Magnetostriction of a Superconductor: -Results from the Critical-State Model

In many cases, the critical-state theory can be treated as a suffi ciently accurate approximation for the modelling of the magnetic properties of superconductors. In the present work, the magnetostrictive hysteresis is computed for a quite general case of the modified Kim-Anderson model. The results obtained reproduce many features of the giant magnetostriction (butterfly-shaped curves) reported in the literature for measurements made on single-crystal samples of the high-temperature superconductor $Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8$. It is shown that addition of a contribution to the magnetostriction in the superconducting state which is of similar origin as in the normal state, offers a broader phenomenological interpretation of the complex magnetostriction hysteresis found in such heavy-fermion compounds as $UPt_3$, $URu_2Si_2$ or $UBe_{13}$.Comment: 9 LaTeX pages, 4 Postscript figures, WWW version available at http://is.dal.ca/~zkoziol/super.htm

Wavelet analysis of beam-soil structure response for fast moving train

This paper presents a wavelet based approach for the vibratory analysis of beam-soil structure related to a point load moving along a beam resting on the surface. The model is represented by the Euler-Bernoulli equation for the beam, elastodynamic equation of motion for the soil and appropriate boundary conditions. Two cases are analysed: the model with a half space under the beam and the model where the supporting medium has a finite thickness. Analytical solutions for the displacements are obtained and discussed in relation to the used boundary conditions and the type of considered loads: harmonic and constant. The analysis in time-frequency and velocity-frequency domains is carried out for realistic systems of parameters describing physical properties of the model. The approximate displacement values are determined by applying a wavelet method for a derivation of the inverse Fourier transform. A special form of the coiflet filter used in numerical calculations allows to carry out analysis without loss of accuracy related to singularities appearing in wavelet approximation formulas, when dealing with standard filters and complex dynamic systems. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd

Intrinsic Pinning in the High Field C-Phase of UPt_3

We report on the a.c. magnetic response of superconducting UPt_3 in a d.c. magnetic field. At low fields (H < H^*), the in-phase susceptibility shows a sharp drop at $T_c$ followed by a gradual decrease with decreasing temperature, while the out-of-phase component shows a large peak at T_c followed by an unusual broad peak. As the B-C phase line is crossed (H>H^*), however, both the in-phase and out-of-phase susceptibilities resemble the zero-field Meissner curves. We interpret these results in terms of a vortex pinning force which, while comparatively small in the A/B-phases, becomes large enough to effectively prevent vortex motion in the C-phase.Comment: Modified discussion, slight changes to figures, accepted in PRB Rapid Communications. RevTex file, 5 figure

The true amphipathic nature of graphene flakes: a versatile 2D stabilizer

The fundamental colloidal properties of pristine graphene flakes remain incompletely understood, with conflicting reports about their chemical character, hindering potential applications that could exploit the extraordinary electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene. Here, the true amphipathic nature of pristine graphene flakes is demonstrated through wet‐chemistry testing, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo calculations, and it is shown how this fact paves the way for the formation of ultrastable water/oil emulsions. In contrast to commonly used graphene oxide flakes, pristine graphene flakes possess well‐defined hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions: the basal plane and edges, respectively, the interplay of which allows small flakes to be utilized as stabilizers with an amphipathic strength that depends on the edge‐to‐surface ratio. The interactions between flakes can be also controlled by varying the oil‐to‐water ratio. In addition, it is predicted that graphene flakes can be efficiently used as a new‐generation stabilizer that is active under high pressure, high temperature, and in saline solutions, greatly enhancing the efficiency and functionality of applications based on this materia

Breaking the electrical barrier between copper and carbon nanotubes.

Improving the interface between copper and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offers a straightforward strategy for the effective manufacturing and utilisation of Cu-CNT composite material that could be used in various industries including microelectronics, aerospace and transportation. Motivated by a combination of structural and electrical measurements on Cu-M-CNT bimetal systems (M = Ni, Cr) we show, using first principles calculations, that the conductance of this composite can exceed that of a pure Cu-CNT system and that the current density can even reach 1011 A cm-2. The results show that the proper choice of alloying element (M) and type of contact facilitate the fabrication of ultra-conductive Cu-M-CNT systems by creating a favourable interface geometry, increasing the interface electronic density of states and reducing the contact resistance. In particular, a small concentration of Ni between the Cu matrix and the CNT using either an "end contact" and or a "dot contact" can significantly improve the electrical performance of the composite. Furthermore the predicted conductance of Ni-doped Cu-CNT "carpets" exceeds that of an undoped system by ∼200%. Cr is shown to improve CNT integration and composite conductance over a wide temperature range while Al, at low voltages, can enhance the conductance beyond that of Cr

Impurity effects in superconducting UPt3

Superconducting UPt3 is characterized by a novel and complex magnetic field‐temperature phase diagram, with two superconducting transitions at Tc1 and Tc2 in zero field. We have studied the effects of Pd and Y impurities on the zero field superconducting properties of UPt3. Resistance measurements show that both dopants increase the residual resistivity and decrease the spin fluctuation temperature in the normal state. Tc1 is depressed by both dopants, but more effectively by Pd. ‖Tc1 − Tc2‖ is essentially unaffected by Y doping, but increases dramatically with Pd doping.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/70706/2/JAPIAU-69-8-5487-1.pd