Flow onset for a single bubble in a yield-stress fluid

We use computational methods to determine the minimal yield stress required in order to hold static a buoyant bubble in a yield-stress liquid. The static limit is governed by the bubble shape, the dimensionless surface tension ( $\gamma$ ) and the ratio of the yield stress to the buoyancy stress ( $Y$ ). For a given geometry, bubbles are static for $Y > Y_c$ , which we determine for a range of shapes. Given that surface tension is negligible, long prolate bubbles require larger yield stress to hold static compared with oblate bubbles. Non-zero $\gamma$ increases $Y_c$ and for large $\gamma$ the yield-capillary number ( $Y/\gamma$ ) determines the static boundary. In this limit, although bubble shape is important, bubble orientation is not. Two-dimensional planar and axisymmetric bubbles are studied.

Comparison of integral equations for the Maxwell transmission problem with general permittivities

Two recently derived integral equations for the Maxwell transmission problem are compared through numerical tests on simply connected axially symmetric domains for non-magnetic materials. The winning integral equation turns out to be entirely free from false eigenwavenumbers for any passive materials, also for purely negative permittivity ratios and in the static limit, as well as free from false essential spectrum on non-smooth surfaces. It also appears to be numerically competitive to all other available integral equation reformulations of the Maxwell transmission problem, despite using eight scalar surface densities.

A finite difference method for the static limit analysis of masonry domes under seismic loads

The static limit analysis of axially symmetric masonry domes subject to pseudo-static seismic forces is addressed. The stress state in the dome is represented by the shell stress resultants (normal-force tensor, bending-moment tensor, and shear-force vector) on the dome mid-surface. The classical differential equilibrium equations of shells are resorted to for imposing the equilibrium of the dome. Heyman’s assumptions of infinite compressive and vanishing tensile strength, alongside with cohesive-frictional shear response, are adopted for imposing the admissibility of the stress state. A finite difference method is proposed for the numerical discretization of the problem, based on the use of two staggered rectangular grids in the parameter space generating the dome mid-surface. The resulting discrete static limit analysis problem results to be a second-order cone programming problem, to be effectively solved by available convex optimization softwares. In addition to a convergence analysis, numerical simulations are presented, dealing with the parametric analysis of the collapse capacity under seismic forces of spherical and ogival domes with parameterized geometry. In particular, the influence that the shear response of masonry material and the distribution of horizontal forces along the height of the dome have on the collapse capacity is explored. The obtained results, that are new in the literature, show the computational merit of the proposed method, and quantitatively shed light on the seismic resistance of masonry domes.

A computational method to simulate mono- and poly-disperse two-dimensional foams flowing in obstructed channel

A modified phase-field model is presented to numerically study the dynamics of flowing foam in an obstructed channel. The bubbles are described as smooth deformable fields interacting with one another through a repulsive potential. A strength of the model lies in its ability to simulate foams with wide range of gas fraction. The foam motion, composed of about hundred two-dimensional gas elements, was analyzed for gas fractions ranging from 0.4 to 0.99, that is below and beyond the jamming transition. Simulations are preformed near the quasi-static limit, indicating that the bubble rearrangement in the obstructed channel is primarily driven by the soft collisions and not by the hydrodynamics. Foam compression and relaxation upstream and downstream of the obstacle are reproduced and qualitatively match previous experimental and numerical observations. Striking dynamics, such as bubbles being squeezed by their neighbors in negative flow direction, are also revealed at intermediate gas fractions.

Ergosphere, Photon Region Structure, and the Shadow of a Rotating Charged Weyl Black Hole

In this paper, we explore the photon region and the shadow of the rotating counterpart of a static charged Weyl black hole, which has been previously discussed according to null and time-like geodesics. The rotating black hole shows strong sensitivity to the electric charge and the spin parameter, and its shadow changes from being oblate to being sharp by increasing in the spin parameter. Comparing the calculated vertical angular diameter of the shadow with that of M87*, we found that the latter may possess about 1036 protons as its source of electric charge, if it is a rotating charged Weyl black hole. A complete derivation of the ergosphere and the static limit is also presented.