Modeling the development of the stepped leader of a lightning discharge

A stochastic-deterministic model is presented for the propagation of a downward-moving leader. Lightning formation is described by a stochastic growth of branching discharge channels which is determined by the electrostatic field. The dynamics of the electric field and of the charge distribution over the lightning structure are calculated deterministically. The model includes the initiation of lightning, a preliminary discharge in a cloud, the propagation of a downwardmoving stepped leader toward the earth, and the initiation and upward motion of a return stroke from the earth’s surface. Numerical execution of the model yields a dynamic picture of the development of the downward-moving leader and of the intracloud discharge structure. The effect of the charge density in the cloud and the parameters of the developing channels on the spatial-temporal, current, and charge characteristics of the stepped leader’s propagation are studied. The effect of free-standing structures on the distribution of points on the earth’s surface where lightning strikes is examined. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 48–53 (April 1999)     

Gravity induced particle production in earth’s gravitational field in TeV region

We discuss the production of particles via interaction with the earth’s gravitational field. Explicit calculations are done for high energy scalars passing through earth’s gravitational field. We show for example, that the width for the scalar processφ→3φ can become comparable with a typical weak decay width at an energy scale of a few TeV. (Similar conclusions can be drawn about particles that ultimately couple to some scalar field.) We speculate that similar processes may be responsible for many of the anomalies in the 10–10⁴ TeV experimental data.     

Influence of a magnetically permeable surface layer on transient fields for a thin circular loop antenna

The transient fields, in the time-domain, of a thin circular loop antenna, on a two-layered earth’s model are reexamined when the usually neglected magnetic permeability contrast is considered. It is shown that for a two-layered earth model, where the upper layer is permeable, the transient fields are modified over the nonpermeable case. The fields in the time domain are obtained as the inverse Laplace transforms of derived full wave time-harmonic solution. These time-domain solutions are obtained as a summation of waveguide modes plus contributions from branch cuts in the complex plane of the longitudinal wave number. The results should be useful for interpreting airborne electromagnetic systems and in cases where super-paramagnetic mineral constant is present.     

Initiated subcritical microwave streamer discharge and the problem of global elimination of Freons from the Earth’s atmosphere

An analysis is made of an initiated streamer discharge in a microwave wave beam at subcritical field from the point of view of using this type of discharge for global elimination of Freons, which are damaging to the ozone layer, from the Earth’s atmosphere. The various stages of discharge evolution are illustrated with photographs and the physical factors determining its properties at these stages are indicated. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 68, 15–24 (December 1998)     

Standstill Electric Charge Generates Magnetostatic Field under Born-Infeld Electrodynamics

The Abelian Born-Infeld classical non-linear Electrodynamic has been used to investigate the electric and magnetostatic fields generated by a point-like electric charge at rest in an inertial frame. The results show a rich internal structure for the charge. Analytical solutions have also been found. Such fields configurations have been interpreted in terms of vacuum polarization and magnetic-like charges produced by the very high strengths of the electric field considered. Apparently non-linearity is responsible for the emergence of an anomalous magnetostatic field suggesting a possible connection to that created by a magnetic dipole composed of two magnetic charges with opposite signs. Consistently in situations where the Born-Infeld field strength parameter is free to become infinite, Maxwell’s regime takes over, the magnetic sector vanishes and the electric field assumes a Coulomb behavior with no trace of a magnetic component. The connection to other monopole solutions, like Dirac’s and ’tHooft’s Poliakov’s types are also discussed. Finally, some speculative remarks are presented in an attempt to explain such fields.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">I–V</Emphasis> behavior of transition metal oxides′ nanoparticles confined in ion tracks

