Advances in test and measurement of the interface adhesion and bond strengths in coating-substrate systems, emphasising blister and bulk techniques

In this paper, recent advances in the minimum-destructive testing of the adhesion of coating-substrate systems are reviewed, focusing on key techniques such as micro- and nano-scale levels of indentation, scratching, laser-induced wave shock, as well as the blister and buckle approach. Along with adhesion failure tests, the latest and most extensive applications of the adhesion test methods in nano-, micro- and bulk-coating technology and the associated techniques to determine the minimum damage defects left on the coatings are discussed and their use reviewed

Dynamical behavior of generic quintessence potentials: constraints on key dark energy observables

We perform a comprehensive study of a class of dark energy models - scalar field models where the effective potential can be described by a polynomial series - exploring their dynamical behavior using the method of flow equations that has previously been applied to inflationary models. Using supernova, baryon oscillation, CMB and Hubble constant data, and an implicit theoretical prior imposed by the scalar field dynamics, we find that the LCDM model provides an excellent fit to the data. Constraints on the generic scalar field potential parameters are presented, along with the reconstructed w(z) histories consistent with the data and the theoretical prior. We propose and pursue computationally feasible algorithms to obtain estimates of the principal components of the equation of state, as well as parameters w_0 and w_a. Further, we use the Monte Carlo Markov Chain machinery to simulate future data based on the Joint Dark Energy Mission, Planck and baryon acoustic oscillation surveys and find that the inverse area figure of merit improves nearly by an order of magnitude. Therefore, most scalar field models that are currently consistent with data can be potentially ruled out by future experiments. We also comment on the classification of dark energy models into "thawing'" and "freezing" in light of the more diverse evolution histories allowed by this general class of potentials.Comment: 22 pages and 12 figures, minor clarifications and a new Figure (#9) added in v3, matches the published PRD version. Chains and high-res figures are available at http://kicp.uchicago.edu/~dhuterer/DE_FLOWROLL/de_flowroll.htm

Classical Strongly Coupled QGP II: Screening and Equation of State

We analyze the screening and bulk energy of a classical and strongly interacting plasma of color charges, a model we recently introduced for the description of a quark-gluon plasma at T=(1-3)Tc. The partition function is organized around the Debye-Huckel limit. The linear Debye-Huckel limit is corrected by a virial expansion. For the pressure, the expansion is badly convergent even in the dilute limit. The non-linear Debye-Huckel theory is studied numerically as an alternative for moderately strong plasmas. We use Debye theory of solid to extend the analysis to the crystal phase at very strong coupling. The analytical results for the bulk energy per particle compare well with the numerical results from molecular dynamics simulation for all couplings.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figure

Exiting the Euro

The Crisis in the Euro Zone threatens to break up the Euro and perhaps derail the European Union itself. Many argue that a Member State exiting the Euro would be not only unthinkable, but also a practical impossibility, given the status of the “constitutionality” of European law, the treaties forming the European Union and the Euro, and customary European law. Europeans have been, for centuries, very creative in forging economic and trading alliances—some that appeared to be political alliances and even elementary union. They have also, on more than one occasion, attempted to confect monetary stability. Some of these attempts were successful for long periods, while the monetary bits have often not been so successful. This article explores the proposition that a unilateral exit, an expulsion of a member, a breakup of the European Monetary Union (EMU), or even a breakup of the European Union itself is possible under international law. Indeed, some or a combination of the foregoing may transpire. Some consider such an action impossible inasmuch as Member States have relinquished their sovereignty. It can, however, be argued that a Member State can either withdraw or be ejected from the EMU under existing law

