Kepler photometry of RRc stars: peculiar double-mode pulsations and period doubling

We present the analysis of four first overtone RR Lyrae stars observed with the Kepler space telescope, based on data obtained over nearly 2.5 yr. All four stars are found to be multiperiodic. The strongest secondary mode with frequency f2 has an amplitude of a few mmag, 20–45 times lower than the main radial mode with frequency f1. The two oscillations have a period ratio of P2/P1 = 0.612–0.632 that cannot be reproduced by any two radial modes. Thus, the secondary mode is non-radial. Modes yielding similar period ratios have also recently been discovered in other variables of the RRc and RRd types. These objects form a homogenous group and constitute a new class of multimode RR Lyrae pulsators, analogous to a similar class of multimode classical Cepheids in the Magellanic Clouds. Because a secondary mode with P2/P1 ∼ 0.61 is found in almost every RRc and RRd star observed from space, this form of multiperiodicity must be common. In all four Kepler RRc stars studied, we find subharmonics of f2 at ∼1/2f2 and at ∼3/2f2. This is a signature of period doubling of the secondary oscillation, and is the first detection of period doubling in RRc stars. The amplitudes and phases of f2 and its subharmonics are variable on a time-scale of 10–200 d. The dominant radial mode also shows variations on the same time-scale, but with much smaller amplitude. In three Kepler RRc stars we detect additional periodicities, with amplitudes below 1 mmag, that must correspond to non-radial g-modes. Such modes never before have been observed in RR Lyrae variables

Horizontal Branch Stars: The Interplay between Observations and Theory, and Insights into the Formation of the Galaxy

We review HB stars in a broad astrophysical context, including both variable and non-variable stars. A reassessment of the Oosterhoff dichotomy is presented, which provides unprecedented detail regarding its origin and systematics. We show that the Oosterhoff dichotomy and the distribution of globular clusters (GCs) in the HB morphology-metallicity plane both exclude, with high statistical significance, the possibility that the Galactic halo may have formed from the accretion of dwarf galaxies resembling present-day Milky Way satellites such as Fornax, Sagittarius, and the LMC. A rediscussion of the second-parameter problem is presented. A technique is proposed to estimate the HB types of extragalactic GCs on the basis of integrated far-UV photometry. The relationship between the absolute V magnitude of the HB at the RR Lyrae level and metallicity, as obtained on the basis of trigonometric parallax measurements for the star RR Lyrae, is also revisited, giving a distance modulus to the LMC of (m-M)_0 = 18.44+/-0.11. RR Lyrae period change rates are studied. Finally, the conductive opacities used in evolutionary calculations of low-mass stars are investigated. [ABRIDGED]Comment: 56 pages, 22 figures. Invited review, to appear in Astrophysics and Space Scienc

Badanie histerezy zwilżania materiałów stałych surfaktantami różnych typów

The results of the studies of the wetting hysteresis of solids by surfactant solutions were presented. Using the K100MK2 tensiometer surface tension isotherms of tested surfactants were specified . On their basis the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of each surfactant was determined. Wetting properties were tested at concentrations of 0.5 CMC, 1 CMC, 2 CMC. The following five solid materials were used for the measurements: polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoroethylene, copper and glass. Differences among the wetting properties of surfactants on tested solid materials were discussed and the results were compared with the literature data.W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań histerezy zwilżania materiałów stałych roztworami surfaktantów różnych typów. Za pomocą tensjometru K100 MK2 wyznaczono izotermy napięcia powierzchniowego badanych surfaktantów i na podstawie ich przebiegu określono wartości krytycznego stężenia micelizacji (CMC) każdego surfaktantu. Zdolności zwilżające badano przy stężeniach roztworów równych 0.5, 1 i 2 CMC. Do pomiarów wykorzystano 5 materiałów stałych: polietylen, polimetakrylan metylu, teflon, miedź i szkło. Omówiono różnice zdolności zwilżających użytych surfaktantów w stosunku do badanych materiałów stałych i porównano otrzymane wyniki z danymi literaturowymi

Gelcasting of Alumina with Application of New Monomer Synthesised from Xylitol

A new monomer for application in the gelcasting process has been designed and synthesized, following the green chemistry trend to use non toxic and renewable compounds. Xylitol was the main substrate for the synthesis that included 3 stages. The final product, named 1-O-acryloylxylitol, was tested regarding its effectiveness as the processing agent for fabrication of alumina elements by gelcasting method. Rheological properties of the ceramic slurries were studied as well as the properties of shaped elements before and after sintering. The results are compared to those obtained by applying commercial monomer 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate.Podążając za trendem „zielonej chemii", zakładającym m.in. wykorzystywanie nietoksycznych i odnawialnych surowców w technologii, zaprojektowano i zsyntezowano nowy monomer przeznaczony do zastosowania w procesie odlewania żelowego. Wyjściowym substratem trójetapowej syntezy był ksylitol, a finalnym produktem 1-O-akryloiloksylitol. Otrzymana pochodna została sprawdzona pod względem efektywności polimeryzacji in situ w ceramicznej masie lejnej na bazie tlenku glinu. Zbadano jej wpływ na właściwości neologiczne stosowanych zawiesin. Odlano serie kształtek, dla których wyznaczono podstawowe parametry w stanie surowym oraz po spiekaniu. Wyniki porównano stosując równolegle komercyjnie dostępny monomer akrylan 2-hydroksyetylu