01203nas a2200133 4500008004100000245007700041210006900118490000800187520076200195100002500957700002200982700002201004856004301026 2021 eng d00aNutations in growing plant shoots as a morphoelastic flutter instability0 aNutations in growing plant shoots as a morphoelastic flutter ins0 v3793 a

Growing plant shoots exhibit spontaneous oscillations that Darwin observed, and termed "circumnutations". Recently, they have received renewed attention for the design and optimal actuation of bioinspired robotic devices. We discuss a possible interpretation of these spontaneous oscillations as a Hopf-type bifurcation in a growing morphoelastic rod. Using a three-dimensional model and numerical simulations, we analyse the salient features of this flutter-like phenomenon (e.g. the characteristic period of the oscillations) and their dependence on the model details (in particular, the impact of choosing different growth models) finding that, overall, these features are robust with respect to changes in the details of the growth model adopted.

1 aAgostinelli, Daniele1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2020.011601749nas a2200157 4500008004100000022001400041245010700055210006900162260003400231490000700265520118500272100002501457700002201482700002201504856006501526 2021 eng d a1664-462X00aNutations in plant shoots: Endogenous and exogenous factors in the presence of mechanical deformations0 aNutations in plant shoots Endogenous and exogenous factors in th bCold Spring Harbor Laboratory0 v123 a

We present a three-dimensional morphoelastic rod model capable to describe the morphogenesis of growing plant shoots driven by differential growth. We discuss the evolution laws for endogenous oscillators, straightening mechanisms, and reorientations to directional cues, such as gravitropic reactions governed by the avalanche dynamics of statoliths. We use this model to investigate the role of elastic deflections due to gravity loading in circumnutating plant shoots. We show that, in the absence of endogenous cues, pendular and circular oscillations arise as a critical length is attained, thus suggesting the occurrence of an instability triggered by exogenous factors. When also oscillations due to endogenous cues are present, their weight relative to those associated with the instability varies in time as the shoot length and other biomechanical properties change. Thanks to the simultaneous occurrence of these two oscillatory mechanisms, we are able to reproduce a variety of complex behaviors, including trochoid-like patterns, which evolve into circular orbits as the shoot length increases, and the amplitude of the exogenous oscillations becomes dominant.

1 aAgostinelli, Daniele1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aNoselli, Giovanni uhttps://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpls.2021.60800502335nas a2200325 4500008004100000022001400041245014400055210006900199300000800268490000600276520131600282653001801598653002401616653001801640653002301658653001601681653002401697653002501721653002501746100002501771700002101796700002301817700002201840700002101862700002501883700002201908700001701930700001901947856004301966 2020 eng d a2640-350100aMicroMotility: State of the art, recent accomplishments and perspectives on the mathematical modeling of bio-motility at microscopic scales0 aMicroMotility State of the art recent accomplishments and perspe a2300 v23 a

Mathematical modeling and quantitative study of biological motility (in particular, of motility at microscopic scales) is producing new biophysical insight and is offering opportunities for new discoveries at the level of both fundamental science and technology. These range from the explanation of how complex behavior at the level of a single organism emerges from body architecture, to the understanding of collective phenomena in groups of organisms and tissues, and of how these forms of swarm intelligence can be controlled and harnessed in engineering applications, to the elucidation of processes of fundamental biological relevance at the cellular and sub-cellular level. In this paper, some of the most exciting new developments in the fields of locomotion of unicellular organisms, of soft adhesive locomotion across scales, of the study of pore translocation properties of knotted DNA, of the development of synthetic active solid sheets, of the mechanics of the unjamming transition in dense cell collectives, of the mechanics of cell sheet folding in volvocalean algae, and of the self-propulsion of topological defects in active matter are discussed. For each of these topics, we provide a brief state of the art, an example of recent achievements, and some directions for future research.

10aactive matter10aadhesive locomotion10acell motility10acell sheet folding10aknotted DNA10atopological defects10aunicellular swimmers10aunjamming transition1 aAgostinelli, Daniele1 aCerbino, Roberto1 aDel Alamo, Juan, C1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHöhn, Stephanie1 aMicheletti, Cristian1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aSharon, Eran1 aYeomans, Julia uhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3934/mine.202001100540nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010800041210006900149653002100218653003300239100002100272700002100293700002200314700002100336856003700357 2020 eng d00aMicroROM: An Efficient and Accurate Reduced Order Method to Solve Many-Query Problems in Micro-Motility0 aMicroROM An Efficient and Accurate Reduced Order Method to Solve10aFOS: Mathematics10aNumerical Analysis (math.NA)1 aGiuliani, Nicola1 aHess, Martin, W.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aRozza, Gianluigi uhttps://arxiv.org/abs/2006.1383600495nas a2200157 4500008004100000245007500041210006900116260001500185300001300200490000800213100002000221700002200241700001600263700001500279856004300294 2019 eng d00aA neutrally stable shell in a Stokes flow: a rotational Taylor's sheet0 aneutrally stable shell in a Stokes flow a rotational Taylors she c2019/07/26 a201901780 v4751 aCorsi, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMaurini, C.1 aVidoli, S. uhttps://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2019.017802026nas a2200205 4500008004100000022001400041245009500055210006900150300001100219520136500230653002001595653002401615653001701639653002101656100002501677700002701702700002201729700002201751856004701773 2019 eng d a0022-509600aNutations in growing plant shoots: The role of elastic deformations due to gravity loading0 aNutations in growing plant shoots The role of elastic deformatio a1037023 a

The effect of elastic deformations induced by gravity loading on the active circumnutation movements of growing plant shoots is investigated. We consider first a discrete model (a gravitropic spring-pendulum system) and then a continuous rod model which is analyzed both analytically (under the assumption of small deformations) and numerically (in the large deformation regime). We find that, for a choice of material parameters consistent with values reported in the available literature on plant shoots, rods of sufficient length may exhibit lateral oscillations of increasing amplitude, which eventually converge to limit cycles. This behavior strongly suggests the occurrence of a Hopf bifurcation, just as for the gravitropic spring-pendulum system, for which this result is rigorously established. At least in this restricted set of material parameters, our analysis supports a view of Darwin’s circumnutations as a biological analogue to structural systems exhibiting flutter instabilities, i.e., spontaneous oscillations away from equilibrium configurations driven by non-conservative loads. Here, in the context of nutation movements of growing plant shoots, the energy needed to sustain oscillations is continuously supplied to the system by the internal biochemical machinery presiding the capability of plants to maintain a vertical pose.

10aCircumnutations10aFlutter instability10aGravitropism10aHopf bifurcation1 aAgostinelli, Daniele1 aLucantonio, Alessandro1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2019.10370201778nas a2200157 4500008004100000245009800041210006900139300001400208490000700222520126400229100002201493700001801515700001901533700002201552856004601574 2019 eng d00aSwimming Euglena respond to confinement with a behavioural change enabling effective crawling0 aSwimming Euglena respond to confinement with a behavioural chang a496–5020 v153 aSome euglenids, a family of aquatic unicellular organisms, can develop highly concerted, large-amplitude peristaltic body deformations. This remarkable behaviour has been known for centuries. Yet, its function remains controversial, and is even viewed as a functionless ancestral vestige. Here, by examining swimming Euglena gracilis in environments of controlled crowding and geometry, we show that this behaviour is triggered by confinement. Under these conditions, it allows cells to switch from unviable flagellar swimming to a new and highly robust mode of fast crawling, which can deal with extreme geometric confinement and turn both frictional and hydraulic resistance into propulsive forces. To understand how a single cell can control such an adaptable and robust mode of locomotion, we developed a computational model of the motile apparatus of Euglena cells consisting of an active striated cell envelope. Our modelling shows that gait adaptability does not require specific mechanosensitive feedback but instead can be explained by the mechanical self-regulation of an elastic and extended motor system. Our study thus identifies a locomotory function and the operating principles of the adaptable peristaltic body deformation of Euglena cells.1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aBeran, Alfred1 aArroyo, Marino1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-019-0425-800442nas a2200121 4500008004100000245005000041210005000091100002600141700002200167700002700189700001900216856008500235 2018 eng d00aFoldable structures made of hydrogel bilayers0 aFoldable structures made of hydrogel bilayers1 aAgostiniani, Virginia1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aLucantonio, Alessandro1 aLučić, Danka uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/foldable-structures-made-hydrogel-bilayers02205nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245007200055210006900127260001200196490000600208520146100214653002201675653002201697653002501719653002101744653001701765653001601782653002001798653001801818100002501836700002301861700002201884856004501906 2018 eng d a2296-914400aPeristaltic Waves as Optimal Gaits in Metameric Bio-Inspired Robots0 aPeristaltic Waves as Optimal Gaits in Metameric BioInspired Robo c09/20180 v53 a

Peristalsis, i.e., a motion pattern arising from the propagation of muscle contraction and expansion waves along the body, is a common locomotion strategy for limbless animals. Mimicking peristalsis in bio-inspired robots has attracted considerable attention in the literature. It has recently been observed that maximal velocity in a metameric earthworm-like robot is achieved by actuating the segments using a “phase coordination” principle. This paper shows that, in fact, peristalsis (which requires not only phase coordination, but also that all segments oscillate at same frequency and amplitude) emerges from optimization principles. More precisely, basing our analysis on the assumption of small deformations, we show that peristaltic waves provide the optimal actuation solution in the ideal case of a periodic infinite system, and that this is approximately true, modulo edge effects, for the real, finite length system. Therefore, this paper confirms the effectiveness of mimicking peristalsis in bio-inspired robots, at least in the small-deformation regime. Further research will be required to test the effectiveness of this strategy if large deformations are allowed.

