Coulomb damping

Viscous damping is commonly discussed in beginning differential equations and physics texts but dry friction or Coulomb friction is not despite dry friction being encountered in many physical applications. One reason for avoiding this topic is that the equations involve a jump discontinuity in the damping term. In this article, we adopt an energy approach which permits a general discussion on how to investigate trajectories for second-order differential equations representing mechanical vibration models having dry friction. This approach is suitable for classroom discussion and computer laboratory investigation in beginning courses, hence introduction of dry friction need not be delayed for more advanced courses in mechanics or modelling. Our method is applied to a harmonic oscillator example and a pendulum model. One advantage of this method is that the values of the maximum deflections of a solution can be calculated without solving the differential equation either analytically or numerically, a technique that depends on only the initial conditions.     

Strong tunable coupling between a superconducting charge and phase qubit

We have realized a tunable coupling over a large frequency range between an asymmetric Cooper pair transistor (charge qubit) and a dc SQUID (phase qubit). Our circuit enables the independent manipulation of the quantum states of each qubit as well as their entanglement. The measurement of the charge qubit's quantum states is performed by an adiabatic quantum transfer from the charge to the phase qubit. The measured coupling strength is in agreement with an analytic theory including a capacitive and a tunable Josephson coupling between the two qubits.     

Sound source localization by the plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus

The aim of this study was to use plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) as a general model to explore how fishes localize an underwater sound source in the relatively simple geometry of a monopole sound field. The robust phonotaxic responses displayed by gravid females toward a monopole sound projector (J-9) broadcasting a low-frequency (90 Hz) tone similar to the fundamental frequency of the male's advertisement call were examined. The projector's sound field was mapped at 5 cm resolution azimuth using an eight-hydrophone array. Acoustic pressure was measured with the array and acoustic particle motion was calculated from pressure gradients between hydrophones. The response pathways of the fish were analyzed from video recordings and compared to the sound field. Gravid females at initial release were directed toward the sound source, and the majority (73%) swam to the playback projector with straight to slightly curved tracks in the direction of the source and in line with local particle motion vectors. In contrast, the initial direction of the control (sound-off) group did not differ from random. This paper reports on a comparison of fish localization behavior with directional cues available in the form of local particle motion vectors.     

Frequency discrimination in the goldfish (Carassius auratus): effects of roving intensity, sensation level, and the direction of frequency change

The ability of goldfish to detect a change in the frequency of 400-Hz pure-tone bursts was studied using classical respiratory conditioning. The frequency discrimination threshold was measured at 15-, 35-, and 55-dB sensation level (SL), under conditions of (1) constant intensity, (2) roving intensity (plus and minus 6-dB burst-to-burst variation in intensity), (3) upward frequency change, and (4) downward frequency change. There was no overall effect of SL on frequency discrimination, but roving the intensity elevated thresholds by about 6 Hz (33%) and increased variability. Upward shifts in frequency elevated thresholds slightly (by 2 Hz or 10%) relative to downward shifts. These relatively small and statistically insignificant effects suggest that earlier measures of frequency discrimination in the goldfish are not due to the detection of simple changes in spike rate within individual peripheral channels.     

Practical approach to archival and retrieval of analytical data in the laboratory

Today's analytical laboratory uses a large number of different instruments that are connected in networks. Together with increasing automation, data are produced at a rate that can easily reach gigabytes per month, which generates the problem of systematic archival. In addition, working under Good Laboratory Practice requires that archival of raw data be performed in such a way that they can be readily retrieved upon request, even years later. While systematic archival of data is already performed in most laboratories, it is the retrieval of saved information that is often far from straightforward. This paper describes a simple but systematic approach for both archival and retrieval of data files and related electronic documents. It consists of an unambiguous scheme for the naming of electronic files, an efficient backup strategy, a simple database holding information about any data acquired, and a convenient interface to this database that can be accessed from any workplace while assuring restricted access. The system is capable of handling several databases concurrently and is used in our facility to archive data from several workgroups. The use of freely available software such as the Linux operating system made it possible to implement a fast and stable solution at exceptionally low cost.     

