arXiv subjects

Nathan Duignan

Publications and source records attributed to Nathan Duignan.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

All field strengths are possible locally in Boozer coordinates

The magnetic field strength is a central design object in the theory of magnetic confinement of plasma. Desirable confinement properties such as quasi-symmetry and omnigenity are characterized by special forms of the field strength when it is given in the particular coordinate system called ``Boozer coordinates." We ask a basic realizability question: which functions of Boozer coordinates can arise as the magnitude of a magnetic field that is written in Boozer coordinates? Using exterior differential systems and the Cartan-K\"ahler theorem, we show that every positive analytic function is locally realizable. Thus there is no local analytic obstruction to prescribing the field strength in Boozer coordinates; though further restrictions might arise from global geometric or additional physical constraints.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Blow-Up, Asymptotics, and Improbability of Collision Singularities in the n-Body Problem

We study finite-time singularities in $n$-body systems with pair potentials that are homogeneous of degree $-\alpha$, where $0<\alpha<2$, that are not necessarily attractive and with bounded time-dependent external forces. We develop a systematic method to analyse a colliding subsystem in the presence of simultaneous collision or non-collision singularities elsewhere in the system. We extend classical results of von Zeipel and Painlev\'e to such subsystems, establish bounds on their internal energy near total collision, and implement a McGehee blow-up that remains effective without conservation of energy. The blow-up yields the asymptotics of the cluster size, and in the case of attractive potentials, the convergence towards the set of central configurations and asymptotics of relative position, relative velocities, and internal angular momentum. As an application of the asymptotic results, we construct a simplified proof that the initial conditions leading to collision form a set of measure zero.

math-ph↗

arXiv2024

Generalizing Hamiltonian Mechanics with Closed Differential Forms

Classical Hamiltonian mechanics, characterized by a single conserved Hamiltonian (energy) and symplectic geometry, `hides' other invariants into symmetries of the Hamiltonian or into the kernel of the Poisson tensor. Nambu mechanics aims to generalize classical Hamiltonian mechanics to ideal dynamical systems bearing two Hamiltonians, but its connection to a suitable geometric framework has remained elusive. This work establishes a novel correspondence between generalized Hamiltonian mechanics, defined for systems with a phase space conservation law (invariance of a closed form) and a matter conservation law (invariance of multiple Hamiltonians), and multisymplectic geometry. The key lies in the invertibility of differential forms of degree higher than 2. We demonstrate that the cornerstone theorems of classical Hamiltonian mechanics (Lie-Darboux and Liouville) require reinterpretation within this new framework, reflecting the unique properties of invertibility in multisymplectic geometry. Furthermore, we present two key theorems that solidify the connection: i) any classical Hamiltonian system with two or more invariants is also a generalized Hamiltonian system and ii) given a generalized Hamiltonian system with two or more invariants, there exists a corresponding classical Hamiltonian system on the level set of all but one invariant, with the remaining invariant playing the role of the Hamiltonian function.

math.DG↗

arXiv2024

Global realisation of magnetic fields as 1$\frac{1}{2}$D Hamiltonian systems

The paper reviews the notion of $n+\frac{1}{2}$D non-autonomous Hamiltonian systems, portraying their dynamics as the flow of the Reeb field related to a closed two-form of maximal rank on a cosymplectic manifold, and naturally decomposing into time-like and Hamiltonian components. The paper then investigates the conditions under which the field-line dynamics of a (tangential) divergence-free vector field on a connected compact three-manifold (possibly with boundary) diffeomorphic to a trivial fibre bundle over the circle can be conversely identified as a non-autonomous $1\frac{1}{2}$D Hamiltonian system. Under the assumption that the field is transverse to a global compact Poincar\'e section, an adaptation of Moser's trick shows that all such fields are locally-Hamiltonian. A full identification is established upon further assuming that the Poincar\'e sections are planar, which crucially implies (together with Dirichlet boundary conditions) that the cohomology class of the generating closed one-forms on each section is constant. By reviewing the classification of fibre bundles over the circle using the monodromy representation, it is remarked that as soon as the Poincar\'e section of an alleged field is diffeomorphic to a disk or an annulus, the domain is necessarily diffeomorphic to a solid or hollow torus, and thus its field-line dynamics can always be identified as a non-autonomous Hamiltonian system.

math-ph↗

arXiv2023

Asymmetry of MHD equilibria for generic adapted metrics

Ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria on a Riemannian 3-manifold satisfy the stationary Euler equations for ideal fluids. A stationary solution $X$ admits a large set of ``adapted" metrics in $M$ for which $X$ solves the corresponding MHD equilibrium equations with the same pressure function. We prove different versions of the following statement: an MHD equilibrium with non-constant pressure on a compact three-manifold with or without boundary admits no continuous Killing symmetries for an open and dense set of adapted metrics. This contrasts with the classical conjecture of Grad which loosely states that an MHD equilibrium on a toroidal Euclidean domain in $\mathbb{R}^3$ with pressure function foliating the domain with nested toroidal surfaces must admit Euclidean symmetries.

