Gravity-induced segregation of cohesionless granular mixtures

Working with the context of a theory proposed recently by Fried et al. (2001), we consider a one-dimensional problem involving granular mixture of K > 2 discrete sizes bounded below by an impermeable base, above by an evolving free surface, and subject to gravity. We demonstrate the existence of a solution in which the medium segregates by particle size. For a mixture of small and large particles (K = 2), we use methods of Smoller (1994) to show that the segregated solution is unique. Further, for a mixture of small, medium, and large particles (K = 3), we use LeVeque's (1994) CLAWPACK to construct numerical solutions and find that these compare favorably with analytical predictions.published or submitted for publicationis peer reviewe

Pulses and Snakes in Ginzburg--Landau Equation

Using a variational formulation for partial differential equations (PDEs) combined with numerical simulations on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), we find two categories (pulses and snakes) of dissipative solitons, and analyze the dependence of both their shape and stability on the physical parameters of the cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation (CGLE). In contrast to the regular solitary waves investigated in numerous integrable and non-integrable systems over the last three decades, these dissipative solitons are not stationary in time. Rather, they are spatially confined pulse-type structures whose envelopes exhibit complicated temporal dynamics. Numerical simulations reveal very interesting bifurcations sequences as the parameters of the CGLE are varied. Our predictions on the variation of the soliton amplitude, width, position, speed and phase of the solutions using the variational formulation agree with simulation results.Comment: 30 pages, 14 figure

Overview of heat transfer and fluid flow problem areas encountered in Stirling engine modeling

NASA Lewis Research Center has been managing Stirling engine development programs for over a decade. In addition to contractual programs, this work has included in-house engine testing and development of engine computer models. Attempts to validate Stirling engine computer models with test data have demonstrated that engine thermodynamic losses need better characterization. Various Stirling engine thermodynamic losses and efforts that are underway to characterize these losses are discussed