Czech-Japanese Seminar in Applied Mathematics

Abstracts

Simulation study on crack propagation in contact problems

Takeshi TAKAISHI

Department of Mathematical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Musashino University, Japan

Abstract: Material fracture due to deformation caused by contact that changes with time is a complex phenomenon. Here, we use numerical simulations with the phase-field approach to study crack propagation in several contact problems, such as cutting problems and arch collapse. FreeFEM with the IPOPT package is very useful for analyzing problems with such inequality constraints.

Numerical study on crack path by fracture phase field model with unilateral contact condition and energy dissipation identity

Md Mamun MIAH (1), Ounissi Oussama (1), Sayahdin Alfat (1) and Masato Kimura (2)

(1) Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
(2) Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan

Abstract: Fracture problems in modern science and technology are prevalent and severe issues nowadays. For the numerical simulation of crack propagation, the fracture phase field model (PFM) is commonly used in fracture mechanics. We examine the numerical simulation for crack propagation due to the various scenarios, such as mode I crack propagation, mixed mode crack propagation, and compression in the domain with inclined and horizontal cracks, by using the finite element method (FEM) for PFM. Here, we applied PFM to investigate the two-dimensional and three-dimensional problems in the original model and the model with unilateral contact condition. Using the numerical technique FEM, in every instance, we observed the realistic fracture propagation feature. For the case of unrealistic, we mentioned the PFM with unilateral contact condition. Here, we also proposed the model with a unilateral contact condition to avoid unrealistic cases of crack propagation. Using both cases, we noticed that mode I and crack propagation due to compressing in the domain with horizontal crack yield realistic results. The model with unilateral contact condition gave us a realistic crack path for the mixed mode, whereas the original PFM gave us a branching crack path, which is not possible. For crack propagation due to compressing in the domain with inclined crack, the original is not realistic, but the crack profile is realistic in the model with unilateral contact condition. We also discussed and theoretically proved the energy dissipation identity, more commonly known as the waste energy identity for both the original and unilateral contact condition. This identity helps to formulate fracture criteria like Griffith’s criterion, which states that a crack grows when the energy release rate exceeds the toughness of the fracture. Thus, we may conclude that compared to the original model, crack propagation resulting from unilateral contact circumstances produces more realistic findings. In some circumstances, we also discuss the driving force profile and surface energy of the original and unilateral contact condition. Here, we used FreeFem++ software for numerical simulation and symmetric mesh generation with adaptation.

Projection Scheme for an Elasto-plastic Model with a Time-Dependent Threshold

Kazunori MATSUI

Department of Logistics and Information Engineering, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: We propose a numerical scheme for evolution inclusions involving an elasto-plastic model with a time-dependent threshold function. The proposed scheme projects the stress within constraints after solving the linear elliptic PDE at each step, avoiding the need to solve nonlinear problems. We derive the existence of an exact solution to the original problem using the stability of the scheme. The presentation is based on collaborative work with Yoshiho Akagawa (Kyoto University of Education).

Estimating the average free boundary velocity in the Hele-Shaw problem using a Berger-Brezis-Rogers like numerical scheme

Md Joni ALAM

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan

Abstract: The Hele-Shaw problem is a popular model of the flow of an incompressible fluid between two closely spaced parallel plates, known as the Hele-Shaw cell. In its classical form, the Hele-Shaw problem is homogeneous as it does not involve a time-dependent coefficient. However, we focus on a Hele-Shaw problem in an inhomogeneous medium, where the coefficient in the free boundary velocity depends on both space and time. The homogenization behavior in such a situation exhibits interesting effects, and finding the average velocity of free boundary movement is an interesting problem. We develop a new BBR-like scheme for the Hele-Shaw problem with a time-dependent coefficient. The scheme is formally derived as the large conductivity limit of the scheme introduced by [Berger-Brezis- Rogers, 1979] for the Stefan problem. To discretize in time, the BBR-like scheme is used, while quadtree and octree structures are applied for spatial discretization. We use adaptive mesh refinement with quadtree structures in two dimensions and octree structures in three dimensions to make computing more efficient. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our method yields a more robust and precise estimation of average free boundary velocity in comparison with the results presented in [Palupi-Pozar, 2018]. We also compare the performance of our new scheme to that of a state-of-theart first-order level set method. This is a joint work with Prof. Norbert Pozar from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
References
[1] Berger, A. E., Brézis, H., and Rogers, J. C. W. A numerical method for solving the problem ut − Δf(u) = 0. RAIRO Anal. Numér., 13(4), 297– 312, 1979.
[2] Palupi, I. and Požár, N. An efficient numerical method for estimating the average free boundary velocity in an inhomogeneous Hele-Shaw problem. Sci. Rep. Kanazawa Univ., 62, 69–86, 2018.

