A three-dimensional (3D) unsteady potential flow might admit a variational principle. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a semi-inverse method to search for the variational…
Abstract
Purpose
A three-dimensional (3D) unsteady potential flow might admit a variational principle. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a semi-inverse method to search for the variational formulation from the governing equations.
Design/methodology/approach
A suitable trial functional with a possible unknown function is constructed, and the identification of the unknown function is given in detail. The Lagrange multiplier method is used to establish a generalized variational principle, but in vain.
Findings
Some new variational principles are obtained, and the semi-inverse method can easily overcome the Lagrange crisis.
Practical implications
The semi-inverse method sheds a promising light on variational theory, and it can replace the Lagrange multiplier method for the establishment of a generalized variational principle. It can be used for the establishment of a variational principle for fractal and fractional calculus.
Originality/value
This paper establishes some new variational principles for the 3D unsteady flow and suggests an effective method to eliminate the Lagrange crisis.
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To optimize the shape of a cascade where velocity (or pressure) distribution is optimally given.
Abstract
Purpose
To optimize the shape of a cascade where velocity (or pressure) distribution is optimally given.
Design/methodology/approach
The semi‐inverse method suggested by Ji‐Huan He is applied to establishment of a variational theory for the discussed inverse problem. The boundary conditions on unknown shape are converted into the natural boundary conditions of the obtained variational functional.
Findings
Ji‐Huan He's semi‐inverse method is a powerful tool to the search for the variational formulation for the discussed problem. The derivation procedure is very simple and convenient; the finite element method based on the variational theory with moving boundary provides a very effective and robust numerical approach to the inverse problem.
Research limitations/implications
The design method is limited to frictionless flow.
Practical implications
The numerical method based on variational principle with moving boundary can be readily extended to other cases with moving surfaces or free boundaries.
Originality/value
The suggested numerical method can satisfy the demand of various cascade designs, where the velocity (or pressure) distribution can be optimally given from different aspects of engineering requirement: aerodynamics, strength, manufacture, etc.
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It is extremely difficult to establish a variational principle for plasma. Kalaawy obtained a variational principle by using the semi-inverse method in 2016, and Li and He…
Abstract
Purpose
It is extremely difficult to establish a variational principle for plasma. Kalaawy obtained a variational principle by using the semi-inverse method in 2016, and Li and He suggested a modification in 2017. This paper aims to search for a generalized variational formulation with a free parameter.
Design/methodology/approach
The semi-inverse method is used by suitable construction of a trial functional with some free parameters.
Findings
A modification of Li-He’s variational principle with a free parameter is obtained.
Originality/value
This paper suggests a new approach to construction of a trial-functional with some free parameters.
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A generalized variational principle of 2D unsteady compressible flow around oscillating airfoils is established directly from the governing equations and boundary/initial…
Abstract
A generalized variational principle of 2D unsteady compressible flow around oscillating airfoils is established directly from the governing equations and boundary/initial conditions via the semi‐inverse method proposed by He. In this method, an energy integral with an unknown F is used as a trial‐functional. The identification of the unknown F is similar to the identification of the Lagrange multiplier. Based on the variational theory with variable domain, a variational principle for the inverse problem (given as the time‐averaged pressure over the airfoil contour, while the corresponding airfoil shape is unknown) is constructed, and all the boundary/initial conditions are converted into natural ones, leading to well‐posedness and the unique solution of the inverse problems.
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The variational principle views a complex problem in an energy way, it gives good physical understanding of an iteration method, and the variational-based numerical methods always…
Abstract
Purpose
The variational principle views a complex problem in an energy way, it gives good physical understanding of an iteration method, and the variational-based numerical methods always have a conservation scheme with a fast convergent rate. The purpose of this paper is to establish a variational principle for a fractal nano/microelectromechanical (N/MEMS) system.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper begins with an approximate variational principle in literature for the studied problem, and a genuine variational principle is obtained by the semi-inverse method.
Findings
The semi-inverse method is a good mathematical tool to the search for a genuine fractal variational formulation for the N/MEMS system.
