On an asymptotically log-periodic solution to the graphical curve shortening flow equation

<abstract><p>With the help of heat equation, we first construct an example of a graphical solution to the curve shortening flow. This solution $ y\left(x, t\right) \ $has the interesting property that it converges to a log-periodic function of the form</p> <p><disp-formula> <label/> <tex-math id="FE1"> \begin{document}$ A\sin \left( \log t\right) +B\cos \left( \log t\right) $\end{document} </tex-math></disp-formula></p> <p>as$ \ t\rightarrow \infty, \ $where $ A, \ B $ are constants. Moreover, for any two numbers $ \alpha &lt; \beta, \ $we are also able to construct a solution satisfying the oscillation limits</p> <p><disp-formula> <label/> <tex-math id="FE2"> \begin{document}$ \liminf\limits_{t\rightarrow \infty}y\left( x,t\right) = \alpha,\ \ \ \limsup\limits _{t\rightarrow \infty}y\left( x,t\right) = \beta,\ \ \ x\in K $\end{document} </tex-math></disp-formula></p> <p>on any compact subset$ \ K\subset \mathbb{R}. $</p></abstract>

Numerical approximation of boundary value problems for curvature flow and elastic flow in Riemannian manifolds

We present variational approximations of boundary value problems for curvature flow (curve shortening flow) and elastic flow (curve straightening flow) in two-dimensional Riemannian manifolds that are conformally flat. For the evolving open curves we propose natural boundary conditions that respect the appropriate gradient flow structure. Based on suitable weak formulations we introduce finite element approximations using piecewise linear elements. For some of the schemes a stability result can be shown. The derived schemes can be employed in very different contexts. For example, we apply the schemes to the Angenent metric in order to numerically compute rotationally symmetric self-shrinkers for the mean curvature flow. Furthermore, we utilise the schemes to compute geodesics that are relevant for optimal interface profiles in multi-component phase field models.

Curve Flows with a Global Forcing Term

We consider embedded, smooth curves in the plane which are either closed or asymptotic to two lines. We study their behaviour under curve shortening flow with a global forcing term. We prove an analogue to Huisken’s distance comparison principle for curve shortening flow for initial curves whose local total curvature does not lie below $$-\pi $$ - π and show that this condition is sharp. With that, we can exclude singularities in finite time for bounded forcing terms. For immortal flows of closed curves whose forcing terms provide non-vanishing enclosed area and bounded length, we show convexity in finite time and smooth and exponential convergence to a circle. In particular, all of the above holds for the area preserving curve shortening flow.

Real-time path planning in dynamic environments for unmanned aerial vehicles using the curve-shortening flow method

This article proposes a new algorithm for real-time path planning in dynamic environments based on space-discretized curve-shortening flows. The so-called curve-shortening flow method shares working principles with the well-established elastic bands method and overcomes some of its drawbacks concerning numerical robustness and parameterability. This is achieved by efficiently applying semi-implicit time integration for evolving the path and secondly by developing a methodology for setting the algorithm’s parameters based on physical quantities. Different short- and long-term validation scenarios are performed with three interlinked instances of the curve-shortening flow method each running on an individual industrial control and driving a real or a simulated unmanned aerial vehicle.