Neutron interferometry in gravitational field with torsion

We consider the possibility of finding experimental evidence of the fifth force with the measurement of a phase shift of neutron beams via an interferometric apparatus and also a possible rotation of the polarization plane of polarized neutron beams when torsion is introduced in a gravitational field.     

On a zero equation model of turbulence

In this paper we study a widely used zero equation model of turbulence. The governing equations are derived by applying to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations the Reynolds time averaging procedure. We achieve closure by employing the eddy viscosity concept. Using the Implicit Function Theorem we obtain an existence and uniquencess result. We also discuss the existence of nonsingular solutions. Finally, we present an algorithm for solving the modeled equations.     

Extension of a combined analytical/numerical initial value problem solver for unsteady periodic flow

Here we describe analytical and numerical modifications that extend the Differential Reduced Ejector/ mixer Analysis (DREA), a combined analytical/numerical, multiple species ejector/mixing code developed for preliminary design applications, to apply to periodic unsteady flow. An unsteady periodic flow modelling capability opens a range of pertinent simulation problems including pulse detonation engines (PDE), internal combustion engine ICE applications, mixing enhancement and more fundamental fluid dynamic unsteadiness, e.g. fan instability/vortex shedding problems. Although mapping between steady and periodic forms for a scalar equation is a classical problem in applied mathematics, we will show that extension to systems of equations and, moreover, problems with complex initial conditions are more challenging. Additionally, the inherent large gradient initial condition singularities that are characteristic of mixing flows and that have greatly influenced the DREA code formulation, place considerable limitations on the use of numerical solution methods. Fortunately, using the combined analytical–numerical form of the DREA formulation, a successful formulation is developed and described. Comparison of this method with experimental measurements for jet flows with excitation shows reasonable agreement with the simulation. Other flow fields are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the model. As such, we demonstrate that unsteady periodic effects can be included within the simple, efficient, coarse grid DREA implementation that has been the original intent of the DREA development effort, namely, to provide a viable tool where more complex and expensive models are inappropriate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantification of stable minor species in confined flames by cavity ring-down spectroscopy: application to NO

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is used to measure the NO mole fraction formed in the burnt gases of low-pressure premixed flames. It is shown that the line-of-sight absorption is greatly increased by the contribution of the NO molecules surrounding the burner. This contribution has been quantified by developing a mathematical procedure taking into account the spatial and spectral features of the CRDS measurement. Calculations have been undertaken in the general case of a stable species not consumed in the flame. The most sensitive parameter is the temperature both in the flame and outside the flame. Simulations allow the selection of the best spectroscopic transitions for a given flame (i.e. a given temperature profile), ensuring the weakest influence of the inaccuracy affecting the temperature determination. High quantum states belonging to the A–X (0–1) band of NO have been found to be the most valuable and have led to a NO mole fraction determination with an accuracy of ±13%. NO absorption in the flame was completely masked using the A–X (0–0) band. Finally, the prompt-NO mole fraction formed in a methane/air flame stabilized at 33 Torr is obtained by combining CRDS and laser induced fluorescence techniques. Received: 12 October / Revised version: 1 February 2002 / Published online: 14 March 2002     

Transport properties of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polymer. Poly(4-acryloyloxy biphenyl)

The transport properties of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polymer forming a smectic A phase have been investigated using dichloromethane as a permeant. Samples differing in the isotropization enthaoly were analyzed. A. Correlation between this thermal parameter and sorption has been found, while the diffusion coefficient is substantially the same in all samples. The results obtained can be explained in terms of a biphasis model in which a disordered permeable phase is present within the liquid-crystalline phase, which is impermeable to the diffusant molecules.     

The Kosterlitz-Thouless model in Perovskite superconductors

Il Nuovo Cimento D - The applicability of the Kosterlitz-Thouless theory to HTSC is examined. The model initially presented in its general lines for bidimensional systems is then applied to...     

Dynamics of a pair of coupled nonlinear oscillators

A pair of coupled classical oscillators with a general potential and general form of coupling is investigated. For general potentials, the single-frequency solution is shown to be stable for small excitations. For special potentials, such system remains stable for an arbitrary excitation. In both cases, the stability does not depend on the form of coupling. Transition to the instability regime follows from the way how nonlinear potential entrains the energy transfer between the oscillators. Relation between the existence of multi-frequency quasi-periodic or periodic solutions and the instability of single-frequency ones is discussed.