Research limitations/implications
The established variational principle can be used for both analytical and numerical analyses of the N/MEMS systems, and it can be extended to some more complex cases.
Practical implications
The variational principle can be used for variational-based finite element methods and energy-based analytical methods.
Originality/value
The new and genuine variational principle is obtained. This paper discovers the missing piece of the puzzle for the establishment of a variational principle from governing equations for a complex problem by the semi-inverse method. The new variational theory opens a new direction in fractal MEMS systems.
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The purpose of this paper is the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is defined by using fractal derivative, and its variational principle is constructed by the fractal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is defined by using fractal derivative, and its variational principle is constructed by the fractal semi-inverse method. The approximate analytical solution of the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is obtained by the fractal variational iteration transform method based on the proposed variational theory and fractal two-scales transform method. Finally, an example illustrates the proposed method is efficient to deal with complex nonlinear fractal systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is described by using the fractal derivative, and its fractal variational principle is obtained by the fractal semi-inverse method. A novel approach is proposed to solve the fractal model based on the variational theory.
Findings
The fractal variational iteration transform method is an excellent method to solve the fractal differential equation system.
Originality/value
The author first presents the fractal variational iteration transform method to find the approximate analytical solution for fractal differential equation system. The example illustrates the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach.
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Ya Li and Chun-Hui He
This paper aims to show how to establish a variational formulation directly from the governing equations. A modified Burger equation arising in dusty plasma is used as an example…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show how to establish a variational formulation directly from the governing equations. A modified Burger equation arising in dusty plasma is used as an example to show the derivation process.
Design/methodology/approach
Ji-Huan He’s semi-inverse method is adopted in the derivation process. To effectively use the semi-inverse method, a potential function is introduced, and the trial functional is constructed with some nonzero parameters, which are such identified that the stationary conditions satisfy the governing equations.
Findings
The derivation is simple, and the obtained variational principle is conciser than that obtained by Kalaawy, who introduced two special functions.
Originality/value
This paper suggests an effective approach to the inverse problem of the calculus of variations.
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On a microgravity condition, a motion of soliton might be subject to a microgravity-induced motion. There is no theory so far to study the effect of air density and gravity on the…
Abstract
Purpose
On a microgravity condition, a motion of soliton might be subject to a microgravity-induced motion. There is no theory so far to study the effect of air density and gravity on the motion property. Here, the author considers the air as discrete molecules and a motion of a soliton is modeled based on He’s fractal derivative in a microgravity space. The variational principle of the alternative model is constructed by semi-inverse method. The variational principle can be used to establish the conservation laws and reveal the structure of the solution. Finally, its approximate analytical solution is found by using two-scale method and homotopy perturbation method (HPM).
Design/methodology/approach
The author establishes a new fractal model based on He’s fractal derivative in a microgravity space and its variational principle is obtained via the semi-inverse method. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal model is obtained by using two-scale method and HPM.
Findings
He’s fractal derivative is a powerful tool to establish a mathematical model in microgravity space. The variational principle of the fractal model can be used to establish the conservation laws and reveal the structure of the solution.
Originality/value
The author proposes the first fractal model for the soliton motion in a microgravtity space and obtains its variational principle and approximate solution.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe the Lane–Emden equation by the fractal derivative and establish its variational principle by using the semi-inverse method. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the Lane–Emden equation by the fractal derivative and establish its variational principle by using the semi-inverse method. The variational principle is helpful to research the structure of the solution. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal Lane–Emden equation is obtained by the variational iteration method. The example illustrates that the suggested scheme is efficient and accurate for fractal models.
Design/methodology/approach
The author establishes the variational principle for fractal Lane–Emden equation, and its approximate analytical solution is obtained by the variational iteration method.
Findings
The variational iteration method is very fascinating in solving fractal differential equation.
Originality/value
The author first proposes the variational iteration method for solving fractal differential equation. The example shows the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The variational iteration method is valid for other nonlinear fractal models as well.
