Finite difference approximations for a fractional advection diffusion problem

The use of the conventional advection diffusion equation in many physical situations has been questioned by many investigators in recent years and alternative diffusion models have been proposed. Fractional space derivatives are used to model anomalous diffusion or dispersion, where a particle plume spreads at a rate inconsistent with the classical Brownian motion model. When a fractional derivative replaces the second derivative in a diffusion or dispersion model, it leads to enhanced diffusion, also called superdiffusion. We consider a one-dimensional advection–diffusion model, where the usual second-order derivative gives place to a fractional derivative of order α$\alpha$, with 1<α?2$1<\alpha ?2$. We derive explicit finite difference schemes which can be seen as generalizations of already existing schemes in the literature for the advection–diffusion equation. We present the order of accuracy of the schemes and in order to show its convergence we prove they are stable under certain conditions. In the end we present a test problem.     

Some insights in superdiffusive transport

In a wide range of systems, the relaxation in response to an initial pulse has been experimentally found to follow a nonlinear relationship for the mean squared displacement, of the kind 〈x²(t)〉∝t^α$〈x^2(t)〉\propto t^{\alpha }$, where α$\alpha$ may be greater or smaller than 1. Such phenomena have been described under the generic term of anomalous diffusion. “Lévy flights” stochastic processes lead to superdiffusive behaviour (1<α<2)$(1<\alpha <2)$ and have been recently proposed to model—among the others—the subsurface contaminant spread in highly heterogeneous media under the effects of water flow. In this paper, within the continuous-time random walk (CTRW) approach to anomalous diffusion, we compare the analytical solution of the approximated fractional diffusion equation (FDE) with the Monte Carlo one, obtained by simulating the superdiffusive behaviour of an ensemble of particle in a medium. We show that the two are neatly different as the process approaches the standard diffusive behaviour. We argue that this is due to a truncation in the Fourier space expansion introduced by the FDE approach. We propose a second-order correction to this expansion and numerically solve the CTRW model under this hypothesis: the accuracy of the results thus obtained is validated through Monte Carlo simulation over all the superdiffusive range. The same kind of discrepancy is shown to occur also in the derivation of the fractional moments of the distribution: analogous corrections are proposed and validated through the Monte Carlo approach.     

Constraints on models with a break in the primordial power spectrum

One of the characteristics of the “Matter Bounce” scenario, an alternative to cosmological inflation for producing a scale-invariant spectrum of primordial adiabatic fluctuations on large scales, is a break in the power spectrum at a characteristic scale, below which the spectral index changes from ns=1$n_s=1$ to ns=3$n_s=3$. We study the constraints which current cosmological data place on the location of such a break, and more generally on the position of the break and the slope at length scales smaller than the break. The observational data we use include the WMAP five-year data set (WMAP5), other CMB data from BOOMERanG, CBI, VSA, and ACBAR, large-scale structure data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS, their luminous red galaxies sample), Type Ia Supernovae data (the “Union” compilation), and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Lyman-α forest power spectrum (Lyα) data. We employ the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to constrain the features in the primordial power spectrum which are motivated by the matter bounce model. We give an upper limit on the length scale where the break in the spectrum occurs.     

Pseudo-topological transitions in 2D gravity models coupled to massless scalar fields

We study the geometries generated by two-dimensional causal dynamical triangulations (CDT) coupled to d   massless scalar fields. Using methods similar to those used to study four-dimensional CDT we show that there exists a c=1$c=1$ “barrier”, analogous to the c=1$c=1$ barrier encountered in non-critical string theory, only the CDT transition is easier to be detected numerically. For d?1$d?1$ we observe time-translation invariance and geometries entirely governed by quantum fluctuations around the uniform toroidal topology put in by hand. For d>1$d>1$ the effective average geometry is no longer toroidal but “semiclassical” and spherical with Hausdorff dimension _dH=3$d_H=3$. In the d>1$d>1$ sector we study the time dependence of the semiclassical spatial volume distribution and show that the observed behavior is described by an effective mini-superspace action analogous to the actions found in the de Sitter phase of three- and four-dimensional pure CDT simulations and in the three-dimensional CDT-like Ho?ava–Lifshitz models.     