Application of cross-correlation analysis to EXAFS: Investigation of the cobalt phase on boron modified cobalt/alumina catalysts

Boron modified Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts, previously characterized by ESCA, are examined by EXAFS. A method of data analysis based on cross-correlation of the (E) spectra is used to determine the relative amounts of Co₃O₄ and cobalt surface phase present on the catalysts. The results are compared with those obtained previously by ESCA. The EXAFS analysis agrees well with the ESCA results. No gas-phase reactions were required to elucidate the relative proportion of cobalt species by EXAFS as is necessary for the ESCA analysis.     

Photophysics of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes formed with lacunary polyoxotungstates with iron addenda

The interactions between luminophore [Ru(bpy)3]2+, and the lacunary Dawson heteropolyanions, [P2W17O61(FeOH2)]7-, [P2W17O61(FeBr)]6- and [P2W17O61]10- were investigated using a combination of photophysics, optical and Raman spectroscopy. Extensive quenching of the excited state of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ was observed in each case. Quenching is attributed to the formation of association complexes between [Ru(bpy)(3)]2+ and the heteropolyanions in which the charge on the heteropolyanions is fully compensated for by the ruthenium polypyridyl species. The interaction appears to be principally electrostatic in nature producing [Ru(bpy)3]3.5[P2W17O61(FeOH2)], [Ru(bpy)3]3[P2W17O61(FeBr)] and [Ru(bpy)3]5[P2W17O61]10-. The association constants for formation of the clusters were obtained from photophysical studies and surprisingly, despite the electrostatic nature of the interaction, there was no correlation between the charge on the polyoxometallate and the association constant. In particular, the unsubstituted lacunary, [P2W17O61]10-, showed considerably weaker association compared to the transition metal substituted lacunaries, in spite of its 10- charge. Difference absorption spectroscopy revealed a new transition at ca. 480 nm for each of the cluster complexes. From resonance Raman spectroscopy the origin of this transition was found to involve the polyoxometallate. Unlike previously reported adducts, the cluster complexes formed were not luminescent. In all cases the cluster complexes exhibit remarkable photostability, with no photodecomposition or photo-induced ligand exchange reactions evident in acetonitrile, under conditions where [Ru(bpy)3]2+ alone exhibits considerable photolability.     

Gas-phase nitrosation of ethylene and related events in the C2H4NO+ landscape

The C2H4NO(+) system has been examined by means of quantum chemical calculations using the G2 and G3B3 approaches and tandem mass spectrometry experiments. Theoretical investigation of the C2H4NO(+) potential-energy surface includes 19 stable C2H4NO(+) structures and a large set of their possible interconnections. These computations provide insights for the understanding of the (i) addition of the nitrosonium cation NO(+) to the ethylene molecule, (ii) skeletal rearrangements evidenced in previous experimental studies on comparable systems, and (iii) experimental identification of new C2H4NO(+) structures. It is predicted from computation that gas-phase nitrosation of ethylene may produce C2H4(*)NO(+) adducts, the most stable structure of which is a pi-complex, 1, stabilized by ca. 65 kJ/mol with respect to its separated components. This complex was produced in the gas phase by a transnitrosation process involving as reactant a complex between water and NO(+) (H2O.NO(+)) and the ethylene molecule and fully characterized by collisional experiments. Among the other C 2H 4NO (+) structures predicted by theory to be protected against dissociation or isomerization by significant energy barriers, five were also experimentally identified. These finding include structures CH3CHNO(+) (5), CH 3CNOH (+) ( 8), CH3NHCO(+) (18), CH3NCOH(+) (19), and an ion/neutral complex CH2O...HCNH(+) (12).     

Bianchi type IX asymptotical behaviours with a massive scalar field: chaos strikes back

We use numerical integrations to study the asymptotical behaviour of a homogeneous but anisotropic Bianchi type IX model in General Relativity with a massive scalar field. As it is well known, for a Brans-Dicke theory, the asymptotical behaviour of the metric functions is ruled only by the Brans-Dicke coupling constant ₀ with respect to the value –3/2. In this paper we examine if such a condition still exists with a massive scalar field. We also show that, contrary to what occurs for a massless scalar field, the singularity oscillatory approach may exist in the presence of a massive scalar field having a positive energy density.