Correct path-integral formulation of quantum thermal field theory in coherent-state representation

The path-integral quantization of thermal scalar, vector and spinor fields is performed newly in the coherent-state representation. In doing this, we choose the thermal electrodynamics and $\phi ^4$ theory as examples. By this quantization, correct expressions of the partition functions and the generating functionals for the quantum thermal electrodynamics and $\phi ^4$ theory are obtained in the coherent-state representation. These expressions allow us to perform analytical calculations of the partition functions and generating functionals and therefore are useful in practical applications. Especially, the perturbative expansions of the generating functionals are derived specifically by virtue of the stationary-phase method. The generating functionals formulated in the position space are re-derived from the ones given in the coherent-state representation

The effects of local voids and imperfections of surrounding rock on the performance of existing tunnel lining

Local voids and imperfections may exist around the tunnel due to reasons such as inadequate back infill behind the lining, insufficient local lining thickness, ground water erosion, and other imperfect construction related activities. Such local voids and imperfections generally will lead to local contact loss and discontinuity in the ground-lining interaction. This paper evaluates the effect of local voids and imperfections developing around the tunnel vault area on the mechanical performance of tunnel lining. Based on field investigation results, a series of voids and imperfections with different geometries are defined to reflect cases resulting from different causes. Numerical parametric analyses were performed to investigate how those voids and imperfections influence the internal force and the safety factor of the lining, and the reinforced concrete lining were modelled with the smeared crack model to examine the development of cracking directions and patterns. Furthermore, the numerical approach was verified by comparing with field investigations and measurements. This study aims to investigate the most unsafe situation due to local voids and imperfections around the tunnel, and the modelled cracking feature shows a way to preliminary evaluate the possible local voids and imperfections behind tunnel lining based on field observation

Fabrication of porous carbon nanotube network

We used the spin-coating method combined with ultrasonic atomization as a continuous, one-step process to generate a two-dimensional honeycomb network that was constructed from pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A Two-Step Quantum Direct Communication Protocol Using Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Pair Block

A protocol for quantum secure direct communication using blocks of EPR pairs is proposed. A set of ordered $N$ EPR pairs is used as a data block for sending secret message directly. The ordered $N$ EPR set is divided into two particle sequences, a checking sequence and a message-coding sequence. After transmitting the checking sequence, the two parties of communication check eavesdropping by measuring a fraction of particles randomly chosen, with random choice of two sets of measuring bases. After insuring the security of the quantum channel, the sender, Alice encodes the secret message directly on the message-coding sequence and send them to Bob. By combining the checking and message-coding sequences together, Bob is able to read out the encoded messages directly. The scheme is secure because an eavesdropper cannot get both sequences simultaneously. We also discuss issues in a noisy channel.Comment: 8 pages and 2 figures. To appear in Phys Rev

Carbonaceous nanomaterial reinforced Ti-6Al-4V matrix composites: Properties, interfacial structures and strengthening mechanisms

For conventional titanium matrix composites (TiMCs), there is always a trade-off issue between enhanced strength and ductility of these materials. In this study, we explore a new design methodology by reinforcing titanium alloy matrix with carbonaceous nanomaterials and investigate the mechanisms for achieving a good balance of their strength and ductility. The TiMCs were synthesized through a low-cost powder metallurgy route using pre-mixed Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) powders and various carbon based nanofillers, including graphite powders (GPs), graphene oxide nanosheets (GONs) and graphene nanoplates (GNPs), and were further rolled at a temperature of 1173 K with a deformation of 66.7%. Among these three types of carbon reinforcing sources, the GNPs are more easily reacted with TC4 matrix and form more contents of TiC phases after sintering owing to their larger amounts of defects than those of the GPs and GONs. TiC products are identified to play a bridging role for not only connecting the TC4 matrix but also forming coherent interfaces with the TC4 matrix, thus facilitating a strong interfacial bonding of the composites. The as-rolled GNPs/TC4 composites exhibit a 0.2% yield strength of 1146.36 MPa (with an elongation of ∼8.1%), which is 24.6%, 9.22% and 5.62% higher than those of pure TC4, GPs/TC4 and GONs/TC4 composites. The GNPs/TC4 nanocomposites show a better balance of strength and ductility than those of the other two types of nanocomposites. The synergetic strengthening mechanisms are identified to be Orowan strengthening effect, effective load transfer capability of GNPs, and in-situ formation of interfacial TiC structures, which provide optimum interfacial microstructures to achieve good mechanical properties of the TiMCs

Interface engineering of graphene/copper matrix composites decorated with tungsten carbide for enhanced physico-mechanical properties

