Study of spontaneous fission with EUROGAM

Prompt γ radiation following spontaneous fission has been measured using the EUROGAM 2 array. Using these data and newly developed analysis techniques a number of subjects were studied, which are briefly discussed. One of these subjects, shape transition in A≈100 Sr and Zr nuclei is discussed in more detail. Quadrupole moments were determined for rotational bands in the N=58,59,60,62 and 64 Sr and Zr isotopes. Deformation parameters, which increase from β₂ ≈ 0.1 at N=56 to β₂ ≈ 0.4 at N=64, suggest that in strontium and zirconium isotopes shape change happens gradually between N=56 and N=62 and is probably due to an occupancy of three or more deformation-driving orbitals of h_11/2 parentage.     

Beyond the Butler-Volmer equation. Curved Tafel slopes from steady-state current-voltage curves

We report the discovery and analysis of curved Tafel slopes from the electrochemical reduction of hexamminecobalt(III) under steady-state conditions. In order to confirm the existence of the curvature, random assemblies of carbon microelectrodes (RAM? electrodes) were employed to obtain experimental data over more than three orders of magnitude, without significant double layer charging currents and without ohmic distortion. Since the rate-determining step in the reduction reaction is electron transfer, and no ligand substitution reactions occur on the timescale of experiments, the curvature of the Tafel plot is attributed to the dependence of the symmetry factor on electrode potential.     

Simple waves in general elastic materials

The general theory of simple waves in Green-elastic and Cauchy-elastic materials is given. Such waves generate three-dimensional unsteady deformations. Boundary conditions producing such waves are derived together with conditions under which shocks occur. The theory is used to illustrate conditions behind acceleration fronts moving into homogeneously deformed regions and also the modes of propagation of fronts moving into a simple wave. The steady flow of an elastic material past a rigid developable surface is discussed. Simple waves which are principal waves are also discussed.     

A Method for Obtaining Exact Solutions to Partial Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients

This paper describes techniques that can be used to transform PDEs with variable coefficients into equations with constant coefficients. The techniques are illustrated by calculating shear flows over quite general surfaces, by solving the signaling problem for diffusive processes in inhomogeneous materials, and by solving the signaling problem for acoustical waves when the sound speed varies with distance. The techniques may also be used to solve equations governing processes in inhomogeneous, anisotropic materials.     

“Everything is Math in the Whole World”: Integrating Critical and Community Knowledge in Authentic Mathematical Investigations with Elementary Latina/o Students

This critical ethnographic study of an after-school mathematics club for elementary-aged Latina/o youth focuses on connecting critical, community, and mathematical knowledge in the context of authentic, community-based investigations. We present cases of two extended projects to highlight tensions and dilemmas that emerged, particularly tensions related to ensuring rich mathematics in the contexts of projects that were personally and socially meaningful to the students. Our analysis offers insights into critical mathematics education with elementary aged students, and has the potential to counter dominant deficit perspectives of Latina/o youth. Additionally, the findings of this study inform critical approaches to teaching mathematics in schools attended by marginalized students in order to reverse prevalent trends of our educational system failing these students.     

Influence of substituents on the kinetics of epoxy/aromatic diamine resin systems

Eleven different epoxy/diamine systems, including tetraglycidyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM), triglycidyl p‐aminophenol (TGAP), and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS), diethyltoluenediamine (DETDA), dimethylthiotoluenediamine (DMTDA), and meta‐phenylenediamine (m‐PDA), were studied with near‐infrared spectroscopy at different temperatures. The reactivities of the epoxies were determined and found to be in the following order when reacted with the same amine: DGEBA > TGAP > TGDDM. When the primary amine was reacted with the same epoxy, the order was DETDA > DDS > DMTDA; for the secondary amine, the order was DETDA > DMTDA > DDS. The relative reaction rates of the secondary amine to the primary amine were compared and discussed in terms of the structural differences and the corresponding substitution effect. It was concluded that the increase in the secondary amine reactivity of DETDA and DMTDA was caused by the deconjugation of the benzene‐ring π electrons from the lone pair on the N atom. The overall order of the secondary amine relative reactivity was DMTDA > DETDA > DDS for the same epoxy and TGDDM > TGAP > DGEBA for the same amine. The m‐PDA systems had no significant positive or negative substitution effects. Molecular orbital calculations were performed, and the results showed the most significant deconjugation effect in the secondary amine of DETDA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3143–3156, 2004     

Yrast band spectroscopy of132Sm and130Nd

The states in the yrast band of¹³² Sm have been identified for the first time up to J^π=16⁺. The yrast band of¹³⁰Nd has also been extended from J^π=16⁺ to 24⁺. The energy of the first 2⁺ state in¹³²Sm indicates that the quadrupole deformation ε₂ ～ 0.3 and is still increasing as the neutron number N decreases across the samarium isotopes. The results for¹³⁰Nd allow the (h_2/11)² proton crossing frequency to be determined as ω=0.325 ± 0.005 MeV/?. This result is compared with cranked shell model predictions.     

Evidence for an i13/2 neutron band in133Sm

A rotational band of nine γ-rays has been observed in¹³³Sm. The moment of inertia of the band indicates that it has a higher deformation than expected for states in nuclei in this region. The properties are such that it can be interpreted as being due to the odd neutron occupying the ν i2/13 nn intruder orbital. This is the first evidence for the occupation of this orbital in nuclei with neutron number N<73.