An adaptive pruning algorithm for the discrete L-curve criterion

We describe a robust and adaptive implementation of the L-curve criterion. The algorithm locates the corner of a discrete L-curve which is a log–log plot of corresponding residual norms and solution norms of regularized solutions from a method with a discrete regularization parameter (such as truncated SVD or regularizing CG iterations). Our algorithm needs no predefined parameters, and in order to capture the global features of the curve in an adaptive fashion, we use a sequence of pruned L-curves that correspond to considering the curves at different scales. We compare our new algorithm to existing algorithms and demonstrate its robustness by numerical examples.     

Theoretical framework and experimental procedure for modelling mesoscopic volume fraction stochastic fluctuations in fiber reinforced composites

Many engineering materials exhibit fluctuations and uncertainties on their macroscopic mechanical properties. This randomness results from random fluctuations observed at a lower scale, especially at the meso-scale where microstructural uncertainties generally occur. In the present paper, we first propose a complete theoretical stochastic framework (that is, a relevant probabilistic model as well as a non-intrusive stochastic solver) in which the volume fraction at the microscale is modelled as a random field whose statistical reduction is performed using a Karhunen–Loeve expansion. Then, an experimental procedure dedicated to the identification of the parameters involved in the probabilistic model is presented and relies on a non-destructive ultrasonic method. The combination of the experimental results with a micromechanical analysis provides realizations of the volume fraction random field. In particular, it is shown that the volume fraction can be modelled by a homogeneous random field whose spatial correlation lengths are determined and may provide conditions on the size of the meso-volumes to be considered.     

Enhanced Binding in Non-Relativistic QED

 We consider a spinless particle coupled to a photon field and prove that even if the Schr?dinger operator p ² +V does not have eigenvalues the system can have a ground state. We describe the coupling by means of the Pauli-Fierz Hamiltonian and our result holds in the case where the coupling constant α is small. Received: 7 January 2002 / Accepted: 8 November 2002 Published online: 13 January 2003     

WITCH: A Penning Trap Retardation Spectrometer Combination for Precision Studies of the Weak Interaction

We present data from three seasons of experimental field work designed to recreate ancient Andean coastal ceramic firing techniques. Based on the recent discovery of two different archaeological ceramic production sites in the La Leche river valley of northern coastal Peru, the opportunity arose to apply Mössbauer spectroscopy and other analytical methods to reconstruct ancient firing procedures. Two sets of firings took place in 1993 and 1997 in Batán Grande using a partially restored Formative kiln from about 800 BC, local hardwood and cow dung as fuel. A third experiment followed in 2000 after the discovery of a Middle Sicán ceramics workshop in use between ca. AD 950 and 1050 at Huaca Sialupe, where an exact replica of an ancient kiln was built from local clay, and fired with local wood and cow dung. Additionally, inverted urns found at Huaca Sialupe were tested for their potential use as furnaces for metal working. Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to compare the physical and chemical state of specimens produced in the field experiments with ancient ceramics and with specimens produced in controlled laboratory experiments.     

Crystallographic report: Crystal structure of 1‐bromo‐1′‐[(2S)‐N‐(1‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutane‐2‐yl)]‐ferroceneamide

For the unsymmetrical title compound, 1‐bromo‐1′‐[(2S)‐N‐(1‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutane‐2‐yl)]‐ferroceneamide, two independent molecules were found in the asymmetric unit. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.