Matrix product states approach to the Heisenberg ferrimagnetic spin chains

We propose a new version of the matrix product (MP) states approach to the description of quantum spin chains, which allows one to construct MP states with certain total spin and its z-projection. We show that previously known MP wavefunctions for integer-spin antiferromagnetic chains and ladders correspond to some particular cases of our general ansatz. Our method allows to describe systems with spontaneously broken rotational symmetry, like quantum ferrimagnetic chains whose ground state has nonzero total spin. We apply this approach to describe the ground state properties of the isotropic ferrimagnetic Heisenberg chain with alternating spins 1 and 1/2 and compare our variational results with the high-precision numerical data obtained by means of the quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method. For both the ground state energy and the correlation functions we obtain very good agreement between the variational results and the QMC data.Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, uses psfig.sty, submitted to Phys. Rev.

A DMRG Study of Low-Energy Excitations and Low-Temperature Properties of Alternating Spin Systems

We use the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method to study the ground and low-lying excited states of three kinds of uniform and dimerized alternating spin chains. The DMRG procedure is also employed to obtain low-temperature thermodynamic properties of these systems. We consider a 2N site system with spins $s_1$ and $s_2$ alternating from site to site and interacting via a Heisenberg antiferromagnetic exchange. The three systems studied correspond to $(s_1 ,s_2 )$ being equal to $(1,1/2),(3/2,1/2)$ and $(3/2,1)$; all of them have very similar properties. The ground state is found to be ferrimagnetic with total spin $s_G =N(s_1 - s_2)$. We find that there is a gapless excitation to a state with spin $s_G -1$, and a gapped excitation to a state with spin $s_G +1$. Surprisingly, the correlation length in the ground state is found to be very small for this gapless system. The DMRG analysis shows that the chain is susceptible to a conditional spin-Peierls instability. Furthermore, our studies of the magnetization, magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ and specific heat show strong magnetic-field dependences. The product $\chi T$ shows a minimum as a function of temperature T at low magnetic fields; the minimum vanishes at high magnetic fields. This low-field behavior is in agreement with earlier experimental observations. The specific heat shows a maximum as a function of temperature, and the height of the maximum increases sharply at high magnetic fields. Although all the three systems show qualitatively similar behavior, there are some notable quantitative differences between the systems in which the site spin difference, $|s_1 - s_2|$, is large and small respectively.Comment: 16 LaTeX pages, 13 postscript figure

Orbital maneuvering engine feed system coupled stability investigation

A digital computer model used to analyze and predict engine feed system coupled instabilities over a frequency range of 10 to 1000 Hz was developed and verified. The analytical approach to modeling the feed system hydrodynamics, combustion dynamics, chamber dynamics, and overall engineering model structure is described and the governing equations in each of the technical areas are presented. This is followed by a description of the generalized computer model, including formulation of the discrete subprograms and their integration into an overall engineering model structure. The operation and capabilities of the engineering model were verified by comparing the model's theoretical predictions with experimental data from an OMS-type engine with a known feed system/engine chugging history

Orbital Maneuvering Engine Feed System Coupled Stability Investigation, Computer User's Manual

An operating manual for the feed system coupled stability model was given, in partial fulfillment of a program designed to develop, verify, and document a digital computer model that can be used to analyze and predict engine/feed system coupled instabilities in pressure-fed storable propellant propulsion systems over a frequency range of 10 to 1,000 Hz. The first section describes the analytical approach to modelling the feed system hydrodynamics, combustion dynamics, chamber dynamics, and overall engineering model structure, and presents the governing equations in each of the technical areas. This is followed by the program user's guide, which is a complete description of the structure and operation of the computerized model. Last, appendices provide an alphabetized FORTRAN symbol table, detailed program logic diagrams, computer code listings, and sample case input and output data listings

Precise tracking of the Magellan and Pioneer Venusorbiters by same-beam interferometry. Part 1: Dataaccuracy analysis

Simultaneous tracking of two spacecraft in orbit about a distant planet by two widely separated Earth-based radio antennas provides more-accurate positioning information than can be obtained by tracking each spacecraft separately. A demonstration of this tracking technique, referred to as same-beam interferometry (SBI), is currently being done using the Magellan and Pioneer 12 orbiters at Venus. Signals from both spacecraft fall within the same beamwidth of the Deep Space Station antennas. The plane-of-sky position difference between spacecraft is precisely determined by doubly differenced phase measurements. This radio metric measurement naturally complements line-of-sight Doppler. Data was first collected from Magellan and Pioneer 12 on August 11-12, 1990, shortly after Magellan was inserted into Venus orbit. Data were subsequently acquired in February and April 1991, providing a total of 34 hours of same-beam radio metric observables. Same-beam radio metric residuals have been analyzed and compared with model measurement error predictions. The predicted error is dominated by solar plasma fluctuations. The rms of the residuals is less than predicted by about 25 percent for 5-min averages. The shape of the spectrum computed from residuals is consistent with that derived from a model of solar plasma fluctuations. This data type can greatly aid navigation of a second spacecraft when the first is well-known in its orbit

