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Bifurcation Analysis in Geomechanics
by J. Sulem I.G. VardoulakisThis book examines the experimental and theoretical aspects of bifurcation analysis as applied to geomechanics. Coverage includes basic continuum mechanics for dry and fluid unfiltrated porous media, bifurcation and stability analyses applied to layered geological media and granular materials, and theories for generalized continua as applied to materals.
Bifurcation and Buckling in Structures
by Kiyohiro Ikeda Kazuo MurotaBifurcation and Buckling in Structures describes the theory and analysis of bifurcation and buckling in structures. Emphasis is placed on a general procedure for solving nonlinear governing equations and an analysis procedure related to the finite-element method. Simple structural examples using trusses, columns, and frames illustrate the principles. Part I presents fundamental issues such as the general mathematical framework for bifurcation and buckling, procedures for the buckling load/mode analyses, and numerical analysis procedures to trace the solution curves and switch to bifurcation solutions. Advanced topics include asymptotic theory of bifurcation and bifurcation theory of symmetric systems. Part II deals with buckling of perfect and imperfect structures. An overview of the member buckling of columns and beams is provided, followed by the buckling analysis of truss and frame structures. The worst and random imperfections are studied as advanced topics. An extensive review of the history of buckling is presented. This text is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and applied mathematics. To assist readers, problems are listed at the end of each chapter, and their answers are given at the end of the book. Kiyohiro Ikeda is Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University, Japan. Kazuo Murota is a Project Professor at the Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan, as well as Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
Bifurcation and Degradation of Geomaterials in the New Millennium: Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomaterials (Springer Series in Geomechanics and Geoengineering)
by Kam-Tim Chau Jidong ZhaoThis book contains contributions to the 10th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomaterials held in Hong Kong, May 28-30, 2014. This event marks the silver Jubilee anniversary of an international conference series dedicated to the research on localization, instability, degradation and failure of geomaterials since 1988 when its first workshop was organized in Germany. This volume of book collects the latest progresses and state-of-the-art research from top researchers around the world, and covers topics including multiscale modeling, experimental characterization and theoretical analysis of various instability and degradation phenomena in geomaterials as well as their relevance to contemporary issues in engineering practice. This book can be used as a useful reference for research students, academics and practicing engineers who are interested in the instability and degradation problems in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering.
Bifurcation and Localisation Theory in Geomechanics
by Hans-Bernd Mühlhaus; Arcady V. Dyskin; Elena PasternakThis work contains proceedings of a workshop on Bifurcation and Localisation Theory in Geomechanics, held in Perth, Australia in 1999. It covers a range of themes from classic civil engineering subjects to non-linear and non-unique geological phenomena.
Bifurcation and Stability in Nonlinear Discrete Systems (Nonlinear Physical Science)
by Albert C. LuoThis book focuses on bifurcation and stability in nonlinear discrete systems, including monotonic and oscillatory stability. It presents the local monotonic and oscillatory stability and bifurcation of period-1 fixed-points on a specific eigenvector direction, and discusses the corresponding higher-order singularity of fixed-points. Further, it explores the global analysis of monotonic and oscillatory stability of fixed-points in 1-dimensional discrete systems through 1-dimensional polynomial discrete systems. Based on the Yin-Yang theory of nonlinear discrete systems, the book also addresses the dynamics of forward and backward nonlinear discrete systems, and the existence conditions of fixed-points in said systems. Lastly, in the context of local analysis, it describes the normal forms of nonlinear discrete systems and infinite-fixed-point discrete systems. Examining nonlinear discrete systems from various perspectives, the book helps readers gain a better understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of such systems.
Bifurcation and Stability in Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (Nonlinear Systems and Complexity #28)
by Albert C. LuoThis book systematically presents a fundamental theory for the local analysis of bifurcation and stability of equilibriums in nonlinear dynamical systems. Until now, one does not have any efficient way to investigate stability and bifurcation of dynamical systems with higher-order singularity equilibriums. For instance, infinite-equilibrium dynamical systems have higher-order singularity, which dramatically changes dynamical behaviors and possesses the similar characteristics of discontinuous dynamical systems. The stability and bifurcation of equilibriums on the specific eigenvector are presented, and the spiral stability and Hopf bifurcation of equilibriums in nonlinear systems are presented through the Fourier series transformation. The bifurcation and stability of higher-order singularity equilibriums are presented through the (2m)th and (2m+1)th -degree polynomial systems. From local analysis, dynamics of infinite-equilibrium systems is discussed. The research on infinite-equilibrium systems will bring us to the new era of dynamical systems and control. Presents an efficient way to investigate stability and bifurcation of dynamical systems with higher-order singularity equilibriums;Discusses dynamics of infinite-equilibrium systems;Demonstrates higher-order singularity.
