36,178 research outputs found
Design and fabrication of metallic thermal protection systems for aerospace vehicles
A program was conducted to develop a lightweight, efficient metallic thermal protection system (TPS) for application to future shuttle-type reentry vehicles, advanced space transports, and hypersonic cruise vehicles. Technical requirements were generally derived from the space shuttle. A corrugation-stiffened beaded-skin TPS design was used as a baseline. The system was updated and modified to incorporate the latest technology developments and design criteria. The primary objective was to minimize mass for the total system
The origin of phase in the interference of Bose-Einstein condensates
We consider the interference of two overlapping ideal Bose-Einstein
condensates. The usual description of this phenomenon involves the introduction
of a so-called condensate wave functions having a definite phase. We
investigate the origin of this phase and the theoretical basis of treating
interference. It is possible to construct a phase state, for which the particle
number is uncertain, but phase is known. However, how one would prepare such a
state before an experiment is not obvious. We show that a phase can also arise
from experiments using condensates in Fock states, that is, having known
particle numbers. Analysis of measurements in such states also gives us a
prescription for preparing phase states. The connection of this procedure to
questions of ``spontaneously broken gauge symmetry'' and to ``hidden
variables'' is mentioned.Comment: 22 pages 4 figure
Discrete Wigner functions and quantum computational speedup
In [Phys. Rev. A 70, 062101 (2004)] Gibbons et al. defined a class of
discrete Wigner functions W to represent quantum states in a finite Hilbert
space dimension d. I characterize a set C_d of states having non-negative W
simultaneously in all definitions of W in this class. For d<6 I show C_d is the
convex hull of stabilizer states. This supports the conjecture that negativity
of W is necessary for exponential speedup in pure-state quantum computation.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, RevTeX. v2: clarified discussion on dynamics,
added refs., published versio
Publication patterns in HEP computing
An overview of the evolution of computing-oriented publications in high
energy physics following the start of operation of LHC. Quantitative analyses
are illustrated, which document the production of scholarly papers on
computing-related topics by high energy physics experiments and core tools
projects, and the citations they receive. Several scientometric indicators are
analyzed to characterize the role of computing in high energy physics
literature. Distinctive features of software-oriented and hardware-oriented
scholarly publications are highlighted. Current patterns and trends are
compared to the situation in previous generations' experiments.Comment: To be published in the Proc. of CHEP (Computing in High Energy
Physics) 201
Development of advanced fuel cell system, phase 3
A multiple task research and development program was performed to improve the weight, life, and performance characteristics of hydrogen-oxygen alkaline fuel cells for advanced power systems. Gradual wetting of the anode structure and subsequent long-term performance loss was determined to be caused by deposition of a silicon-containing material on the anode. This deposit was attributed to degradation of the asbestos matrix, and attention was therefore placed on development of a substitute matrix of potassium titanate. An 80 percent gold 20 percent platinum catalyst cathode was developed which has the same performance and stability as the standard 90 percent gold - 10 percent platinum cathode but at half the loading. A hybrid polysulfone/epoxy-glass fiber frame was developed which combines the resistance to the cell environment of pure polysulfone with the fabricating ease of epoxy-glass fiber laminate. These cell components were evaluated in various configurations of full-size cells. The ways in which the baseline engineering model system would be modified to accommodate the requirements of the space tug application are identified
Development of advanced fuel cell system, phase 2
A multiple task research and development program was performed to improve the weight, life, and performance characteristics of hydrogen-oxygen alkaline fuel cells for advanced power systems. Development and characterization of a very stable gold alloy catalyst was continued from Phase I of the program. A polymer material for fabrication of cell structural components was identified and its long term compatibility with the fuel cell environment was demonstrated in cell tests. Full scale partial cell stacks, with advanced design closed cycle evaporative coolers, were tested. The characteristics demonstrated in these tests verified the feasibility of developing the engineering model system concept into an advanced lightweight long life powerplant
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