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Padé approximation is a useful tool for extracting singularity information from a power series. A linear Padé approximant is a rational function and can provide estimates of pole and zero locations in the complex plane. A quadratic Padé approximant has square root singularities and can, therefore, provide additional information such as estimates of branch point locations. In this paper, we discuss numerical aspects of computing quadratic Padé approximants as well as some applications. Two algorithms for computing the coefficients in the approximant are discussed: a direct method involving the solution of a linear system (well-known in the mathematics community) and a recursive method (well-known in the physics community). We compare the accuracy of these two methods when implemented in floating-point arithmetic and discuss their pros and cons. In addition, we extend Luke’s perturbation analysis of linear Padé approximation to the quadratic case and identify the problem of spurious branch points in the quadratic approximant, which can cause a significant loss of accuracy. A possible remedy for this problem is suggested by noting that these troublesome points can be identified by the recursive method mentioned above. Another complication with the quadratic approximant arises in choosing the appropriate branch. One possibility, which is to base this choice on the linear approximant, is discussed in connection with an example due to Stahl. It is also known that the quadratic method is capable of providing reasonable approximations on secondary sheets of the Riemann surface, a fact we illustrate here by means of an example. Two concluding applications show the superiority of the quadratic approximant over its linear counterpart: one involving a special function (the Lambert $W$-function) and the other a nonlinear PDE (the continuation of a solution of the inviscid Burgers equation into the complex plane).

The paper considers the possibility of comparing and classifying dynamical systems based on topological data analysis. Determining the measures of interaction between the channels of dynamic systems based on the HIIA (Hankel Interaction Index Array) and PM (Participation Matrix) methods allows you to build HIIA and PM graphs and their adjacency matrices. For any linear dynamic system, an approximating directed graph can be constructed, the vertices of which correspond to the components of the state vector of the dynamic system, and the arcs correspond to the measures of mutual influence of the components of the state vector. Building a measure of distance (proximity) between graphs of different dynamic systems is important, for example, for identifying normal operation or failures of a dynamic system or a control system. To compare and classify dynamic systems, weighted directed graphs corresponding to dynamic systems are preliminarily formed with edge weights corresponding to the measures of interaction between the channels of the dynamic system. Based on the HIIA and PM methods, matrices of measures of interaction between the channels of dynamic systems are determined. The paper gives examples of the formation of weighted directed graphs for various dynamic systems and estimation of the distance between these systems based on topological data analysis. An example of the formation of a weighted directed graph for a dynamic system corresponding to the control system for the components of the angular velocity vector of an aircraft, which is considered as a rigid body with principal moments of inertia, is given. The method of topological data analysis used in this work to estimate the distance between the structures of dynamic systems is based on the formation of persistent barcodes and persistent landscape functions. Methods for comparing dynamic systems based on topological data analysis can be used in the classification of dynamic systems and control systems. The use of traditional algebraic topology for the analysis of objects does not allow obtaining a sufficient amount of information due to a decrease in the data dimension (due to the loss of geometric information). Methods of topological data analysis provide a balance between reducing the data dimension and characterizing the internal structure of an object. In this paper, topological data analysis methods are used, based on the use of Vietoris-Rips and Dowker filtering to assign a geometric dimension to each topological feature. Persistent landscape functions are used to map the persistent diagrams of the method of topological data analysis into the Hilbert space and then quantify the comparison of dynamic systems. Based on the construction of persistent landscape functions, we propose a comparison of graphs of dynamical systems and finding distances between dynamical systems. For this purpose, weighted directed graphs corresponding to dynamical systems are preliminarily formed. Examples of finding the distance between objects (dynamic systems) are given.