Behavior of transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄, NiO, Co₃O₄, and Mn₃O₄) inserted in ion tracks has been studied in the presence of magnetic field. The special structure of ion tracks in dielectric layer on semiconductors is known as TEMPOS—‘Tunable Electronic Materials with Pores in Oxide on Silicon’. TEMPOS structure offers a high surface to volume ratio resulting in fast response time and high sensitivity of sensors fabricated by inserting suitable materials in the ion tracks. We have already reported the behavior of ferrofluids (aqueous and non-aqueous) inserted in the TEMPOS structures and its feasibility as earth’s magnetic field sensor. In continuation to this study, a comparative study between different transition metal oxides inserted in the ion tracks is being presented here with an aim to understand their response in confined geometry. This study shows that Fe₃O₄ (ferrofluid) is the best choice for ion track-based magnetic field sensor as compared to NiO, Co₃O₄, and Mn₃O₄. Its response to magnetic field can be tailored by the dilution of the ferrofluid and annealing.     

Choice of optimal exposures in photographing the earth’s surface by multispectral photographic equipment

An analysis of radiation fluxes entering the image plane of the spectral channels of multispectral photographic equipment (MSPE) used in photographing the earth’s surface from space, the illumination intensity levels created by these fluxes, and the degree of blackening of photographic materials depending on the exposure has been carried out. The method of selecting the optimal values for the exposure time in photographing various classes of the earth’s surface in each spectral channel of MSPE is proposed. Using the spectra of brightness, measured from aboard the orbital Salyut-7 and Mir stations, evaluations of the optimal exposure time of the basic classes of the earth’s surface depending on optical parameters of the MSPE were made. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 111–116, January–February, 2000.     

Magnetic field compensation for field-cycling NMR Relaxometry in the ULF band

In setting up field-cycling experiments aimed to study physical phenomena in the low-field region, magnetic field contributions from external sources (earth’s field, environment, other magnets, etc.) become important. Indeed, a compensation of these contributions has successfully been used for the application of field-cycling methods to nuclear magnetic relaxation and double resonance experiments. This feature becomes relevant in samples where local fields are stronly averaged due to motional narrowing, on the ground that relaxation experiments can therefore be extended to lower fields. Compensation of external contributions is also crucial for the study of kinky processes related to internal local fields. In this article we outline NMR field-cycling experiments aimed to detect and quantify the external net magnetic field sensed by the spin-system. Both parallel and normal components with respect to the high-field Zeeman axis can be determined separately by using different experimental protocols.     

Field theoretic calculation of energy cascade rates in non-helical magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

Energy cascade rates and Kolmogorov’s constant for non-helical steady magnetohydrodynamic turbulence have been calculated by solving the flux equations to the first order in perturbation. For zero cross helicity and space dimensiond = 3, magnetic energy cascades from large length-scales to small length-scales (forward cascade). In addition, there are energy fluxes from large-scale magnetic field to small-scale velocity field, large-scale velocity field to small-scale magnetic field, and large-scale velocity field to large-scale magnetic field. Kolmogorov’s constant for magnetohydrodynamics is approximately equal to that for fluid turbulence (≈ 1.6) for Alfvén ratio 05 ≤r _A ≤ ∞. For higher space-dimensions, the energy fluxes are qualitatively similar, and Kolmogorov’s constant varies asd ^1/3. For the normalized cross helicity σ_c →1, the cascade rates are proportional to (1 − σ_c)/(1 + σ_c , and the Kolmogorov’s constants vary significantly with σ_cc.     

Velocity-dependent inertial induction—possible explanation for supergravity shift at solar limb

A quantitative model of inertial induction has been earlier proposed by the author which not only results in the exact equivalence of inertial and gravitational masses but also gives rise to an exceedingly small drag dependent on the velocity with respect to the mean rest frame of the universe. This leads to a cosmological redshift in close agreement with the observation. When this velocity drag due to local interaction is considered it is seen that a significant proportion of the secular retardation of the earth’s spin and the moon’s orbital motion can be attributed to this drag. This also resolves the problem of the moon’s close approach to the earth in the past as suggested by a purely tidal friction theory. The observed large secular acceleration of the Phobos is also explained. The present article shows that local interaction also yields a redshift. When applied to the solar radiation it is seen that the observed supergravity shift at the limb can be very satisfactorily explained.     