Bifurcation Dynamics in Polynomial Discrete Systems (Nonlinear Physical Science)
by Albert C. LuoThis is the first book focusing on bifurcation dynamics in 1-dimensional polynomial nonlinear discrete systems. It comprehensively discusses the general mathematical conditions of bifurcations in polynomial nonlinear discrete systems, as well as appearing and switching bifurcations for simple and higher-order singularity period-1 fixed-points in the 1-dimensional polynomial discrete systems. Further, it analyzes the bifurcation trees of period-1 to chaos generated by period-doubling, and monotonic saddle-node bifurcations. Lastly, the book presents methods for period-2 and period-doubling renormalization for polynomial discrete systems, and describes the appearing mechanism and period-doublization of period-n fixed-points on bifurcation trees for the first time, offering readers fascinating insights into recent research results in nonlinear discrete systems.
Bifurcation Theory of Impulsive Dynamical Systems (IFSR International Series in Systems Science and Systems Engineering #34)
by Kevin E.M. Church Xinzhi LiuThis monograph presents the most recent progress in bifurcation theory of impulsive dynamical systems with time delays and other functional dependence. It covers not only smooth local bifurcations, but also some non-smooth bifurcation phenomena that are unique to impulsive dynamical systems. The monograph is split into four distinct parts, independently addressing both finite and infinite-dimensional dynamical systems before discussing their applications. The primary contributions are a rigorous nonautonomous dynamical systems framework and analysis of nonlinear systems, stability, and invariant manifold theory. Special attention is paid to the centre manifold and associated reduction principle, as these are essential to the local bifurcation theory. Specifying to periodic systems, the Floquet theory is extended to impulsive functional differential equations, and this permits an exploration of the impulsive analogues of saddle-node, transcritical, pitchfork and Hopf bifurcations.Readers will learn how techniques of classical bifurcation theory extend to impulsive functional differential equations and, as a special case, impulsive differential equations without delays. They will learn about stability for fixed points, periodic orbits and complete bounded trajectories, and how the linearization of the dynamical system allows for a suitable definition of hyperbolicity. They will see how to complete a centre manifold reduction and analyze a bifurcation at a nonhyperbolic steady state.
The Big Backyard: The Solar System beyond Pluto
by Ron MillerThousands of years ago, humans believed that Earth was the center of the universe, that the world they lived on was all there was. Truthfully, the solar system extends almost halfway to the nearest star. And it is composed of not only planets, asteroids, and comets, but also powerful forces and vast fields of energy. This is our solar system’s big backyard. The cold, dark world that lies at the farthest reaches of our solar system holds a vast collection of secrets, and for most of human history, we had no idea anything was out there. But, driven by curiosity and equipped with new technology, astronomers have determined that beyond the orbit of Neptune are countless icy comets, strange particles that dance under the influence of the sun, and signs of undiscovered planets. To learn more about these far-flung objects, scientists have finally begun to explore the distant solar system, finding answers to age-old questions at the same time that they encounter new mysteries. With Ron Miller’s incredible illustrations and photographs from NASA probes and telescopes, The Big Backyard takes us on a tour through the solar system’s most obscure neighborhoods and into its darkest corners, to places beyond the limits of the human eye. Miller expertly describes the formation of the solar system and the history of the exploration of the outer solar system before delving into the latest discoveries and missions. Read on to learn what sorts of objects orbit at such extreme distances, what happens at the boundary between the sun’s influence and interstellar space, whether there is such a thing as the mysterious Planet X, and how life on Earth could not exist without the happenings at the edge of the solar system.
Big Bertha's Big Trip (Fountas & Pinnell Classroom, Guided Reading)
by Alice CaryNIMAC-sourced textbook. BIG PLANS FOR A BIG CRUISER. The huge red machine was called the Snow Cruiser, and no one had ever seen anything like it. It was built to travel over ice in Antarctica. But how would it get to the bottom of the world?
