Variational inequalities in critical-state problems (Q1888054)

This paper is devoted to different dissipative systems (sandpiles, river network, type-II superconductors and elastoplastic solids)which demonstrate critical-state behavior. Their continuous models are equivalent to very similar variational or q1uasivariational evolutionary inequalities, the formulations convenient for both the numerical simulation and theoretical study. The aim of this paper is to outline the main steps of such models derivation and to clarify the origin of this similarity. It is present the simplest version of each model, and the mathematical details are avoided, but the references to rigorous proofs, numerical simulations and possible extensions of the considered models are given. First, at the example of the flow of granular material down the slope of the pile, it is stated an evolutionary quasivariational equality for the pile surface alone. Then, it is proved a theorem on the solution of this equality on the base of weak form of the mathematical formulation of the main problem. By this, it is used a Lagrange multiplier depending in a non-local way on the surface and source. Due to that, instantaneous long range interactions over the critically inclined parts of the surface are possible in this model. Then, it is considered an evolution model for system of lakes and rivers based on the balance equation. It is stated the quasivariational equality, which determines the free surface evolution. Further, based on the Bean model, it is considered a nonlinear eddy current problem for superconductors. First, it is stated variational formulation for the magnetic field in a long superconductive cylinder placed into a non-stationary parallel uniform external magnetic field. Then, in the general 3D case, it is derived a variational formulation in terms of the current density. By this, it is obtained the evolutionary variational equality with an ''implicit'' derivative in time, and also a scalar version of this variational inequality for thin films in a perpendicular uniform external magnetic field. Finally, it is present the variational inequality formulation for models in perfect elastoplasticity. Due to some of the physically relevant conjugate variables are eliminated in transition to the variational formulation of critical-state problems, dual formulations (mixed variational inequalities) in terms of these variables are found. In the paper, it is stated new dual variational formulation in terms of the conjugate variables for two cases, namely surface flux in the model of pile growth and electric field in the Bean model for superconductors.