Analytical solutions to time-fractional partial differential equations in a two-dimensional multilayer annulus

In this paper, analytical solutions to time-fractional partial differential equations in a multi-layer annulus are presented. The final solutions are obtained in terms of Mittag-Leffler function by using the finite integral transform technique and Laplace transform technique. In addition, the classical diffusion equation (α=1$\alpha =1$), the Helmholtz equation (α→0$\alpha \to 0$) and the wave equation (α=2$\alpha =2$) are discussed as special cases. Finally, an illustrative example problem for the three-layer semi-circular annular region is solved and numerical results are presented graphically for various kind of order of fractional derivative.     

Geometrically-frustrated pseudogap phase of Coulomb liquids

We study a class of models with long-range repulsive interactions of the generalized Coulomb form V(r)∼1/r^α$V(r)\sim 1/r^{\alpha }$. We show that decreasing the interaction exponent in the regime α<d$\alpha <d$ dramatically depresses the charge ordering temperature T_c in any dimension d≥2$d\ge 2$, reflecting the strong geometric frustration produced by long-range interactions. A nearly frozen Coulomb liquid then survives in a broad pseudogap phase found at T>T_c$T>T_c$, which is characterized by an unusual temperature dependence of all quantities. In contrast, the leading critical behavior very close to the charge-ordering temperature remains identical as in models with short-range interactions.     

Noncompact sigma-models: Large N expansion and thermodynamic limit

Noncompact SO(1,N)$\mathrm{SO}(1,N)$ sigma-models are studied in terms of their large N   expansion in a lattice formulation in dimensions d?2$d?2$. Explicit results for the spin and current two-point functions as well as for the Binder cumulant are presented to next to leading order on a finite lattice. The dynamically generated gap is negative and serves as a coupling-dependent infrared regulator which vanishes in the limit of infinite lattice size. The cancellation of infrared divergences in invariant correlation functions in this limit is nontrivial and is in d=2$d=2$ demonstrated by explicit computation for the above quantities. For the Binder cumulant the thermodynamic limit is finite and is given by 2/(N+1)$2/(N+1)$ in the order considered. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the remainder is small or zero. The potential implications for “criticality” and “triviality” of the theories in the SO(1,N)$\mathrm{SO}(1,N)$ invariant sector are discussed.     

QCD as a topologically ordered system

We argue that QCD belongs to a topologically ordered phase similar to many well-known condensed matter systems with a gap such as topological insulators or superconductors. Our arguments are based on an analysis of the so-called “deformed QCD” which is a weakly coupled gauge theory, but nevertheless preserves all the crucial elements of strongly interacting QCD, including confinement, nontrivial θ$\theta$ dependence, degeneracy of the topological sectors, etc. Specifically, we construct the so-called topological “BF” action which reproduces the well known infrared features of the theory such as non-dispersive contribution to the topological susceptibility which cannot be associated with any propagating degrees of freedom. Furthermore, we interpret the well known resolution of the celebrated U(1)_A$U{\left(1\right)}_A$ problem where the would be η^′${\eta }^{\prime }$ Goldstone boson generates its mass as a result of mixing of the Goldstone field with a topological auxiliary field characterizing the system. We then identify the non-propagating auxiliary topological field of the BF formulation in deformed QCD with the Veneziano ghost (which plays the crucial role in resolution of the U(1)_A$U{\left(1\right)}_A$ problem). Finally, we elaborate on relation between “string-net” condensation in topologically ordered condensed matter systems and long range coherent configurations, the “skeletons”, studied in QCD lattice simulations.     