10aBiomimetic robots10aCrawling motility10aLumbricus terrestris10aMetameric robots10aOptimization10aPeristalsis10aSelf-propulsion10aSoft robotics1 aAgostinelli, Daniele1 aAlouges, François1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2018.0009900509nas a2200133 4500008004100000245012700041210006900168300001400237490000600251100002100257700001700278700002200295856005800317 2018 eng d00aPredicting and Optimizing Microswimmer Performance from the Hydrodynamics of Its Components: The Relevance of Interactions0 aPredicting and Optimizing Microswimmer Performance from the Hydr a410–4240 v51 aGiuliani, Nicola1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6094362/01712nas a2200229 4500008004100000022001400041245010200055210006900157300001200226490000800238520097600246653001601222653002001238653001601258653002201274100001601296700002701312700002701339700002201366700002201388856007201410 2018 eng d a0020-740300aSpontaneous morphing of equibiaxially pre-stretched elastic bilayers: The role of sample geometry0 aSpontaneous morphing of equibiaxially prestretched elastic bilay a481-4860 v1493 a

An elastic bilayer, consisting of an equibiaxially pre-stretched sheet bonded to a stress-free one, spontaneously morphs into curved shapes in the absence of external loads or constraints. Using experiments and numerical simulations, we explore the role of geometry for square and rectangular samples in determining the equilibrium shape of the system, for a fixed pre-stretch. We classify the observed shapes over a wide range of aspect ratios according to their curvatures and compare measured and computed values, which show good agreement. In particular, as the bilayer becomes thinner, a bifurcation of the principal curvatures occurs, which separates two scaling regimes for the energy of the system. We characterize the transition between these two regimes and show the peculiar features that distinguish square from rectangular samples. The results for our model bilayer system may help explaining morphing in more complex systems made of active materials.

10aBifurcation10aElastic bilayer10aPre-stretch10aShape programming1 aCaruso, Noe1 aCvetković, Aleksandar1 aLucantonio, Alessandro1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002074031731176101320nas a2200133 4500008004100000245008300041210006900124300001400193490000700207520089100214100001801105700002201123856004101145 2017 eng d00aOn the genesis of directional friction through bristle-like mediating elements0 agenesis of directional friction through bristlelike mediating el a1023-10460 v233 a

We propose an explanation of the genesis of directional dry friction, as emergent property of the oscillations produced in a bristle-like mediating element by the interaction with microscale fluctuations on the surface. Mathematically, we extend a convergence result by Mielke, for Prandtl–Tomlinson-like systems, considering also non-homothetic scalings of a wiggly potential. This allows us to apply the result to some simple mechanical models, that exemplify the interaction of a bristle with a surface having small fluctuations. We find that the resulting friction is the product of two factors: a geometric one, depending on the bristle angle and on the fluctuation profile, and a energetic one, proportional to the normal force exchanged between the bristle-like element and the surface. Finally, we apply our result to discuss the with the nap/against the nap asymmetry.

1 aGidoni, Paolo1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1051/cocv/201703002261nas a2200169 4500008004100000245010000041210006900141300001600210490000800226520169900234100002401933700002601957700001801983700002202001700002202023856004602045 2017 eng d00aKinematics of flagellar swimming in Euglena gracilis: Helical trajectories and flagellar shapes0 aKinematics of flagellar swimming in Euglena gracilis Helical tra a13085-130900 v1143 aActive flagella provide the propulsion mechanism for a large variety of swimming eukaryotic microorganisms, from protists to sperm cells. Planar and helical beating patterns of these structures are recurrent and widely studied. The fast spinning motion of the locomotory flagellum of the alga Euglena gracilis constitutes a remarkable exception to these patterns. We report a quantitative description of the 3D flagellar beating in swimming E. gracilis. Given their complexity, these shapes cannot be directly imaged with current microscopy techniques. We show how to overcome these limitations by developing a method to reconstruct in full the 3D kinematics of the cell from conventional 2D microscopy images, based on the exact characterization of the helical motion of the cell body.The flagellar swimming of euglenids, which are propelled by a single anterior flagellum, is characterized by a generalized helical motion. The 3D nature of this swimming motion, which lacks some of the symmetries enjoyed by more common model systems, and the complex flagellar beating shapes that power it make its quantitative description challenging. In this work, we provide a quantitative, 3D, highly resolved reconstruction of the swimming trajectories and flagellar shapes of specimens of Euglena gracilis. We achieved this task by using high-speed 2D image recordings taken with a conventional inverted microscope combined with a precise characterization of the helical motion of the cell body to lift the 2D data to 3D trajectories. The propulsion mechanism is discussed. Our results constitute a basis for future biophysical research on a relatively unexplored type of eukaryotic flagellar movement.1 aRossi, Massimiliano1 aCicconofri, Giancarlo1 aBeran, Alfred1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.pnas.org/content/114/50/1308500506nas a2200145 4500008004100000245009700041210006900138300001400207490000800221100001700229700001500246700002200261700002200283856005500305 2017 eng d00aA natural framework for isogeometric fluid-structure interaction based on BEM-shell coupling0 anatural framework for isogeometric fluidstructure interaction ba a522–5460 v3161 aHeltai, Luca1 aKiendl, J.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aReali, Alessandro uhttp://cdsads.u-strasbg.fr/abs/2017CMAME.316..522H01538nas a2200157 4500008004100000022001400041245009300055210006900148260000800217300001400225490000700239520104800246100001801294700002201312856004601334 2017 eng d a1572-964800aStasis domains and slip surfaces in the locomotion of a bio-inspired two-segment crawler0 aStasis domains and slip surfaces in the locomotion of a bioinspi cFeb a587–6010 v523 a

We formulate and solve the locomotion problem for a bio-inspired crawler consisting of two active elastic segments (i.e., capable of changing their rest lengths), resting on three supports providing directional frictional interactions. The problem consists in finding the motion produced by a given, slow actuation history. By focusing on the tensions in the elastic segments, we show that the evolution laws for the system are entirely analogous to the flow rules of elasto-plasticity. In particular, sliding of the supports and hence motion cannot occur when the tensions are in the interior of certain convex regions (stasis domains), while support sliding (and hence motion) can only take place when the tensions are on the boundary of such regions (slip surfaces). We solve the locomotion problem explicitly in a few interesting examples. In particular, we show that, for a suitable range of the friction parameters, specific choices of the actuation strategy can lead to net displacements also in the direction of higher friction.

1 aGidoni, Paolo1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-016-0408-002562nas a2200145 4500008004100000245012400041210006900165300001100234490000700245520198000252100001702232700001702249700002202266856012802288 2017 eng d00aWet and Dry Transom Stern Treatment for Unsteady and Nonlinear Potential Flow Model for Naval Hydrodynamics Simulations0 aWet and Dry Transom Stern Treatment for Unsteady and Nonlinear P a1–140 v613 a

We present a model for the fast evaluation of the total drag of ship hulls operating in both wet and dry transom stern conditions, in calm or wavy water, based on the combination of an unsteady semi-Lagrangian potential flow formulation with fully nonlinear free-surface treatment, experimental correlations, and simplified viscous drag modeling. The implementation is entirely based on open source libraries. The spatial discretization is solved using a streamline upwind Petrov‐Galerkin stabilization of an iso-parametric, collocation based, boundary element method, implemented using the open source library deal.II. The resulting nonlinear differential-algebraic system is integrated in time using implicit backward differentiation formulas, implemented in the open source library SUNDIALS. The Open CASCADE library is used to interface the model directly with computer-aided design data structures. The model accounts automatically for hulls with a transom stern, both in wet and dry regimes, by using a specific treatment of the free-surface nodes on the stern edge that automatically detects when the hull advances at low speeds. In this case, the transom stern is partially immersed, and a pressure patch is applied on the water surface detaching from the transom stern, to recover the gravity effect of the recirculating water on the underlying irrotational flow domain. The parameters of the model used to impose the pressure patch are approximated from experimental relations found in the literature. The test cases considered are those of the U.S. Navy Combatant DTMB-5415 and the National Physical Laboratory hull. Comparisons with experimental data on quasi-steady test cases for both water elevation and total hull drag are presented and discussed. The quality of the results obtained on quasi-steady simulations suggests that this model can represent a promising alternative to current unsteady solvers for simulations with Froude numbers below 0.35.

1 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/wet-and-dry-transom-stern-treatment-unsteady-and-nonlinear-potential-flow-model-naval01781nas a2200157 4500008004100000022001400041245006600055210006600121260000800187300000700195490000700202520131900209100002601528700002201554856004701576 2016 eng d a1292-895X00aMotion planning and motility maps for flagellar microswimmers0 aMotion planning and motility maps for flagellar microswimmers cJul a720 v393 a

We study two microswimmers consisting of a spherical rigid head and a passive elastic tail. In the first one the tail is clamped to the head, and the system oscillates under the action of an external torque. In the second one, head and tail are connected by a joint allowing the angle between them to vary periodically, as a result of an oscillating internal torque. Previous studies on these models were restricted to sinusoidal actuations, showing that the swimmers can propel while moving on average along a straight line, in the direction given by the symmetry axis around which beating takes place. We extend these results to motions produced by generic (non-sinusoidal) periodic actuations within the regime of small compliance of the tail. We find that modulation in the velocity of actuation can provide a mechanism to select different directions of motion. With velocity-modulated inputs, the externally actuated swimmer can translate laterally with respect to the symmetry axis of beating, while the internally actuated one is able to move along curved trajectories. The governing equations are analysed with an asymptotic perturbation scheme, providing explicit formulas, whose results are expressed through motility maps. Asymptotic approximations are further validated by numerical simulations.