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Using the semi‐inverse method proposed by the present author, a family of variational principle for direct problem of S2‐flow in mixed‐flow turbomachinery is obtained; then…
Abstract
Using the semi‐inverse method proposed by the present author, a family of variational principle for direct problem of S2‐flow in mixed‐flow turbomachinery is obtained; then, applying the functional variation with variable domain, two families of variational principles are established for the hybrid problems of determining the unknown shape of bladings, where pressure or velocity is over‐specified. The present variational models are well posed for redundant data at boundaries. The theory provides both rational ways for best contouring the hub/casing walls to meet various practical design requirements and a theoretical basis for introducing the finite element method into computational aerodynamics of turbomachinery.
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By the semi‐inverse method proposed by He, a variational principle is established for steady flow over a thin, symmetric, non‐lifting aerofoil. The nonlinear, small‐disturbance…
Abstract
By the semi‐inverse method proposed by He, a variational principle is established for steady flow over a thin, symmetric, non‐lifting aerofoil. The nonlinear, small‐disturbance, velocity‐potential equation is obtained by minimizing the obtained functional, and all boundary conditions are converted into natural boundary conditions, resulting in much convenience when incorporating the finite element method.
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In the nonlinear model of reaction–diffusion, the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation plays a very significant role. This paper aims to generate innovative solitary solutions of the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the nonlinear model of reaction–diffusion, the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation plays a very significant role. This paper aims to generate innovative solitary solutions of the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation through the use of variational formulation.
Design/methodology/approach
The partial differential equation of Fitzhugh–Nagumo is modified by the appropriate wave transforms into a dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equation, which is solved by a semi-inverse variational method.
Findings
This paper uses a variational approach to the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation developing new solitary solutions. The condition for the continuation of new solitary solutions has been met. In addition, this paper sets out the Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation fractal model and its variational principle. The findings of the solitary solutions have shown that the suggested method is very reliable and efficient. The suggested algorithm is very effective and is almost ideal for use in such problems.
Originality/value
The Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation is an important nonlinear equation for reaction–diffusion and is typically used for modeling nerve impulses transmission. The Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation is reduced to the real Newell–Whitehead equation if β = −1. This study provides researchers with an extremely useful source of information in this area.
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Keywords
Ji-Huan He, Fei-Yu Ji and Hamid Mohammad-Sedighi
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the numerical method is not everything for nonlinear equations. Some properties cannot be revealed numerically; an example is used…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the numerical method is not everything for nonlinear equations. Some properties cannot be revealed numerically; an example is used to elucidate the fact.
Design/methodology/approach
A variational principle is established for the generalized KdV – Burgers equation by the semi-inverse method, and the equation is solved analytically by the exp-function method, and some exact solutions are obtained, including blowup solutions and discontinuous solutions. The solution morphologies are studied by illustrations using different scales.
Findings
Solitary solution is the basic property of nonlinear wave equations. This paper finds some new properties of the KdV–Burgers equation, which have not been reported in open literature and cannot be effectively elucidated by numerical methods. When the solitary solution or the blowup solution is observed on a much small scale, their discontinuous property is first found.
Originality/value
The variational principle can explain the blowup and discontinuous properties of a nonlinear wave equation, and the exp-function method is a good candidate to reveal the solution properties.
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Keywords
This paper aims to review some effective methods for fully fourth-order nonlinear integral boundary value problems with fractal derivatives.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review some effective methods for fully fourth-order nonlinear integral boundary value problems with fractal derivatives.
Design/methodology/approach
Boundary value problems arise everywhere in engineering, hence two-scale thermodynamics and fractal calculus have been introduced. Some analytical methods are reviewed, mainly including the variational iteration method, the Ritz method, the homotopy perturbation method, the variational principle and the Taylor series method. An example is given to show the simple solution process and the high accuracy of the solution.
Findings
An elemental and heuristic explanation of fractal calculus is given, and the main solution process and merits of each reviewed method are elucidated. The fractal boundary value problem in a fractal space can be approximately converted into a classical one by the two-scale transform.
