This article introduces and reviews recent work using a simple optimization technique for analysing the nonlinear stability of a state in a dynamical system. The technique can be used to identify the most efficient way to disturb a system such that it transits from one stable state to another. The key idea is introduced within the framework of a finite-dimensional set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and then illustrated for a very simple system of two ODEs which possesses bistability. Then the transition to turbulence problem in fluid mechanics is used to show how the technique can be formulated for a spatially-extended system described by a set of partial differential equations (the well-known Navier–Stokes equations). Within that context, the optimization technique bridges the gap between (linear) optimal perturbation theory and the (nonlinear) dynamical systems approach to fluid flows. The fact that the technique has now been recently shown to work in this very high dimensional setting augurs well for its utility in other physical systems.
An optimization approach for analysing nonlinear stability with transition to turbulence in fluids as an exemplar
R. Kerswell,Chris C. T. Pringle,A. Willis
Published 2014 in Reports on progress in physics. Physical Society
ABSTRACT
PUBLICATION RECORD
- Publication year
2014
- Venue
Reports on progress in physics. Physical Society
- Publication date
2014-08-05
- Fields of study
Medicine, Physics, Engineering
- Identifiers
- External record
- Source metadata
Semantic Scholar, PubMed
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