The technique of simplification of mathematical model of a chemical reaction by reducing the number of steps of the reaction scheme, based on an analysis of sensitivity to changes in the objective function of the model parameters, is proposed. The reduced scheme of model reaction of formaldehyde oxidation is received. Functional characterizes the measure of proximity to the calculated values for the initial kinetic reaction scheme and the scheme resulting disturbance of its parameters. The advantage of this technique is the ability to analyze complex kinetic schemes and reduction of kinetic models to a size suitable for practical use. The results of computational experiments under different reaction conditions can be included in the functional and thus to receive the reduce scheme, which is consistent the detailed scheme for the desired range of conditions. Sensitivity analysis of the functional model allows to identify those parameters, which provide the largest (or smallest) the contribution to the result of the process simulation. The mathematical model can contain parameters, which change of values do not affect the qualitative and quantitative description of the process. The contribution of these parameters in the functional value won’t be of great importance. Thus it can be eliminated from consideration, which do not serve for modeling kinetic curves substances. The kinetic scheme of formaldehyde oxidation, the detailed mechanism which includes 25 stages and 15 substances, were investigated using this method. On the basis of the local and global sensitivity analysis, the most important stage of the process that affect the overall dynamics of the target concentrations of the reaction. The reduced scheme of model reaction of formaldehyde oxidation is received. This scheme also describes the behavior of the main substances, as detailed scheme, but has a much smaller number of reaction stages. The results of the comparative analysis of modeling of formaldehyde oxidation on detailed and reduced schemes are given. Computational aspects of the problems of chemical kinetics by Sobol’ global method an example of this reaction are specified. The comparison results are local, global and total sensitivity indices are given.

The article covers several mathematical problems relating to elastic stability of thin shells in view of inconsistencies that have been recently identified between the experimental data and the predictions based on the shallow- shell theory. It is highlighted that the contradictions were caused by new algorithms that enabled updating the values of the so called “low critical stresses” calculated in the 20th century and adopted as a buckling criterion for thin shallow shells by technical standards. The new calculations often find the low critical stress close to zero. Therefore, the low critical stress cannot be used as a safety factor for the buckling analysis of the thinwalled structure, and the equations of the shallow-shell theory need to be replaced with other differential equations. The new theory also requires a buckling criterion ensuring the match between calculations and experimental data.

The article demonstrates that the contradiction with the new experiments can be resolved within the dynamic nonlinear three-dimensional theory of elasticity. The stress when bifurcation of dynamic modes occurs shall be taken as a buckling criterion. The nonlinear form of original equations causes solitary (solitonic) waves that match non-smooth displacements (patterns, dents) of the shells. It is essential that the solitons make an impact at all stages of loading and significantly increase closer to bifurcation. The solitonic solutions are illustrated based on the thin cylindrical momentless shell when its three-dimensional volume is simulated with twodimensional surface of the set thickness. It is noted that the pattern-generating waves can be detected (and their amplitudes can by identified) with acoustic or electromagnetic devices.

Thus, it is technically possible to reduce the risk of failure of the thin shells by monitoring the shape of the surface with acoustic devices. The article concludes with a setting of the mathematical problems requiring the solution for the reliable numerical assessment of the buckling criterion for thin elastic shells.

The work is devoted to the structural analysis of complex technical systems. Mechanical structures are considered, the properties of which affect the behavior of products during assembly, repair and operation. The main source of data on parts and mechanical connections between them is a hypergraph. This model formalizes the multidimensional basing relation. The hypergraph correctly describes the connectivity and mutual coordination of parts, which is achieved during the assembly of the product. When developing complex products in CAD systems, an engineer often makes serious design mistakes: overbasing of parts and non-sequential assembly operations. Effective ways of identifying these structural defects have been proposed. It is shown that the property of independent assembly can be represented as a closure operator whose domain is the boolean of the set of product parts. The images of this operator are connected and coordinated subsets of parts that can be assembled independently. A lattice model is described, which is the state space of the product during assembly, disassembly and decomposition into assembly units. The lattice model serves as a source of various structural information about the project. Numerical estimates of the cardinality of the set of admissible alternatives in the problems of choosing an assembly sequence and decomposition into assembly units are proposed. For many technical operations (for example, control, testing, etc.), it is necessary to mount all the operand parts in one assembly unit. A simple formalization of the technical conditions requiring the inclusion (exclusion) of parts in the assembly unit (from the assembly unit) has been developed. A theorem that gives an mathematical description of product decomposition into assembly units in exact lattice terms is given. A method for numerical evaluation of the robustness of the mechanical structure of a complex technical system is proposed.