Primordial perturbation in Hořava–Lifshitz cosmology

Recently, Ho?ava has proposed a renormalizable theory of gravity with critical exponent z=3$z=3$ in the UV. This proposal might imply that the scale invariant primordial perturbation can be generated in any expansion of early universe with a∼tn$a\sim t^n$ and n>1/3$n>1/3$, which, in this Letter, will be confirmed by solving the motion equation of perturbation mode on super sound horizon scale for any background evolution of early universe. It is found that if enough efolding number of primordial perturbation suitable for observable universe is required, then n?1$n?1$ needs to be satisfied, unless the scale of UV regime is quite low. However, the possible UV completeness of HL gravity helps to relax this bound.     

Effect of surface corrugation on low temperature phases of adsorbed (p-H2)7: A quantum path integral Monte Carlo study

By using path integral Monte Carlo simulations coupled to Replica Exchange algorithms, various phases of (p-H₂)₇ physically adsorbed on a model graphite surface were identified at low temperatures. At T=0.5 K$T=0.5\text{K}$, the expected superfluid phase was observed for flat and slightly corrugated surfaces. At intermediate and high corrugations, a “supersolid” phase in C_7/16 registry and a solid phase in C_1/3 registry were observed, respectively. At higher temperatures, the superfluid is converted to a fluid and the “supersolid” to a solid.     

Transition to chaos in discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with long-range interaction

Discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation describes a chain of oscillators with nearest-neighbor interactions and a specific nonlinear term. We consider its modification with long-range interaction through a potential proportional to 1/l^1+α$1/l^{1+\alpha }$ with fractional α<2$\alpha <2$ and l   as a distance between oscillators. This model is called α$\alpha$DNLS. It exhibits competition between the nonlinearity and a level of correlation between interacting far-distanced oscillators, that is defined by the value of α$\alpha$. We consider transition to chaos in this system as a function of α$\alpha$ and nonlinearity. It is shown that decreasing of α$\alpha$ with respect to nonlinearity stabilize the system. Connection of the model to the fractional generalization of the NLS (called FNLS) in the long-wave approximation is also discussed and some of the results obtained for α$\alpha$DNLS can be correspondingly extended to the FNLS.     

Gauge coupling unification,the GUT scale,and magic fields

We consider field sets that do not form complete SU(5) multiplets, but exactly preserve the one-loop MSSM prediction for α₃(MZ)${\alpha }_3(M_Z)$ independently of the value of their mass. Such fields can raise the unification scale in different ways, through a delayed convergence of the gauge couplings, a fake unified running below the GUT scale, or a postponed unification after a hoax crossing at a lower scale. The α₃(MZ)${\alpha }_3(M_Z)$ prediction is independent of the mass of the new fields, while the GUT scale often is not, which allows to vary the GUT scale. Such “magic” fields represent a useful tool in GUT model building. For example, they can be used to fix gauge coupling unification in certain two step breakings of the unified group, to suppress large KK thresholds in models with extra dimensions, or they can be interpreted as messengers of supersymmetry breaking in GMSB models.     

Complex dynamics in the distribution of players’ scoring performance in Rugby Union world cups