math.DG↗

arXiv2023

Existence of global symmetries of divergence-free fields with first integrals

The relationship between symmetry fields and first integrals of divergence-free vector fields is explored in three dimensions in light of its relevance to plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion. A Noether-type Theorem is known: for each such symmetry, there corresponds a first integral. The extent to which the converse is true is investigated. In doing so, a reformulation of this Noether-type Theorem is found for which the converse holds on what is called the toroidal region. Some consequences of the methods presented are quick proofs of the existence of flux coordinates for magnetic fields in high generality; without needing to assume a symmetry such as in the cases of magneto-hydrostatics (MHS) or quasi-symmetry.

math.DG↗

arXiv2022

Distinguishing between Regular and Chaotic orbits of Flows by the Weighted Birkhoff Average

This paper investigates the utility of the weighted Birkhoff average (WBA) for distinguishing between regular and chaotic orbits of flows, extending previous results that applied the WBA to maps. It is shown that the WBA can be super-convergent for flows when the dynamics and phase space function are smooth, and the dynamics is conjugate to a rigid rotation with Diophantine rotation vector. The dependence of the accuracy of the average on orbit length and width of the weight function width are investigated. In practice, the average achieves machine precision of the rotation frequency of quasiperiodic orbits for an integration time of O(10^3) periods. The contrasting, relatively slow convergence for chaotic trajectories allows an efficient discrimination criterion. Three example systems are studied: a two-wave Hamiltonian system, a quasiperiodically forced, dissipative system that has a strange attractor with no positive Lyapunov exponents, and a model for magnetic field line flow.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

Minimizing Separatrix Crossings through Isoprominence

A simple property of magnetic fields that minimizes bouncing to passing type transitions of guiding center orbits is defined and discussed. This property, called isoprominence, is explored through the framework of a near-axis expansion. It is shown that isoprominent magnetic fields for a toroidal configuration exist to all orders in a formal expansion about a magnetic axis. Some key geometric features of these fields are described.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2021

Normal Forms and Near-Axis Expansions for Beltrami Magnetic Fields

A formal series transformation to Birkhoff-Gustavson normal form is obtained for toroidal magnetic field configurations in the neighborhood of a magnetic axis. Bishop's rotation-minimizing coordinates are used to obtain a local orthogonal frame near the axis in which the metric is diagonal, even if the curvature has zeros. We treat the cases of vacuum and force-free (Beltrami) fields in a unified way, noting that the vector potential is essentially the Poincaré-Liouville one-form of Hamiltonian dynamics, and the resulting magnetic field corresponds to the canonical two-form of a nonautonomous one-degree-of-freedom system. Canonical coordinates are obtained and Floquet theory is used to transform to a frame in which the lowest-order Hamiltonian is autonomous. The resulting magnetic axis can be elliptic or hyperbolic, and resonant elliptic cases are treated. The resulting expansion for the field is shown to be well-defined to all orders, and is explicitly computed to degree four. An example is given for an axis with constant torsion near a 1:3 resonance.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Normal Forms for Manifolds of Normally Hyperbolic Singularities and Asymptotic Properties of Nearby Transitions

This paper contains theory on two related topics relevant to manifolds of normally hyperbolic singularities. First, theorems on the formal and $ C^k $ normal forms for these objects are proved. Then, the theorems are applied to give asymptotic properties of the transition map between sections transverse to the centre-stable and centre-unstable manifolds of some normally hyperbolic manifolds. A method is given for explicitly computing these so called Dulac maps. The Dulac map is revealed to have similar asymptotic structures as in the case of a saddle singularity in the plane.

math.DS↗

arXiv2021

On the $ C^{8/3} $-Regularisation of Simultaneous Binary Collisions in the Planar 4-Body Problem

The dynamics of the 4-body problem allows for two binary collisions to occur simultaneously. It is known that in the collinear 4-body problem this simultaneous binary collision (SBC) can be block-regularised, but that the resulting block map is only $C^{8/3}$ differentiable. In this paper, it is proved that the $C^{8/3}$ differentiability persists for the SBC in the planar 4-body problem. The proof uses several geometric tools, namely, blow-up, normal forms, dynamics near normally hyperbolic manifolds of equilibrium points, and Dulac maps.

