477 research outputs found
Mean Field Theory of the Morphology Transition in Stochastic Diffusion Limited Growth
We propose a mean-field model for describing the averaged properties of a
class of stochastic diffusion-limited growth systems. We then show that this
model exhibits a morphology transition from a dense-branching structure with a
convex envelope to a dendritic one with an overall concave morphology. We have
also constructed an order parameter which describes the transition
quantitatively. The transition is shown to be continuous, which can be verified
by noting the non-existence of any hysteresis.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure
Phase Synchronization Control of Robotic Networks on Periodic Ellipses with Adaptive Network Topologies
This paper presents a novel formation control method for a large number of robots or vehicles described by Euler-Lagrange (EL) systems moving in elliptical orbits. A new
coordinate transformation method for phase synchronization of networked EL systems in elliptical trajectories is introduced to define desired formation patterns. The proposed phase synchronization controller synchronizes the motions of agents, thereby yielding a smaller synchronization error than an uncoupled control law in the presence of bounded disturbances. A complex time-varying and switching network topology, constructed by the
adaptive graph Laplacian matrix, relaxes the standard requirement of consensus stability, even permitting stabilization on an arbitrary unbalanced graph. The proofs of stability are constructed by robust contraction analysis, a relatively new nonlinear stability tool. An
example of reconfiguring swarms of spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit shows the effectiveness of the proposed phase synchronization controller for a large number of complex EL systems moving in elliptical orbits
Approximate Ginzburg-Landau solution for the regular flux-line lattice. Circular cell method
A variational model is proposed to describe the magnetic properties of
type-II superconductors in the entire field range between and
for any values of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter . The
hexagonal unit cell of the triangular flux-line lattice is replaced by a circle
of the same area, and the periodic solutions to the Ginzburg-Landau equations
within this cell are approximated by rotationally symmetric solutions. The
Ginzburg-Landau equations are solved by a trial function for the order
parameter. The calculated spatial distributions of the order parameter and the
magnetic field are compared with the corresponding distributions obtained by
numerical solution of the Ginzburg-Landau equations. The comparison reveals
good agreement with an accuracy of a few percent for all values
exceeding . The model can be extended to anisotropic
superconductors when the vortices are directed along one of the principal axes.
The reversible magnetization curve is calculated and an analytical formula for
the magnetization is proposed. At low fields, the theory reduces to the London
approach at , provided that the exact value of is used.
At high fields, our model reproduces the main features of the well-known
Abrikosov theory. The magnetic field dependences of the reversible
magnetization found numerically and by our variational method practically
coincide. The model also refines the limits of some approximations which have
been widely used. The calculated magnetization curves are in a good agreement
with experimental data on high-T superconductors.Comment: 8 pages, RevTex, 6 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.
Multi-Particle Collision Dynamics -- a Particle-Based Mesoscale Simulation Approach to the Hydrodynamics of Complex Fluids
In this review, we describe and analyze a mesoscale simulation method for
fluid flow, which was introduced by Malevanets and Kapral in 1999, and is now
called multi-particle collision dynamics (MPC) or stochastic rotation dynamics
(SRD). The method consists of alternating streaming and collision steps in an
ensemble of point particles. The multi-particle collisions are performed by
grouping particles in collision cells, and mass, momentum, and energy are
locally conserved. This simulation technique captures both full hydrodynamic
interactions and thermal fluctuations. The first part of the review begins with
a description of several widely used MPC algorithms and then discusses
important features of the original SRD algorithm and frequently used
variations. Two complementary approaches for deriving the hydrodynamic
equations and evaluating the transport coefficients are reviewed. It is then
shown how MPC algorithms can be generalized to model non-ideal fluids, and
binary mixtures with a consolute point. The importance of angular-momentum
conservation for systems like phase-separated liquids with different
viscosities is discussed. The second part of the review describes a number of
recent applications of MPC algorithms to study colloid and polymer dynamics,
the behavior of vesicles and cells in hydrodynamic flows, and the dynamics of
viscoelastic fluids
Using the Wigner-Ibach Surmise to Analyze Terrace-Width Distributions: History, User's Guide, and Advances
A history is given of the applications of the simple expression generalized
from the surmise by Wigner and also by Ibach to extract the strength of the
interaction between steps on a vicinal surface, via the terrace width
distribution (TWD). A concise guide for use with experiments and a summary of
some recent extensions are provided.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, reformatted (with revtex) version of refereed
paper for special issue of Applied Physics A entitled "From Surface Science
to Device Physics", in honor of the retirements of Prof. H. Ibach and Prof.