Originality/value
This paper can be served as a paradigm for various practical applications.
Details
Keywords
Xin Su, Eburilitu Bai and Guojun Hai
A unified framework for solving the bending, buckling and vibration problems of rectangular thin plates (RTPs) with four free edges (FFFF), including isotropic RTPs, orthotropic…
Abstract
Purpose
A unified framework for solving the bending, buckling and vibration problems of rectangular thin plates (RTPs) with four free edges (FFFF), including isotropic RTPs, orthotropic rectangular thin plates (ORTPs) and nano-rectangular plates, is established by using the symplectic superposition method (SSM).
Design/methodology/approach
The original fourth-order partial differential equation is first rewritten into Hamiltonian system. The class of boundary value problems of the original equation is decomposed into three subproblems, and each subproblem is given the corresponding symplectic eigenvalues and symplectic eigenvectors by using the separation variable method in Hamiltonian system. The symplectic orthogonality and completeness of symplectic eigen-vectors are proved. Then, the symplectic eigenvector expansion method is applied to solve the each subproblem. Then, the symplectic superposition solution of the boundary value problem of the original fourth-order partial differential equation is given through superposing analytical solutions of three foundation plates.
Findings
The bending, vibration and buckling problems of the rectangular nano-plate/isotropic rectangular thin plate/orthotropic rectangular thin plate with FFFF can be solved by the unified symplectic superposition solution respectively.
Originality/value
The symplectic superposition solution obtained is a reference solution to verify the feasibility of other methods. At the same time, it can be used for parameter analysis to deeply understand the mechanical behavior of related RTPs. The advantages of this method are as follows: (1) It provides a systematic framework for solving the boundary value problem of a class of fourth-order partial differential equations. It is expected to solve more complicated boundary value problems of partial differential equations. (2) SSM uses series expansion of symplectic eigenvectors to accurately describe the solution. Moreover, symplectic eigenvectors are orthogonal and directly reflect the orthogonal relationship of vibration modes. (3) The SSM can be carried to bending, buckling and free vibration problems of the same plate with other boundary conditions.
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Ji-Huan He and Habibolla Latifizadeh
The purpose of this paper is to suggest a general numerical algorithm for nonlinear problems by the variational iteration method (VIM).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest a general numerical algorithm for nonlinear problems by the variational iteration method (VIM).
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the Laplace transform technique is used to reconstruct the variational iteration algorithm-II. Secondly, its convergence is strictly proved. Thirdly, the numerical steps for the algorithm is given. Finally, some examples are given to show the solution process and the effectiveness of the method.
Findings
No variational theory is needed to construct the numerical algorithm, and the incorporation of the Laplace method into the VIM makes the solution process much simpler.
Originality/value
A universal iteration formulation is suggested for nonlinear problems. The VIM cleans up the numerical road to differential equations.
Details
Keywords
Xuejuan Li and Ji-Huan He
The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective numerical algorithm for a gas-melt two-phase flow and use it to simulate a polymer melt filling process. Moreover, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective numerical algorithm for a gas-melt two-phase flow and use it to simulate a polymer melt filling process. Moreover, the suggested algorithm can deal with the moving interface and discontinuities of unknowns across the interface.
Design/methodology/approach
The algebraic sub-grid scales-variational multi-scale (ASGS-VMS) finite element method is used to solve the polymer melt filling process. Meanwhile, the time is discretized using the Crank–Nicolson-based split fractional step algorithm to reduce the computational time. The improved level set method is used to capture the melt front interface, and the related equations are discretized by the second-order Taylor–Galerkin scheme in space and the third-order total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta scheme in time.
Findings
The numerical method is validated by the benchmark problem. Moreover, the viscoelastic polymer melt filling process is investigated in a rectangular cavity. The front interface, pressure field and flow-induced stresses of polymer melt during the filling process are predicted. Overall, this paper presents a VMS method for polymer injection molding. The present numerical method is extremely suitable for two free surface problems.