1 aCicconofri, Giancarlo1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2016-16072-y00651nas a2200157 4500008004100000245009600041210006900137260005800206300001400264490000600278100001700284700001700301700002200318700002400340856012900364 2016 eng d00aShip Sinkage and Trim Predictions Based on a CAD Interfaced Fully Nonlinear Potential Model0 aShip Sinkage and Trim Predictions Based on a CAD Interfaced Full bInternational Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers a511–5180 v31 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aBerti, Massimiliano uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/ship-sinkage-and-trim-predictions-based-cad-interfaced-fully-nonlinear-potential-model01765nas a2200217 4500008004100000022001400041245005300055210005300108300001400161490000700175520110000182653002201282653002501304653002801329653003001357653002701387100002201414700001801436700002201454856007101476 2015 eng d a0022-509600aLiquid crystal elastomer strips as soft crawlers0 aLiquid crystal elastomer strips as soft crawlers a254 - 2720 v843 a

In this paper, we speculate on a possible application of Liquid Crystal Elastomers to the field of soft robotics. In particular, we study a concept for limbless locomotion that is amenable to miniaturisation. For this purpose, we formulate and solve the evolution equations for a strip of nematic elastomer, subject to directional frictional interactions with a flat solid substrate, and cyclically actuated by a spatially uniform, time-periodic stimulus (e.g., temperature change). The presence of frictional forces that are sensitive to the direction of sliding transforms reciprocal, ‘breathing-like’ deformations into directed forward motion. We derive formulas quantifying this motion in the case of distributed friction, by solving a differential inclusion for the displacement field. The simpler case of concentrated frictional interactions at the two ends of the strip is also solved, in order to provide a benchmark to compare the continuously distributed case with a finite-dimensional benchmark. We also provide explicit formulas for the axial force along the crawler body.

10aCrawling motility10aDirectional surfaces10aFrictional interactions10aLiquid crystal elastomers10aSoft biomimetic robots1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aGidoni, Paolo1 aNoselli, Giovanni uhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002250961530043001569nas a2200181 4500008004100000022001400041245006000055210005800115300001400173490000700187520100500194653001901199653002201218653002801240100002601268700002201294856007101316 2015 eng d a0020-746200aMotility of a model bristle-bot: A theoretical analysis0 aMotility of a model bristlebot A theoretical analysis a233 - 2390 v763 a

Bristle-bots are legged robots that can be easily made out of a toothbrush head and a small vibrating engine. Despite their simple appearance, the mechanism enabling them to propel themselves by exploiting friction with the substrate is far from trivial. Numerical experiments on a model bristle-bot have been able to reproduce such a mechanism revealing, in addition, the ability to switch direction of motion by varying the vibration frequency. This paper provides a detailed account of these phenomena through a fully analytical treatment of the model. The equations of motion are solved through an expansion in terms of a properly chosen small parameter. The convergence of the expansion is rigorously proven. In addition, the analysis delivers formulas for the average velocity of the robot and for the frequency at which the direction switch takes place. A quantitative description of the mechanism for the friction modulation underlying the motility of the bristle-bot is also provided.

10aBristle-robots10aCrawling motility10aFrictional interactions1 aCicconofri, Giancarlo1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002074621500002501791nas a2200133 4500008004100000245008400041210006900125300001300194490000800207520132400215100002601539700002201565856007001587 2015 eng d00aA study of snake-like locomotion through the analysis of a flexible robot model0 astudy of snakelike locomotion through the analysis of a flexible a201500540 v4713 a

We examine the problem of snake-like locomotion by studying a system consisting of a planar inextensible elastic rod with adjustable spontaneous curvature, which provides an internal actuation mechanism that mimics muscular action in a snake. Using a Cosserat model, we derive the equations of motion in two special cases: one in which the rod can only move along a prescribed curve, and one in which the rod is constrained to slide longitudinally without slipping laterally, but the path is not fixed a priori (free-path case). The second setting is inspired by undulatory locomotion of snakes on flat surfaces. The presence of constraints leads in both cases to non-standard boundary conditions that allow us to close and solve the equations of motion. The kinematics and dynamics of the system can be recovered from a one-dimensional equation, without any restrictive assumption on the followed trajectory or the actuation. We derive explicit formulae highlighting the role of spontaneous curvature in providing the driving force (and the steering, in the free-path case) needed for locomotion. We also provide analytical solutions for a special class of serpentine motions, which enable us to discuss the connection between observed trajectories, internal actuation and forces exchanged with the environment.

1 aCicconofri, Giancarlo1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspa.2015.005401401nas a2200121 4500008004100000245007200041210006900113260001300182520098700195100002401182700002201206856005101228 2015 en d00aThree-sphere low-Reynolds-number swimmer with a passive elastic arm0 aThreesphere lowReynoldsnumber swimmer with a passive elastic arm bSpringer3 aOne of the simplest model swimmers at low Reynolds number is the three-sphere swimmer by Najafi and Golestanian. It consists of three spheres connected by two rods which change their lengths periodically in non-reciprocal fashion. Here we investigate a variant of this model in which one rod is periodically actuated while the other is replaced by an elastic spring. We show that the competition between the elastic restoring force and the hydrodynamic drag produces a delay in the response of the passive elastic arm with respect to the active one. This leads to non-reciprocal shape changes and self-propulsion. After formulating the equations of motion, we study their solutions qualitatively and numerically. The leading-order term of the solution is computed analytically. We then address questions of optimization with respect to both actuation frequency and swimmer's geometry. Our results can provide valuable conceptual guidance in the engineering of robotic microswimmers.1 aMontino, Alessandro1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://urania.sissa.it/xmlui/handle/1963/3453001733nas a2200217 4500008004100000022001400041245003700055210003700092300001200129490000700141520111900148653002901267653001901296653002201315653002501337653002001362100001801382700002201400700002201422856007101444 2014 eng d a0020-746200aCrawling on directional surfaces0 aCrawling on directional surfaces a65 - 730 v613 a

In this paper we study crawling locomotion based on directional frictional interactions, namely, frictional forces that are sensitive to the sign of the sliding velocity. Surface interactions of this type are common in biology, where they arise from the presence of inclined hairs or scales at the crawler/substrate interface, leading to low resistance when sliding ‘along the grain’, and high resistance when sliding ‘against the grain’. This asymmetry can be exploited for locomotion, in a way analogous to what is done in cross-country skiing (classic style, diagonal stride). We focus on a model system, namely, a continuous one-dimensional crawler and provide a detailed study of the motion resulting from several strategies of shape change. In particular, we provide explicit formulae for the displacements attainable with reciprocal extensions and contractions (breathing), or through the propagation of extension or contraction waves. We believe that our results will prove particularly helpful for the study of biological crawling motility and for the design of bio-mimetic crawling robots.