The Big Book of Drones
by Ralph DeFrangesco Stephanie DeFrangescoDrones are taking the world by storm. The technology and laws governing them change faster than we can keep up with. The Big Book of Drones covers everything from drone law to laws on privacy, discussing the history and evolution of drones to where we are today. If you are new to piloting, it also covers how to fly a drone including a pre-flight checklist. For those who are interested in taking drones to the next level, we discuss how to build your own using a 3D printer as well as many challenging projects for your drone. For the truly advanced, The Big Book of Drones discusses how to hack a drone. This includes how to perform a replay attack, denial of service attack, and how to detect a drone and take it down. Finally, the book also covers drone forensics. This is a new field of study, but one that is steadily growing and will be an essential area of inquiry as drones become more prevalent.
The Big Book of Hacks: 264 Amazing DIY Tech Projects (Popular Science)
by Doug CantorIngenious (and hilarious) projects that aspiring makers will love, brought to you by the tinkerers at Popular Science magazine. From useful, doable gadgets to outlandish contraptions that you&’d likely be wise to avoid, this showcase of ingenuity is an entertaining tribute to the inventive spirit. In this book from the science and technology magazine that&’s been inspiring everyday people for nearly 150 years, you&’ll discover: Geek Toys: Be the life of any party with rad gaming hacks, amazing pyrotechnics, quirky DIY robots, wow-inducing projectiles, and lots of ways to make beer even better. Home Improvements: Pimp out your pad with a laser-security system, an improvised sous-vide cooker, and a life-sized cardboard display of anyone you want. Gadget Upgrades: Want to stash a flash drive in an old cassette? Use a DIY stylus on a touchscreen? Improvise a fisheye lens for your camera? With this book, you can. Things That Go: Give your motorbike a Tron vibe, deck out your car with an action-figure hood ornament, and keep gadgets charged on the go with a solar-powered backpack. …and much more!
The Big Book of Invisible Technology: A Look At How Things Work For Kids
by Chloe TaylorLearn to see how modern technology is all around us—a hands-on approach for kids 8 to 12 Bluetooth brings beautiful music to your ears—but how, exactly? Using technology and building with technology are two different skill sets—and a twenty-first-century kid will need to understand both. The Big Book of Invisible Technology offers ways to explore how things work for kids in fun, hands-on ways. From the invisible Internet to driverless cars and drones, this book shows you how things work for kids, using step-by-step experiments. Then apply your knowledge and learn how you may, one day, bring real and important change to our lives. Are you ready to solve some of Earth's biggest challenges with technology? The future needs you. In this book on how things work for kids you'll discover: Talk like a pro—Important tech-related words are highlighted in bold along with their definitions, in a virtual dictionary of how things work for kids. Hands-on—Nine applied experiments will inspire you to learn while doing—like taking apart and safely rebuilding an old keyboard or remote control. Think bigger—Discover how to brainstorm as you plan ways to positively influence our planet. Take a step toward being the next great scientist, engineer, or tech genius when you learn how things work for kids.
The Big Book of Maker Skills: Tools & Techniques for Building Great Tech Projects
by The Editors of Popular Science Chris HackettThis ultimate guide for tech makers covers everything from hand tools to robots plus essential techniques for completing almost any DIY project. Makers, get ready: This is your must-have guide to taking your DIY projects to the next level. Legendary fabricator and alternative engineer Chris Hackett teams up with the editors of Popular Science to offer detailed instruction on everything from basic wood- and metalworking skills to 3D printing and laser-cutting wizardry. Hackett also explains the entrepreneurial and crowd-sourcing tactics needed to transform your back-of-the-envelope idea into a gleaming finished product. In The Big Book of Maker Skills, readers learn tried-and-true techniques from the shop classes of yore—how to use a metal lathe, or pick the perfect drill bit or saw—and get introduced to a whole new world of modern manufacturing technologies, like using CAD software, printing circuits, and more. Step-by-step illustrations, helpful diagrams, and exceptional photography make this book an easy-to-follow guide to getting your project done.
The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning
by Jacob Rodenburg Drew MonkmanThe average child can identify over one thousand corporate logos, but only ten native plants or animals--a telling indictment of our modern disconnection from nature. Soaring levels of obesity, high rates of ADHD, feelings of stress and social awkwardness, and "Nature Deficit Disorder" are further unintended consequences of a childhood spent primarily indoors.The Big Book of Nature Activities is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate and connect with the natural world. This rich, fully illustrated compendium features: Nature-based skills and activities such as species identification, photography, journaling, and the judicious use of digital technology Ideas, games, and activities grounded in what's happening in nature each season Core concepts that promote environmental literacy, such as climate change and the mechanisms and wonder of evolution, explained using a child-friendly, engaging approach Lists of key species and happenings to observe throughout the year across most of North AmericaPerfect for families, educators, and youth leaders , The Big Book of Nature Activities is packed with crafts, stories, information and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun.Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of the Camp Kawartha summer camp and outdoor education centre. As well as publishing numerous articles on children, nature and the environment, he has worked in the field of outdoor education for twenty-five years.Drew Monkman is an award-winning environmental advocate, naturalist, and retired teacher. In addition to his weekly nature column, Drew is the author of two season-based nature guides, including Nature's Year.
