A lattice Boltzmann model for diffusion of binary gas mixtures that includes diffusion slip

This paper describes the development of a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model for a binary gas mixture, and applications to channel flow driven by a density gradient with diffusion slip occurring at the wall. LB methods for single component gases typically use a non‐physical equation of state in which the relationship between pressure and density varies according to the scaling used. This is fundamentally unsuitable for extension to multi‐component systems containing gases of differing molecular masses. Substantial variations in the species densities and pressures may exist even at low Mach numbers; hence, the usual linearized equation of state for small fluctuations is unsuitable. Also, existing methods for implementing boundary conditions do not extend easily to novel boundary conditions, such as diffusion slip. The new model developed for multi‐component gases avoids the pitfalls of some other LB models. A single computational grid is shared by all the species, and the diffusivity is independent of the viscosity. The Navier–Stokes equation for the mixture and the Stefan–Maxwell diffusion equation are both recovered by the model. Diffusion slip, the non‐zero velocity of a gas mixture at a wall parallel to a concentration gradient, is successfully modelled and validated against a simple one‐dimensional model for channel flow. To increase the accuracy of the scheme, a second‐order numerical implementation is needed. This may be achieved using a variable transformation method that does not increase the computational time. Simulations were carried out on hydrogen and water diffusion through a narrow channel for varying total pressure and concentration gradients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Measurement of k 0 values for caesium and iridium

The OPAL research reactor in Australia has been used to determine k ₀ values for ^134mCs, ¹³⁴Cs, ¹⁹²Ir and ¹⁹⁴Ir. Values for ²⁴Na have also been measured for quality control. The neutron flux at the irradiation positions was very highly thermalised (f > 2,000), resulting in almost negligible activation by epithermal neutrons. As a consequence, the contribution to the total uncertainty of the k ₀ values from epithermal-related factors such as Q ₀ and $ \bar{E}_{\text{r}} $ was very small. The measured caesium k ₀ values have been compared with the library values as well as with recent measurements by St Pierre et al. and Farina Arboccò et al. While there are k ₀ values for ¹⁹⁴Ir in the library, no ¹⁹²Ir values have been measured previously. Despite ¹⁹²Ir having a higher sensitivity than ¹⁹⁴Ir, k ₀ values were not measured during the establishment of the k ₀-method because the nuclear data available at the time indicated that the activation cross-section of ¹⁹¹Ir deviated significantly from 1/v behaviour (g(T _n ) ≠ 1), which would result in unacceptable errors if k ₀ analysis were to be carried out using the Høgdahl convention. However later nuclear data compilations showed that ¹⁹¹Ir has better 1/v behaviour than previously reported, making it suitable for k ₀ analysis using the Høgdahl convention. For completeness, k ₀ values have been determined using both the Høgdahl and modified-Westcott conventions and these have been compared with library (¹⁹⁴Ir) and calculated values.     

Scaling properties of azimuthal anisotropy in Au+Au and Cu+Cu Collisions at sqrt[s NN]=200 GeV

Differential measurements of elliptic flow (v2) for Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at sqrt[sNN]=200 GeV are used to test and validate predictions from perfect fluid hydrodynamics for scaling of v2 with eccentricity, system size, and transverse kinetic energy (KE T). For KE T identical with mT-m up to approximately 1 GeV the scaling is compatible with hydrodynamic expansion of a thermalized fluid. For large values of KE T mesons and baryons scale separately. Quark number scaling reveals a universal scaling of v2 for both mesons and baryons over the full KE T range for Au+Au. For Au+Au and Cu+Cu the scaling is more pronounced in terms of KE T, rather than transverse momentum.     

Microporated PEG Spheres for Fluorescent Analyte Detection

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels have been used to encapsulate fluorescently labeled molecules in order to detect a variety of analytes. The hydrogels are designed with a mesh size that will retain the sensing elements while allowing for efficient diffusion of small analytes. Some sensing assays, however, require a conformational change or binding of large macromolecules, which may be sterically prohibited in a dense polymer matrix. A process of hydrogel microporation has been developed to create cavities within PEG microspheres to contain the assay components in solution. This arrangement provides improved motility for large sensing elements, while limiting leaching and increasing sensor lifetime. Three hydrogel compositions, 100% PEG, 50% PEG, and microporated 100% PEG, were used to create pH-sensitive microspheres that were tested for response time and stability. In order to assess motility, a second, more complex sensor, namely a FITC-dextran/TRITC-Con A glucose-specific assay was encapsulated within the microspheres.     

A notable conversion of a thiolacetate to its corresponding sulfonyl chloride

A direct conversion of a thiolacetate to its corresponding sulfonyl chloride in the presence of acid and base sensitive functional groups is described.     

Assessment of laser-induced thermal load on silicon nanostructures based on ion desorption yields

Experimental assessment of the thermal load induced by fast laser pulses on micro- and nanostructures through IR imaging is currently too slow and lacks the spatial resolution to be useful. In this paper, we introduce a method based on measuring the laser-induced yields of ions to compare the thermal loads on nanofabricated silicon structures, when exposed to nanosecond laser pulses. The laser fluences at which the ion yields of, for example, sodiated and potassiated peptides ions are equal for two different structures correspond to equivalent thermal loads. Using alkalinated peptides is a convenient choice because the corresponding ion intensities are easily measured up to the melting point of silicon. As an example, we compare the nanosecond laser heating of silicon nanopost arrays with diverse post diameters and periodicities. Assessment of the thermal load through ion yield measurements can also be used to verify model assumptions for heat transport regimes in nanostructures.     

Hilbert transforms and maximal functions along variable flat curves

We study certain Hilbert transforms and maximal functions along variable flat curves in the plane. We obtain their boundedness by considering the oscillatory singular integrals which arise from an application of a partial Fourier transform.

     

Band gaps and defect modes in periodically structured waveguides

This work examines a simple one-dimensional acoustic band gap system made from a diameter-modulated waveguide. Experimental and theoretical results are presented on perfectly periodic waveguide arrays showing the presence of band gaps--frequency intervals in which the transmission of sound is forbidden. The introduction of defects in the perfect periodicity leads to narrow frequency transmission bands--defect states--within the forbidden band gaps. The circular cross-section waveguide system is straightforward to simulate theoretically and experimental results demonstrate good agreement with theory. The experimental transmission of the periodic waveguide arrays is measured using an impulse response technique.     

Symmetric inertial-confinement-fusion-capsule implosions in a double-z-pinch-driven hohlraum

An inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) concept using two 60-MA Z pinches to drive a cylindrical hohlraum to 220 eV has been recently proposed. The first capsule implosions relevant to this concept have been performed at the same physical scale with a lower 20-MA current, yielding a 70+/-5 eV capsule drive. The capsule shell shape implies a polar radiation symmetry, the first high-accuracy measurement of this type in a pulsed-power-driven ICF configuration, within a factor of 1.6-4 of that required for scaling to ignition. The convergence ratio of 14-21 is to date the highest in any pulsed-power ICF system.     

Orbital angular momentum exchange in the interaction of twisted light with molecules

In the interaction of molecules with light endowed with orbital angular momentum, an exchange of orbital angular momentum in an electric dipole transition occurs only between the light and the center of mass motion; i.e., internal "electronic-type" motion does not participate in any exchange of orbital angular momentum in a dipole transition. A quadrupole transition is the lowest electric multipolar process in which an exchange of orbital angular momentum can occur between the light, the internal motion, and the center of mass motion. This rules out experiments seeking to observe exchange of orbital angular momentum between light beams and the internal motion in electric dipole transitions.