The evolution of the scoring performance of Rugby Union players is investigated over the seven rugby world cups (RWC) that took place from 1987 to 2011, and a specific attention is given to how they may have been impacted by the switch from amateurism to professionalism that occurred in 1995. The distribution of the points scored by individual players, _Ps$P_s$, ranked in order of performance were well described by the simplified canonical law _Ps∝(r+?)^−α$P_s\propto {(r+?)}^{-\alpha }$, where r$r$ is the rank, and ?$?$ and α$\alpha$ are the parameters of the distribution. The parameter α$\alpha$ did not significantly change from 1987 to 2007 (α=0.92±0.03)$(\alpha =0.92\pm 0.03)$, indicating a negligible effect of professionalism on players’ scoring performance. In contrast, the parameter ?$?$ significantly increased from ?=1.32$?=1.32$ for 1987 RWC, ?=2.30$?=2.30$ for 1999 to 2003 RWC and ?=5.60$?=5.60$ for 2007 RWC, suggesting a progressive decrease in the relative performance of the best players. Finally, the sharp decreases observed in both α(α=0.38)$\alpha (\alpha =0.38)$ and ?(?=0.70)$?(?=0.70)$ in the 2011 RWC indicate a more even distribution of the performance of individuals among scorers, compared to the more heterogeneous distributions observed from 1987 to 2007, and suggest a sharp increase in the level of competition leading to an increase in the average quality of players and a decrease in the relative skills of the top players. Note that neither α$\alpha$ nor ?$?$ significantly correlate with traditional performance indicators such as the number of points scored by the best players, the number of games played by the best players, the number of points scored by the team of the best players or the total number of points scored over each RWC. This indicates that the dynamics of the scoring performance of Rugby Union players is influenced by hidden processes hitherto inaccessible through standard performance metrics; this suggests that players’ scoring performance is connected to ubiquitous phenomena such as anomalous diffusion.     

Sandage–Loeb test for the new agegraphic and Ricci dark energy models

The Sandage–Loeb (SL) test is a unique method to explore dark energy at the “redshift desert” (2?z?5$2?z?5$), an era not covered by any other dark energy probes, by directly measuring the temporal variation of the redshift of quasar (QSO) Lyman-α absorption lines. In this Letter, we study the prospects for constraining the new agegraphic dark energy (NADE) model and the Ricci dark energy (RDE) model with the SL test. We show that, assuming only a ten-year survey, the SL test can constrain these two models with high significance.     

Shocks and cold fronts in galaxy clusters

The currently operating X-ray imaging observatories provide us with an exquisitely detailed view of the Megaparsec-scale plasma atmospheres in nearby galaxy clusters. At z<0.05$z<0.05$, the Chandra  's 1^″$1^{″}$ angular resolution corresponds to linear resolution of less than a kiloparsec, which is smaller than some interesting linear scales in the intracluster plasma. This enables us to study the previously unseen hydrodynamic phenomena in clusters: classic bow shocks driven by the infalling subclusters, and the unanticipated “cold fronts,” or sharp contact discontinuities between regions of gas with different entropies. The ubiquitous cold fronts are found in mergers as well as around the central density peaks in “relaxed” clusters. They are caused by motion of cool, dense gas clouds in the ambient higher-entropy gas. These clouds are either remnants of the infalling subclusters, or the displaced gas from the cluster's own cool cores.     

Quasi-stationary states of the NRT nonlinear Schrödinger equation

With regards to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation recently advanced by Nobre, Rego-Monteiro, and Tsallis (NRT), based on Tsallis q$q$-thermo-statistical formalism, we investigate the existence and properties of its quasi-stationary solutions, which have the time and space dependences “separated” in a q$q$-deformed fashion. One recovers the normal factorization into purely spatial and purely temporal factors, corresponding to the standard, linear Schrödinger equation, when the deformation vanishes (q=1)$(q=1)$. We discuss various specific examples of exact, quasi-stationary solutions of the NRT equation. In particular, we obtain a quasi-stationary solution for the Moshinsky model, providing the first example of an exact solution of the NRT equation for a system of interacting particles.     

Suppression of elliptic flow in a minimally viscous quark–gluon plasma

We compute the time evolution of elliptic flow in non-central relativistic heavy-ion collisions, using a (2+1$2+1$)-dimensional code with longitudinal boost-invariance to simulate viscous fluid dynamics in the causal Israel–Stewart formulation. We show that even “minimal” shear viscosity η/s=?/(4π)$\eta /s=?/(4\pi )$ leads to a large reduction of elliptic flow compared to ideal fluid dynamics, raising questions about the interpretation of recent experimental data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.