math.DS↗

arXiv2021

Integrability, Normal Forms, and Magnetic Axis Coordinates

Integrable or near-integrable magnetic fields are prominent in the design of plasma confinement devices. Such a field is characterized by the existence of a singular foliation consisting entirely of invariant submanifolds. A regular leaf, known as a flux surface,of this foliation must be diffeomorphic to the two-torus. In a neighborhood of a flux surface, it is known that the magnetic field admits several exact, smooth normal forms in which the field lines are straight. However, these normal forms break down near singular leaves including elliptic and hyperbolic magnetic axes. In this paper, the existence of exact, smooth normal forms for integrable magnetic fields near elliptic and hyperbolic magnetic axes is established. In the elliptic case, smooth near-axis Hamada and Boozer coordinates are defined and constructed. Ultimately, these results establish previously conjectured smoothness properties for smooth solutions of the magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium equations. The key arguments are a consequence of a geometric reframing of integrability and magnetic fields; that they are presymplectic systems.

math-ph↗

arXiv2020

Nonexistence of Invariant Tori Transverse to Foliations: An Application of Converse KAM Theory

Invariant manifolds are of fundamental importance to the qualitative understanding of dynamical systems. In this work, we explore and extend MacKay's converse KAM condition to obtain a sufficient condition for the nonexistence of invariant surfaces that are transverse to a chosen 1D foliation. We show how useful foliations can be constructed from approximate integrals of the system. This theory is implemented numerically for two models, a particle in a two-wave potential and a Beltrami flow studied by Zaslavsky (Q-flows). These are both 3D volume-preserving flows, and they exemplify the dynamics seen in time-dependent Hamiltonian systems and incompressible fluids, respectively. Through both numerical and theoretical considerations, it is revealed how to choose foliations that capture the nonexistence of invariant tori with varying homologies.

math.DS↗

arXiv2020

Chazy-Type Asymptotics and Hyperbolic Scattering for the $n$-Body Problem

We study solutions of the Newtonian $n$-body problem which tend to infinity hyperbolically, that is, all mutual distances tend to infinity with nonzero speed as $t \rightarrow +\infty$ or as $t \rightarrow -\infty$. In suitable coordinates, such solutions form the stable or unstable manifolds of normally hyperbolic equilibrium points in a boundary manifold "at infinity". We show that the flow near these manifolds can be analytically linearized and use this to give a new proof of Chazy's classical asymptotic formulas. We also address the scattering problem, namely, for solutions which are hyperbolic in both forward and backward time, how are the limiting equilibrium points related? After proving some basic theorems about this scattering relation, we use perturbations of our manifold at infinity to study scattering "near infinity", that is, when the bodies stay far apart and interact only weakly.

math.DS↗

arXiv2019

On the $ C^{8/3} $-Regularisation of Simultaneous Binary Collisions in the Collinear 4-Body Problem

The singularity at a simultaneous binary collision is explored in the collinear 4-body problem. It is known that any attempt to remove the singularity via block regularisation will result in a regularised flow that is no more than $ C^{8/3} $ differentiable with respect to initial conditions. Through a blow-up of the singularity, this loss of differentiability is investigated and a new proof of the $ C^{8/3} $ regularity is provided. In the process, it is revealed that the collision manifold consists of two manifolds of normally hyperbolic saddle singularities which are connected by a manifold of heteroclinics. By utilising recent work on transitions near such objects and their normal forms, an asymptotic series of the transition past the singularity is explicitly computed. It becomes remarkably apparent that the finite differentiability at $ 8/3 $ is due to the inability to construct a set of integrals local to the simultaneous binary collision. The finite differentiability is shown to be independent from a choice of initial condition or value of the masses.

math.DS↗

arXiv2019

Regularisation for Planar Vector Fields

This paper serves as a first foray on regularisation for planar vector fields. Motivated by singularities in celestial mechanics, the block regularisation of a generic class of degenerate singularities is studied. The paper is concerned with asymptotic properties of the transition map between a section before and after the singularity. Block regularisation is reviewed before topological and explicit conditions for the $ C^0 $-regularity of the map are given. Computation of the $ C^1 $-regularisation is reduced to summing residues of a rational function. It is shown that the transition map is in general only finitely differentiable and a method of computing the map is conveyed. In particular, a perturbation of a toy example derived from the 4-body problem is shown to be $ C^{4/3} $. The regularisation of all homogeneous quadratic vector fields is computed.

math.DS↗

arXiv2015

The Diver with a Rotor

We present and analyse a simple model for the twisting somersault. The model is a rigid body with a rotor attached which can be switched on and off. This makes it simple enough to devise explicit analytical formulas whilst still maintaining sufficient complexity to preserve the shape-changing dynamics essential for twisting somersaults in springboard and platform diving. With `rotor on' and with `rotor off' the corresponding Euler-type equations can be solved, and the essential quantities characterising the dynamics, such as the periods and rotation numbers, can be computed in terms of complete elliptic integrals. Thus we arrive at explicit formulas for how to achieve a dive with m somersaults and n twists in a given total time. This can be thought of as a special case of a geometric phase formula due to Cabrera 2007.

math.DS↗