Testing a dissipative kinetic k-essence model

In this work, we present a study of a purely kinetic k-essence model, characterized basically by a parameter $\alpha$ in presence of a bulk dissipative term, whose relationship between viscous pressure $\Pi$ and energy density $\rho$ of the background follows a polytropic type law $\Pi \propto \rho^{\lambda+1/2}$, where $\lambda$, in principle, is a parameter without restrictions. Analytical solutions for the energy density of the k-essence field are found in two specific cases: $\lambda=1/2$ and $\lambda=(1-\alpha)/2\alpha$, and then we show that these solutions posses the same functional form than the non-viscous counterpart. Finally, both approach are contrasted with observational data from type Ia supernova, and the most recent Hubble parameter measurements, and therefore, the best values for the parameters of the theory are founds.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, accepted in EPJ

Testing eternal inflation with the kinetic Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect

Perhaps the most controversial idea in modern cosmology is that our observable universe is contained within one bubble among many, all inhabiting the eternally inflating multiverse. One of the few way to test this idea is to look for evidence of the relic inhomogeneities left by the collisions between other bubbles and our own. Such relic inhomogeneities induces a coherent bulk flow over gigaparsec scales. Therefore, bubble collisions leave unique imprints in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) through the kinetic Sunyaev Zel'dovich (kSZ) effect, temperature anisotropies induced by the scattering of photons from coherently moving free electrons in the diffuse intergalactic medium. The kSZ signature produced by bubble collisions has a unique directional dependence and is tightly correlated with the galaxy distribution; it can therefore be distinguished from other contributions to the CMB anisotropies. An important advantage of the kSZ signature is that it peaks on arcminute angular scales, where the limiting factors in making a detection are instrumental noise and foreground subtraction. This is in contrast to the collision signature in the primary CMB, which peaks on angular scales much larger than one degree, and whose detection is therefore limited by cosmic variance. In this paper, we examine the prospects for probing the inhomogeneities left by bubble collisions using the kSZ effect. We provide a forecast for detection using cross-correlations between CMB and galaxy surveys, finding that the detectability using the kSZ effect can be competitive with constraints from CMB temperature and polarization data.Comment: 33 pages, 17 figures. Minor clarifications added in version 2, conclusions are unchange

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) Camera Testing for Submillimeter Astronomy

Developing kilopixel focal planes for incoherent submm- and mm-wave detectors remains challenging due to either the large hardware overhead or the complexity of multiplexing standard detectors. Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) provide a efficient means to produce fully lithographic background-limited kilopixel focal planes. We are constructing an MKID-based camera for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory with 576 spatial pixels each simultaneously sensitive in 4 bands at 230, 300, 350, and 400 GHz. The novelty of MKIDs has required us to develop new techniques for detector characterization. We have measured quasiparticle lifetimes and resonator Qs for detector bath temperatures between 200 mK and 400 mK. Equivalent lifetime measurements were made by coupling energy into the resonators either optically or by driving the third harmonic of the resonator. To determine optical loading, we use both lifetime and internal Q measurements, which range between 15,000 and 30,000 for our resonators. Spectral bandpass measurements confirm the placement of the 230 and 350 GHz bands. Additionally, beam maps measurements conform to expectations. The same device design has been characterized on both sapphire and silicon substrates, and for different detector geometries. We also report on the incorporation of new shielding to reduce detector sensitivity to local magnetic fields

Local Behavior of the First-Order Gradient Correction to the Thomas-Fermi Kinetic Energy Functional

The first order gradient correction to the Thomas-Fermi functional, proposed by Haq, Chattaraj and Deb (Chem. Phys. Lett. vol. 81, 8031, 1984) has been studied by evaluating both the total kinetic energy and the local kinetic energy density. For testing the kinetic energy density we evaluate its deviation from an exact result through a quality factor, a parameter that reflects the quality of the functionals in a better way than their relative errors. The study is performed on two different systems: light atoms (up to Z=18) and a noninteracting model of fermions confined in a Coulombic-type potential. It is found than this approximation gives very low relative errors and a better local behavior than any of the usual generalized gradient approximation semilocal kinetic density functionals.Comment: 7 pages, 2 tables, 4 figure

Constitutive model for plasticity in an amorphous polycarbonate

A constitutive model for describing the mechanical response of an amorphous glassy polycarbonate is proposed. The model is based on an isotropic elastic phase surrounded by an SO(3) continuum of plastic phases onto which the elastic phase can collapse under strain. An approximate relaxed energy is developed for this model on the basis of physical considerations and extensive numerical testing, and it is shown that it corresponds to an ideal elastic-plastic behavior. Kinetic effects are introduced as rate-independent viscoplasticity, and a comparison with experimental data is presented, showing that the proposed model is able to capture the main features of the plastic behavior of amophous glassy polycarbonate

Friction Testing of a New Ligature

Objective: To determine if American Orthodontics\u27 (AO) new, experimental ligature demonstrates less friction in vitro when compared to four other ligatures on the market. Methods: Four brackets were mounted on a custom metal fixture allowing an 0.018-in stainless steel wire attached to an opposite fixture with one bracket to be passively centered in the bracket slot. The wire was ligated to the bracket using one of five types of ligatures including the low friction test ligatures (AO), conventional ligatures (AO), Sili–TiesTM, Silicone Infused Ties (GAC), Synergy® Low-Friction Ligatures (RMO), and SuperSlick ligatures (TP Orthodontics). Resistance to sliding was measured over a 7 mm sliding distance using a universal testing machine (Instron) with a 50 Newton load cell and a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The initial resistance to sliding (static) was determined by the peak force needed to initiate movement and the kinetic resistance to sliding was taken as the force at 5 mm of wire/bracket sliding. Fifteen unique tests were run for each ligature group in both dry and wet (saliva soaked for 24 hours with one drop prior to testing) conditions. Results: In the dry state, the SuperSlick ligature demonstrated more static friction than all of the other ligatures, while SuperSlick and Sili–Ties demonstrated more kinetic friction than the AO conventional, AO experimental and Synergy ligatures. In the wet condition, SuperSlick and the AO experimental ligature demonstrated the least static friction, followed by the AO conventional and Sili–Ties. The most static friction was observed with the Synergy ligatures. In the wet condition, the SuperSlick, AO experimental and AO conventional exhibited less kinetic friction than the Sili-Ties and Synergy ligatures. Conclusions: AO\u27s experimental ligature exhibits less friction in the wet state than conventional ligatures, Sili–Ties and Synergy and is comparable to the SuperSlick ligature. These preliminary results suggest that the AO experimental ligature and the SuperSlick ligature create less friction, but direct conclusions regarding in vivo performance cannot be made and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to determine if these ligatures have clinical significance in treatment efficiency

Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Feasibility of Low-cost, High-volume Production of Silane and Pyrolysis of Silane to Semiconductor-grade Silicon

The presence of copper promotes a more rapid approach to the steady stete operating condition and results in a more consistent reactor effluent composition. The average kinetic and equilibrium yield are unchanged. Incoloy has been identified as the preferred choice of material of construction for the hydrogenation reactor although certain metallurgical changes were noted in samples exposed to the H2/HCl atmosphere at 500 C which indicate the need for more testing