Kuramoto Model of Nonlinear Coupled Oscillators as a Way for Understanding Phase Synchronization: Application to Solar and Geomagnetic Indices

We apply a Kuramoto model of nonlinear coupled oscillators to the simulation of slow variations of the phase difference between sunspot number [R _I ] and geomagnetic indices [aa and ζ]. The Kuramoto model is described for the particular case of two oscillators connected by symmetric coupling with quasi-stationary behavior, and its properties are investigated. By solving an inverse problem, we reconstruct the evolution of the couplings between pairs of indices [R _I and aa, R _I and ζ, aa and ζ], and interpret these in terms of the physics of the solar dynamo. The de-correlation between R _I and geomagnetic indices found in Solar Cycle 20 by Le Mouël et al. (J. Geophys. Res. 117, A09103, 2012) is successfully reproduced by the Kuramoto model and corresponds to the alternation of the leading oscillator. Application of the Kuramoto model to the cross-correlations [C(R _I ,ζ) and C(aa,ζ)] for ζ-indices computed in eight geomagnetic stations shows the latitudinal dependence of the mean phase difference. We discuss these results in terms of the solar-wind contribution to local geomagnetic indices [ζ].     

Submm observations of herbig ae/be systems

Studies of circumstellar dust and gas in pre-main-sequence systems are in part motivated by a desire to probe possible sites of future or on-going planet formation and, should accretion onto young stars be taking place, to determine whether the observed remnants of embryonic envelopes might yet contribute significantly to the final masses of stars as they evolve towards the main sequence. New 0.35- to 1.3-mm flux measurements have been made for 13 intermediate-mass pre-MS systems in order to estimate total dust+gas masses and to investigate the spatial distribution of circumstellar material. At least two sources may be dominated by compact circumstellar disks; emission from extended envelopes appears to be important for the majority of sources. HD 163296 is an unusual object and warrants further examination.     

Radial velocity variations of the pulsating subdwarf B star PG 1605+072

We present an analysis of high-speed spectroscopy of the pulsating subdwarf B star PG 1605+072. Periodic radial motions are detected at frequencies similar to those reported for photometric variations in the star, with amplitudes of up to 6 km s⁻¹. Differences between relative strengths for given frequency peaks for our velocity data and previously measured photometry are probably a result of shifting of power between modes over time. Small differences in the detected frequencies may also indicate mode-shifting. We report the detection of line-shape variations using the moments of the cross-correlation function profiles. It may be possible to use the moments to identify the pulsation modes of the star.     

The relativistic equations of motion for a satellite in orbit about a finite-size,rotating Earth

The relativistic equations of motion are derived for N self-gravitating, rotating finite bodies. These equations are then applied to the near-Earth satellite orbit determination problem. The apparent change of the shape of the Earth from the Earth centered frame to the Solar System barycentric frame changes the value of the Newtonian potential term in the metric. This in turn leads to a simplification of the equations of motion in the barycentric frame.     

Coupling between progressive damage and permeability of concrete: analysis with a discrete model

A significant increase of the permeability of concrete upon micro‐cracking and a good correlation between the evolution of damage (material stiffness) and permeability are observed experimentally. The present contribution investigates this correlation theoretically, with the help of lattice analyses. Scaling analysis of lattices which contain elastic brittle bonds has shown that the material degradation should be described by the evolution of the material stiffness, or compliance, in a continuum setting (damage models). This result is reviewed and further documented in the first part of the paper. In the second part, hydro‐mechanical problems are considered with the construction of a hydraulic lattice, dual to the mechanical one. We observe that the average permeability upon micro‐cracking is the lattice scale‐independent controlling variable in the hydraulic problem. Additionally, results show that in a continuum poro‐mechanical approach, the evolution of the material permeability ought to be related to the elastic unloading stiffness, described e.g. with the help of continuum damage variables. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Atlantic remote sensing land ocean experiment (ARSLOE): Overview

ARSLOE was a multiorganization experiment held October 6-November 30, 1980, near Duck, North Carolina. It provided a large number of wind-wave and related measurements to intercompare and develop wave measurement systems, to evaluate and improve wave models, and to provide basic information on wave mechanics in shallow water. This paper provides an overview of the experiment.     

An Observational Study of the Mesoscale Mistral Dynamics

We investigate the mesoscale dynamics of the mistral through the wind profiler observations of the MAP (autumn 1999) and ESCOMPTE (summer 2001) field campaigns. We show that the mistral wind field can dramatically change on a time scale less than 3 hours. Transitions from a deep to a shallow mistral are often observed at any season when the lower layers are stable. The variability, mainly attributed in summer to the mistral/land–sea breeze interactions on a 10-km scale, is highlighted by observations from the wind profiler network set up during ESCOMPTE. The interpretations of the dynamical mistral structure are performed through comparisons with existing basic theories. The linear theory of R. B. Smith [Advances in Geophysics, Vol. 31, 1989, Academic Press, 1–41] and the shallow water theory [Schär, C. and Smith, R. B.: 1993a, J. Atmos. Sci. 50, 1373–1400] give some complementary explanations for the deep-to-shallow transition especially for the MAP mistral event. The wave breaking process induces a low-level jet (LLJ) downstream of the Alps that degenerates into a mountain wake, which in turn provokes the cessation of the mistral downstream of the Alps. Both theories indicate that the flow splits around the Alps and results in a persistent LLJ at the exit of the Rhône valley. The LLJ is strengthened by the channelling effect of the Rhône valley that is more efficient for north-easterly than northerly upstream winds despite the north–south valley axis. Summer moderate and weak mistral episodes are influenced by land–sea breezes and convection over land that induce a very complex interaction that cannot be accurately described by the previous theories.