ON SOME PROBLEMS OF DISSERTATION OPPONENCY

Introduction. Currently, there is a restructuring of the system of training scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel of the highest qualification. A number of the top-ranking universities and research institutes are given the right to award their own academic degrees. However, the overwhelming majority of dissertational councils (about 2000) continue to work under the guidance and in accordance with the regulatory documents of the Higher Attestation Commission. Therefore, the improvement of the existing system is still relevant. The aims of this article are the following: to consider the main problems and trends emerging in the process of opposing dissertations; to find out the difficulties and their causes; to define possible ways to reduce current problems. Methodology and research methods. The methods involve: analysis of normative documents and scientific publications; methods of expert assessments, self-reflection and synthesis of personal experience of the author. Results and scientific novelty. The main objectives and the existing drawbacks of the work of official opponents are identified. The following questions that arise when opposing dissertations are discussed: the choice and appointment of official opponents by the Dissertation Council, the specifics of the opponents’ performance in the defense process and the payment for their work. It is noted that increasing requirements for opposing dissertations and opponents themselves, increasing the responsibility of opponents leads to additional difficulties in their work, in particular, the increase in labour costs that are not adequately compensated. It is concluded that many problems in opposing dissertations are objective in nature and cannot be overcome only by the forces of the opponent himself. Possible ways of solving the detected problems are indicated. Accordingly, along with increasing requirements and responsibilities in regulatory documents, a complex of the organizational and technological measures should be provided to facilitate the work of the opponent, his additional stimulation, including the financial one.Practical significance. The author believes that the approaches and recommendations proposed in this article will help to increase the effectiveness of the opponents’ work and, accordingly, assessment system enhancement of the research consistency and academic degrees awarding.Введение. В настоящее время в России происходит перестройка системы подготовки и аттестации научных и научно-педагогических кадров. Ряду сильнейших вузов и НИИ уже предоставлено право самостоятельно присуждать ученые степени. Однако подавляющая часть диссертационных советов (около 2000) продолжает работать под руководством Высшей аттестационной комиссии (ВАК) и в соответствии со старыми нормативными актами, поэтому многие вопросы реорганизации и совершенствования сложившейся системы остаются пока открытыми и сохраняют свою актуальность. Цели публикации – обсудить основные тенденции процесса оппонирования диссертационных изысканий, выявить его сложности и причины их возникновения; обозначить возможные варианты нивелирования имеющихся проблем. Методы и методики. В ходе исследования использовались анализ содержания нормативных документов и научных публикаций, методы экспертных оценок, рефлексии и обобщения личного опыта автора. Результаты и научная новизна. Обозначены основные задачи и существующие недостатки деятельности оппонентов. Рассмотрены вопросы, связанные с выбором и назначением диссертационными советами официальных оппонентов, спецификой их труда и его оплатой. Показано, что возросшие требования к оппонированию диссертаций и самим оппонентам привели к существенному увеличению их трудовых и временных затрат, которые практически не компенсируются. Сделан вывод о том, что многие сложности оппонирования, препятствующие подготовке качественных отзывов на диссертации, носят объективный характер и не могут быть преодолены силами самих оппонентов. В связи с этим, наряду с повышением, их ответственности в нормативных документах следует предусмотреть комплекс организационных и технологических мер, облегчающих решение текущих задач оппонирования и направленных на его дополнительное, в том числе финансовое, стимулирование. Практическая значимость. Автор рассчитывает, что предложенные им подходы к решению обнаруженных проблем и рекомендации, изложенные в данной статье, будут способствовать повышению эффективности функционирования института оппонирования, совершенствованию системы оценки состоятельности научных исследований и присуждения научных степеней.

Classical Strongly Coupled QGP I: The Model and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We propose a model for the description of strongly interacting quarks and gluon quasiparticles at $T=(1-3)T_c$, as a classical and nonrelativistic colored Coulomb gas. The sign and strength of the inter-particle interactions are fixed by the scalar product of their classical {\it color vectors} subject to Wong's equations. The model displays a number of phases as the Coulomb coupling is increased ranging from a gas, to a liquid, to a crystal with antiferromagnetic-like color ordering. We analyze the model using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and discuss the density-density correlator in real time. We extract pertinent decorrelation times, diffusion and viscosity constants for all phases. The classical results when extrapolated to the sQGP suggest that the phase is liquid-like, with a diffusion constant $D\approx 0.1/T$ and a bulk viscosity to entropy density ratio $\eta/s\approx 1/3$.Comment: 11 pages, 14 figure

Chemical analysis of aerosol in the Venusian cloud layer by reaction gas chromatography on board the Vega landers

The experiment on sulfuric acid aerosol determination in the Venusian cloud layer on board the Vega landers is described. An average content of sulfuric acid of approximately 1 mg/cu m was found for the samples taken from the atmosphere at heights from 63 to 48 km and analyzed with the SIGMA-3 chromatograph. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) was revealed in the gaseous sample at the height of 48 km. From the experimental results and blank run measurements, a suggestion is made that the Venusian cloud layer aerosol consists of more complicated particles than the sulfuric acid water solution does

Strongly Coupled Quark Gluon Plasma (SCQGP)

We propose that the reason for the non-ideal behavior seen in lattice simulation of quark gluon plasma (QGP) and relativistic heavy ion collisions (URHICs) experiments is that the QGP near T_c and above is strongly coupled plasma (SCP), i.e., strongly coupled quark gluon plasma (SCQGP). It is remarkable that the widely used equation of state (EoS) of SCP in QED (quantum electrodynamics) very nicely fits lattice results on all QGP systems, with proper modifications to include color degrees of freedom and running coupling constant. Results on pressure in pure gauge, 2-flavors and 3-flavors QGP, are all can be explained by treating QGP as SCQGP as demonstated here.Energy density and speed of sound are also presented for all three systems. We further extend the model to systems with finite quark mass and a reasonably good fit to lattice results are obtained for (2+1)-flavors and 4-flavors QGP. Hence it is the first unified model, namely SCQGP, to explain the non-ideal QGP seen in lattice simulations with just two system dependent parameters.Comment: Revised with corrections and new results, Latex file (11 pages), postscript file of 7 figure

Gyrations: The Missing Link Between Classical Mechanics with its Underlying Euclidean Geometry and Relativistic Mechanics with its Underlying Hyperbolic Geometry

Being neither commutative nor associative, Einstein velocity addition of relativistically admissible velocities gives rise to gyrations. Gyrations, in turn, measure the extent to which Einstein addition deviates from commutativity and from associativity. Gyrations are geometric automorphisms abstracted from the relativistic mechanical effect known as Thomas precession