180 research outputs found
Self-affine surface morphology of plastically deformed metals
We analyze the surface morphology of metals after plastic deformation over a
range of scales from 10 nm to 2 mm, using a combination of atomic force
microscopy and scanning white-light interferometry. We demonstrate that an
initially smooth surface during deformation develops self-affine roughness over
almost four orders of magnitude in scale. The Hurst exponent of
one-dimensional surface profiles is initially found to decrease with increasing
strain and then stabilizes at . By analyzing their statistical
properties we show that the one-dimensional surface profiles can be
mathematically modelled as graphs of a fractional Brownian motion. Our findings
can be understood in terms of a fractal distribution of plastic strain within
the deformed samples
The Berkeley Sample of Stripped-Envelope Supernovae
We present the complete sample of stripped-envelope supernova (SN) spectra
observed by the Lick Observatory Supernova Search (LOSS) collaboration over the
last three decades: 888 spectra of 302 SNe, 652 published here for the first
time, with 384 spectra (of 92 SNe) having photometrically-determined phases.
After correcting for redshift and Milky Way dust reddening and reevaluating the
spectroscopic classifications for each SN, we construct mean spectra of the
three major spectral subtypes (Types IIb, Ib, and Ic) binned by phase. We
compare measures of line strengths and widths made from this sample to the
results of previous efforts, confirming that O I {\lambda}7774 absorption is
stronger and found at higher velocity in Type Ic SNe than in Types Ib or IIb
SNe in the first 30 days after peak brightness, though the widths of nebular
emission lines are consistent across subtypes. We also highlight newly
available observations for a few rare subpopulations of interest.Comment: 13 pages; 14 figures; 3 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRA
The Type II supernovae 2006V and 2006au: two SN 1987A-like events
Supernova 1987A revealed that a blue supergiant (BSG) star can end its life
as a core-collapse supernova (SN). SN 1987A and other similar objects exhibit
properties that distinguish them from ordinary Type II Plateau (IIP) SNe, whose
progenitors are believed to be red supergiants (RSGs). Similarities among
1987A-like events include a long rise to maximum, early luminosity fainter than
that of normal Type IIP SNe, and radioactivity acting as the primary source
powering the light curves. We present and analyze two SNe monitored by the
Carnegie Supernova Project that are reminiscent of SN 1987A. Optical and
near-infrared (NIR) light curves, and optical spectroscopy of SNe 2006V and
2006au are presented. These observations are compared to those of SN 1987A, and
are used to estimate properties of their progenitors. Both objects exhibit a
slow rise to maximum and light curve evolution similar to that of SN 1987A. At
the earliest epochs, SN 2006au also displays an initial dip which we interpret
as the signature of the adiabatic cooling phase that ensues shock break- out.
SNe 2006V and 2006au are both found to be bluer, hotter and brighter than SN
1987A. Spectra of SNe 2006V and 2006au are similar to those of SN 1987A and
other normal Type II objects, although both consistently exhibit expansion
velocities higher than SN 1987A. Semi-analytic models are fit to the UVOIR
light curve of each object from which physical properties of the progenitors
are estimated. This yields ejecta mass estimates of about 20 solar masses,
explosion energies of 2 - 3 x 10^51 erg, and progenitor radii of 75 - 100 solar
radii for both SNe. The progenitors of SNe 2006V and 2006au were most likely
BSGs with a larger explosion energy as compared to that of SN 1987A.Comment: 21 pages,15 figures, accepted for publication in A&A, 25 October 201
Constraining the physical properties of Type II-P supernovae using nebular phase spectra
We present a study of the nebular phase spectra of a sample of Type
II-Plateau supernovae with identified progenitors or restrictive limits. The
evolution of line fluxes, shapes, and velocities are compared within the
sample, and interpreted by the use of a spectral synthesis code. The small
diversity within the dataset can be explained by strong mixing occurring during
the explosion, and by recognising that most lines have significant
contributions from primordial metals in the H envelope, which dominates the
total ejecta mass in these type of objects. In particular, when using the [O I]
6300, 6364 Angstrom doublet for estimating the core mass of the star, care has
to be taken to account for emission from primordial O in the envelope. Finally,
a correlation between the H-alpha line width and the mass of 56Ni is presented,
suggesting that higher energy explosions are associated with higher 56Ni
production.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA
Spatial Stability of Incompressible Attachment-Line Flow
Linear stability analysis of incompressible attachment-line flow is presented within the spatial framework. The system of perturbation equations is solved using spectral collocation. This system has been solved in the past using the temporal approach and the current results are shown to be in excellent agreement with neutral temporal calculations. Results amenable to direct comparison with experiments are then presented for the case of zero suction. The global solution method utilized for solving the eigenproblem yields, aside from the well-understood primary mode, the full spectrum of least-damped waves. Of those, a new mode, well separated from the continuous spectrum is singled out and discussed. Further, relaxation of the condition of decaying perturbations in the far-field results in the appearance of sinusoidal modes akin to those found in the classical Orr-Sommerfeld problem. Finally, the continuous spectrum is demonstrated to be amenable to asymptotic analysis. Expressions are derived for the location, in parameter space, of the continuous spectrum, as well as for the limiting cases of practical interest. In the large Reynolds number limit the continuous spectrum is demonstrated to be identical to that of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation
Market segmentation strategies for complex automotive products
With the advent of 'big data', the purpose of this empirical study was to take the opportunity to rethink conventional market segmentation strategies. This is particularly relevant for the automotive industry which is going through a period of rapid change with advanced technologies such as electric powered and autonomous vehicles, creating increased concerns as to how this complexity is communicated effectively. A mixed methods approach was utilised to collect data from multiple sources, incorporating in-depth discussion groups, semi-structured interviews, an online survey, and data collection of communication processes through the attendance of new car product launches. The results suggest that marketing departments should rethink their data capture methods to collect more relevant consumer information, not the contemporary trend of needs, attitude, and motivation variables that are difficult to identify and collect, but basic information on their level of familiarity with products through previous experience and exposure. The basic dimensions identified are characterised by a consumer's expertise, involvement, and familiarity with a product. The findings are synthesised into a theoretical framework to define differing levels of product complexity, which would enable manufacturers to provide more closely defined market segmentation strategies when communicating new product information
Cortical Contributions to Saccadic Suppression
The stability of visual perception is partly maintained by saccadic suppression: the selective reduction of visual sensitivity that accompanies rapid eye movements. The neural mechanisms responsible for this reduced perisaccadic visibility remain unknown, but the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN) has been proposed as a likely site. Our data show, however, that the saccadic suppression of a target flashed in the right visual hemifield increased with an increase in background luminance in the left visual hemifield. Because each LGN only receives retinal input from a single hemifield, this hemifield interaction cannot be explained solely on the basis of neural mechanisms operating in the LGN. Instead, this suggests that saccadic suppression must involve processing in higher level cortical areas that have access to a considerable part of the ipsilateral hemifield
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