10aBio-mimetic micro-robots10aCell migration10aCrawling motility10aDirectional surfaces10aSelf-propulsion1 aGidoni, Paolo1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002074621400021301213nas a2200145 4500008004100000245011200041210006900153260001300222520069800235653001900933100002200952700002000974700002200994856005101016 2014 en d00aDiscrete one-dimensional crawlers on viscous substrates: achievable net displacements and their energy cost0 aDiscrete onedimensional crawlers on viscous substrates achievabl bElsevier3 aWe study model one-dimensional crawlers, namely, model mechanical systems that can achieve self-propulsion by controlled shape changes of their body (extension or contraction of portions of the body), thanks to frictional interactions with a rigid substrate. We evaluate the achievable net displacement and the related energetic cost for self-propulsion by discrete crawlers (i.e., whose body is made of a discrete number of contractile or extensile segments) moving on substrates with either a Newtonian (linear) or a Bingham-type (stick-slip) rheology. Our analysis is aimed at constructing the basic building blocks towards an integrative, multi-scale description of crawling cell motility.10aCell migration1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aTatone, Amabile1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://urania.sissa.it/xmlui/handle/1963/3444901955nas a2200145 4500008004100000245009100041210006900132260006400201520139800265100002701663700002201690700002101712700002501733856005101758 2014 en d00aAn effective model for nematic liquid crystal composites with ferromagnetic inclusions0 aeffective model for nematic liquid crystal composites with ferro bSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Publications3 aMolecules of a nematic liquid crystal respond to an applied magnetic field by reorienting themselves in the direction of the field. Since the dielectric anisotropy of a nematic is small, it takes relatively large fields to elicit a significant liquid crystal response. The interaction may be enhanced in colloidal suspensions of ferromagnetic particles in a liquid crystalline matrix- ferronematics-as proposed by Brochard and de Gennes in 1970. The ability of these particles to align with the field and simultaneously cause reorientation of the nematic molecules greatly increases the magnetic response of the mixture. Essentially the particles provide an easy axis of magnetization that interacts with the liquid crystal via surface anchoring. We derive an expression for the effective energy of ferronematic in the dilute limit, that is, when the number of particles tends to infinity while their total volume fraction tends to zero. The total energy of the mixture is assumed to be the sum of the bulk elastic liquid crystal contribution, the anchoring energy of the liquid crystal on the surfaces of the particles, and the magnetic energy of interaction between the particles and the applied magnetic field. The homogenized limiting ferronematic energy is obtained rigorously using a variational approach. It generalizes formal expressions previously reported in the physical literature.1 aCalderer, Maria, Carme1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aGolovaty, Dmitry1 aPanchenko, Alexander uhttp://urania.sissa.it/xmlui/handle/1963/3494001202nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010600041210006900147260001000216520062900226653002300855100001700878700001700895700002200912856012200934 2014 en d00aA fully nonlinear potential model for ship hydrodynamics directly interfaced with CAD data structures0 afully nonlinear potential model for ship hydrodynamics directly  bSISSA3 aWe present a model for ship hydrodynamics simulations currently under development at SISSA. The model employs potential flow theory and fully nonlinear free surface boundary conditions. The spatial discretization of the equations is performed by means of a collocation BEM. This gives rise to a Differential Algbraic Equations (DAE) system, solved using an implicit BDF scheme to time advance the solution. The model has been implemented into a C++ software able to automatically generate the computational grids from the CAD geometry of the hull. Numerical results on Kriso KCS and KVLCC2 hulls are presented and discussed.10aship hydrodynamics1 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/fully-nonlinear-potential-model-ship-hydrodynamics-directly-interfaced-cad-data02051nas a2200145 4500008004100000245007600041210006900117260001300186520158600199653002601785100001701811700001901828700002201847856003601869 2014 en d00aNonsingular Isogeometric Boundary Element Method for Stokes Flows in 3D0 aNonsingular Isogeometric Boundary Element Method for Stokes Flow bElsevier3 aIsogeometric analysis (IGA) is emerging as a technology bridging Computer Aided Geometric Design (CAGD), most commonly based on Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) surfaces, and engineering analysis. In finite element and boundary element isogeometric methods (FE-IGA and IGA-BEM), the NURBS basis functions that de- scribe the geometry define also the approximation spaces. In the FE-IGA approach, the surfaces generated by the CAGD tools need to be extended to volumetric descriptions, a major open problem in 3D. This additional passage can be avoided in principle when the partial differential equations to be solved admit a formulation in terms of bound- ary integral equations, leading to Boundary Element Isogeometric Analysis (IGA-BEM). The main advantages of such an approach are given by the dimensionality reduction of the problem (from volumetric-based to surface-based), by the fact that the interface with CAGD tools is direct, and by the possibility to treat exterior problems, where the computational domain is infinite. By contrast, these methods produce system matrices which are full, and require the integration of singular kernels. In this paper we address the second point and propose a nonsingular formulation of IGA-BEM for 3D Stokes flows, whose convergence is carefully tested numerically. Standard Gaussian quadrature rules suffice to integrate the boundary integral equations, and carefully chosen known exact solutions of the interior Stokes problem are used to correct the resulting matrices, extending the work by Klaseboer et al. [27] to IGA-BEM.10aIsogeometric Analysis1 aHeltai, Luca1 aArroyo, Marino1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/632600655nas a2200157 4500008004100000245010000041210006900141260005800210300001400268490000600282100001700288700001700305700002200322700002400344856012900368 2014 eng d00aPotential Model for Ship Hydrodynamics Simulations Directly Interfaced with CAD Data Structures0 aPotential Model for Ship Hydrodynamics Simulations Directly Inte bInternational Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers a815–8220 v41 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aBerti, Massimiliano uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/potential-model-ship-hydrodynamics-simulations-directly-interfaced-cad-data-structures01083nas a2200121 4500008004100000245012700041210006900168260002900237520052100266100002200787700002200809856013000831 2014 en d00aA robotic crawler exploiting directional frictional interactions: experiments, numerics, and derivation of a reduced model0 arobotic crawler exploiting directional frictional interactions e bRoyal Society Publishing3 aWe present experimental and numerical results for a model crawler which is able to extract net positional changes from reciprocal shape changes, i.e. ‘breathing-like’ deformations, thanks to directional, frictional interactions with a textured solid substrate, mediated by flexible inclined feet. We also present a simple reduced model that captures the essential features of the kinematics and energetics of the gait, and compare its predictions with the results from experiments and from numerical simulations.1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/robotic-crawler-exploiting-directional-frictional-interactions-experiments-numerics-and01649nas a2200121 4500008004100000245007500041210006900116260001300185520123700198100001901435700002201454856005101476 2014 en d00aShape control of active surfaces inspired by the movement of euglenids0 aShape control of active surfaces inspired by the movement of eug bElsevier3 aWe examine a novel mechanism for active surface morphing inspired by the cell body deformations of euglenids. Actuation is accomplished through in-plane simple shear along prescribed slip lines decorating the surface. Under general non-uniform actuation, such local deformation produces Gaussian curvature, and therefore leads to shape changes. Geometrically, a deformation that realizes the prescribed local shear is an isometric embedding. We explore the possibilities and limitations of this bio-inspired shape morphing mechanism, by first characterizing isometric embeddings under axisymmetry, understanding the limits of embeddability, and studying in detail the accessibility of surfaces of zero and constant curvature. Modeling mechanically the active surface as a non-Euclidean plate (NEP), we further examine the mechanism beyond the geometric singularities arising from embeddability, where mechanics and buckling play a decisive role. We also propose a non-axisymmetric actuation strategy to accomplish large amplitude bending and twisting motions of elongated cylindrical surfaces. Besides helping understand how euglenids delicately control their shape, our results may provide the background to engineer soft machines.1 aArroyo, Marino1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://urania.sissa.it/xmlui/handle/1963/3511800993nas a2200121 4500008004100000245006500041210006500106260003000171520058100201100001600782700002200798856005100820 2014 en d00aSpontaneous division and motility in active nematic droplets0 aSpontaneous division and motility in active nematic droplets bAmerican Physical Society3 aWe investigate the mechanics of an active droplet endowed with internal nematic order and surrounded by an isotropic Newtonian fluid. Using numerical simulations we demonstrate that, due to the interplay between the active stresses and the defective geometry of the nematic director, this system exhibits two of the fundamental functions of living cells: spontaneous division and motility, by means of self-generated hydrodynamic flows. These behaviors can be selectively activated by controlling a single physical parameter, namely, an active variant of the capillary number.1 aGiomi, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://urania.sissa.it/xmlui/handle/1963/3490200882nas a2200133 4500008004100000245004600041210004600087260001000133520050000143100002600643700002100669700002200690856003600712 2013 en d00aAttainment results for nematic elastomers0 aAttainment results for nematic elastomers bSISSA3 aWe consider a class of non-quasiconvex frame indifferent energy densities which includes Ogden-type energy densities for nematic elastomers. For the corresponding geometrically linear problem we provide an explicit minimizer of the energy functional satisfying a nontrivial boundary condition. Other attainment results, both for the nonlinear and the linearized model, are obtained by using the theory of convex integration introduced by Mueller and Sverak in the context of crystalline solids.1 aAgostiniani, Virginia1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/717401071nas a2200145 4500008004100000245006700041210006600108260001300174520054900187100002200736700002400758700002200782700002000804856010100824 2013 en d00aCrawlers in viscous environments: linear vs nonlinear rheology0 aCrawlers in viscous environments linear vs nonlinear rheology bElsevier3 aWe study model self-propelled crawlers which derive their propulsive capabilities from the tangential resistance to motion offered by the environment. Two types of relationships between tangential forces and slip velocities are considered: a linear, Newtonian one and a nonlinear one of Bingham-type. Different behaviors result from the two different rheologies. These differences and their implications in terms of motility performance are discussed. Our aim is to develop new tools and insight for future studies of cell motility by crawling.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aGuarnieri, Federica1 aNoselli, Giovanni1 aTatone, Amabile uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/crawlers-viscous-environments-linear-vs-nonlinear-rheology00625nas a2200157 4500008004100000245011600041210006900157260001700226300001400243490000700257100001500264700002300279700002200302700001800324856012500342 2013 eng d00aMacroscopic contact angle and liquid drops on rough solid surfaces via homogenization and numerical simulations0 aMacroscopic contact angle and liquid drops on rough solid surfac bEDP Sciences a837–8580 v471 aCacace, S.1 aChambolle, Antonin1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aFedeli, Livio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/macroscopic-contact-angle-and-liquid-drops-rough-solid-surfaces-homogenization-and01596nas a2200133 4500008004100000245010900041210006900150260001000219520113200229100002101361700002201382700002201404856003601426 2013 en d00aOne-dimensional swimmers in viscous fluids: dynamics, controllability, and existence of optimal controls0 aOnedimensional swimmers in viscous fluids dynamics controllabili bSISSA3 a

In this paper we study a mathematical model of one-dimensional swimmers performing a planar motion while fully immersed in a viscous fluid. The swimmers are assumed to be of small size, and all inertial effects are neglected. Hydrodynamic interactions are treated in a simplified way, using the local drag approximation of resistive force theory. We prove existence and uniqueness of the solution of the equations of motion driven by shape changes of the swimmer. Moreover, we prove a controllability result showing that given any pair of initial and final states, there exists a history of shape changes such that the resulting motion takes the swimmer from the initial to the final state. We give a constructive proof, based on the composition of elementary maneuvers (straightening and its inverse, rotation, translation), each of which represents the solution of an interesting motion planning problem. Finally, we prove the existence of solutions for the optimal control problem of finding, among the histories of shape changes taking the swimmer from an initial to a final state, the one of minimal energetic cost.

