134 research outputs found
Probability distribution function of dipolar field in two-dimensional spin ensemble
We theoretically determine the probability distribution function of the net
field of the random planar structure of dipoles which represent polarized
particles. At small surface concentrations c of the point dipoles this
distribution is expressed in terms of special functions. At the surface
concentrations of the dipoles as high as 0.6 the dipolar field obey the
Gaussian law. To obtain the distribution function within transitional region
c<0.6, we propose the method based on the cumulant expansion. We calculate the
parameters of the distributions for some specific configurations of the
dipoles. The distribution functions of the ordered ensembles of the dipoles at
the low and moderate surface concentrations have asymmetric shape with respect
to distribution medians. The distribution functions allow to calculate various
physical parameters of two-dimensional interacting nanoparticle ensembles.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure
Clustering in gravitating N-body systems
We study gravitational clustering of mass points in three dimensions with
random initial positions and periodic boundary conditions (no expansion) by
numerical simulations. Correlation properties are well defined in the system
and a sort of thermodynamic limit can be defined for the transient regime of
cluste ring. Structure formation proceeds along two paths: (i) fluid-like
evolution of density perturbations at large scales and (ii) shift of the
granular (non fluid) properties from small to large scales. The latter
mechanism finally dominates at all scales and it is responsible for the
self-similar characteristics of the clustering.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in Europhys. Let
Solar reaction rates, non-extensivity and quantum uncertainty
We show that in weakly non-ideal plasmas, like the solar interior, both
non-extensivity and quantum uncertainty (a' la Galitskii and Yakimets) should
be taken into account to derive equilibrium ion distribution functions and to
estimate nuclear reaction rates and solar neutrino fluxes.Comment: 8 pages, revte
On the nature of gravitational forces
In this paper I show how the statistics of the gravitational field is changed
when the system is characterized by a non-uniform distribution of particles. I
show how the distribution functions W(dF/dt) giving the joint probability that
a test particle is subject to a force F and an associated rate of change of F
given by dF/dt, are modified by inhomogeneity. Then I calculate the first
moment of dF/dt to study the effects of inhomogenity on dynamical friction.
Finally I test, by N-Body simulations, that the theoretical W(F) and dF/dt
describes correctly the experimental data and I find that the stochastic force
distribution obtained for the evolved system is in good agreement with theory.
Moreover, I find that in an inhomogeneous background the friction force is
actually enhanced relative to the homogeneous case
Bioenergy as climate change mitigation option within a 2 °C target—uncertainties and temporal challenges of bioenergy systems
Bioenergy is given an important role in reaching national and international climate change targets. However, uncertainties relating to emission reductions and the timeframe for these reductions are increasingly recognised as challenges whether bioenergy can deliver the required reductions. This paper discusses and highlights the challenges and the importance of the real greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of bioenergy systems and its relevance for a global 450 ppm CO2e stabilisation target in terms of uncertainties and temporal aspects. The authors aim to raise awareness and emphasise the need for dynamic and consequential approaches for the evaluation of climate change impacts of bioenergy systems to capture the complexity and challenges of their real emission reduction potential within a 2 °C target. This review does not present new research results. This paper shows the variety of challenges and complexity of the problem of achieving real GHG emission reductions from bioenergy systems. By reflecting on current evaluation methods of emissions and impacts from bioenergy systems, this review points out that a rethinking and going beyond static approaches is required, considering each bioenergy systems according to its own characteristics, context and feedbacks. With the development of knowledge and continuously changing systems, policies should be designed in a way that they provide a balance between flexibility to adapt to new information and planning security for investors. These will then allow considering if a bioenergy system will deliver the required emission saving in the appropriate timeframe or not
Renormalized cluster expansion of the microfield distribution in a strongly coupled two-component plasmas
The electric microfield distribution (MFD) at an impurity ion is studied for
two-component (TCP) electron-ion plasmas using molecular dynamics simulation
and theoretical models. The particles are treated within classical statistical
mechanics using an electron-ion Coulomb potential regularized at distances less
than the de Broglie length to take into account quantum-diffraction effects.
Corrections to the potential-of-mean-force exponential (PMFEX) approximation
recently proposed for MFD in a strongly coupled TCP [Phys. Rev. E 72, 036403
(2005)] are obtained and discussed. This has been done by a generalization of
the standard Baranger-Mozer and renormalized cluster expansion techniques
originally developed for the one-component plasmas to the TCPs. The results
obtained for a neutral point are compared with those from molecular dynamics
simulations. It is shown that the corrections do not help to improve the PMFEX
approximation for a TCP with low ionic charge Z. But starting with Z > 5 the
PMFEX model is substantially improved and the agreement with numerical
simulations is excellent. We have also found that with increasing coupling the
PMFEX approximation becomes invalid to predict the MFD at a neutral point while
its corrected version agrees satisfactory with the simulations.Comment: 17 pages, 10 figures, submitted to Physical Review
Statistics of the gravitational force in various dimensions of space: from Gaussian to Levy laws
We discuss the distribution of the gravitational force created by a
Poissonian distribution of field sources (stars, galaxies,...) in different
dimensions of space d. In d=3, it is given by a Levy law called the Holtsmark
distribution. It presents an algebraic tail for large fluctuations due to the
contribution of the nearest neighbor. In d=2, it is given by a marginal
Gaussian distribution intermediate between Gaussian and Levy laws. In d=1, it
is exactly given by the Bernouilli distribution (for any particle number N)
which becomes Gaussian for N>>1. Therefore, the dimension d=2 is critical
regarding the statistics of the gravitational force. We generalize these
results for inhomogeneous systems with arbitrary power-law density profile and
arbitrary power-law force in a d-dimensional universe
Imagining transitions in old age through the visual matrix method: thinking about what is hard to bear
Dominant discourses of ageing are often confined to what is less painful to think about and therefore idealise or denigrate ageing and later life. We present findings from an exploratory psychosocial study, in a Nordic context into three later-life transitions: from working life to retirement, from mental health to dementia, and from life to death. Because, for some, these topics are hard to bear, and therefore defended against and routinely excluded from everyday awareness, we used a method led by imagery and affect - the Visual Matrix - to elicit participants’ free associative personal and collective imagination. Through analysis of data extracts, on the three transitions, we illustrate oscillations between defending against the challenges of ageing and realism in facing the anxieties it can provoke. A recurring theme includes the finality of individual life and the inter-generational continuity, which together link life and death, hope and despair, separation and connectedness
Life cycle impacts of ethanol production from spruce wood chips under high-gravity conditions
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