On the second smallest distance between finitely many points on the sphere

In the following note we investigate the second smallest distance between finitely many points on the sphere. Actually we look for the smallest upper bound for the second smallest distance between n points on the unit sphere. We solve this problem for n=9 and also we give a general, non-trivial upper bound for the second smallest distance of n points with n9.Supported by the Hungarian National Foundation for Scientific Research, Number 1238.     

Lattice-point examples for a question of Erdős

Here we establish a set of eight points in general position in the plane, i.e. no three on a line, no four on a circle, and they determine 7 distinct distances, so that, thei-th distance occursi times,i = 1, 2, , 7. The points are embedded in a triangular net, and the distances are not ordered by size or in any other way. We shall show that some known and unknown examples forn < 8 with the above properties may also be lattice points of a similar net.Research (partially) supported by the Hungarian National Foundation for Scientific Research (OTKA) grant, no. 1808.     

Interpolatory properties of best rationalL 1-approximations

In this paper the distribution of the zeros of the error function for bestL ₁-approximation by rational functions fromR _n,m is considered. It is shown that the maximal distance between such zeros isO(1/(n–m)), ifn > m.Communicated by Edward B. Saff.     

Computer-simulated diffraction patterns for metastable austenitic steels

The paper deals with the computer simulation of composite theoretical electron-diffraction patterns for metastable austenitic steels, containing deformation and martensite transformation structures. In many cases generated data can be used for interpretation of experimentally determined diffraction patterns. A few examples are presented which demonstrate that the application of the composite theoretical diffraction patterns may be complicated due to various diffraction effects which can modify the geometry of experimentally obtained diffraction patterns.     

Linear mode conversion of waves near the maxima or minima of the density in a warm magnetized plasma

Behaviour of the h. f. electrostatic waves near the plasma or upper hybrid resonances was studied in the case that these resonances are situated at the maxima or minima of the plasma density. Supposing the parabolic density profile in these regions we obtained the connection formulae for the WKB solutions. In a weakly inhomogeneous magnetoplasma the effect of the parabolic profile manifests itself only in narrow frequency band centred at the resonance frequency corresponding to the extreme value of the density. The whole process can be then described by only two coefficients, viz. the power conversion and power transmission coefficients.     

Laser properties of coactivated YAP: Nd free of colour centres

YAP:Nd, Cr grown under Ar-H₂ or Ar-He-H₂ atmosphere possesses good energy transfer from Cr³⁺ to Nd³⁺ but suffers from the colour centre formation. The centre formation was completely prevented using further admixture of Ce³⁺ and 10^–4–10^–3 wt. % Fe. Small luminescence quenching of Cr³⁺ or Nd³⁺ due to iron ions is negligible in the presence of Ce³⁺. The crystals may be also heavily doped with Nd³⁺ because the increased pumping efficiency compensates the shortening of the luminescence lifetime. YAP: Nd, Ce, Cr, Fe is advisible active laser material particularly for all the types of pulsed lasers.     

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.     

The influence of temperature on superplasticity of Zn-Al-Cd alloy

Experimental results of the study of superplastic behaviour in Zn-0·35 wt. % Al-0·25 wt. % Cd alloy are presented. The attention has been paid to the influence of temperature on stress-strain curves, ductility, strain rate sensitivy parameterm and activation energy of superplastic flow. The best superplastic properties have been established at temperatures T370 K (0·53 T_m): ductilityA=600% and parameterm=0·56. A fast grain growth observed at temperaturesT 380 K has been suggested to be responsible both for the decrease in ductility and parameterm values and for the origin of an anomaly in the decreasing temperature dependence of flow stress. The measurements of activation energy have shown an expected decrease in activation energy at the transition from the non-superplastic region at lower temperatures to the superplastic region at higher temperatures. Significant transient effects after strain rate changes have been observed. The experimental results obtained in the Zn-Al-Cd alloy have been compared with those obtained in binary Zn-1·1 wt. % Al alloy and discussed from the point of view of possible models of structural superplasticity.