The Big Book of Trains (DK Big Books)
by DKFrom the first locomotive built in 1804 to the high-speed bullet train, The Big Book of Trains is the perfect book for kids who love trains.Packed with amazing facts and photographs of trains around the world, The Big Book of Trains covers the history of trains and train travel. Different types of trains are featured on their own spreads, and each page features multiple images to give a close-up view as well as informative text about each train. See the differences among monorails, passenger trains, and TGVs. Learn about pistons, fireboxes, boilers, and coupling rods, and find out exactly what they do to help the train travel down on the tracks.See key features of each train model and discover the difference between steam trains and diesels. Find out how trains are designed for certain jobs and tasks, including mountain trains, snow trains, and freight trains. Look at the biggest and fastest trains in the world.With incredible pictures and informative text, The Big Book of Trains is the essential book for young readers who want to know everything about trains.
The Big Book of UFO Facts, Figures & Truth: A Comprehensive Examination
by William J. Birnes Stephen SpignesiIn a mothership full of entertaining and informative chapters, authors Stephen Spignesi and William Birnes, writers of many books dealing with the intriguing, weird, and unexplained, shed a revealing beam of light on the UFO phenomenon. From inexplicable cattle mutilations and modern astronauts who have seen UFOs, to close encounters of the third and fourth kind, and, it’s all here: The latest on Roswell, and the 1947 crash that has never been explainedThe weirdest (and most convincing) alien abductions—and the medical procedures performed on abducteesThe most commonly-seen UFO shapesA who's who of UFOlogy—including presidents that have seen UFOsUFOs and the Bible20 years of Project Blue Book mysteries—NASA’s official UFO investigationWeirdness galore—Men in Black, crop circles, Bigfoot, the face on Mars, Hollow Earth Theory, alien ancestry, and more!The Big Book of UFO Facts, Figures & Truth is at once a valuable reference and an engrossing guide for all those fascinated with unexplained phenomenon. Turning to any page at random, readers are sure to find new facts and information, as well as dozens of rare, irrefutable photos. In addition, readers will learn how they can access a special website which includes actual video evidence of UFOs. This just may be the most comprehensive UFO guide available.
Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats
by Maryn MckennaIn this eye-opening exposé, acclaimed health journalist and National Geographic contributor Maryn McKenna documents how antibiotics transformed chicken from local delicacy to industrial commodity—and human health threat—uncovering the ways we can make America's favorite meat safer again. What you eat matters—for your health, for the environment, and for future generations. In this riveting investigative narrative, McKenna dives deep into the world of modern agriculture by way of chicken: from the farm where it's raised directly to your dinner table. Consumed more than any other meat in the United States, chicken is emblematic of today's mass food-processing practices and their profound influence on our lives and health. Tracing its meteoric rise from scarce treat to ubiquitous global commodity, McKenna reveals the astounding role of antibiotics in industrial farming, documenting how and why "wonder drugs" revolutionized the way the world eats—and not necessarily for the better. Rich with scientific, historical, and cultural insights, this spellbinding cautionary tale shines a light on one of America's favorite foods—and shows us the way to safer, healthier eating for ourselves and our children.
Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats
by Maryn MckennaIn this eye-opening exposé, acclaimed health journalist and National Geographic contributor Maryn McKenna documents how antibiotics transformed chicken from local delicacy to industrial commodity—and human health threat—uncovering the ways we can make America's favorite meat safer again. What you eat matters—for your health, for the environment, and for future generations. In this riveting investigative narrative, McKenna dives deep into the world of modern agriculture by way of chicken: from the farm where it's raised directly to your dinner table. Consumed more than any other meat in the United States, chicken is emblematic of today's mass food-processing practices and their profound influence on our lives and health. Tracing its meteoric rise from scarce treat to ubiquitous global commodity, McKenna reveals the astounding role of antibiotics in industrial farming, documenting how and why "wonder drugs" revolutionized the way the world eats—and not necessarily for the better. Rich with scientific, historical, and cultural insights, this spellbinding cautionary tale shines a light on one of America's favorite foods—and shows us the way to safer, healthier eating for ourselves and our children.
Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future
by Jeff GoodellPresident Bush has said coal is America's "economic destiny." Despite a century-long legacy that has claimed millions of lives and ravaged the environment, why has coal become hot again? Few of us realize that coal already supplies more than half the energy needed to power our iPods, laptops, lightsanything we use that consumes electricity. Every time we flip on a switch, we burn a lump of coal. Our desire to find a homegrown alternative to Mideast oil, the rising cost of oil and natural gas, and the fossil fuelfriendly mood in Washington will soon push our coal consumption through the roof. Because we have failed to develop alternative energy sources, coal has become the default fuel for the twenty-first century. In the tradition of Rachel Carson and Eric Schlosser, the veteran journalist Jeff Goodell examines the faulty assumptions underlying coal's revival and shatters the myth of cheap coal energy. In a compelling blend of hard-hitting investigative reporting, history, and business analysis, Big Coal illuminates the stark economic imperatives America faces and the collusion of business and politics that has already set us on the dangerous course. Filled with troubling environmental and health revelations, Big Coal shows us that our shiny white iPod economy is propped up by dirty black rocks.
Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future
by Jeff GoodellNew York Times–Bestselling Author:“Should be ready by anyone who owns a microwave, or an iPod, or a table lamp, which is to say everyone.” —Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Sixth ExtinctionA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearCoal is still a significant source of power in the United States—and coal mining is still a deadly and environmentally destructive industry. Much of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year comes from coal-fired power plants, and in recent decades air pollution from coal plants has killed more than half a million Americans. In this eye-opening call to action, Jeff Goodell explains the costs and consequences of America’s addiction to coal and discusses how we can kick the habit.“[A] compelling indictment . . . powerful.” —The New York Times Book Review“Goodell’s description of the mining-related deaths, the widespread health consequences of burning coal and the impact on our planet’s increasingly fragile ecosystem make for compelling reading, but . . . are not what lift this book out of the ordinary. That distinction belongs to Goodell’s fieldwork, which takes him to Atlanta, West Virginia, Wyoming, China and beyond.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Goodell does a first-rate job of balancing environmental concerns with interviews from the human faces associated with ‘Big Coal’.” —Library Journal
Big Crisis Data
by Carlos CastilloSocial media is an invaluable source of time-critical information during a crisis. However, emergency response and humanitarian relief organizations that would like to use this information struggle with an avalanche of social media messages that exceeds human capacity to process. Emergency managers, decision makers, and affected communities can make sense of social media through a combination of machine computation and human compassion - expressed by thousands of digital volunteers who publish, process, and summarize potentially life-saving information. This book brings together computational methods from many disciplines: natural language processing, semantic technologies, data mining, machine learning, network analysis, human-computer interaction, and information visualization, focusing on methods that are commonly used for processing social media messages under time-critical constraints, and offering more than 500 references to in-depth information.
Big Data: Techniques and Technologies in Geoinformatics
by Hassan A. KarimiOver the past decade, since the publication of the first edition, there have been new advances in solving complex geoinformatics problems. Advancements in computing power, computing platforms, mathematical models, statistical models, geospatial algorithms, and the availability of data in various domains, among other things, have aided in the automation of complex real-world tasks and decision-making that inherently rely on geospatial data. Of the many fields benefiting from these latest advancements, machine learning, particularly deep learning, virtual reality, and game engine, have increasingly gained the interest of many researchers and practitioners. This revised new edition provides up-to-date knowledge on the latest developments related to these three fields for solving geoinformatics problems.FEATURES Contains a comprehensive collection of advanced big data approaches, techniques, and technologies for geoinformatics problems Provides seven new chapters on deep learning models, algorithms, and structures, including a new chapter on how spatial metaverse is used to build immersive realistic virtual experiences Presents information on how deep learning is used for solving real-world geoinformatics problems This book is intended for researchers, academics, professionals, and students in such fields as computing and information, civil and environmental engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, geology, geography, and urban studies.
Big Data: Techniques and Technologies in Geoinformatics
by Hassan A. KarimiBig data has always been a major challenge in geoinformatics as geospatial data come in various types and formats, new geospatial data are acquired very fast, and geospatial databases are inherently very large. And while there have been advances in hardware and software for handling big data, they often fall short of handling geospatial big data ef