Maximum principle approach to error estimates for linear elliptic finite difference schemes on general grids and domains

Norbert POŽÁR

Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Science and Engineering Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan

Abstract: Free boundary problems like the Hele-Shaw problem require solving an elliptic PDE on a moving domain, and need an accurate gradient of the solution at the free boundary. We show an application of a discrete Aleksandrov--Bakelman maximum principle to obtain an improvement of an error estimate in the max norm for linear elliptic finite difference schemes on adaptive grids. This is joint work with Shahadat Ali and Alam Md Joni from Kanazawa University.

Numerically Efficient Determination of Kinetic Parameters of the VR-1 Nuclear Reactor based on Experimental Data and ODE-Constrained Optimization

Pavel STRACHOTA

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract: A method of adjusting nuclear reactor kinetic parameters to experimental data is proposed. The fractions of neutrons delayed via different precursor groups are of interest. Their values originally calculated by Monte Carlo simulations are modified to bring the power output of the reactor predicted by the point kinetics equations closer to the measured values. The measurements were performed on the VR-1 zero-power training reactor in the Czech Republic. Three reactivity patterns were investigated to account for the different reactor transients. The resulting ODE-constrained optimization problem is solved numerically, using the adjoint equations to obtain the gradient of the loss functional and applying a specifically tailored gradient descent technique. The performance of our approach is compared to other variants of gradient-based optimization. As a side result, a gradient descent step size adaptivity algorithm is proposed. Finally, discussion on the physical relevance of the obtained results is provided.

AC electrospinning as an electro-hydrodynamic instability in alternating electric field

David LUKÁŠ, joint work with Jaroslav MIKULE and Jan VALTERA

Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic

Abstract: The problem of electrohydrodynamic stability in an external time-periodically varying field is formulated as simply as possible. The aim is to perform an analysis of the fastest forming instabilities having an appearance of a jetting onset. The analysis is focused on the relationship between average inter-jet distances and electric field intensity as well as its frequency. Theoretical results will be compared with an experiment based on AC electrospinning method. We consider an idealization of a realistic AC electrospinning set-up. This set-up consists of a disc spinning-electrode connected to a frequency and voltage tuneable AC high voltage supply. The set-up works without any collector, i.e., counter-electrode. The lover part of the rim of the slowly rotating disc is in touch with a polymeric solution that fills an opened container. This arrangement of the experimental enables: (i) localization of the polymeric solution on the narrow disc perimeter only, (ii) homogeneous field strength distribution on the liquid gas interface, and (iii) thorough observation of distances between jets using a high-speed camera. The electrohydrodynamic problem under such conditions has not been addressed in literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge.

Simulation of FeSi refinement in metallurgical ladles

Robert STRAKA

Department of Heat Engineering & Environment Protection, Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland

Abstract: TBA

Shock wave structure in two- phase flow of a dilute mixture of non-ideal gas and small solid particles

Arvind PATEL (1), and Divya KHAPRA (2)

(1) Department of Mathematics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India, (2) School of Engineering and Technology, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram, Harayana