The article focuses on a nonlinear mathematical model that describes the interaction of the different age groups of the employed population. The interactions are treated by analogy with population relationship (competition, discrimination, assistance, oppression, etc). Under interaction of peoples we mean the generalized social and economic mechanisms that cause related changes in the number of employees of different age groups. Three age groups of the employed population are considered. It is young specialists (15–29 years), workers with experience (30–49 years), the employees of pre-retirement and retirement age (50 and older). The estimation of model’s parameters for the southern regions of the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) is executed by statistical data. Analysis of model scenarios allows us to conclude the observed number fluctuations of the different ages employees on the background of a stable total employed population may be a consequence of complex interactions between these groups of peoples. Computational experiments with the obtained values of the parameters allowed us to calculate the rate of decline and the aging of the working population and to determine the nature of the interaction between the age groups of employees that are not directly as reflected in the statistics. It was found that in FEFD the employed of 50 years and older are discriminated against by the young workers under 29, employed up to 29 and 30–49 years are in a partnership. It is shown in most developed regions (Primorsky and Khabarovsk Krai) there is “uniform” competition among different age groups of the employed population. For Primorsky Krai we were able to identify the mixing effect dynamics. It is a typical situation for systems in a state of structural adjustment. This effect is reflected in the fact the long cycles of employed population form with a significant decrease in migration inflows of employees 30–49 years. Besides, the change of migration is accompanied by a change of interaction type — from employment discrimination by the oldest of middle generation to discrimination by the middle of older generation. In less developed regions (Amur, Magadan and Jewish Autonomous Regions) there are lower values of migration balance of almost all age groups and discrimination by young workers up 29 years of other age groups and employment discrimination 30–49 years of the older generation.

The paper presents the results of numerical simulation and experimental data on the high-speed penetration of the impactor into the obstacle. In the calculations, a discrete-element model has been used, based on the representation of the impactor and the target by a set of close packed interconnected particles. This class of models finds an increasingly wide application in the problems of high-speed interaction of bodies. In the previous works of the authors, the questions of application of the discrete-element model to the problem of the penetration of spherical impactors into massive targets were considered. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the data of computational and physical experiments, it was found out that for a wide class of high-speed penetration problems, a high accuracy of discrete-element modeling can be achieved using the two-parameter Lennard–Jones potential. The binding energy was identified as a function of the dynamic hardness of materials. It was shown that the use of this approach makes it possible to describe accurately the penetration process in the range of impactor velocities 500–2500 m/c.

In this paper, we compare the results of discrete-element modeling with experimental data on penetration of high-strength targets of different thickness by steel impactors. The use of computational parallelization technologies on graphic processors in combination with 3D visualization and animation of the results makes it possible to obtain detailed spatio-temporal patterns of the penetration process and compare them with experimental data.

A comparative analysis of the experimental and calculated data has shown a sufficiently high accuracy of discrete-element modeling for a wide range of target thicknesses: for thin targets pierced with preservation of the integrity of the deformed impactor, for targets of medium thickness, pierced with practically complete fragmentation of the impactor at the exit from the target, and for thick impenetrable targets.

Evaluation of software reliability is an important part of the process of developing modern software. Many studies are aimed at improving models for measuring and predicting the reliability of software products. However, little attention is paid to approaches to comparing existing systems in terms of software reliability. Despite the enormous importance for practice (and for managing software development), a complete and proven comparison methodology does not exist. In this article, we propose a software reliability comparison methodology in which software reliability growth models are widely used. The proposed methodology has the following features: it provides certain level of flexibility and abstraction while keeping objectivity, i.e. providing measurable comparison criteria. Also, given the comparison methodology with a set of SRGMs and evaluation criteria it becomes much easier to disseminate information about reliability of wide range of software systems. The methodology was evaluated on the example of three mobile operating systems with open source: Sailfish, Tizen, CyanogenMod.

