The simplest derivation of the Lorentz transformation

Starting from the well-known light-clock thought experiment to derive time dilation and length contraction, it is shown that finding the Lorentz Transformation requires nothing more than the most trivial vector addition formula. The form which is obtaine for the L.T. allows an easy derivation of the velocity and acceleration transformations which are also given.Comment: Latex, 4 pages, 1 figure. Two first paragraphs rewritten. Error in formula corrected. Various typo corrected. Example added (Should really be V3. But V3 identical to V2 for some reason

Trends in mechanical fasteners

Some of the specialty fasteners which are enjoying increasing usage are: thread rolling screws, self drilling and tapping screws, locking screws, tamperproof fasteners, and flanged bolts and nuts. The development of an optimum metric fastener system is recommended for future fastener manufacturing

Theory of one-element pumps for propulsion

A basic theory for one-element propulsion pumps is developed. A limit to the obtainable efficiency is established and relationships among pump-performance parameters that result in the greatest efficiency are indicated. It is shown that the peripheral velocity of the pump is directly related to ship speed and some relationships between performance parameters and pump geometry are developed. Mathematical models of pump performance are included

A consistent interpretation of the Karmen anomaly

The Karmen anomaly can be interpreted as being due to a heavy neutrino of mass around 137 MeV produced in $\pi_{e 2}$ decays. This interpretation is consistent with the present limits on the couplings of such an object.Comment: 11pages, 4figures, Te

Optical scanning tests of complex CMOS microcircuits

The new test method was based on the use of a raster-scanned optical stimulus in combination with special electrical test procedures. The raster-scanned optical stimulus was provided by an optical spot scanner, an instrument that combines a scanning optical microscope with electronic instrumentation to process and display the electric photoresponse signal induced in a device that is being tested

Different steady states for spin currents in noncollinear multilayers

We find there are at least two different steady states for transport across noncollinear magnetic multilayers. In the conventional one there is a discontinuity in the spin current across the interfaces which has been identified as the source of current induced magnetic reversal; in the one advocated herein the spin torque arises from the spin accumulation transverse to the magnetization of a magnetic layer. These two states have quite different attributes which should be discerned by current experiments.Comment: 8 pages, no figure. Accepted for publication in Journal of Physics: Condensed Matte

Triclosan: An Instructive Tale

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a final rule to ban triclosan and 18 other antimicrobial chemicals from soaps. We applaud this rule specifically because of the associated risks that triclosan poses to the spread of antibiotic resistance throughout the environment. This persistent chemical constantly stresses bacteria to adapt, and behavior that promotes antibiotic resistance needs to be stopped immediately when the benefits are null

Microscopic observations of X-ray and gamma-ray induced decomposition of ammonium perchlorate crystals

The X-ray and gamma-ray induced decomposition of ammonium perchlorate was studied by optical, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. This material is a commonly used oxidizer in solid propellents which could be employed in deep-space probes, and where they will be subjected to a variety of radiations for as long as ten years. In some respects the radiation-induced damage closely resembles the effects produced by thermal decomposition, but in other respects the results differ markedly. Similar radiation and thermal effects include the following: (1) irregular or ill-defined circular etch pits are formed in both cases; (2) approximately the same size pits are produced; (3) the pit density is similar; (4) the c face is considerably more reactive than the m face; and (5) most importantly, many of the etch pits are aligned in crystallographic directions which are the same for thermal or radiolytic decomposition. Thus, dislocations play an important role in the radiolytic decomposition process