Abstract: This study examines the structure of shock waves in two-phase flow of a dilute mixture of non-ideal gas and small solid particles employing the NavierStokes-Fourier model. The gas is assumed to follow the reduced van der Waals' equation of state while the solid dust particles are treated as pseudo-fluids. The mass and volume fraction, radius, and specific heat of the dust particles and the pre-shock Mach number and the non-idealness of the gas have been taken as the parameters for the flow. Initially, gas and dust particles are assumed to be in equilibrium, moving at a uniform speed. Upon the initiation of the shock formation process, the gas and solid particles transit into a non-equilibrium state, exhibiting different profiles and relax finally to achieve the equilibrium at distinct relaxation rates. It is found that only when the size of dust particles approaches the order of mean free path of the gas, the mixture exhibit behavior akin to single-phase fluid. The non-equilibrium intensifies as the size of the dust particles increases. The profiles of the gas and dust particles are found to differ considerably with the presence, size, and thermodynamic properties of dust particles, the nonideal nature of the gas, and the Mach number of the flow.
Keywords: shock wave structure; dusty gas; Navier-Stokes-Fourier approach; continuum model; non-ideal gas; two-phase flow

Asymptotic Behavior for Type II Blow-up Solutions of a Quasilinear Parabolic Equation

Koichi ANADA

Waseda University Senior High School, Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: We consider type II blow-up solutions for a quasilinear parabolic equation that appears in curve shortening problems. In this talk, we investigate eventual monotonicity for solutions of the quasilinear parabolic equation and asymptotic behavior on the boundary of the blow-up set for type II blow-up solutions.  This is a joint work with T. Ishiwata (Shibaura Institute of Technology) and T. Ushijima (Tokyo University of Science).

Computation of stabilization parameters using machine learning

Petr Knobloch

Department of Numerical Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract: For various types of partial differential equations, standard finite element discretizations are often unstable, which can be cured by adding suitable stabilization terms. Typically, these terms contain user-chosen parameters whose optimal choice is usually not known but which considerably influence the quality of the approximate solution. In this talk, we will consider stabilized methods for steady convection-diffusion equations. A typical example is the streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) method. It is possible to compute the stabilization parameters a posteriori in an adaptive way by minimizing a target functional characterizing the quality of the approximate solution, however, this functional is often difficult to design. Moreover, the solution of this high-dimensional constrained nonlinear optimization problem is usually very time-consuming. Therefore, we proposed a method based on techniques from machine learning in order to select (nearly) optimal stabilization parameters in a cheap way. The idea is to compute these parameters locally based on properties of the SUPG solution obtained with standard (nonoptimal) parameters. The training phase will use parameters computed by the mentioned minimization approach employing accurate approximate solutions which can be obtained using nonlinear (and hence again costly) approaches. We will report our first experiences with this strategy. This is the joint work with Manoj Prakash (Charles University, Prague).

The Unique Solvability Conditions for the Generalized Absolute Value Equations

Shubham Kumara (1,2) and Deepmalaa (1)

(1) Mathematics Discipline, PDPM-Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, India, (2) Department of Mathematics, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradin, India

Abstract: This paper investigates the conditions that guarantee unique solvability and unsolvability for the generalized absolute value equations (GAVE) given by Ax − B|x| = b. Further, these conditions are also valid to determine the unique solution of the absolute value matrix equations (AVME) AX − B|X| = F. We give the possible revised version of the unique solvability conditions for the two incorrect results that appeared in the published paper by Wu et al. (Appl Math Lett 76:195-200, 2018). Finally, certain aspects related to the solvability and unsolvability of the absolute value equations (AVE) have been deliberated upon.
Keywords. Generalized absolute value equation, Absolute value matrix equations, Unique solution, Sufficient condition, Unsolvability. 2020 MSC. 15A18, 65H10, 90C05, 90C30.

Spectral CT Data Processing Using Diffusion Equations: Denoising and Segmentation

Pavel Mikuláček

Institute of Mathematics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

Abstract: Spectral computed tomography (CT) extends conventional CT by acquiring energy-resolved data, enabling better material differentiation and quantitative imaging. These datasets are often affected by high noise and structural complexity. Using diffusion equations with tailored boundary conditions, we reduce noise and separate structures while preserving local intensity statistics, improving segmentation accuracy and maintaining the physical relevance of reconstructed data.