For metal matrix composites (MMCs), introduction of low-dimensional nano-carbon materials (NCMs) into three dimensional metallic matrix is commonly applied to enhance mechanical and physical properties of metals and thus significantly extend their wide range applications. However, the interfaces between the NCMs and metal matrix are always a major issue for achieving the best enhancement effects. In this paper, we investigated interfacial structures of graphene nanoplates (GNPs) reinforced Cu matrix composites fabricated using a simple and industrially scalable strategy, through integration of interface engineering design methodology and a spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. We then systematically evaluated their physico-mechanical properties, interfacial characteristics and strengthening mechanisms. The in-situ formed WxCy nano-layers and carbide nanoparticles on the surfaces of GNPs and near the interfaces of Cu grains promote strong interfacial bonding and improves the cohesive strength of Cu based nanocomposites. The GNPs-W/Cu composites show a good balance between strength and electrical conductivity. Their 0.2% yield strength and ultimate tensile strength have been improved up to 239.13% (112.73%) and 197.76% (72.51%), respectively, when compared with those of pure copper (or GNPs/Cu composites). Electrical conductivity of GNPs-W/Cu composites shows no apparent changes after the addition of the GNPs. The dislocation strengthening, refinement strengthening and load transfer strengthening were achieved simultaneously through the engineered interfaces in GNPs-W/Cu matrix composites. This work has provided a new strategy to fabricate high-performance NCMs enhanced MMCs by using the interface engineering methodology

AGS tune jump system to cross horizontal depolarization resonances overview

Two partial snakes overcome the vertical depolarizing resonances in the AGS. But a new type of depolarizing intrinsic resonance from horizontal motion appeared. We reduce these using horizontal tune jumps timed to these resonances. We gain a factor of six in crossing rate with a tune jump of 0.05 in 100 {micro}s. Two quadrapoles, we described in 2009, pulse 42 times, the current matching beam energy. The power supplies for these quads are described in detail elsewhere in this conference. The controls for the Jump Quad system is based on a BNL designed Quad Function Generator. Two modules are used; one for timing, and one to supply reference voltages. Synchronization is provided by a proprietary serial bus, the Event Link. The AgsTuneJump application predicts the times of the resonances during the AGS cycle and calculates the power supply trigger times from externally collected tune and energy versus time data and the Low and High PS voltage functions from a voltage to current model of the power supply. The system was commissioned during runs 09 & 10 and is operational. Many beam effects are described elsewhere. The TuneJump system has worked well and has caused little trouble save for the perturbations in the lattice having such a large effect due to our need to run with the vertical tune within a few thousandths of the integer tune. As these problems were mostly sorted out by correcting the 6th harmonic orbit distortions which caused a large 18 theta beta wave. Also running with minimal chromaticity reduces emittance growth. There are still small beta waves which are being addressed. The timing of the pulses is still being investigated, but as each crossing causes minimal polarization loss, this is a lengthy process

Seasonal migration of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) over the Bohai Sea in northern China

The rice leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), is a serious insect pest of rice with a strong migratory ability. Previous studies on the migration of C. medinalis were mostly carried out in tropical or subtropical regions, however, and what the pattern of seasonal movements this species exhibits in temperate regions (i.e. Northern China, where they cannot overwinter) remains unknown. Here we present data from an 11-year study of this species made by searchlight trapping on Beihuang Island (BH, 38°24′N; 120°55′E) in the centre of the Bohai Strait, which provides direct evidence that C. medinalis regularly migrates across this sea into northeastern agricultural region of China, and to take advantage of the abundant food resources there during the summer season. There was considerable seasonal variation in number of C. medinalis trapped on BH, and the migration period during 2003–2013 ranged from 72 to 122 days. Some females trapped in June and July showed a relatively higher proportion of mated and a degree of ovarian development suggesting that the migration of this species is not completely bound by the ‘oogenesis-flight syndrome’. These findings revealed a new route for C. medinalis movements to and from Northeastern China, which will help us develop more effective management strategies against this pest

Plastic Flow in Two-Dimensional Solids

A time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model of plastic deformation in two-dimensional solids is presented. The fundamental dynamic variables are the displacement field \bi u and the lattice velocity {\bi v}=\p {\bi u}/\p t. Damping is assumed to arise from the shear viscosity in the momentum equation. The elastic energy density is a periodic function of the shear and tetragonal strains, which enables formation of slips at large strains. In this work we neglect defects such as vacancies, interstitials, or grain boundaries. The simplest slip consists of two edge dislocations with opposite Burgers vectors. The formation energy of a slip is minimized if its orientation is parallel or perpendicular to the flow in simple shear deformation and if it makes angles of $\pm \pi/4$ with respect to the stretched direction in uniaxial stretching. High-density dislocations produced in plastic flow do not disappear even if the flow is stopped. Thus large applied strains give rise to metastable, structurally disordered states. We divide the elastic energy into an elastic part due to affine deformation and a defect part. The latter represents degree of disorder and is nearly constant in plastic flow under cyclic straining.Comment: 16pages, Figures can be obtained at http://stat.scphys.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index-e.htm