A method of feasible directions using function approximations, with applications to min max problems.
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A development status evaluation is presented for applications of main approximation concepts in nonlinear programming for structural optimization requiring local, midrange, and global approximations. It is noted that there is not yet a sufficient basis for a comprehensive evaluation of relative effectiveness among approximation concepts. Attention is presently given to the careful selection of intermediate-variable and response quantity, and improvements in the traditional Taylor-series expansion by inclusion of either some higher-order terms or information at various points in the design space.
Noncovalent intermolecular interactions are very important in many research areas. Therefore, it is vital to understand the extent to which approximate density functionals give a proper description of noncovalent interactions. Previous research has demonstrated that some approximate density functionals can predict usefully accurate interaction energies for many noncovalent systems; however, most of that work is limited to small and moderate-sized molecules. Very recently though, accurate benchmarks have become available for some very large molecules. Here, the present work applies 21 approximate density functionals to compute the binding energies of seven large molecular systems that have a number of atoms ranging from 200 to 910. The results are judged by comparison to the recently published CIM-DLPNO-CCSD(T) results, which are assumed to provide a reliable benchmark. The five most accurate methods among those tested are found to be PW6B95-D4, PW6B95-D3(BJ), revM11, M06-L, and MN15.
The stability and convergence properties of the Legendre-tau approximation for hereditary differential systems are analyzed. A characteristic equation is derived for the eigenvalues of the resulting approximate system. As a result of this derivation the uniform exponential stability of the solution semigroup is preserved under approximation. It is the key to obtaining the convergence of approximate solutions of the algebraic Riccati equation in trace norm.
Rounded approximate step functions of form x(Sup m)/(x(Sup n) + 1) and 1/(x(Sup n) + 1) useful in interpolating between local steep slopes or abrupt changes in tabulated data varying more smoothly elsewhere. Used instead of polynomial curve fits. Interpolation formulas based on these functions implemented quickly and easily on computers. Used in real-time control computations to interpolate between tabulated data governing control responses.
The stability and convergence properties of the Legendre-tau approximation for hereditary differential systems are analyzed. A charactristic equation is derived for the eigenvalues of the resulting approximate system. As a result of this derivation the uniform exponential stability of the solution semigroup is preserved under approximation. It is the key to obtaining the convergence of approximate solutions of the algebraic Riccati equation in trace norm.
The numerical approximation of solutions to linear functional differential equations are considered using the so called Legendre tau method. The functional differential equation is first reformulated as a partial differential equation with a nonlocal boundary condition involving time differentiation. The approximate solution is then represented as a truncated Legendre series with time varying coefficients which satisfy a certain system of ordinary differential equations. The method is very easy to code and yields very accurate approximations. Convergence is established, various numerical examples are presented, and comparison between the latter and cubic spline approximations is made.
The basic approximation concepts used in structural optimization are reviewed. Some of the most recent developments in that area since the introduction of the concept in the mid-seventies are discussed. The paper distinguishes between local, medium-range, and global approximations; it covers functions approximations and problem approximations. It shows that, although the lack of comparative data established on reference test cases prevents an accurate assessment, there have been significant improvements. The largest number of developments have been in the areas of local function approximations and use of intermediate variable and response quantities. It also appears that some new methodologies are emerging which could greatly benefit from the introduction of new computer architecture.
The basic approximation concepts used in structural optimization are reviewed. Some of the most recent developments in that area since the introduction of the concept in the mid-seventies are discussed. The paper distinguishes between local, medium-range, and global approximations; it covers functions approximations and problem approximations. It shows that, although the lack of comparative data established on reference test cases prevents an accurate assessment, there have been significant improvements. The largest number of developments have been in the areas of local function approximations and use of intermediate variable and response quantities. It also appears that some new methodologies are emerging which could greatly benefit from the introduction of new computer architecture.
The numerical approximation of solutions to linear retarded functional differential equations are considered using the so-called Legendre-tau method. The functional differential equation is first reformulated as a partial differential equation with a nonlocal boundary condition involving time-differentiation. The approximate solution is then represented as a truncated Legendre series with time-varying coefficients which satisfy a certain system of ordinary differential equations. The method is very easy to code and yields very accurate approximations. Convergence is established, various numerical examples are presented, and comparison between the latter and cubic spline approximation is made.
The viability of using the impulse approximation scattering function in Monte Carlo photon transport simulations is explored. This scattering function can be constructed from the double differential incoherent scattering cross section developed by Ribberfors and Berggren. A commonly used method for modeling photon Doppler broadening, which is referred to as the hybrid Doppler broadening method, can also be derived from this cross section. A new photon Doppler broadening method, called the consistent Doppler broadening method, is derived and discussed. This method eliminates some of the commonly employed approximations in the hybrid Doppler broadening method, in part, by using the impulse approximation scattering function. Integrated incoherent cross sections generated using the impulse approximation scattering function and the widely used Waller-Hartree scattering function are in good agreement above 20 keV. Below 20 keV, differences as high as 70% are observed, which differs from the roughly 5% differences observed by Ribberfors for some of the materials. Integral and spectral quantities for two problems are also generated using the Monte Carlo photon transport capabilities of the Framework for REsearch in Nuclear ScIence and Engineering (FRENSIE). Due to the small, relative result differences observed when using the impulse approximation scattering function, it is considered a viable alternative to the Waller-Hartree scattering function. In addition, some small, but expected, differences in spectral fluxes at low energies can be avoided by adopting the consistent Doppler broadening method.