Originality/value
For the first time ever, the ASGS-VMS finite element method is performed for the two-phase flow of polymer melt filling process, and an effective numerical method is designed to catch the moving surface.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Heydari, Ghasem Barid Loghmani and Abdul-Majid Wazwaz
The main purpose of this paper is to implement the piecewise spectral-variational iteration method (PSVIM) to solve the nonlinear Lane-Emden equations arising in mathematical…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to implement the piecewise spectral-variational iteration method (PSVIM) to solve the nonlinear Lane-Emden equations arising in mathematical physics and astrophysics.
Design/methodology/approach
This method is based on a combination of Chebyshev interpolation and standard variational iteration method (VIM) and matching it to a sequence of subintervals. Unlike the spectral method and the VIM, the proposed PSVIM does not require the solution of any linear or nonlinear system of equations and analytical integration.
Findings
Some well-known classes of Lane-Emden type equations are solved as examples to demonstrate the accuracy and easy implementation of this technique.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new and efficient technique is proposed to solve the nonlinear Lane-Emden equations. The proposed method overcomes the difficulties arising in calculating complicated and time-consuming integrals and terms that are not needed in the standard VIM.
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The nonlinear Schrödinger equation plays a vital role in wave mechanics and nonlinear optics. The purpose of this paper is the fractal paradigm of the nonlinear Schrödinger…
Abstract
Purpose
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation plays a vital role in wave mechanics and nonlinear optics. The purpose of this paper is the fractal paradigm of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation for the calculation of novel solitary solutions through the variational principle.
Design/methodology/approach
Appropriate traveling wave transform is used to convert a partial differential equation into a dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equation that is handled by a semi-inverse variational technique.
Findings
This paper sets out the Schrödinger equation fractal model and its variational principle. The results of the solitary solutions have shown that the proposed approach is very accurate and effective and is almost suitable for use in such problems.
Practical implications
Nonlinear Schrödinger equation is an important application of a variety of various situations in nonlinear science and physics, such as photonics, the theory of superfluidity, quantum gravity, quantum mechanics, plasma physics, neutron diffraction, nonlinear optics, fiber-optic communication, capillary fluids, Bose–Einstein condensation, magma transport and open quantum systems.
Originality/value
The variational principle of the Schrödinger equation without the Lagrange multiplier method in the sense of the fractal calculus is developed for the first time in the literature to the best of the author's understanding.
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Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov system (NNVS) is a well-known isotropic extension of the Lax (1 + 1) dimensional Korteweg-deVries equation that is also used as a paradigm for an…
Abstract
Purpose
Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov system (NNVS) is a well-known isotropic extension of the Lax (1 + 1) dimensional Korteweg-deVries equation that is also used as a paradigm for an incompressible fluid. The purpose of this paper is to present a fractal model of the NNVS based on the Hausdorff fractal derivative fundamental concept.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-scale transformation is used to convert the proposed fractal model into regular NNVS. The variational strategy of well-known Chinese scientist Prof. Ji Huan He is used to generate bright and exponential soliton solutions for the proposed fractal system.
Findings
The NNV fractal model and its variational principle are introduced in this paper. Solitons are created with a variety of restriction interactions that must all be applied equally. Finally, the three-dimensional diagrams are displayed using an appropriate range of physical parameters. The results of the solitary solutions demonstrated that the suggested method is very accurate and effective. The proposed methodology is extremely useful and nearly preferable for use in such problems.
Practical implications
The research study of the soliton theory has already played a pioneering role in modern nonlinear science. It is widely used in many natural sciences, including communication, biology, chemistry and mathematics, as well as almost all branches of physics, including nonlinear optics, plasma physics, fluid dynamics, condensed matter physics and field theory, among others. As a result, while constructing possible soliton solutions to a nonlinear NNV model arising from the field of an incompressible fluid is a popular topic, solving nonlinear fluid mechanics problems is significantly more difficult than solving linear ones.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time in the literature, this study presents Prof. Ji Huan He's variational algorithm for finding and studying solitary solutions of the fractal NNV model. The reported solutions are novel and present a valuable addition to the literature in soliton theory.