers in the presence of
dry or viscous friction. An unusual form of destabilization beyond a critical
length is described. In order to characterize this phenomenon, a new definition
of stability against infinitesimal perturbations over finite time intervals is
proposed and a semi-analytical method for the determination of the critical
length is developed. The post-critical behavior of the system is studied by
using an appropriate numerical scheme based on variational methods. We find
post-critical shapes for uniformly distributed as well as for concentrated
growth and demonstrate convergence to a figure-8 shape for large lengths when
self-crossing is allowed. Comparison with simple physical experiments yields
reasonable accuracy of the theoretical predictions
Explaining the elongated shape of 'Oumuamua by the Eikonal abrasion model
The photometry of the minor body with extrasolar origin (1I/2017 U1)
'Oumuamua revealed an unprecedented shape: Meech et al. (2017) reported a shape
elongation b/a close to 1/10, which calls for theoretical explanation. Here we
show that the abrasion of a primordial asteroid by a huge number of tiny
particles ultimately leads to such elongated shape. The model (called the
Eikonal equation) predicting this outcome was already suggested in Domokos et
al. (2009) to play an important role in the evolution of asteroid shapes.Comment: Accepted by the Research Notes of the AA