1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMorandotti, Marco uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/646701660nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010800041210006900149260001000218520115900228653003501387100001701422700001701439700002201456856003601478 2013 en d00aA stable and adaptive semi-Lagrangian potential model for unsteady and nonlinear ship-wave interactions0 astable and adaptive semiLagrangian potential model for unsteady  bSISSA3 a

We present an innovative numerical discretization of the equations of inviscid potential flow for the simulation of three dimensional unsteady and nonlinear water waves generated by a ship hull advancing in water. The equations of motion are written in a semi-Lagrangian framework, and the resulting integro-diff erential equations are discretized in space via an adaptive iso-parametric collocation Boundary Element Method, and in time via adaptive implicit Backward Di erentiation Formulas (BDF) with variable step and variable order. When the velocity of the advancing ship hull is non-negligible, the semi-Lagrangian formulation (also known as Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation, or ALE) of the free surface equations contains dominant transport terms which are stabilized with a Streamwise Upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) method. The SUPG stabilization allows automatic and robust adaptation of the spatial discretization with unstructured quadrilateral grids. Preliminary results are presented where we compare our numerical model with experimental results on the case of a Wigley hull advancing in calm water with fi xed sink and trim.

10aUnsteady ship-wave interaction1 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/566900824nas a2200169 4500008004100000020001800041245006300059210006300122260001300185520030800198653002400506100002200530700001700552700002300569700002600592856003600618 2012 en d a978146143996700aComputing optimal strokes for low reynolds number swimmers0 aComputing optimal strokes for low reynolds number swimmers bSpringer3 a

We discuss connections between low-Reynolds-number swimming and geometric control theory, and present a general algorithm for the numerical computation of energetically optimal strokes. As an illustration of our approach, we show computed motility maps and optimal strokes for two model swimmers.

10aNumerical analysis.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHeltai, Luca1 aAlouges, François1 aAline, Lefebvre-Lepot uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/644501915nas a2200121 4500008004100000245008100041210006900122260001300191520151100204100002201715700002001737856003601757 2012 en d00aCrawling motility through the analysis of model locomotors: two case studies0 aCrawling motility through the analysis of model locomotors two c bSpringer3 aWe study model locomotors on a substrate, which derive their propulsive capabilities from the tangential (viscous or frictional) resistance offered by the substrate. Our aim is to develop new tools and insight for future studies of cellular motility by crawling and of collective bacterial motion. The purely viscous case (worm) is relevant for cellular motility by crawling of individual cells. We re-examine some recent results on snail locomotion in order to assess the role of finely regulated adhesion mechanisms in crawling motility. Our main conclusion is that such regulation, although well documented in several biological systems, is not indispensable to accomplish locomotion driven by internal deformations, provided that the crawler may execute sufficiently large body deformations. Thus, there is no snail theorem. Namely, the crawling analog of the scallop theorem of low Reynolds number hydrodynamics does not hold for snail-like crawlers. The frictional case is obtained by assuming that the viscous coefficient governing tangential resistance forces, which act parallel and in the direction opposite to the velocity of the point to which they are applied, depends on the normal force acting at that point. We combine these surface interactions with inertial effects in order to investigate the mechanisms governing the motility of a bristle-robot. This model locomotor is easily manufactured and has been proposed as an effective tool to replicate and study collective bacterial motility.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aTatone, Amabile uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/701701971nas a2200169 4500008004100000245009100041210006900132260003100201520131900232100002201551700001701573700002001590700002201610700002201632700002501654856012201679 2012 en d00aHybridization in nanostructured DNA monolayers probed by AFM: theory versus experiment0 aHybridization in nanostructured DNA monolayers probed by AFM the bRoyal Society of Chemistry3 aNanografted monolayers (NAMs) of DNA show novel physico-chemical properties that make them ideally suited for advanced biosensing applications. In comparison with alternative solid-phase techniques for diagnostic DNA detection, NAMs have the advantage of combining a small size with a high homogeneity of the DNA surface coverage. These two properties favour the extreme miniaturization and ultrasensitivity in high-throughput biosensing devices. The systematic use of NAMs for quantitative DNA (and protein) detection has so far suffered from the lack of a control on key fabrication parameters, such as the ss- or ds-DNA surface coverage. Here we report on a combined experimental-computational study that allows us to estimate the surface density of the grafted DNA by analyzing the sample mechanical response, that is the DNA patch height vs. applied tip load curves. It is shown that the same analysis scheme can be used to detect the occurrence of hybridization with complementary strands in solution and estimate its efficiency. Thanks to these quantitative relationships it is possible to use a single AFM-based setup to: (i) fabricate a DNA NAM, (ii) control the DNA surface coverage, and (iii) characterize its level of hybridization helping the design of NAMs with pre-determined fabrication parameters.1 aBosco, Alessandro1 aBano, Fouzia1 aParisse, Pietro1 aCasalis, Loredana1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMicheletti, Cristian uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/hybridization-nanostructured-dna-monolayers-probed-afm-theory-versus-experiment00709nas a2200169 4500008004100000245011000041210006900151260003000220300001200250490000700262520014000269653002500409100002600434700002100460700002200481856003600503 2012 en d00aLinear elasticity obtained from finite elasticity by Gamma-convergence under weak coerciveness conditions0 aLinear elasticity obtained from finite elasticity by Gammaconver bGauthier-Villars;Elsevier a715-7350 v293 a

The energy functional of linear elasticity is obtained as G-limit of suitable rescalings of the energies of finite elasticity...

10aNonlinear elasticity1 aAgostiniani, Virginia1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/426701914nas a2200145 4500008004100000020001800041245010100059210006900160260003100229520140500260653002201665100002301687700002201710856003601732 2012 en d a978160511380700aMathematical and numerical modeling of liquid crystal elastomer phase transition and deformation0 aMathematical and numerical modeling of liquid crystal elastomer  bCambridge University Press3 aLiquid crystal (in particular, nematic) elastomers consist of cross-linked flexible polymer chains with embedded stiff rod molecules that allow them to behave as a rubber and a liquid crystal. Nematic elastomers are characterized by a phase transition from isotropic to nematic past a temperature threshold. They behave as rubber at high temperature and show nematic behavior below the temperature threshold. Such transition is reversible. While in the nematic phase, the rod molecules are aligned along the direction of the "nematic director". This molecular rearrangement induces a stretch in the polymer chains and hence macroscopic spontaneous deformations. The coupling between nematic order parameter and deformation gives rise to interesting phenomena with a potential for new interesting applications. In the biological field, the ability to considerably change their length makes them very promising as artificial muscles actuators. Their tunable optical properties make them suitable, for example, as lenses for new imaging systems. We present a mathematical model able to describe the behavior of nematic elastomers and numerical simulations reproducing such peculiar behavior. We use a geometrically linear version of the Warner and Terentjev model [1] and consider cooling experiments and stretching experiments in the direction perpendicular to the one of the director at cross-linking.10aArtificial muscle1 aDe Luca, Mariarita1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/702001684nas a2200157 4500008004100000245004700041210004600088260001300134300001200147490000700159520120600166653002501372100002601397700002201423856008101445 2012 en d00aOgden-type energies for nematic elastomers0 aOgdentype energies for nematic elastomers bElsevier a402-4120 v473 a

Ogden-type extensions of the free-energy densities currently used to model the mechanical behavior of nematic elastomers are proposed and analyzed. Based on a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into an elastic and a spontaneous or remanent part, they provide a suitable framework to study the stiffening response at high imposed stretches. Geometrically linear versions of the models (Taylor expansions at order two) are provided and discussed. These small strain theories provide a clear illustration of the geometric structure of the underlying energy landscape (the energy grows quadratically with the distance from a non-convex set of spontaneous strains or energy wells). The comparison between small strain and finite deformation theories may also be useful in the opposite direction, inspiring finite deformation generalizations of small strain theories currently used in the mechanics of active and phase-transforming materials. The energy well structure makes the free-energy densities non-convex. Explicit quasi-convex envelopes are provided, and applied to compute the stiffening response of a specimen tested in plane strain extension experiments (pure shear).

10aNonlinear elasticity1 aAgostiniani, Virginia1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/ogden-type-energies-nematic-elastomers01387nas a2200133 4500008004300000245008800043210006900131260001300200520093500213100002101148700002201169700002601191856003601217 2012 en_Ud 00aQuasistatic evolution for Cam-Clay plasticity: properties of the viscosity solution0 aQuasistatic evolution for CamClay plasticity properties of the v bSpringer3 a

Cam-Clay plasticity is a well established model for the description of the mechanics of fine grained soils. As solutions can develop discontinuities in time, a weak notion of solution, in terms of a rescaled time s , has been proposed in [8] to give a meaning to this discontinuous evolution. In this paper we first prove that this rescaled evolution satisfies the flow-rule for the rate of plastic strain, in a suitable measure-theoretical sense. In the second part of the paper we consider the behavior of the evolution in terms of the original time variable t . We prove that the unrescaled solution satisfies an energy-dissipation balance and an evolution law for the internal variable, which can be expressed in terms of integrals depending only on the original time. Both these integral identities contain terms concentrated on the jump times, whose size can only be determined by looking at the rescaled formulation.

