66 research outputs found
Exploring a rheonomic system
A simple and illustrative rheonomic system is explored in the Lagrangian
formalism. The difference between Jacobi's integral and energy is highlighted.
A sharp contrast with remarks found in the literature is pointed out. The
non-conservative system possess a Lagrangian not explicitly dependent on time
and consequently there is a Jacobi's integral. The Lagrange undetermined
multiplier method is used as a complement to obtain a few interesting
conclusion
Invariant variational principle for Hamiltonian mechanics
It is shown that the action for Hamiltonian equations of motion can be
brought into invariant symplectic form. In other words, it can be formulated
directly in terms of the symplectic structure without any need to
choose some 1-form , such that , which is not unique
and does not even generally exist in a global sense.Comment: final version; to appear in J.Phys.A; 17 pages, 2 figure
Neutral Particles in Light of the Majorana-Ahluwalia Ideas
The first part of this article (Sections I and II) presents oneself an
overview of theory and phenomenology of truly neutral particles based on the
papers of Majorana, Racah, Furry, McLennan and Case. The recent development of
the construct, undertaken by Ahluwalia [{\it Mod. Phys. Lett. A}{\bf 9} (1994)
439; {\it Acta Phys. Polon. B}{\bf 25} (1994) 1267; Preprints LANL
LA-UR-94-1252, LA-UR-94-3118], could be relevant for explanation of the present
experimental situation in neutrino physics and astrophysics.
In Section III the new fundamental wave equations for self/anti-self
conjugate type-II spinors, proposed by Ahluwalia, are re-casted to covariant
form. The connection with the Foldy-Nigam-Bargmann-Wightman- Wigner (FNBWW)
type quantum field theory is found. The possible applications to the problem of
neutrino oscillations are discussed.Comment: REVTEX file. 21pp. No figure
Planck scale effects in neutrino physics
We study the phenomenology and cosmology of the Majoron (flavon) models of
three active and one inert neutrino paying special attention to the possible
(almost) conserved generalization of the Zeldovich-Konopinski-Mahmoud lepton
charge. Using Planck scale physics effects which provide the breaking of the
lepton charge, we show how in this picture one can incorporate the solutions to
some of the central issues in neutrino physics such as the solar and
atmospheric neutrino puzzles, dark matter and a 17 keV neutrino. These
gravitational effects induce tiny Majorana mass terms for neutrinos and
considerable masses for flavons. The cosmological demand for the sufficiently
fast decay of flavons implies a lower limit on the electron neutrino mass in
the range of 0.1-1 eV.Comment: 24 pages, 1 figure (not included but available upon request), LaTex,
IC/92/196, SISSA-140/92/EP, LMU-09/9
From least action in electrodynamics to magnetomechanical energy -- a review
The equations of motion for electromechanical systems are traced back to the
fundamental Lagrangian of particles and electromagnetic fields, via the Darwin
Lagrangian. When dissipative forces can be neglected the systems are
conservative and one can study them in a Hamiltonian formalism. The central
concepts of generalized capacitance and inductance coefficients are introduced
and explained. The problem of gauge independence of self-inductance is
considered. Our main interest is in magnetomechanics, i.e. the study of systems
where there is exchange between mechanical and magnetic energy. This throws
light on the concept of magnetic energy, which according to the literature has
confusing and peculiar properties. We apply the theory to a few simple
examples: the extension of a circular current loop, the force between parallel
wires, interacting circular current loops, and the rail gun. These show that
the Hamiltonian, phase space, form of magnetic energy has the usual property
that an equilibrium configuration corresponds to an energy minimum.Comment: 29 pages, 9 figures, 65 reference
Microscopy in forensic science
This chapter examines the use of electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and other analytical techniques in forensic investigation and research. These tools can be used to enhance examination of human remains and trace evidence to improve understanding of cause of death, victim identification or post mortem interval.A police-designed scenario is used to highlight trace evidence such as glass, gun shot residue and paint. The validity of forensic techniques is discussed, with reference to international standards, repeatability, and false convictions. Ballistic evidence is used to highlight the complexities in evidence interpretation, including manufacturing variability, environmental effects and likelihood ratios.The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other techniques in the development of forensic research is showcased, with particular examples from the field of fingerprints. Examples include improvements in the development of fingermarks from difficult surfaces, interaction of evidence types, and added intelligence from the crime scene, such as forensic timeline or gender of perpetrator
- …