Translaminar fracture toughness testing of composites: A review

A comprehensive review of techniques for the experimental characterisation of the fracture toughness associated with the translaminar (fibre-breaking) failure modes of continuously reinforced laminated composites is presented. The collection of work relating to tensile failure reveals a varied approach in terms of specimen configuration, size and data reduction, despite the existence of an ASTM standard. Best practices are identified and suggestions for extending the scope of the current standard are made. Works on compressive failure are found to be less comprehensive. Measurement of the toughness associated with initiation of the failure mode in isolation has been achieved, but this review finds that significant research steps need to be taken before a resistance curve can be fully characterised.     

Return to equilibrium in theXY model

We prove that the locally perturbedXY model returns to equilibrium under the unperturbed evolution but the unperturbed model does not necessarily approach equilibrium under the perturbed evolution. In fact this latter property is false for perturbation by a local magnetization. The failure is directly attributable to the formation of bound states. If the perturbation is quadratic these problems are reduced to spectral analysis of the one-particle Hamiltonian. We demonstrate that the perturbed Hamiltonian has a finite set of eigenvalues of finite multiplicity together with some absolutely continuous spectrum. Eigenvalues can occur in the continuum if, and only if, the perturbation dislocates the system. Singular continuous spectrum cannot occur.     

Gravitational correction to running of gauge couplings

We calculate the contribution of graviton exchange to the running of gauge couplings at lowest non-trivial order in perturbation theory. Including this contribution in a theory that features coupling constant unification does not upset this unification, but rather shifts the unification scale. When extrapolated formally, the gravitational correction renders all gauge couplings asymptotically free.     

A comparison between optically active CdZnSe/ZnSe and CdZnSe/ZnBeSe self-assembled quantum dots: effect of beryllium

The composition and size of optically active Cd_xZn_1−xSe/ZnSe quantum dots are estimated with a previously developed method. The results are then compared with those obtained for Cd_xZn_1−xSe/Zn_0.97Be_0.03Se QDs. We show that introducing Be into the barrier material enhances both Cd composition and quantum size effect of optically active quantum dots.     

Dense electron-positron plasmas and ultraintense γ rays from laser-irradiated solids

In simulations of a 10 PW laser striking a solid, we demonstrate the possibility of producing a pure electron-positron plasma by the same processes as those thought to operate in high-energy astrophysical environments. A maximum positron density of 10(26) m(-3) can be achieved, 7 orders of magnitude greater than achieved in previous experiments. Additionally, 35% of the laser energy is converted to a burst of γ rays of intensity 10(22) W cm(-2), potentially the most intense γ-ray source available in the laboratory. This absorption results in a strong feedback between both pair and γ-ray production and classical plasma physics in the new "QED-plasma" regime.