We perform large-scale simulations of directed sandpile models with both deterministic and stochastic toppling rules. Our results show the existence of two distinct universality classes. We also provide numerical simulations of directed models in the presence of bulk dissipation. The numerical results indicate that the way in which dissipation is implemented is irrelevant for the determination ...

The physics of a row of toppling dominoes is discussed. In particular the forces between the falling dominoes are analyzed and with this knowledge, the effect of friction has been incorporated. A set of limiting situations is discussed in detail, such as the limit of thin dominoes, which allows a full and explicit analytical solution. The propagation speed of the domino effect is calculated for...

Using the transfer matrix method, we give the exact solution of a deterministic sandpile model for arbitrary N , where N is the size of a single toppling. The oneand two-point functions are given in term of the eigenvalues of an N × N transfer matrix. All the n-point functions can be found in the same way. Application of this method to a more general class of models is discussed. We also presen...

Filming or videotaping a work of art is traditionally done in either the gallery or studio setting. In either case, the work is taken off view and methodically surrounded by camera and lighting equipment. This process is time consuming, expensive and places the work at risk of being damaged by light, heat and/or toppling equipment. The tremendous investment and risk involved in this process req...

Network infrastructures are essential for the distribution of resources such as electricity and water. Typical strategies to assess their resilience focus on the impact of a sequence of random or targeted failures of network nodes or links. Here we consider a more realistic scenario, where elements fail based on their usage. We propose a dynamic model of transport based on the Bak-Tang-Wiesenfe...

We revisit the question whether the critical behavior of sandpile models with sticky grains is in the directed percolation universality class. Our earlier theoretical arguments in favor, supported by evidence from numerical simulations [ Phys. Rev. Lett., 89 (2002) 104303], have been disputed by Bonachela et al. [Phys. Rev. E 74 (2004) 050102] for sandpiles with no preferred direction. We discu...

The research of structural masonry associated with geo-hydrological hazards in Cultural Heritage is a multidisciplinary issue, requiring consideration several aspects including the characterization used materials. On 25 May 2016, loss water from subterranean pipes and aqueduct caused an Arno riverbank failure damaging 100 m long portion historical embankment wall Lungarno Torrigiani Florence. w...

We study the steady state of the abelian sandpile models with stochastic toppling rules. The particle addition operators commute with each other, but in general these operators need not be diagonalizable. We use their abelian algebra to determine their eigenvalues, and the Jordan block structure. These are then used to determine the probability of different configurations in the steady state. W...

In [19] we specified robot grippers that can orient and grasp parts with an arrangement of trapezoidal jaw modules. Since jaw modules may be imprecisely machined, we define a parametric tolerance class such that part alignment is guaranteed for all jaw geometry in the class. This tolerance class is derived based on analysis of toppling, motion trajectory, and form-closure. Given maximal jaw geo...

We present limiting shape results for a non-abelian variant of the abelian sandpile growth model (ASGM), some of which have no parallel in the ASGM. One of our limiting shapes is an octagon. In our model, mass spreads from the origin by the toppling rule in Zhang’s sandpile model. Previously, several limiting shape results have been obtained for the ASGM using abelianness and monotonicity as ma...