Study of the peak effect phenomenon in single crystals of 2H-NbSe2

The weakly pinned single crystals of the hexagonal 2H-NbSe₂ compound have emerged as prototypes for determining and characterizing the phase boundaries of the possible order-disorder transformations in the vortex matter. We present here a status report based on the ac and dc magnetization measurements of the peak effect phenomenon in three crystals of 2H-NbSe₂, in which the critical current densities vary over two orders of magnitude. We sketch the generic vortex phase diagram of a weakly pinned superconductor, which also utilizes theoretical proposals. We also establish the connection between the metastability effects and pinning.     

A two-stage parallel branch and bound algorithm for mixed integer programs

Mixed integer programming (MIP) models are extensively usedto aid strategic and tactical decision making in many businesssectors. Solving MIP models is a computationally intensive processand there is a need to develop solution approaches that enablelarger models to be solved within acceptable timeframes. Inthis paper, we describe the implementation of a two-stage parallelbranch and bound (PB & B) algorithm for MIP. In stage 1of the algorithm, a multiple heuristic search is implementedin which a number of alternative search trees are investigatedusing a forest search in the hope of finding a good solutionquickly. In stage 2, the search is reorganized so that the branchesof a chosen tree are investigated in parallel. A new heuristicis introduced, based on a best projection criterion, which evaluatesalternative B & B trees in order to choose one for investigationin stage 2 of the algorithm. The heuristic also serves as away of implementing a quality load balancing scheme for stage2 of the algorithm. The results of experimental investigationsare reported for a range of models taken from the MIPLIB libraryof benchmark problems.     

Change point estimation in non-monotonic aging models

The problem of estimating change points in various non-monotonic aging models is considered. A general methodology for consistent estimation of the change point is developed and applied to non-monotonic aging models based on the hazard rate function as well as on the mean residual life function.     

Dependence of the driving current on the harmonic behavior of giant magneto-impedance voltage of Co-based amorphous wires

The frequency and the amplitude of the driving AC current dependence on the harmonic behavior of the giant magneto-impedance (GMI) voltage of Co-rich amorphous wire have been studied. Single-peak, two-peak and three-peak behavior in the GMI characteristics was studied with the change of amplitude and frequency of the AC current. GMI ratio was calculated from the first harmonic signals which were initially increased and then decreased monotonically with the increase of frequency (f) and the amplitude (I_AC) of the driving current. The response of the GMI voltage was found non-linear with the generation of higher harmonics at higher amplitude of the driving current. The second and third harmonic signals were also evaluated and their dependence on the driving current amplitude and frequency were presented in the paper. The experimental results were analyzed using single domain rotational model. The voltage harmonics were calculated through Fourier transform of the time derivative of the estimated circular magnetization of the sample.     

A multigrid method for predicting periodically fully developed flow

The use of multigrid methods in complex fluid flow problems is still under development. In this paper a full multigrid procedure has been incorporated in a finite volume solution for predicting fully developed fluid flow in a streamwise periodic geometry. Steady computations in two-dimensional body fitted co-ordinates have shown considerable savings in computation time by this multigrid method.     

Studies on the exchange of gramicidin in liposomes

The exchange of gramicidin between liposomes made of two different kinds of phospholipids has been studied using a fluorescent probe (pyranine). The experimentally observed rate of exchange is compared with that of nigericin, which is a simple carrier. Possible reasons for the difference in the rate of exchange are discussed and probable mechanisms suggested. It is proposed that gramicidin exchanges between vesicles by a contact mechanism.     

Proton and alpha evaporation spectra in low energy 12C and 16O induced reactions

Proton and alpha particle spectra have been measured in the ¹²C+⁹³Nb and ¹²C+⁵⁸Ni reactions at E(¹²C)=40 and 50 MeV and in the ¹⁶O + ⁹³Nb reaction at E(¹⁶O) =75 MeV. The spectra are compared with the statistical model calculations. The shapes of the calculated spectra are in agreement with experimental data except for the alpha spectrum in the ¹²C + ⁹³Nb reaction at 40 MeV. The observed evaporation bump is at ∼2 MeV lower energy compared to the calculated one. This discrepancy could imply alpha particle emission from a deformed configuration before compound nucleus formation at this near Coulomb barrier beam energy.     

Substituted m-phenylene bridges as strong ferromagnetic couplers for Cu(II)-bridge-Cu(II) magnetic interactions: new perspectives

Based on a combined theoretical-experimental study, we propose that substituted m-phenylene ligands (m-N-Phi-N) can act as tuneable strong ferromagnetic couplers connecting Cu(II) ions; a new complex presenting that bridge with J close to +15 cm(-1) has been suggested and synthesized.