8,947 research outputs found
The Octonions
The octonions are the largest of the four normed division algebras. While
somewhat neglected due to their nonassociativity, they stand at the crossroads
of many interesting fields of mathematics. Here we describe them and their
relation to Clifford algebras and spinors, Bott periodicity, projective and
Lorentzian geometry, Jordan algebras, and the exceptional Lie groups. We also
touch upon their applications in quantum logic, special relativity and
supersymmetry.Comment: 56 pages LaTeX, 11 Postscript Figures, some small correction
Dipole-Allowed Direct Band Gap Silicon Superlattices
Silicon is the most popular material used in electronic devices. However, its
poor optical properties owing to its indirect band gap nature limit its usage
in optoelectronic devices. Here we present the discovery of super-stable
pure-silicon superlattice structures that can serve as promising materials for
solar cell applications and can lead to the realization of pure Si-based
optoelectronic devices. The structures are almost identical to that of bulk Si
except that defective layers are intercalated in the diamond lattice. The
superlattices exhibit dipole-allowed direct band gaps as well as indirect band
gaps, providing ideal conditions for the investigation of a direct-to-indirect
band gap transition. The transition can be understood in terms of a novel
conduction band originating from defective layers, an overlap between the
valence- and conduction-band edge states at the interface layers, and zone
folding with quantum confinement effects on the conduction band of
non-defective bulk-like Si. The fact that almost all structural portions of the
superlattices originate from bulk Si warrants their stability and good lattice
matching with bulk Si. Through first-principles molecular dynamics simulations,
we confirmed their thermal stability and propose a possible method to
synthesize the defective layer through wafer bonding
Evaluation of primary water stress corrosion cracking growth rates by using the extended finite element method
AbstractBackgroundMitigation of primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) is a significant issue in the nuclear industry. Advanced nickel-based alloys with lower susceptibility have been adopted, although they do not seem to be entirely immune from PWSCC during normal operation. With regard to structural integrity assessments of the relevant components, an accurate evaluation of crack growth rate (CGR) is important.MethodsFor the present study, the extended finite element method was adopted from among diverse meshless methods because of its advantages in arbitrary crack analysis. A user-subroutine based on the strain rate damage model was developed and incorporated into the crack growth evaluation.ResultsThe proposed method was verified by using the well-known Alloy 600 material with a reference CGR curve. The analyzed CGR curve of the alternative Alloy 690 material was then newly estimated by applying the proven method over a practical range of stress intensity factors.ConclusionReliable CGR curves were obtained without complex environmental facilities or a high degree of experimental effort. The proposed method may be used to assess the PWSCC resistance of nuclear components subjected to high residual stresses such as those resulting from dissimilar metal welding parts
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