Fragmentation paths in dynamical models

We undertake a quantitative comparison of multi-fragmentation reactions, as modeled by two different approaches: the Antisymmetrized Molecular Dynamics (AMD) and the momentum-dependent stochastic mean-field (SMF) model. Fragment observables and pre-equilibrium (nucleon and light cluster) emission are analyzed, in connection to the underlying compression-expansion dynamics in each model. Considering reactions between neutron-rich systems, observables related to the isotopic properties of emitted particles and fragments are also discussed, as a function of the parametrization employed for the isovector part of the nuclear interaction. We find that the reaction path, particularly the mechanism of fragmentation, is different in the two models and reflects on some properties of the reaction products, including their isospin content. This should be taken into account in the study of the density dependence of the symmetry energy from such collisions.Comment: 11 pages, 13 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Searching for statistical equilibrium in a dynamical multifragmentation path

A method for identifying statistical equilibrium stages in dynamical multifragmentation paths as provided by transport models, already successfully tested for for the reaction ^{129}Xe+^{119}Sn at 32 MeV/u is applied here to a higher energy reaction, ^{129}Xe+^{119}Sn at 50 MeV/u. The method evaluates equilibrium from the point of view of the microcanonical multifragmentation model (MMM) and reactions are simulated by means of the stochastic mean field model (SMF). A unique solution, corresponding to the maximum population of the system phase space, was identified suggesting that a huge part of the available phase space is occupied even in the case of the 50 MeV/u reaction, in presence of a considerable amount of radial collective flow. The specific equilibration time and volume are identified and differences between the two systems are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review

Statistical analysis of a dynamical multifragmentation path

A microcanonical multifragmentation model (MMM) is used for investigating whether equilibration really occurs in the dynamical evolution of two heavy ion collisions simulated via a stochastic mean field approach (SMF). The standard deviation function between the dynamically obtained freeze-out fragment distributions corresponding to the reaction $^{129}$Xe+$^{119}$Sn at 32 MeV/u and the MMM ones corresponding to a wide range of mass, excitation energy, freeze-out volume and nuclear level density cut-off parameter shows a unique minimum. A distinct statistically equilibrated stage is identified in the dynamical evolution of the system.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Comparison of dynamical multifragmentation models

Multifragmentation scenarios, as predicted by antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD) or momentum-dependent stochastic mean-field (BGBD) calculations are compared. While in the BGBD case fragment emission is clearly linked to the spinodal decomposition mechanism, i.e. to mean-field instabilities, in AMD many-body correlations have a stronger impact on the fragmentation dynamics and clusters start to appear at earlier times. As a consequence, fragments are formed on shorter time scales in AMD, on about equal footing of light particle pre-equilibrium emission. Conversely, in BGBD pre-equilibrium and fragment emissions happen on different time scales and are related to different mechanisms

Morphology and properties evolution upon ring-opening polymerization during extrusion of cyclic butylene terephthalate and graphene-related-materials into thermally conductive nanocomposites

In this work, the study of thermal conductivity before and after in-situ ring-opening polymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate into poly (butylene terephthalate) in presence of graphene-related materials (GRM) is addressed, to gain insight in the modification of nanocomposites morphology upon polymerization. Five types of GRM were used: one type of graphite nanoplatelets, two different grades of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and the same rGO grades after thermal annealing for 1 hour at 1700{\deg}C under vacuum to reduce their defectiveness. Polymerization of CBT into pCBT, morphology and nanoparticle organization were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, electron microscopy and rheology. Electrical and thermal properties were investigated by means of volumetric resistivity and bulk thermal conductivity measurement. In particular, the reduction of nanoflake aspect ratio during ring-opening polymerization was found to have a detrimental effect on both electrical and thermal conductivities in nanocomposites

Spinodal decomposition of expanding nuclear matter and multifragmentation

Density fluctuations of expanding nuclear matter are studied within a mean-field model in which fluctuations are generated by an external stochastic field. Fluctuations develop about a mean one-body phase-space density corresponding to a hydrodinamic motion that describes a slow expansion of the system. A fluctuation-dissipation relation suitable for a uniformly expanding medium is obtained and used to constrain the strength of the stochastic field. The distribution of the liquid domains in the spinodal decomposition is derived. Comparison of the related distribution of the fragment size with experimental data on the nuclear multifragmentation is quite satisfactory.Comment: 19 RevTex4 pages, 6 eps figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Effect of morphology and defectiveness of graphene-related materials on the electrical and thermal conductivity of their polymer nanocomposites

In this work, electrically and thermally conductive poly (butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ ring-opening polymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate (CBT) in presence of a tin-based catalyst. One type of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) and two different grades of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were used. Furthermore, high temperature annealing treatment under vacuum at 1700{\deg}C was carried out on both RGO to reduce their defectiveness and study the correlation between the electrical/thermal properties of the nanocomposites and the nanoflakes structure/defectiveness. The morphology and quality of the nanomaterials were investigated by means of electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by means of rheology, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, volumetric resistivity and thermal conductivity measurements. Physical properties of nanocomposites were correlated with the structure and defectiveness of nanoflakes, evidencing a strong dependence of properties on nanoflakes structure and defectiveness. In particular, a significant enhancement of both thermal and electrical conductivities was demonstrated upon the reduction of nanoflakes defectiveness

First-principles calculations and bias-dependent STM measurements at the alpha-Sn/Ge(111) surface: a clear indication for the 1U2D configuration

The nature of the alpha-Sn/Ge(111) surface is still a matter of debate. In particular, two possible configurations have been proposed for the 3x3 ground state of this surface: one with two Sn adatoms in a lower position with respect to the third one (1U2D) and the other with opposite configuration (2U1D). By means of first-principles quasiparticle calculations we could simulate STM images as a function of bias voltage and compare them with STM experimental results at 78K, obtaining an unambiguous indication that the stable configuration for the alpha-Sn/Ge(111) surface is the 1U2D. The possible inequivalence of the two down Sn adatoms is also discussed.Comment: Submitted to PR