The Science in Hume's Science of Man

This paper sketches a recently emerging divide between two interpretations of Hume's methodology and philosophy of science. On the first interpretation Hume relies on an inductive methodology and provides a (Newtonian) dynamic theory of the mind, and his philosophy of science reflects this methodology. On the second, Hume relies on inferences to the best explanation via comparative analysis of instances, and offers an anatomy of the mind relying on a chemical and organic imagery. The paper also aspires to lean the reader's sympathies toward the latter interpretation while outlining some of its potential consequences for the character of Hume's psychology, the limits of associationism, and his empiricism.

Linear Stability Analysis of Journal Bearings Lubricated With a Non-Newtonian Rabinowitsch Fluid

The linear stability boundaries of journal bearings lubricated with a non-Newtonian fluid have been investigated in this paper. Based on the Rabinowitsch fluid model, a non-Newtonian dynamic Reynolds equation for journal bearings is derived and then applied to analyze the linear dynamic characteristics of short journal bearings. Comparing with the Newtonian-lubricant case, the non-Newtonian rheology of dilatant lubricants provides a larger area of linearly stable region. However, the non-Newtonian properties of pseudo-plastic lubricants results in a reverse trend for the short journal bearing.

Heat Transfer in Microchannels With Suspended Solid Particles: Lattice-Boltzmann Based Computations

This paper presents computational results on the effect of fixed or suspended cylindrical solid particles on heat transfer in a channel flow. The computational method is based on the solution of the lattice-Boltzmann equation for the fluid flow, coupled with the energy equation for thermal transport and the Newtonian dynamic equations for direct simulation of suspended particle transport. The effects of Reynolds number, particle-to-channel size ratio, and the eccentricity of the particle on heat transfer from the channel walls for single and multi-particles are presented. The multi-particle flow condition represents a case with solid particles suspended in the cooling medium, such as in micro/nanofluids, to augment heat transfer. The results provide insight into the mechanism by which suspended particles can change the rate of heat transfer in a microchannel.

Application of Sliding Mode Control to Swarms Under Conflict

A robustizing Sliding Mode Control (SMC) strategy is implemented on two competing multi-agent swarms, called pursuers and evaders. Newtonian dynamic models are considered, which include drag forces as well as the inter-agent attraction/repulsion forces. The proposed control achieves the stability and the capture of the evaders by the pursuers despite the uncertainties in the evader behavior. The group pursuit is conceived in two phases: the approach phase during which the two swarms act like two individuals; and the assigned pursuit phase when each pursuer is assigned to an evader. Furthermore, we take into account a turning action for the evaders, which adds to their agility. This property is considered as a part of the uncertainty in the dynamics. The control parameters are separately studied to assess their influences on the pursuit.