Evaluation of Generalized Error Function via Fast-Converging Power Series

A generalized form of the error function, Gp(x)=pΓ(1/p)∫0xe−tpdt, which is directly associated with the gamma function, is evaluated for arbitrary real values of p>1and 0x≤+∞by employing a fast-converging power series expansion developed in resolving the so-called Grandi’s paradox. Comparisons with accurate tabulated values for well-known cases such as the error function are presented using the expansions truncated at various orders.

New Numerical Integration Formulations for Ordinary Differential Equations

An entirely new framework is established for developing various single- and multi-step formulations for the numerical integration of ordinary differential equations. Besides polynomials, unconventional base-functions with trigonometric and exponential terms satisfying different conditions are employed to generate a number of formulations. Performances of the new schemes are tested against well-known numerical integrators for selected test cases with quite satisfactory results. Convergence and stability issues of the new formulations are not addressed as the treatment of these aspects requires a separate work. The general approach introduced herein opens a wide vista for producing virtually unlimited number of formulations.

Blast Pressure Measurements of an Underwater Detonation in the Sea

Blast pressure measurements of a controlled underwater explosion in the sea were carried out.An explosive of 25-kg trinitro-toluene(TNT)equivalent was detonated,and the blast pressures were recorded by eight diferent high-performance pressure sensors that work at the nonresonant high-voltage output in adverse underwater conditions.Recorded peak pressure values are used to establish a relationship in the well-known form of empirical underwater explosion(UNDEX)loading formula.Constants of the formula are redetermined by employing the least-squares method in two diferent forms for best ftting to the measured data.The newly determined constants are found to be only slightly diferent from the generally accepted ones.

Resolution of Grandi’s Paradox as Extended to Complex Valued Functions

Grandi’s paradox, which was posed for a real function of the form 1/(1+ x), has been resolved and extended to complex valued functions. Resolution of this approximately three-hundred-year-old paradox is accomplished by the use of a consistent truncation approach that can be applied to all the series expansions of Grandi-type functions. Furthermore, a new technique for improving the convergence characteristics of power series with alternating signs is introduced. The technique works by successively averaging a series at different orders of truncation. A sound theoretical justification of the successive averaging method is demonstrated by two different series expansions of the function 1/(1+ ex ) . Grandi-type complex valued functions such as 1/(i + x) are expressed as consistently-truncated and convergence-improved forms and Fagnano’s formula is established from the series expansions of these functions. A Grandi-type general complex valued function is introduced and expanded to a consistently truncated and successively averaged series. Finally, an unorthodox application of the successive averaging method to polynomials is presented.

A Fundamental Relationship of Polynomials and Its Proof

A fundamental algebraic relationship for a general polynomial of degree n is given and proven by mathematical induction. The stated relationship is based on the well-known property of polynomials that the nth-differences of the subsequent values of an nth-order polynomial are constant.

Evaluation of Exponential Integral by Means of Fast-Converging Power Series

Exponential integral for real arguments is evaluated by employing a fast-converging power series originally developed for the resolution of Grandi’s paradox. Laguerre’s historic solution is first recapitulated and then the new solution method is described in detail. Numerical results obtained from the present series solution are compared with the tabulated values correct to nine decimal places. Finally, comments are made for the further use of the present approach for integrals involving definite functions in denominator.

Polynomial Functions Composed of Terms with Non-Integer Powers

Polynomial functions containing terms with non-integer powers are studied to disclose possible approaches for obtaining their roots as well as employing them for curve-fitting purposes. Several special cases representing equations from different categories are investigated for their roots. Curve-fitting applications to physically meaningful data by the use of fractional functions are worked out in detail. Relevance of this rarely worked subject to solutions of fractional differential equations is pointed out and existing potential in related future work is emphasized.

Estimating Sums of Convergent Series via Rational Polynomials

Sums of convergent series for any desired number of terms, which may be infinite, are estimated very accurately by establishing definite rational polynomials. For infinite number of terms the sum infinite is obtained by taking the asymptotic limit of the rational polynomial. A rational function with second-degree polynomials both in the numerator and denominator is found to produce excellent results. Sums of series with different characteristics such as alternating signs are considered for testing the performance of the proposed approach.

A Geometric Formulation and a Series Approach for Estimating π with Remarks on a Sumerian Tablet

A recursive method based on successive computations of perimeters of inscribed regular polygons for estimating π is formulated by employing the Pythagorean theorem alone without resorting to any trigonometric calculations. The approach is classical but the formulation of coupled recursion relations is new. Further, use of infinite series for computing π is explored by an improved version of Leibniz’s series expansion. Finally, some remarks with reference to π are made on a relatively recently rediscovered Sumerian tablet depicting geometric figures.

A Variant of Fermat’s Diophantine Equation

A variant of Fermat’s last Diophantine equation is proposed by adjusting the number of terms in accord with the power of terms and a theorem describing the solubility conditions is stated. Numerically obtained primitive solutions are presented for several cases with number of terms equal to or greater than powers. Further, geometric representations of solutions for the second and third power equations are devised by recasting the general equation in a form with rational solutions less than unity. Finally, it is suggested to consider negative and complex integers in seeking solutions to Diophantine forms in general.