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Nonlinear oscillations in discrete and continuous systems

Citation

Neu, John C. (1978) Nonlinear oscillations in discrete and continuous systems. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/tnnk-vh42. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03222013-082909262

Abstract

The first thesis topic is a perturbation method for resonantly coupled nonlinear oscillators. By successive near-identity transformations of the original equations, one obtains new equations with simple structure that describe the long time evolution of the motion. This technique is related to two-timing in that secular terms are suppressed in the transformation equations. The method has some important advantages. Appropriate time scalings are generated naturally by the method, and don't need to be guessed as in two-timing. Furthermore, by continuing the procedure to higher order, one extends (formally) the time scale of valid approximation. Examples illustrate these claims. Using this method, we investigate resonance in conservative, non-conservative and time dependent problems. Each example is chosen to highlight a certain aspect of the method.

The second thesis topic concerns the coupling of nonlinear chemical oscillators. The first problem is the propagation of chemical waves of an oscillating reaction in a diffusive medium. Using two-timing, we derive a nonlinear equation that determines how spatial variations in the phase of the oscillations evolves in time. This result is the key to understanding the propagation of chemical waves. In particular, we use it to account for certain experimental observations on the Belusov-Zhabotinskii reaction.

Next, we analyse the interaction between a pair of coupled chemical oscillators. This time, we derive an equation for the phase shift, which measures how much the oscillators are out of phase. This result is the key to understanding M. Marek's and I. Stuchl's results on coupled reactor systems. In particular, our model accounts for synchronization and its bifurcation into rhythm splitting.

Finally, we analyse large systems of coupled chemical oscillators. Using a continuum approximation, we demonstrate mechanisms that cause auto-synchronization in such systems.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Applied Mathematics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Applied Mathematics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Cohen, Donald S.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:10 June 1978
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:03222013-082909262
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03222013-082909262
DOI:10.7907/tnnk-vh42
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7548
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Dan Anguka
Deposited On:25 Mar 2013 14:40
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

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