Assessing health and well-being among older people in rural South Africa

Background: The population in developing countries is ageing, which is likely to increase the burden of noncommunicable diseases and disability. Objective: To describe factors associated with self-reported health, disability and quality of life (QoL) of older people in the rural northeast of South Africa. Design: Cross-sectional survey of 6,206 individuals aged 50 and over. We used multivariate analysis to examine relationships between demographic variables and measures of self-reported health (Health Status), functional ability (WHODASi) and quality of life (WHOQoL). Results: About 4,085 of 6,206 people eligible (65.8%) completed the interview. Women (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.09, 1.55), older age (OR2.59, 95% CI 1.97, 3.40), lower education (OR1.62, 95% CI 1.31,2.00), single status (OR1.18, 95% CI 1.01, 1.37) and not working at present (OR1.29, 95% CI 1.06, 1.59) were associated with a low health status. Women were also more likely to report a higher level of disability (OR1.38, 95% CI 1.14, 1.66), as were older people (OR2.92, 95% CI 2.25, 3.78), those with no education (OR1.57, 95% CI 1.26, 1.97), with single status (OR1.25, 95% CI 1.06, 1.46) and not working at present (OR1.33, 95% CI 1.06, 1.66). Older age (OR1.35, 95% CI 1.06, 1.74), no education (OR1.39, 95% CI 1.11, 1.73), single status (OR1.28, 95% CI 1.10, 1.49), a low household asset score (OR1.52, 95% CI 1.19, 1.94) and not working at present (OR1.32; 95% CI 1.07, 1.64) were all associated with lower quality of life. Conclusions: This study presents the first population-based data from South Africa on health status, functional ability and quality of life among older people. Health and social services will need to be restructured to provide effective care for older people living in rural South Africa with impaired functionality and other health problems

Causes de décès dans une zone rurale d'Afrique du Sud comparées à deux autres situations (Sénégal et France)

L'étude compare le profil des causes de décès dans une zone rurale de l'Afrique du Sud (Agincourt, 1992-1995) à une autre zone rurale d'Afrique de l'Ouest (Niakhar, 1983-1989) et à un pays développé ayant la même espérance de vie (la France de 1951). Cette comparaison permettra d'identifier les causes de décès ayant une fréquence particulièrement forte (ou faible) et par conséquent de dégager des priorités pour les futures actions de santé publique. Dans les deux sites africains, les causes de décès sont déterminées par autopsie verbale, alors que dans le cas de la France les données sur les causes de décès proviennent de l'enregistrement régulier par le corps médical. Dans les trois cas, les taux comparatifs de mortalité par cause ont été calculés. Sur le site d'Afrique du Sud, l'espérance de vie à la naissance était estimée à 66 ans au cours de la période 1992-1995, pratiquement identique à celle de la France de 1951, mais beaucoup plus élevée que celle de Niakhar dans les années 1983-1989 (49 ans). Les causes déterminant une mortalité particulièrement élevée à Agincourt sont les morts violentes (homicide et suicide), les accidents (accidents de la route et accidents domestiques), certaines maladies infectieuses (sida, tuberculose, diarrhée et dysenterie), et certaines maladies non-transmissibles (cancers des organes génitaux, cirrhose du foie, hémorragie gastrique, mortalité maternelle, épilepsie, rhumatisme articulaire aigu, pneumoconiose), ainsi que la malnutrition des jeunes enfants (kwashiorkor). Les causes de décès déterminant une mortalité particulièrement faible sont les maladies respiratoires (pneumonie, bronchite, grippe, cancer du poumon), les autres cancers, les maladies vaccinables (rougeole, coqueluche, tétanos) et le marasme... (D'après résumé d'auteur

Semiclassical corrections to the interaction energy of a hard-sphere Boltzmann gas

Quantum effects in statistical mechanics are important when the thermal wavelength is of the order of, or greater than, the mean interatomic spacing. This is examined at depth taking the example of a hard-sphere Boltzmann gas. Using the virial expansion for the equation of state, it is shown that the interaction energy of a classical hard-sphere gas is exactly zero. When the (second) virial coefficient of such a gas is obtained quantum mechanically, however, the quantum contribution to the interaction energy is shown to be substantial. The importance of the semiclassical corrections to the interaction energy shows up dramatically in such a system.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Eur. J. Phy

Electronic structure of the molecule based magnet Cu PM(NO3)2 (H2O)2

We present density functional calculations on the molecule based S=1/2 antiferromagnetic chain compound Cu PM(NO3)2 (H2O)2; PM = pyrimidine. The properties of the ferro- and antiferromagnetic state are investigated at the level of the local density approximation and with the hybrid functional B3LYP. Spin density maps illustrate the exchange path via the pyrimidine molecule which mediates the magnetism in the one-dimensional chain. The computed exchange coupling is antiferromagnetic and in reasonable agreement with the experiment. It is suggested that the antiferromagnetic coupling is due to the possibility of stronger delocalization of the charges on the nitrogen atoms, compared to the ferromagnetic case. In addition, computed isotropic and anisotropic hyperfine interaction parameters are compared with recent NMR experiments