2008.09551
Finding the strongest stable weightless column with a follower load and relocatable concentrated masses
Oleg N. Kirillov, Michael L. Overton
incompletemedium confidence
- Category
- math.DS
- Journal tier
- Strong Field
- Processed
- Sep 28, 2025, 12:55 AM
- arXiv Links
- Abstract ↗PDF ↗
Audit review
The paper rigorously derives the n=2 optimum and formulates a well-supported conjecture κ* = κ0 + (n−1)π for general n, but does not prove it. The model’s proposed general proof relies on an incorrect symmetry/energy argument and on boundary conditions that do not match the paper’s model; hence its derivation is invalid even though it reproduces the correct n=2 numbers.
Referee report (LaTeX)
\textbf{Recommendation:} minor revisions
\textbf{Journal Tier:} strong field
\textbf{Justification:}
The work provides a rigorous resolution for two masses and formulates a compelling and well-documented conjecture for general n, supported by careful numerical nonsmooth optimization. The nonconservative nature of the model is treated with appropriate spectral tools, and the divergence vs. flutter boundaries are explicitly characterized. While a full general proof is not present, the contribution is substantial and well-argued.