Physical aspects of the model of propagation of centimeter and millimeter radio waves along inclined paths in the earth’s atmosphere

We present the physical aspects of constructing a computer model of propagation of centimeter and millimeter radio waves along inclined paths in the earth’s atmosphere, which allows us to calculate the integral attenuation in the frequency spectrum from 3 to 100 GHz, the time of group delay of the signal, refraction of radio waves, and the brightness temperature of the atmosphere for certain regions on the basis of standard atmospheric models and optimal statistical extrapolation of surface meteorological elements. The results of this paper were presented in part at the XVIIIth All-Russia Conference on Propagation of Radio Waves (St. Petersburg, September 17–19, 1996 [1] Radiophysical Research institute, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Radiofizika, Vol. 40, No. 12, pp. 1463–1478, December, 1997.     

Instability of a thin layer of a magnetic fluid in a perpendicular magnetic field

The instability and disintegration of a thin layer of a magnetic fluid in a perpendicular magnetic field are considered. New experimental findings for the dependence of the resulting surface structure of the layer on the external magnetic field and thickness of the layer are reported. Light diffraction by such structures is studied. Experimental data are compared with today’s theoretical concepts.     

A quantum mechanical description of the experiment on the observation of gravitationally bound states

Quantum states in the earth’s gravitational field have been observed, with ultra-cold neutrons falling under gravity. The experimental results can be described by the quantum mechanical scattering model presented here. We also discuss other geometries of the experimental setup, which correspond to the absence or the reversion of gravity. Since our quantum mechanical model quantitatively describes, particularly, the experimentally realized situation of reversed gravity, we can practically rule out alternative explanations of the quantum states, in terms of pure confinement effects. PACS  03.65.Ge; 03.65.Ta; 04.62.+v; 04.80.-y; 61.12.Ex     

Diurnal variations in cosmic ray intensity caused by high latitude magnetospheric-ionospheric current systems

Cosmic ray intensity measurements obtained with the neutron monitors at Thule (geomagnetic latitude, 84.8°) and McMurdo (geomagnetic latitude, −79.9°) in 2007–2009 were used to test the effect of the magnetic field generated by magnetospheric currents flowing along geomagnetic field lines in the high latitude region on cosmic ray intensity. The existence of such a relation in a region where the geomagnetic field lines are virtually radial should revise our concept of the unimpeded access that cosmic ray particles have to the Earth’s atmosphere.     

Magnetic zenith effect and some features of the multifractal structure of the small-scale artificial ionospheric turbulence

We present the results of the experiment on studying the multifractal structure (with inhomogeneity sizes from tens to hundreds of meters across the Earth’s magnetic field) of the artificial ionospheric turbulence when the midlatitude ionosphere is affected by high-power HF radio waves. The experimental studies were performed on the basis of the “Sura” heating facility with the help of radio sounding of the disturbed region of the ionospheric plasma by signals from the Earth’s orbital satellites. The influence of the magnetic zenith effect on measured multifractal characteristics of the small-scale artificial turbulence of the midlatitude ionosphere was examined. In the case of vertical radio sounding of the disturbed ionosphere region, the measured multipower and generalized multifractal spectra of turbulence coincide well with similar multifractal characteristics of the ionospheric turbulence under natural conditions. This result is explained by the fact that the scattering of signals by weak quasi-isotropic small-scale inhomogeneities of the electron number density in a thick layer with a typical size of several hundred kilometers above the region of reflection of high-power HF radio waves gives the major contribution to the observed amplitude fluctuations of received signals. In the case of oblique sounding of the disturbance region at small angles between the line of sight to the satellite and the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, the nonuniform structure of the small-scale turbulence with a relatively narrow multipower spectrum and small variations in the generalized multifractal spectrum of the electron number density was detected. Such a fairly well ordered structure of the turbulence is explained by the influence of the magnetic zenith effect on the generation of anisotropic small-scale artificial turbulence in a thin layer having a typical size of several ten kilometers and located below the pump-wave reflection height in the upper ionosphere.     