1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aSolombrino, Francesco uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/390002076nas a2200145 4500008004100000245004700041210004700088520166300135653001801798100001901816700001701835700002001852700002201872856003601894 2012 en d00aReverse engineering the euglenoid movement0 aReverse engineering the euglenoid movement3 aEuglenids exhibit an unconventional motility strategy amongst unicellular eukaryotes, consisting of large-amplitude highly concerted deformations of the entire body (euglenoid movement or metaboly). A plastic cell envelope called pellicle mediates these deformations. Unlike ciliary or flagellar motility, the biophysics of this mode is not well understood, including its efficiency and molecular machinery. We quantitatively examine video recordings of four euglenids executing such motions with statistical learning methods. This analysis reveals strokes of high uniformity in shape and pace. We then interpret the observations in the light of a theory for the pellicle kinematics, providing a precise understanding of the link between local actuation by pellicle shear and shape control. We systematically understand common observations, such as the helical conformations of the pellicle, and identify previously unnoticed features of metaboly. While two of our euglenids execute their stroke at constant body volume, the other two exhibit deviations of about 20% from their average volume, challenging current models of low Reynolds number locomotion. We find that the active pellicle shear deformations causing shape changes can reach 340%, and estimate the velocity of the molecular motors. Moreover, we find that metaboly accomplishes locomotion at hydrodynamic efficiencies comparable to those of ciliates and flagellates. Our results suggest new quantitative experiments, provide insight into the evolutionary history of euglenids, and suggest that the pellicle may serve as a model for engineered active surfaces with applications in microfluidics.10amicroswimmers1 aArroyo, Marino1 aHeltai, Luca1 aMillán, Daniel1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/644400518nas a2200109 4500008004100000245011900041210006900160100001700229700001700246700002200263856012300285 2012 eng d00aA stable semi-lagrangian potential method for the simulation of ship interaction with unsteady and nonlinear waves0 astable semilagrangian potential method for the simulation of shi1 aMola, Andrea1 aHeltai, Luca1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/stable-semi-lagrangian-potential-method-simulation-ship-interaction-unsteady-and00524nas a2200133 4500008004100000245012600041210006900167260003300236100002000269700002100289700002200310700002200332856003600354 2011 en d00aCytoskeletal actin networks in motile cells are critically self-organized systems synchronized by mechanical interactions0 aCytoskeletal actin networks in motile cells are critically selfo bNational Academy of Sciences1 aCardamone, Luca1 aLaio, Alessandro1 aShahapure, Rajesh1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/435801548nas a2200157 4500008004300000245008600043210006900129260005100198300001400249490000800263520101800271100002101289700002201310700002201332856003601354 2011 en_Ud 00aAn Existence and Uniqueness Result for the Motion of Self-Propelled Microswimmers0 aExistence and Uniqueness Result for the Motion of SelfPropelled  bSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics a1345-13680 v 433 a

We present an analytical framework to study the motion of micro-swimmers in a viscous fluid. Our main result is that, under very mild regularity assumptions, the change of shape determines uniquely the motion of the swimmer. We assume that the Reynolds number is very small, so that the velocity field of the surrounding, infinite fluid is governed by the Stokes system and all inertial effects can be neglected. Moreover, we enforce the self propulsion constraint (no external forces and torques). Therefore, Newton\\\'s equations of motion reduce to the vanishing of the viscous drag force and torque acting on the body. By exploiting an integral representation of viscous force and torque, the equations of motion can be reduced to a system of six ordinary differential equations. Variational techniques are used to prove the boundedness and measurability of its coefficients, so that classical results on ordinary differential equations can be invoked to prove existence and uniqueness of the solution.

1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMorandotti, Marco uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/389400898nas a2200145 4500008004100000245008300041210006900124260001300193490000800206520043400214653002000648100002600668700002200694856003600716 2011 en d00aGamma-convergence of energies for nematic elastomers in the small strain limit0 aGammaconvergence of energies for nematic elastomers in the small bSpringer0 v 233 a

We study two variational models recently proposed in the literature to describe the mechanical behaviour of nematic elastomers either in the fully nonlinear regime or in the framework of a geometrically linear theory. We show that, in the small strain limit, the energy functional of the first one I\\\"-converges to the relaxation of the second one, a functional for which an explicit representation formula is available.

10aLiquid crystals1 aAgostiniani, Virginia1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/414101329nas a2200169 4500008004100000022001400041245008700055210006900142260000800211300001400219490000700233520081100240100001801051700002201069700002201091856004601113 2011 eng d a1432-095900aMetastable equilibria of capillary drops on solid surfaces: a phase field approach0 aMetastable equilibria of capillary drops on solid surfaces a pha cSep a453–4710 v233 a

We discuss a phase field model for the numerical simulation of metastable equilibria of capillary drops resting on rough solid surfaces and for the description of contact angle hysteresis phenomena in wetting. The model is able to reproduce observed transitions of drops on micropillars from Cassie–Baxter to Wenzel states. When supplemented with a dissipation potential which describes energy losses due to frictional forces resisting the motion of the contact line, the model can describe metastable states such as drops in equilibrium on vertical glass plates. The reliability of the model is assessed by a detailed comparison of its predictions with experimental data on the maximal size of water drops that can stick on vertical glass plates which have undergone different surface treatments.

1 aFedeli, Livio1 aTurco, Alessandro1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00161-011-0189-600977nas a2200145 4500008004300000245007900043210006900122260002100191520050000212653002100712100002300733700002200756700001700778856003600795 2011 en_Ud 00aNumerical Strategies for Stroke Optimization of Axisymmetric Microswimmers0 aNumerical Strategies for Stroke Optimization of Axisymmetric Mic bWorld Scientific3 aWe propose a computational method to solve optimal swimming problems, based on the boundary integral formulation of the hydrodynamic interaction between swimmer and surrounding fluid and direct constrained minimization of the energy consumed by the swimmer. We apply our method to axisymmetric model examples. We consider a classical model swimmer (the three-sphere swimmer of Golestanian et al.) as well as a novel axisymmetric swimmer inspired by the observation of biological micro-organisms.10aOptimal swimming1 aAlouges, François1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHeltai, Luca uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/365700673nas a2200109 4500008004300000245010600043210006900149520026500218100002200483700002200505856003600527 2011 en_Ud 00aQuasiconvex envelopes of energies for nematic elastomers in the small strain regime and applications0 aQuasiconvex envelopes of energies for nematic elastomers in the 3 aWe provide some explicit formulas for the quasiconvex envelope of energy densities for nematic elastomers in the small strain regime and plane strain conditions. We then demonstrate their use as a powerful tool for the interpretation of mechanical experiments.1 aCesana, Pierluigi1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/406501427nas a2200145 4500008004300000245012100043210006900164260001300233520090600246653002401152100002101176700002201197700002601219856003601245 2011 en_Ud 00aQuasistatic evolution for Cam-Clay plasticity: a weak formulation via viscoplastic regularization and time rescaling0 aQuasistatic evolution for CamClay plasticity a weak formulation  bSpringer3 a

Cam-Clay nonassociative plasticity exhibits both hardening and softening behaviour, depending on the loading. For many initial data the classical formulation of the quasistatic evolution problem has no smooth solution. We propose here a notion of generalized solution, based on a viscoplastic approximation. To study the limit of the viscoplastic evolutions we rescale time, in such a way that the plastic strain is uniformly Lipschitz with respect to the rescaled time. The limit of these rescaled solutions, as the viscosity parameter tends to zero, is characterized through an energy-dissipation balance, that can be written in a natural way using the rescaled time. As shown in [4] and [6], the proposed solution may be discontinuous with respect to the original time. Our formulation allows to compute the amount of viscous dissipation occurring instantaneously at each discontinuity time.

10aCam-Clay plasticity1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aSolombrino, Francesco uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/367000823nas a2200121 4500008004100000245007200041210006900113260001300182520042600195100002200621700002200643856003600665 2011 en d00aQuasistatic evolution of sessile drops and contact angle hysteresis0 aQuasistatic evolution of sessile drops and contact angle hystere bSpringer3 aWe consider the classical model of capillarity coupled with a rate-independent dissipation mechanism due to frictional forces acting on the contact line, and prove the existence of quasistatic evolutions with prescribed initial configuration. We also discuss in detail some explicit solutions to show that the model does account for contact angle hysteresis, and to compare its predictions with experimental observations.1 aAlberti, Giovanni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/491201187nas a2200145 4500008004300000245004000043210004000083520078100123100002300904700002200927700001700949700002000966700001900986856003601005 2010 en_Ud 00aOptimally swimming Stokesian Robots0 aOptimally swimming Stokesian Robots3 aWe study self propelled stokesian robots composed of assemblies of balls, in dimen-\\nsions 2 and 3, and prove that they are able to control their position and orientation. This is a result of controllability, and its proof relies on applying Chow\\\'s theorem in an analytic framework, similarly to what has been done in [3] for an axisymmetric system swimming along the axis of symmetry. However, we simplify drastically\\nthe analyticity result given in [3] and apply it to a situation where more complex swimmers move either in a plane or in three-dimensional space, hence experiencing also rotations. We then focus our attention on energetically optimal strokes, which we are able to compute numerically. Some examples of computed optimal strokes are discussed in detail.1 aAlouges, François1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHeltai, Luca1 aLefebvre, Aline1 aMerlet, Benoit uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/392900902nas a2200169 4500008004100000020002200041245007700063210006900140260003600209300001200245520028600257100002200543700001800565700002200583700001700605856011000622 2010 eng d a978-90-481-9195-600aA Phase Field Approach to Wetting and Contact Angle Hysteresis Phenomena0 aPhase Field Approach to Wetting and Contact Angle Hysteresis Phe aDordrechtbSpringer Netherlands a51–633 a

We discuss a phase field model for the numerical simulation of contact angle hysteresis phenomena in wetting. The performance of the model is assessed by comparing its predictions with experimental data on the critical size of drops that can stick on a vertical glass plate.