This paper introduces a modeling and simulation tool for aeroservoelastic analysis of rectangular wings with trailing-edge control surfaces. The inputs to the code are planform design parameters such as wing span, aspect ratio, and number of control surfaces. Using this information, the generalized forces are computed using the doublet-lattice method. Using Roger's approximation, a rational function approximation is computed. The output, computed in a few seconds, is a state space aeroservoelastic model which can be used for analysis and control design. The tool is fully parameterized with default information so there is little required interaction with the model developer. All parameters can be easily modified if desired. The focus of this paper is on tool presentation, verification, and validation. These processes are carried out in stages throughout the paper. The rational function approximation is verified against computed generalized forces for a plate model. A model composed of finite element plates is compared to a modal analysis from commercial software and an independently conducted experimental ground vibration test analysis. Aeroservoelastic analysis is the ultimate goal of this tool, therefore, the flutter speed and frequency for a clamped plate are computed using damping-versus-velocity and frequency-versus-velocity analysis. The computational results are compared to a previously published computational analysis and wind-tunnel results for the same structure. A case study of a generic wing model with a single control surface is presented. Verification of the state space model is presented in comparison to damping-versus-velocity and frequency-versus-velocity analysis, including the analysis of the model in response to a 1-cos gust.
This report introduces a modeling and simulation tool for aeroservoelastic analysis of rectangular wings with trailing-edge control surfaces. The inputs to the code are planform design parameters such as wing span, aspect ratio, and number of control surfaces. Using this information, the generalized forces are computed using the doublet-lattice method. Using Roger's approximation, a rational function approximation is computed. The output, computed in a few seconds, is a state space aeroservoelastic model which can be used for analysis and control design. The tool is fully parameterized with default information so there is little required interaction with the model developer. All parameters can be easily modified if desired. The focus of this report is on tool presentation, verification, and validation. These processes are carried out in stages throughout the report. The rational function approximation is verified against computed generalized forces for a plate model. A model composed of finite element plates is compared to a modal analysis from commercial software and an independently conducted experimental ground vibration test analysis. Aeroservoelastic analysis is the ultimate goal of this tool, therefore, the flutter speed and frequency for a clamped plate are computed using damping-versus-velocity and frequency-versus-velocity analysis. The computational results are compared to a previously published computational analysis and wind-tunnel results for the same structure. A case study of a generic wing model with a single control surface is presented. Verification of the state space model is presented in comparison to damping-versus-velocity and frequency-versus-velocity analysis, including the analysis of the model in response to a 1-cos gust.
Window functions provide a base for the construction of approximation functions in many meshfree methods. They control the smoothness and extent of the approximation functions and are commonly defined using Euclidean distances which helps eliminate the need for a meshed discretization, simplifying model development for some classes of problems. However, for problems with complicated geometries such as nonconvex or multi-body domains, poor solution accuracy and convergence can occur unless the extents of the window functions, and thus approximation functions, are carefully controlled, often a time consuming or intractable task. Here in this paper, we present a method to provide more control in window function design, allowing efficient and systematic handling of complex geometries. “Conforming” window functions are constructed using Bernstein–Bézier splines defined on local triangulations with constraints imposed to control smoothness. Graph distances are used in conjunction with Euclidean metrics to provide adequate information for shaping the window functions. The conforming window functions are demonstrated using the Reproducing Kernel Particle Method showing improved accuracy and convergence rates for problems with challenging geometries. Conforming window functions are also demonstrated as a means to simplify the imposition of essential boundary conditions.
Uniqueness theorem and successive approximations for delay functional differential equations, noting scalar problems
The rational function approximation provides a natural and interpretable representation of response functions such as the many-body spectral functions. We apply the vector fitting (VFIT) algorithm to fit a variety of spectral functions calculated from the Holstein model of electron-phonon interactions. We show that the resulting rational functions are highly efficient in their fitting of sharp features in the spectral functions, and could provide a means to infer physically relevant information from a spectral data set. The position of the peaks in the approximated spectral function are determined by the location of poles in the complex plane. Additionally, we developed a variant of VFIT that incorporates regularization to improve the quality of fits. With this procedure, we demonstrate it is possible to achieve accurate spectral function fits that vary smoothly as a function of physical conditions.
The behavior of vortex flow at high swirls is investigated. The problem was first formulated in the method of weighted residuals, using Bessel functions as approximating functions. Convergent solutions require a large number of steps in the axial direction and do not seem to offer an advantage over traditional methods. As the results do not differ substantially from those of the zeroth approximation (the solution for 'cylindrical' flow), this approximation is then explored and discussed in more detail. It is used to derive a relationship predicting a critical radius for which stagnation on the axis (vortex breakdown) can be expected for a given swirl. Flow patterns with open and closed vortex bubbles are explored. At high swirls, even minute variations in outer streamtube radius have profound effects on the flow. Vortex breakdown bubbles in divergences, tubes, and free flows can be explained.