On the Problem of Separation of Variables in Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations

Differential Equations - Conditions for the separation of variables in autonomous systems of general differential equations are discussed. The approach is based on Liouville’s idea of...     

Formation of low-temperature deformation-induced segregations of nickel in Fe–Ni-based austenitic alloys

ABSTRACT

The authors present the results of an investigation in Fe–Ni-Cr austenitic alloys of the low-temperature deformation-induced segregations of nickel that form in the micro regions being (i) located close to grain- and subgrain boundaries and (ii) characteristic of the concentration and magnetic inhomogeneities indicated by the appearance of a dark diffraction contrast at the electron diffraction patterns taken from these regions typical (at the same time) of an enhanced value of Curie temperature. The observed effects were connected with the micro distortions caused by the local change of lattice parameter because of an increase in nickel concentration, as well as in the result of a magnetostriction dilatation. Using methods of the X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) and atomic-probe body-section radiography (tomography – APT) has made it possible to determine the borders of those regions of austenite that were characteristic of an enhanced concentration of nickel in the fields of the localisation of a deformation-induced segregation of nickel in the vicinity of grain (subgrain) boundaries of austenitic alloys of the types Fe–13Cr–30Ni and Fe–37Ni–3Ti.     

Backscattering of light by a finite two-dimensional crystal plate in the region of exciton resonance: Antispecular reflection

It is shown that scattering of a plane monochromatic wave by a finite two-dimensional crystal (quantum well or Langmuir-Blodgett film) in the region of exciton resonance shows, along with the peak of specular reflection, a peak of comparable magnitude corresponding to backward scattering propagating toward the incident beam (antispecular reflection). The effect is related to reflection of the exciton by the boundary of the two-dimensional crystal. The solution of the scattering problem for a simple model system with a Frenkel exciton, demonstrating this phenomenon, is given.     

Restrictions of Quadratic Forms to Lagrangian Planes,Quadratic Matrix Equations,and Gyroscopic Stabilization

We discuss the symplectic geometry of linear Hamiltonian systems with nondegenerate Hamiltonians. These systems can be reduced to linear second-order differential equations characteristic of linear oscillation theory. This reduction is related to the problem on the signatures of restrictions of quadratic forms to Lagrangian planes. We study vortex symplectic planes invariant with respect to linear Hamiltonian systems. These planes are determined by the solutions of quadratic matrix equations of a special form. New conditions for gyroscopic stabilization are found.     

A fractal model of reinforcement of elastoplastic nanocomposites

Within the framework of fractal analysis and percolation theory, an alternative model of reinforcement of filled polymers is offered. Practically, this model can be used only to describe the reinforcement of nanocomposites, because, according to the treatment considered, a pronounced reinforcement can be reached only at ratios of filler particle diameter to the statistical segment length of about 10 and less. A theoretical calculation showed a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experiments. The type of reinforcement mechanism of composites is determined by the type of the space (fractal or Euclidean) in which the structure of the polymeric matrix is formed. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 797–802, November–Decem ber, 2006.     

An asymptotic theory of higher-order operator differential equations with nonsmooth nonlinearities

We develop an asymptotic theory of nonlinear operator differential equations of an arbitrary order in Banach spaces. The nonlinear part of the equation is written in a divergent form. It is shown that the main term in an asymptotic representation of solutions at infinity satisfies a finite-dimensional dynamical system perturbed by a small nonlocal operator.     

WITCH: A Penning Trap Retardation Spectrometer Combination for Precision Studies of the Weak Interaction

We present data from three seasons of experimental field work designed to recreate ancient Andean coastal ceramic firing techniques. Based on the recent discovery of two different archaeological ceramic production sites in the La Leche river valley of northern coastal Peru, the opportunity arose to apply Mössbauer spectroscopy and other analytical methods to reconstruct ancient firing procedures. Two sets of firings took place in 1993 and 1997 in Batán Grande using a partially restored Formative kiln from about 800 BC, local hardwood and cow dung as fuel. A third experiment followed in 2000 after the discovery of a Middle Sicán ceramics workshop in use between ca. AD 950 and 1050 at Huaca Sialupe, where an exact replica of an ancient kiln was built from local clay, and fired with local wood and cow dung. Additionally, inverted urns found at Huaca Sialupe were tested for their potential use as furnaces for metal working. Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to compare the physical and chemical state of specimens produced in the field experiments with ancient ceramics and with specimens produced in controlled laboratory experiments.     

Self-broadening of space-time spectra of few-cycle pulses in dielectric media

The nonparaxial dynamics of spectra of pulses comprising a few cycles of a light field is analyzed in transparent nonlinear media with dispersion. It is shown that the inhomogeneous self-broadening of the time spectrum of a pulse proceeds more effectively into the blue region at all spatial frequencies. A decrease in the energy in the central part of the time spectrum is realized mainly at high spatial frequencies.