1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aFedeli, Livio1 aTurco, Alessandro1 aHackl, Klaus uhttps://www.math.sissa.it/publication/phase-field-approach-wetting-and-contact-angle-hysteresis-phenomena01810nas a2200121 4500008004300000245007000043210006600113520141500179100001901594700002201613700001701635856003601652 2010 en_Ud 00aThe role of membrane viscosity in the dynamics of fluid membranes0 arole of membrane viscosity in the dynamics of fluid membranes3 aFluid membranes made out of lipid bilayers are the fundamental separation structure in eukaryotic cells. Many physiological processes rely on dramatic shape and topological changes (e.g. fusion, fission) of fluid membrane systems. Fluidity is key to the versatility and constant reorganization of lipid bilayers. Here, we study the role of the membrane intrinsic viscosity, arising from the friction of the lipid molecules as they rearrange to accommodate shape changes, in the dynamics of morphological changes of fluid vesicles. In particular, we analyze the competition between the membrane viscosity and the viscosity of the bulk fluid surrounding the vesicle as the dominant dissipative mechanism. We consider the relaxation dynamics of fluid vesicles put in an out-of-equilibrium state, but conclusions can be drawn regarding the kinetics or power consumption in regulated shape changes in the cell. On the basis of numerical calculations, we find that the dynamics arising from the membrane viscosity are qualitatively different from the dynamics arising from the bulk viscosity. When these two dissipation mechanisms are put in competition, we find that for small vesicles the membrane dissipation dominates, with a relaxation time that scales as the size of the vesicle to the power 2. For large vesicles, the bulk dissipation dominates, and the exponent in the relaxation time vs. size relation is 3.1 aArroyo, Marino1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHeltai, Luca uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/393000396nas a2200109 4500008004300000245007300043210006900116100002200185700002300207700002000230856003600250 2009 en_Ud 00aBiological Fluid Dynamics, Non-linear Partial Differential Equations0 aBiological Fluid Dynamics Nonlinear Partial Differential Equatio1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aAlouges, François1 aLefebvre, Aline uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/263001141nas a2200133 4500008004300000245014200043210006900185260004800254520060000302100002000902700002200922700002700944856003600971 2009 en_Ud 00aDiscrete-to-continuum limits for strain-alignment-coupled systems: Magnetostrictive solids, ferroelectric crystals and nematic elastomers0 aDiscretetocontinuum limits for strainalignmentcoupled systems Ma bAmerican Institute of Mathematical Sciences3 aIn the framework of linear elasticity, we study the limit of a class of discrete free energies modeling strain-alignment-coupled systems by a rigorous coarse-graining procedure, as the number of molecules diverges. We focus on three paradigmatic examples: magnetostrictive solids, ferroelectric crystals and nematic elastomers, obtaining in the limit three continuum models consistent with those commonly employed in the current literature. We also derive the correspondent macroscopic energies in the presence of displacement boundary conditions and of various kinds of applied external fields.1 aCicalese, Marco1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aZeppieri, Caterina Ida uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/378800735nas a2200109 4500008004300000245009500043210006900138520033900207100002100546700002200567856003600589 2009 en_Ud 00aQuasistatic evolution for Cam-Clay plasticity: examples of spatially homogeneous solutions0 aQuasistatic evolution for CamClay plasticity examples of spatial3 aWe study a quasistatic evolution problem for Cam-Clay plasticity under a special loading program which leads to spatially homogeneous solutions. Under some initial conditions, the solutions exhibit a softening behaviour and time discontinuities.\\nThe behavior of the solutions at the jump times is studied by a viscous approximation.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/339501411nas a2200121 4500008004300000245004300043210004300086260003000129520105300159100001901212700002201231856003601253 2009 en_Ud 00aRelaxation dynamics of fluid membranes0 aRelaxation dynamics of fluid membranes bAmerican Physical Society3 aWe study the effect of membrane viscosity in the dynamics of liquid membranes-possibly with free or internal boundaries-driven by conservative forces (curvature elasticity and line tension) and dragged by the bulk dissipation of the ambient fluid and the friction occurring when the amphiphilic molecules move relative to each other. To this end, we formulate a continuum model which includes a form of the governing equations for a two-dimensional viscous fluid moving on a curved, time-evolving surface. The effect of membrane viscosity has received very limited attention in previous continuum studies of the dynamics of fluid membranes, although recent coarse-grained discrete simulations suggest its importance. By applying our model to the study of vesiculation and membrane fusion in a simplified geometry, we conclude that membrane viscosity plays a dominant role in the relaxation dynamics of fluid membranes of sizes comparable to those found in eukaryotic cells, and is not negligible in many large synthetic systems of current interest.1 aArroyo, Marino1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/361800893nas a2200109 4500008004300000245007600043210006900119520051500188100002200703700002200725856003600747 2009 en_Ud 00aStrain-order coupling in nematic elastomers: equilibrium configurations0 aStrainorder coupling in nematic elastomers equilibrium configura3 aWe consider models that describe liquid crystal elastomers either in a biaxial or in a uniaxial phase and in the framework of Frank\\\'s director theory. We prove existence of static equilibrium solutions in the presence of frustrations due to electro-mechanical boundary conditions and to applied loads and fields. We find explicit solutions arising in connection with special boundary conditions and the corresponding phase diagrams, leading to significant implications on possible experimental observations.1 aCesana, Pierluigi1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/270000754nas a2200121 4500008004300000245007200043210006900115520035700184100002200541700001600563700001700579856003600596 2009 en_Ud 00aStratos: a code for 3D free surface flows with floating constraints0 aStratos a code for 3D free surface flows with floating constrain3 aThis report presents a brief discussion of the theoretical aspects and practical implementation of STRATOS . STRATOS is a 3D code for the simulation\\nof hydrodynamic flows for incompressible fluids, in the presence of a free surface, capable of simulating the interaction between the free surface and a\\nfloating object via Lagrange multipliers......1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aBianchi, B.1 aHeltai, Luca uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/370100841nas a2200121 4500008004300000245007600043210006900119520043200188100002200620700001700642700002400659856003600683 2009 en_Ud 00aTools for the Solution of PDEs Defined on Curved Manifolds with deal.II0 aTools for the Solution of PDEs Defined on Curved Manifolds with 3 aThe deal.II finite element library was originally designed to solve partial differential equations defined on one, two or three space dimensions, mostly\\nvia the Finite Element Method. In its versions prior to version 6.2, the user could not solve problems defined on curved manifolds embedded in two or\\nthree spacial dimensions. This infrastructure is needed if one wants to solve, for example, Boundary Integral Equations.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aHeltai, Luca1 aManigrasso, Cataldo uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/370001036nas a2200133 4500008004300000245007100043210006900114520059000183100002100773700002200794700002500816700002500841856003600866 2008 en_Ud 00aGlobally stable quasistatic evolution in plasticity with softening0 aGlobally stable quasistatic evolution in plasticity with softeni3 aWe study a relaxed formulation of the quasistatic evolution problem in the context of small strain associative elastoplasticity with softening. The relaxation takes place in spaces of generalized Young measures. The notion of solution is characterized by the following properties: global stability at each time and energy balance on each\\ntime interval. An example developed in detail compares the solutions obtained by this method with the ones provided by a vanishing viscosity approximation, and shows that only the latter capture a decreasing branch in the stress-strain response.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMora, Maria Giovanna1 aMorini, Massimiliano uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/196501131nas a2200133 4500008004300000245006500043210006400108260001300172520071100185100002300896700002200919700002000941856003600961 2008 en_Ud 00aOptimal Strokes for Low Reynolds Number Swimmers: An Example0 aOptimal Strokes for Low Reynolds Number Swimmers An Example bSpringer3 aSwimming, i.e., being able to advance in the absence of external forces by performing cyclic shape changes, is particularly demanding at low Reynolds numbers. This is the regime of interest for micro-organisms and micro- or nano-robots. We focus in this paper on a simple yet representative example: the three-sphere swimmer of Najafi and Golestanian (Phys. Rev. E, 69, 062901-062904, 2004). For this system, we show how to cast the problem of swimming in the language of control theory, prove global controllability (which implies that the three-sphere swimmer can indeed swim), and propose a numerical algorithm to compute optimal strokes (which turn out to be suitably defined sub-Riemannian geodesics).1 aAlouges, François1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aLefebvre, Aline uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/400600444nas a2200121 4500008004300000245009700043210006900140100001700209700001800226700002200244700002000266856003600286 2008 en_Ud 00aRelaxation of some transversally isotropic energies and applications to smectic A elastomers0 aRelaxation of some transversally isotropic energies and applicat1 aAdams, James1 aConti, Sergio1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aDolzmann, Georg uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/191201276nas a2200133 4500008004300000245008900043210006900132520081200201100002101013700002201034700002501056700002501081856003601106 2008 en_Ud 00aA vanishing viscosity approach to quasistatic evolution in plasticity with softening0 avanishing viscosity approach to quasistatic evolution in plastic3 aWe deal with quasistatic evolution problems in plasticity with softening, in the framework of small strain associative elastoplasticity. The presence of a nonconvex term due to the softening phenomenon requires a nontrivial extension of the variational framework for rate-independent problems to the case of a nonconvex energy functional. We argue that, in this case, the use of global minimizers in the corresponding incremental problems is not justified from the mechanical point of view. Thus, we analize a different selection criterion for the solutions of the quasistatic evolution problem, based on a viscous approximation. This leads to a generalized formulation in terms of Young measures, developed in the first part of the paper. In the second part we apply our approach to some concrete examples.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMora, Maria Giovanna1 aMorini, Massimiliano uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/184401187nas a2200121 4500008004300000245006000043210006000103520080200163100002200965700002200987700002001009856003601029 2007 en_Ud 00aCritical voltages and blocking stresses in nematic gels0 aCritical voltages and blocking stresses in nematic gels3 aWe use a recently proposed model to study the dynamics of director remodeling in nematic gels under combined electro-mechanical loading. Focusing on a model specimen, we describe the critical volt-ages that must be exceeded to achieve mesogen reorientation, and the blocking stresses that prevent alignment of the nematic mesogens with the electric field. The corresponding phase diagram shows that the dynamic thresholds defined above are different from those predicted on the sole basis of energetics. Multistep loading programs are used to explore the energy landscape of our model specimen, showing the existence of multiple local minima under the same voltage and applied stress. This leads us to conclude that hysteresis should be expected in the electro-mechanical response of nematic gels.