Enhancing magnetic resonance flow measurements using the lattice Boltzmann method

Radek Fučík

Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract: In my contribution, I will summarize the exploration of using the lattice Boltzmann method for flow datasets measured on various phantoms using MRI over the last decade. I will highlight the challenges encountered and present the key findings of each stage. In particular, I will address the following questions: the reliability of flow measurements in the turbulent regime; the need to use a non-Newtonian flow model to simulate haemodynamics; or the use of 3D printing to develop and produce MR flow phantoms.

Coulomb Energy as a Measure of Uniform Point Distributions

Prapapit Chutimantanon

Graduate School of Science and Technology, Meiji University (Ikuta Campus), Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: This research aims to generate uniform distributions of points on compact set by minimizing Coulomb energy, defined as the sum of the inverses of Euclidean distances between pairs of points, in combination with the horizontal winding number method. Achieving uniformity of points is crucial in diverse fields such as robotics (e.g., explosion distance analysis), computer vision, healthcare, and scientific computing, where applications include mesh reconstruction and geometric modeling. The proposed approach addresses the need for evenly spaced points, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of computational methods in these domains.
Keywords: Coulomb energy, Horizontal winding number, uniform distribution of points

Computational Studies of Conserved Curvature Flow with Application to Amoeboid Movement of a Eukaryotic Cell

Maneesh Narayanan and Michal Beneš

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract: We study the amoeboid movement of a eukaryotic cell by modeling its boundary as a closed planar curve evolving under constrained curvature flow. The motion law incorporates protrusion, retraction, membrane tension, and frictional forces, all projected onto the normal direction of the evolving curve. To solve the governing equations, we employ a parametric method. For maintaining a stable numerical representation of the curve, we use either natural redistribution or uniform redistribution techniques to ensure an appropriate distribution of discretization points along the curve. Simulations demonstrate how these forces influence the cell’s shape and movement, offering a simplified yet insightful representation of real cell motility mechanisms. In addition, we solve a transport equation to study how a density of quantity evolves along the moving curve over time.

Reaction-diffusion approximation of nonlocal interactions in highdimensional space

Yoshitaro Tanaka (1,2)

(1) Future University Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan (2) University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract: Motivated by pattern formations, many evolution equations incorporating spatial convolution with suitable integral kernel have been proposed. Numerical simulations of these nonlocal evolution equation can reproduce various patterns depending on the kernel shape. In this talk, we consider the relationship between these nonlocal evolution equations and a reaction-diffusion system. By controlling parameters and taking a singular limit in the reaction-diffusion system, we show that nonlocal interactions that satisfy dimensional conditions can be approximated by the reaction-diffusion systems in general. This research is a collaboration with Hiroshi Ishii of Hokkaido University.

Geometry Optimization of Idealized Total Cavopulmonary Connection Using a CFD-Based Framework

Jan Bureš

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract: A computational fluid dynamics-based framework for optimizing 3D geometry in an idealized total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is presented. The TCPC is a surgical procedure designed to treat congenital heart defects involving a single functional ventricle. The presented custom optimization framework integrates Python-based geometry generation, lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations, and gradient-free optimization algorithms, including Nelder-Mead and the Mesh Adaptive Direct Search methods. The three optimization steps – generation of parameterized 3D geometry, simulation of incompressible Newtonian fluid flow with a rigid wall, and evaluation of objective functions – are executed automatically. The massively parallel implementation of LBM on GPUs allows the use of a spatial resolution suitable for optimizing the flow metrics sensitive to the actual resolution, such as the turbulent kinetic energy or near-wall shear rate. A simplified, parameterized model of the TCPC geometry was used to test the framework, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness. While this study focuses on idealized geometries with simplified assumptions, the results provide a foundation for extending the framework to patient-specific data and more complex physiological scenarios. This work represents a step in applying computational optimization to cardiovascular surgery, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes and patient-specific treatment planning.