A byproduct of our study is a comparison of the three analyzed Open Source mobile operating systems. The goal of this research is to determine which OS is stronger in terms of reliability. To this end we have performed a GQM analysis and we have identified 3 questions and 8 metrics. Considering the comparison of metrics, it appears that Sailfish is in most case the best performing OS. However, it is also the OS that performs the worst in most cases. On the contrary, Tizen scores the best in 3 cases out of 8, but the worst only in one case out of 8.

Ultrasound examination of material properties is a precision method for determining their elastic and strength properties in connection with the small wavelength formed in the material after impact of a laser beam. In this paper, the wave processes arising during these measurements are considered in detail. It is shown that full-wave numerical modeling allows us to study in detail the types of waves, topological characteristics of their profile, speed of arrival of waves at various points, identification the types of waves whose measurements are most optimal for examining a sample made of a specific material of a particular shape, and to develop measurement procedures.

To carry out full-wave modeling, a grid-characteristic method on structured grids was used in this work and a hyperbolic system of equations that describes the propagation of elastic waves in the material of the thin plate under consideration on a specific example of a ratio of thickness to width of 1:10 was solved.

To simulate an elastic front that arose in the plate due to a laser beam, a model of the corresponding initial conditions was proposed. A comparison of the wave effects that arise during its use in the case of a point source and with the data of physical experiments on the propagation of laser ultrasound in metal plates was made.

A study was made on the basis of which the characteristic topological features of the wave processes under consideration were identified and revealed. The main types of elastic waves arising due to a laser beam are investigated, the possibility of their use for studying the properties of materials is analyzed. A method based on the analysis of multiple waves is proposed. The proposed method for studying the properties of a plate with the help of multiple waves on synthetic data was tested, and it showed good results.

It should be noted that most of the studies of multiple waves are aimed at developing methods for their suppression. Multiple waves are not used to process the results of ultrasound studies due to the complexity of their detection in the recorded data of a physical experiment.

Due to the use of full wave modeling and analysis of spatial dynamic wave processes, multiple waves are considered in detail in this work and it is proposed to divide materials into three classes, which allows using multiple waves to obtain information about the material of the plate.

The main results of the work are the developed problem statements for the numerical simulation of the study of plates of a finite thickness by laser ultrasound; the revealed features of the wave phenomena arising in plates of a finite thickness; the developed method for studying the properties of the plate on the basis of multiple waves; the developed classification of materials.

The results of the studies presented in this paper may be of interest not only for developments in the field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing, but also in the field of seismic exploration of the earth's interior, since the proposed approach can be extended to more complex cases of heterogeneous media and applied in geophysics.

An algorithm is proposed to identify parameters of a 2D vortex structure used on information about the flow velocity at a finite (small) set of reference points. The approach is based on using a set of point vortices as a model system and minimizing a functional that compares the model and known sets of velocity vectors in the space of model parameters. For numerical implementation, the method of gradient descent with step size control, approximation of derivatives by finite differences, and the analytical expression of the velocity field induced by the point vortex model are used. An experimental analysis of the operation of the algorithm on test flows is carried out: one and a system of several point vortices, a Rankine vortex, and a Lamb dipole. According to the velocity fields of test flows, the velocity vectors utilized for identification were arranged in a randomly distributed set of reference points (from 3 to 200 pieces). Using the computations, it was determined that: the algorithm converges to the minimum from a wide range of initial approximations; the algorithm converges in all cases when the reference points are located in areas where the streamlines of the test and model systems are topologically equivalent; if the streamlines of the systems are not topologically equivalent, then the percentage of successful calculations decreases, but convergence can also take place; when the method converges, the coordinates of the vortices of the model system are close to the centers of the vortices of the test configurations, and in many cases, the values of their circulations also; con-vergence depends more on location than on the number of vectors used for identification. The results of the study allow us to recommend the proposed algorithm for identifying 2D vortex structures whose streamlines are topologically close to systems of point vortices.