Equation of state and temperature variation of the bulk modulus of the alkaline earth fluorides

The isotherms for the alkaline earth fluorides (CaF₂, SrF₂ and BaF₂) have been computed using the expression for the total free energy of a crystal in the quasiharmonic approximation. The theoretical points for SrF₂ and BaF₂ have been compared with the points derived from Bridgman’s experimental relation. The temperature variation of the isothermal bulk modulus of the alkaline earth fluorides has been worked out on the basis of Axe’s shell model. The theoretica points are compared with the points obtained from the temperature variation of the elastic constants data. It is found that the vibrational contribution to the temperature variation of the elastic constants in these crystals is significant.     

Methods for passive study of the geological environment using seismic noise

A method is explained for processing seismic data, making it possible to extract information, contained in seismic noise fields, on the structure of the earth’s lithosphere and geodynamic processes taking place in it. The main algorithms and results obtained with their use are described.     

Velocity-dependent inertial induction and secular retardation of the earth’s rotation

According to the model of inertial induction proposed earlier, the inertia force consists of an acceleration-dependent term which comes out as identically equal to -ma. Besides, there is a velocity-dependent term which is exceedingly small to be easily detected. However, it has been shown that this results in a cosmological red shift of light coming from distant stars and galaxies; the magnitude of the red shift agrees very well with the observed values. Though this model yields correct results when applied to photons it needs modification before applying to other bodies. A modified form of the inertial induction model is now proposed where the proposed velocity-dependent inertia forces, when applied to the solar system, yields correct order of magnitude for the secular retardation of the earth’s rotation. Moreover, a combined model using the velocity term and the tidal friction also does not suggest any close proximity of the moon to the earth in the past. When the model is applied to the case of Phobos, a secular acceleration of the order of magnitude of 10⁻³ deg yr⁻² is obtained.     

A New Class of Inhomogeneous Cosmological Models with Electromagnetic Field in Normal Gauge for Lyra’s Manifold

A new class of exact solutions of Einstein’s modified field equations in inhomogeneous space-time for perfect fluid distribution with electromagnetic field is obtained in the context of normal gauge for Lyra’s manifold. We have obtained solutions by considering the time dependent displacement field. The source of the magnetic field is due to an electric current produced along the z-axis. Only F ₁₂ is a non-vanishing component of the electromagnetic field tensor. It has been found that the displacement vector β(t) behaves like the cosmological constant Λ in the normal gauge treatment and the solutions are consistent with the recent observations of Type Ia supernovae. Physical and geometric aspects of the models are also discussed in the presence of magnetic field.     

The Origin of Short-Time Variations in Cosmic-Ray Intensity

It is well known today that a continuous stream of highly ionized plasma is emitted from the Sun’s surface. This plasma is called the solar wind and consists of protons, electrons, and light nuclei. The solar wind pushes the solar magnetic field into interplanetary space to form the interplanetary magnetic field. The interplanetary magnetic field is a dynamical system that depends on the solar cycle and the Sun’s rotation phase. Thus, the Solar System is a natural plasma physics laboratory with an enormous multitude of different effects showing the current state of the system. By recording cosmic-ray fluxes, one can study the behavior of the interplanetary magnetic field and obtain information about processes that occur both on the Sun’s surface and throughout the Solar System. The main short-time variations in cosmic-ray intensity include the 27-day variations and the Forbush decreases. These variations are caused by complex solar plasma structures, which are generated by different processes on the Sun’s surface and propagate through space in a wide range of velocities. Cosmic-ray fluxes recorded with the PAMELA magnetic spectrometer on board the Resurs DK1 satellite in 2006–2016 are used to show some examples of cosmic-ray variations.