Cartesian currents,weak diffeomorphisms and existence theorems in nonlinear elasticity

Summary In this paper we introduce some new classes of functions, among these a class of weak diffeomorphisms. In these classes we prove by direct methods the existence of minimizers for several kinds of variational integrals. In particular, we prove the existence of one-to-one orientation-preserving maps that minimize suitable energies associated with hyperelastic materials. The minimizers are also proved to satisfy equilibrium equations. Finally radial deformations are discussed in connection with cavitation.     

Sensitivity of hydrodynamic system of the Obukhov type

The paper deals with the regime of advanced Bénard instabilities (described usually by the Lorenz system) in a more general system formulated firstly by Obukhov. It has been shown that triplet co-operation leads to characteristic courses where some new regularities occur.     

Kinetics of the photodissociation iodine laser with slow pumping

Systematic calculations of maximum inversion were performed for iodine photodissociation laser in dependence on the mixture composition. The flash-lamp radiation was modelled as emanating from an optically thin Xe plasma. Duration of the pumping pulse is about 300 s. The sensitivity of the model to the values of kinetic constants was also tested.     

Cyclic deformation of aluminium and its alloys

The formation of slip bands is the main mechanism of cyclic deformation in pure Al. Their density, orientation and heights in polycrystalline Al were investigated during cycling. Types, sizes and densities of precipitates are responsible for the mode of cyclic deformation in AlCu4 pure alloy. In technical Al alloys intermetallic phases have detrimental effects on deformation homogeneity and largely govern the fatigue mechanism of the material and especially microcrack initiation.     

Structural and electrical properties of quasicrystalline Al-14 at% Mn alloy

Quasicrystalline Al-14 at. % Mn alloy was prepared by melt-spinning and its structural and electrical properties were studied. This alloy consists of icosahedral grains with sizes from 1 to 4 m and of crystalline aluminium phase. The electrical resistivity was almost temperature independent with a value of about 765 n gWm at 4·2 K.     

Influence of metastable-metastable collisions on electron distribution function in afterglow

The time dependence of the electron distribution function in helium afterglow, for pressures of 60–260 Pa, is calculated for the case in which metastable-metastable reactions are present. The time variation of the shape of the distribution function shows that careful consideration must be made of the time derivative of the distribution function in the Boltzmann equation for the calculation of the rate constant of such reactions from experimentally determined distribution function.     

Large-area boron carbide protective coatings for controlled thermonuclear research prepared byin situ plasma CVD

Impurity release from the first wall and components facing the hot plasma in Tokamak devices for controlled fusion research and the concomitant pollution of the plasma lead to enhanced energy losses and deuterium-tritium luel dilution. Both these effects can prevent reaching the ignition conditions. The recently developed technique for large areain situ deposition of boron carbide protective coatings by means of plasma-induced chemical vapor deposition enables one to significantly improve the purity of the fusion plasma. The prospects of approaching the scientific break-even in the large machines of the Tokarnak type has been increased.Extended version of an invited paper presented at the 10th International Symposium on Boron, Borides, and Related Compounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 1990.The term Tokarnak is an abbreviation of the Russian name toroidal magnetic chamber.     

Unified quantum logic

Unified quantum logic based on unified operations of implication is formulated as an axiomatic calculus. Soundness and completeness are demonstrated using standard algebraic techniques. An embedding of quantum logic into a new modal system is carried out and discussed.On leave of absence from Department of Mathematics, University of Zagreb, Pot. Pret. 165, YU-41001 Zagreb, Yugoslavia.     

Quantitative characterization of chaotic instabilities in semiconductors

A method for quantitative characterization of chaotic dynamical systems is discussed. An electronic instrument for determining the number of independent variablesk ^*, involved in the motion, is described. It allows one to obtain these in real time from a single observable. The suggested technique has been applied to quantification of strange attractors underlying chaotic instabilities in semi-insulating GaAsCr, and n-Ge, irradiated with high energy electrons. In n-Ge, for instance, the measured numbersk ^* range from 2 to 4 depending on control parameters. These measurements reveal the highly deterministic nature of the observed chaotic oscillations. The physical mechanisms responsible for the current instabilities and chaotic behaviour are discussed.