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aDi Carlo, Antonio1 aTeresi, Luciano uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/255301154nas a2200121 4500008004300000245004500043210004300088520080300131100002200934700002400956700001600980856003600996 2007 en_Ud 00aA new model for contact angle hysteresis0 anew model for contact angle hysteresis3 aWe present a model which explains several experimental observations relating contact angle hysteresis with surface roughness. The model is based on the balance between released energy and dissipation, and it describes the stick-slip behavior of drops on a rough surface using ideas similar to those employed in dry friction, elasto-plasticity and fracture mechanics. The main results of our analysis are formulas giving the interval of stable contact angles as a function of the surface roughness. These formulas show that the difference between advancing and receding angles is much larger for a drop in complete contact with the substrate (Wenzel drop) than for one whose cavities are filled with air (Cassie-Baxter drop). This fact is used as the key tool to interpret the experimental evidence.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aGruenewald, Natalie1 aOtto, Felix uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/184800558nas a2200121 4500008004300000245007600043210006900119520014800188100002100336700002100357700002200378856003600400 2007 en_Ud 00aQuasistatic evolution problems for pressure-sensitive plastic materials0 aQuasistatic evolution problems for pressuresensitive plastic mat3 aWe study quasistatic evolution problems for pressure-sensitive plastic materials in the context of small strain associative perfect plasticity.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDemyanov, Alexey1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/196200945nas a2200121 4500008004300000245006300043210006300106520056100169100002200730700001700752700001800769856003600787 2007 en_Ud 00aSoft elasticity and microstructure in smectic C elastomers0 aSoft elasticity and microstructure in smectic C elastomers3 aSmectic C elastomers are layered materials exhibiting a solid-like elastic response along the layer normal and a rubbery one in the plane. The set of strains minimizing the elastic energy contains a one-parameter family of simple stretches associated with an internal degree of freedom, coming from the in-plane component of the director. We investigate soft elasticity and the corresponding microstructure by determining the quasiconvex hull of the set , and use this to propose experimental tests that should make the predicted soft response observable.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aAdams, James1 aConti, Sergio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/181100987nas a2200133 4500008004300000245005700043210005600100520056800156100002100724700002200745700002500767700002500792856003600817 2007 en_Ud 00aTime-dependent systems of generalized Young measures0 aTimedependent systems of generalized Young measures3 aIn this paper some new tools for the study of evolution problems in the framework of Young measures are introduced. A suitable notion of time-dependent system of generalized Young measures is defined, which allows to extend the classical notions of total variation and absolute continuity with respect to time, as well as the notion of time derivative. The main results are a Helly type theorem for sequences of systems of generalized Young measures and a theorem about the existence of the time derivative for systems with bounded variation with respect to time.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMora, Maria Giovanna1 aMorini, Massimiliano uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/179500572nas a2200121 4500008004300000245003600043210003500079520024300114100002200357700001900379700001600398856003600414 2006 en_Ud 00a2-d stability of the Néel wall0 a2d stability of the Néel wall3 aWe are interested in thin-film samples in micromagnetism, where the magnetization m is a 2-d unit-length vector field. More precisely we are interested in transition layers which connect two opposite magnetizations, so called Néel walls.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aKnuepfer, Hans1 aOtto, Felix uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/219401091nas a2200121 4500008004300000245008400043210006900127520066900196100002100865700002200886700002500908856003600933 2006 en_Ud 00aQuasistatic evolution problems for linearly elastic-perfectly plastic materials0 aQuasistatic evolution problems for linearly elasticperfectly pla3 aThe problem of quasistatic evolution in small strain associative elastoplasticity is studied in the framework of the variational theory for rate-independent processes. Existence of solutions is proved through the use of incremental variational problems in spaces of functions with bounded deformation. This provides a new approximation result for the solutions of the quasistatic evolution problem, which are shown to be absolutely continuous in time. Four equivalent formulations of the problem in rate form are derived. A strong formulation of the flow rule is obtained by introducing a precise definition of the stress on the singular set of the plastic strain.1 aDal Maso, Gianni1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMora, Maria Giovanna uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/212900420nas a2200133 4500008004300000020002200043245005300065210005300118100002200171700002100193700002000214700001600234856003600250 2006 en_Ud  a978-0-12-480874-400aRecent analytical developments in micromagnetics0 aRecent analytical developments in micromagnetics1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aKohn, Robert, V.1 aMüller, Stefan1 aOtto, Felix uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/223001313nas a2200133 4500008004300000245008200043210006900125260001300194520087600207100001801083700002201101700002001123856003601143 2005 en_Ud 00aSelf-similar folding patterns and energy scaling in compressed elastic sheets0 aSelfsimilar folding patterns and energy scaling in compressed el bElsevier3 aThin elastic sheets under isotropic compression, such as for example blisters formed by thin films which debonded from the substrate, can exhibit remarkably complex folding patterns. We discuss the scaling of the elastic energy with respect to the film thickness, and show that in certain regimes the optimal energy scaling can be reached\\nby self-similar folding patterns that refine towards the boundary, in agreement with experimental observations. We then extend the analysis\\nto anisotropic compression, and discuss a simplified scalar model which suggests the presence of a transition between a regime where\\nthe deformation is governed by global properties of the domain and another one where the direction of maximal compression dominates and the scale of the folds is mainly determined by the distance to the boundary in the direction of the folds themselves.1 aConti, Sergio1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aMüller, Stefan uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/300001246nas a2200109 4500008004300000245010500043210006900148520083800217100002201055700002301077856003601100 2005 en_Ud 00aStress-dilatancy based modelling of granular materials and extensions to soils with crushable grains0 aStressdilatancy based modelling of granular materials and extens3 aStress-dilatancy relations have played a crucial role in the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of soils and in the development of realistic constitutive models for their response. Recent investigations on the mechanical behaviour of materials with crushable grains have called into question the validity of classical relations such as those used in critical state soil mechanics.\\nIn this paper, a method to construct thermodynamically consistent (isotropic, three-invariant) elasto-plastic models based on a given stress-dilatancy relation is discussed. Extensions to cover the case of granular materials with crushable grains are also presented, based on the interpretation of some classical model parameters (e.g. the stress ratio at critical state) as internal variables that evolve according to suitable hardening laws.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aTamagnini, Claudio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/216501324nas a2200109 4500008004300000245005700043210005600100520097800156100002201134700002201156856003601178 2005 en_Ud 00aWetting of rough surfaces: a homogenization approach0 aWetting of rough surfaces a homogenization approach3 aThe contact angle of a drop in equilibrium on a solid is strongly affected by the roughness of the surface on which it rests. We study the roughness-induced enhancement of the hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of a solid surface through homogenization theory. By relying on a variational formulation of the problem, we show that the macroscopic contact angle is associated with the solution of two cell problems, giving the minimal energy per unit macroscopic area for a transition layer between the rough solid surface and a liquid or vapor phase. Our results are valid for both chemically heterogeneous and homogeneous surfaces. In the latter case, a very transparent structure emerges from the variational\\napproach: the classical laws of Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter give bounds for the optimal energy, and configurations of minimal energy are those leading to the smallest macroscopic contact angle in the hydrophobic case, to the largest one in the hydrophilic case.1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aAlberti, Giovanni uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/225300910nas a2200109 4500008004100000245008500041210006900126260001300195520053400208100002200742856003600764 2004 en d00aCoarse-grained models of materials with non-convex free-energy: two case studies0 aCoarsegrained models of materials with nonconvex freeenergy two  bElsevier3 aBridging across length scales is one of the fundamental challenges in the computational modelling of material systems whose mechanical response is driven by rough energy landscapes. The typical feature of such systems is that of exhibiting fine scale microstructures. Two case studies, namely, nematic elastomers and ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, are presented to illustrate the use of modern techniques from (non-convex) calculus of variations in developing coarse-grained models of microstructure-driven material response.1 aDeSimone, Antonio uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/488401258nas a2200145 4500008004300000245008600043210006900129260001700198520078200215100002300997700001801020700002201038700001601060856003601076 2004 en_Ud 00aEnergetics and switching of quasi-uniform states in small ferromagnetic particles0 aEnergetics and switching of quasiuniform states in small ferroma bEDP Sciences3 aWe present a numerical algorithm to solve the micromagnetic equations based on tangential-plane minimization for the magnetization update and a homothethic-layer decomposition of outer space for the computation of the demagnetization field. As a first application, detailed results on the flower-vortex transition in the cube of Micromagnetic Standard Problem number 3 are obtained, which confirm, with a different method, those already present in the literature, and validate our method and code. We then turn to switching of small cubic or almost-cubic particles, in the single-domain limit. Our data show systematic deviations from the Stoner-Wohlfarth model due to the non-ellipsoidal shape of the particle, and in particular a non-monotone dependence on the particle size.1 aAlouges, François1 aConti, Sergio1 aDeSimone, Antonio1 aPokern, Ivo uhttp://hdl.handle.net/1963/2999