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The non-linear behavior and stability under static and dynamic loads of an inverted spatial pendulum with rotational springs in two perpendicular planes, called Augusti’s model, is analyzed in this paper. This 2DOF lumped-parameter system is an archetypal model of modal interaction in stability theory representing a large class of structural problems. When the system displays coincident buckling loads, several post-buckling paths emerge from the bifurcation point (critical load) along the fundamental path. This leads to a complex potential energy surface. Herein, we aim to investigate the influence of nonlinear modal interactions on the dynamic behavior of Augusti’s model. Coupled/uncoupled dynamic responses, bifurcations, escape from the pre-buckling potential well, stability and space–time-varying displacements, attractor-manifold-basin phase portraits are numerically evaluated with the aim of enlightening the system complex response. The investigation of basins evolution due to variation of system parameters leads to the determination of erosion profiles and integrity measures which enlighten the loss of safety of the structure due to penetration of eroding fractal tongues into the safe basin.

Wisdom is conceived as the "existential art", a way of being that reveals itself not so much in lecturing, but rather in the ability to carry out life in the best possible way. The experimental focus on the study of wisdom has been intensified in recent years, given the acknowledged interest of cognitive and developmental psychologists about positive aspects of human development. A Portuguese version of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (Webster, 2003), is presented here. A summary of several psychometric features, despite the fact that the results obtained showed some differences when compared with those from the original psychometric study of the scale, points to a consistent dimensional structure. Global results suggest a distinction between skills involved in identifying emotions and the nature of experience, control and expression of those emotions. In this study, the SAWS presented sound psychometric properties which may find it suitable for experimental use with Portuguese population.

The present work investigates the nonlinear dynamic behavior and instabilities of partially fluid-filled cylindrical shell subjected to lateral pressure. Donnell shallow shell theory is employed to model the shell. The fluid is modeled as non-viscous and incompressible and its irrotational motion is described by a velocity potential which satisfies the Laplace equation. A discrete low-dimensional model for the nonlinear vibration analysis of thin cylindrical shells is derived to study the shell vibrations. First, a general expression for the nonlinear vibration modes that satisfy all the relevant boundary, continuity and symmetry conditions is derived using a perturbation procedure validated in previous studies and then the Galerkin method is used to discretize the equations of motion. The same modal solution is used to derive the hydrodynamic pressure on the shell wall. The influence played by the height of the internal fluid on the natural frequencies, nonlinear shell response and bifurcations is examined.

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