H. L\"ut
Lattice Boltzmann simulations of soft matter systems
This article concerns numerical simulations of the dynamics of particles
immersed in a continuum solvent. As prototypical systems, we consider colloidal
dispersions of spherical particles and solutions of uncharged polymers. After a
brief explanation of the concept of hydrodynamic interactions, we give a
general overview over the various simulation methods that have been developed
to cope with the resulting computational problems. We then focus on the
approach we have developed, which couples a system of particles to a lattice
Boltzmann model representing the solvent degrees of freedom. The standard D3Q19
lattice Boltzmann model is derived and explained in depth, followed by a
detailed discussion of complementary methods for the coupling of solvent and
solute. Colloidal dispersions are best described in terms of extended particles
with appropriate boundary conditions at the surfaces, while particles with
internal degrees of freedom are easier to simulate as an arrangement of mass
points with frictional coupling to the solvent. In both cases, particular care
has been taken to simulate thermal fluctuations in a consistent way. The
usefulness of this methodology is illustrated by studies from our own research,
where the dynamics of colloidal and polymeric systems has been investigated in
both equilibrium and nonequilibrium situations.Comment: Review article, submitted to Advances in Polymer Science. 16 figures,
76 page
Active Brownian Particles. From Individual to Collective Stochastic Dynamics
We review theoretical models of individual motility as well as collective
dynamics and pattern formation of active particles. We focus on simple models
of active dynamics with a particular emphasis on nonlinear and stochastic
dynamics of such self-propelled entities in the framework of statistical
mechanics. Examples of such active units in complex physico-chemical and
biological systems are chemically powered nano-rods, localized patterns in
reaction-diffusion system, motile cells or macroscopic animals. Based on the
description of individual motion of point-like active particles by stochastic
differential equations, we discuss different velocity-dependent friction
functions, the impact of various types of fluctuations and calculate
characteristic observables such as stationary velocity distributions or
diffusion coefficients. Finally, we consider not only the free and confined
individual active dynamics but also different types of interaction between
active particles. The resulting collective dynamical behavior of large
assemblies and aggregates of active units is discussed and an overview over
some recent results on spatiotemporal pattern formation in such systems is
given.Comment: 161 pages, Review, Eur Phys J Special-Topics, accepte
Extrinsic Magnetotransport Phenomena in Ferromagnetic Oxides
This review is focused on extrinsic magnetotransport effects in ferromagnetic
oxides. It consists of two parts; the second part is devoted to an overview of
experimental data and theoretical models for extrinsic magnetotransport
phenomena. Here a critical discussion of domain-wall scattering is given.
Results on surfacial and interfacial magnetism in oxides are presented.
Spin-polarized tunnelling in ferromagnetic junctions is reviewed and
grain-boundary magnetoresistance is interpreted within a model of
spin-polarized tunnelling through natural oxide barriers. The situation in
ferromagnetic oxides is compared with data and models for conventional
ferromagnets. The first part of the review summarizes basic material
properties, especially data on the spin-polarization and evidence for
half-metallicity. Furthermore, intrinsic conduction mechanisms are discussed.
An outlook on the further development of oxide spin-electronics concludes this
review.Comment: 133 pages, 47 figures, submitted to Rep. Prog. Phy
COMAP Early Science: II. Pathfinder Instrument
Line intensity mapping (LIM) is a new technique for tracing the global
properties of galaxies over cosmic time. Detection of the very faint signals
from redshifted carbon monoxide (CO), a tracer of star formation, pushes the
limits of what is feasible with a total-power instrument. The CO Mapping
Project (COMAP) Pathfinder is a first-generation instrument aiming to prove the
concept and develop the technology for future experiments, as well as
delivering early science products. With 19 receiver channels in a hexagonal
focal plane arrangement on a 10.4 m antenna, and an instantaneous 26-34 GHz
frequency range with 2 MHz resolution, it is ideally suited to measuring
CO(=1-0) from . In this paper we discuss strategies for designing
and building the Pathfinder and the challenges that were encountered. The
design of the instrument prioritized LIM requirements over those of ancillary
science. After a couple of years of operation, the instrument is well
understood, and the first year of data is already yielding useful science
results. Experience with this Pathfinder will drive the design of the next
generations of experiments.Comment: Paper 2 of 7 in series. 27 pages, 28 figures, submitted to Ap
Experimental evidence for a Mott-Wigner glass phase of magnetite above the Verwey temperature
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