45,188 research outputs found
How many nucleosynthesis processes exist at low metallicity?
Abundances of low-metallicity stars offer a unique opportunity to understand
the contribution and conditions of the different processes that synthesize
heavy elements. Many old, metal-poor stars show a robust abundance pattern for
elements heavier than Ba, and a less robust pattern between Sr and Ag. Here we
probe if two nucleosynthesis processes are sufficient to explain the stellar
abundances at low metallicity, and we carry out a site independent approach to
separate the contribution from these two processes or components to the total
observationally derived abundances. Our approach provides a method to determine
the contribution of each process to the production of elements such as Sr, Zr,
Ba, and Eu. We explore the observed star-to-star abundance scatter as a
function of metallicity that each process leads to. Moreover, we use the
deduced abundance pattern of one of the nucleosynthesis components to constrain
the astrophysical conditions of neutrino-driven winds from core-collapse
supernovae.Comment: 13 pages, published in Ap
A 20 kiloHertz space station power system
The space station represents the next major U.S. commitment in space. The efficient delivery of power to multiple user loads is key to that success. In 1969, NASA Lewis Research Center began a series of studies with component and circuit developments that led to the high frequency, bi-directional, four quadrant resonant driven converter. Additional studies and subsequent developments into the early 1980's have shown how the high frequency ac power system could provide overall advantages to many aerospace power systems. Because of its wide versatility, it also has outstanding advantages for the Space Station Program and its wide range of users. High frequency ac power provides higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved safety. The 20 kHz power system has exceptional flexibility, is inherently user friendly, and is compatible with all types of energy sources - photovoltaic, solar dynamic, rotating machines or nuclear. Lewis has recently completed development under contract a 25 kW, 20 kHz ac power distribution system testbed. The testbed demonstrates flexibility, versatility, and transparency to user technology as well as high efficiency, low mass, and reduced volume
The effect of the range of interaction on the phase diagram of a globular protein
Thermodynamic perturbation theory is applied to the model of globular
proteins studied by ten Wolde and Frenkel (Science 277, pg. 1976) using
computer simulation. It is found that the reported phase diagrams are
accurately reproduced. The calculations show how the phase diagram can be tuned
as a function of the lengthscale of the potential.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure
Non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann Theory for Swollen Clays
The non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation for a circular, uniformly charged
platelet, confined together with co- and counter-ions to a cylindrical cell, is
solved semi-analytically by transforming it into an integral equation and
solving the latter iteratively. This method proves efficient, robust, and can
be readily generalized to other problems based on cell models, treated within
non-linear Poisson-like theory. The solution to the PB equation is computed
over a wide range of physical conditions, and the resulting osmotic equation of
state is shown to be in fair agreement with recent experimental data for
Laponite clay suspensions, in the concentrated gel phase.Comment: 13 pages, 4 postscript figure
Extensions of Lieb's concavity theorem
The operator function (A,B)\to\tr f(A,B)(K^*)K, defined on pairs of bounded
self-adjoint operators in the domain of a function f of two real variables, is
convex for every Hilbert Schmidt operator K, if and only if f is operator
convex. As a special case we obtain a new proof of Lieb's concavity theorem for
the function (A,B)\to\tr A^pK^*B^{q}K, where p and q are non-negative numbers
with sum p+q\le 1. In addition, we prove concavity of the operator function
(A,B)\to \tr(A(A+\mu_1)^{-1}K^* B(B+\mu_2)^{-1}K) on its natural domain
D_2(\mu_1,\mu_2), cf. Definition 4.1Comment: The format of one reference is changed such that CiteBase can
identify i
High voltage breakdown initiated by particle impact
High voltage breakdown initiated by particle impact across electrode ga
Co- and counter-helicity interaction between two adjacent laboratory prominences
The interaction between two side-by-side solar prominence-like plasmas has been studied using a four-electrode magnetized plasma source that can impose a wide variety of surface boundary conditions. When the source is arranged to create two prominences with the same helicity (co-helicity), it is observed that helicity transfer from one prominence to the other causes the receiving prominence to erupt sooner and faster than the transmitting prominence. When the source is arranged to create two prominences with opposite helicity (counter-helicity), it is observed that upon merging, prominences wrap around each other to form closely spaced, writhing turns of plasma. This is followed by appearance of a distinct bright region in the middle and order of magnitude higher emission of soft x rays. The four-electrode device has also been used to change the angle of the neutral line and so form more pronounced S-shapes
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