Jezabel Curbelo

Lagrangian descriptors: A method for revealing phase space structures of general time dependent dynamical systems

In this paper we develop new techniques for revealing geometrical structures in phase space that are valid for aperiodically time dependent dynamical systems, which we refer to as Lagrangian descriptors. These quantities are based on the integration, for a finite time, along trajectories of an intrinsic bounded, positive geometrical and/or physical property of the trajectory itself. We discuss a general methodology for constructing Lagrangian descriptors, and we discuss a “heuristic argument” that explains why this method is successful for revealing geometrical structures in the phase space of a dynamical system. We support this argument by explicit calculations on a benchmark problem having a hyperbolic fixed point with stable and unstable manifolds that are known analytically. Several other benchmark examples are considered that allow us the assess the performance of Lagrangian descriptors in revealing invariant tori and regions of shear. Throughout the paper “side-by-side” comparisons of the performance of Lagrangian descriptors with both finite time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) and finite time averages of certain components of the vector field (“time averages”) are carried out and discussed. In all cases Lagrangian descriptors are shown to be both more accurate and computationally efficient than these methods. We also perform computations for an explicitly three dimensional, aperiodically time-dependent vector field and an aperiodically time dependent vector field defined as a data set. Comparisons with FTLEs and time averages for these examples are also carried out, with similar conclusions as for the benchmark examples.

Harmonic analysis operators associated with multidimensional Bessel operators

In this paper we establish that the maximal operator and the Littlewood-Paley g-function associated with the heat semigroup defined by multidimensional Bessel operators are of weak type (1,1). Also, we prove that Riesz transforms in the multidimensional Bessel setting are of strong type (p,p), for every

Spectral numerical schemes for time-dependent convection with viscosity dependent on temperature

1<p<\infty

Bifurcations and dynamics in convection with temperature-dependent viscosity in the presence of the O(2) symmetry.

, and of weak type (1,1).

Symmetry and plate-like convection in fluids with temperature-dependent viscosity

Abstract This article proposes spectral numerical methods to solve the time evolution of convection problems with viscosity strongly dependent on temperature at infinite Prandtl number. Although we verify the proposed techniques solely for viscosities that depend exponentially on temperature, the methods are extensible to other dependence laws. The set-up is a 2D domain with periodic boundary conditions along the horizontal coordinate which introduces a symmetry in the problem. This is the O(2) symmetry, which is particularly well described by spectral methods and motivates the use of these methods in this context. We examine the scope of our techniques by exploring transitions from stationary regimes towards time dependent regimes. At a given aspect ratio, stable stationary solutions become unstable through a Hopf bifurcation, after which the time-dependent regime is solved by the spectral techniques proposed in this article.

Spectral Multipliers for Multidimensional Bessel Operators

We focus on the study of a convection problem in a two-dimensional setup in the presence of the O(2) symmetry. The viscosity in the fluid depends on the temperature as it changes its value abruptly in an interval around a temperature of transition. The influence of the viscosity law on the morphology of the plumes is examined for several parameter settings, and a variety of shapes ranging from spout- to mushroom-shaped are found. We explore the impact of the symmetry on the time evolution of this type of fluid, and we find solutions which are greatly influenced by its presence: at a large aspect ratio and high Rayleigh numbers, traveling waves, heteroclinic connections, and chaotic regimes are found. These solutions, which are due to the presence of symmetry, have not been previously described in the context of temperature-dependent viscosities. However, similarities are found with solutions described in other contexts such as flame propagation problems or convection problems with constant viscosity also in the presence of the O(2) symmetry, thus confirming the determining role of the symmetry in the dynamics.

Confined rotating convection with large Prandtl number: centrifugal effects on wall modes

We explore the instabilities developed in a fluid in which viscosity depends on temperature. In particular, we consider a dependency that models a very viscous (and thus rather rigid) lithosphere over a convecting mantle. To this end, we study a 2D convection problem in which viscosity depends on temperature by abruptly changing its value by a factor of 400 within a narrow temperature gap. We conduct a study which combines bifurcation analysis and time-dependent simulations. Solutions such as limit cycles are found that are fundamentally related to the presence of symmetry. Spontaneous plate-like behaviors that rapidly evolve towards a stagnant lid regime emerge sporadically through abrupt bursts during these cycles. The plate-like evolution alternates motions towards either the right or the left, thereby introducing temporary asymmetries on the convecting styles. Further time-dependent regimes with stagnant and plate-like lids are found and described.