Axiomatization and Models of Scientific Theories

In this paper we discuss two approaches to the axiomatization of scien- tific theories in the context of the so called semantic approach, according to which (roughly) a theory can be seen as a class of models. The two approaches are associated respectively to Suppes’ and to da Costa and Chuaqui’s works. We argue that theories can be developed both in a way more akin to the usual mathematical practice (Suppes), in an informal set theoretical environment, writing the set theoretical predicate in the language of set theory itself or, more rigorously (da Costa and Chuaqui), by employing formal languages that help us in writing the postulates to define a class of structures. Both approaches are called internal, for we work within a mathematical framework, here taken to be first-order ZFC. We contrast these approaches with an external one, here discussed briefly. We argue that each one has its strong and weak points, whose discussion is relevant for the philosophical foundations of science

Nematic liquid crystal dynamics under applied electric fields

In this paper we investigate the dynamics of liquid crystal textures in a two-dimensional nematic under applied electric fields, using numerical simulations performed using a publicly available LIquid CRystal Algorithm (LICRA) developed by the authors. We consider both positive and negative dielectric anisotropies and two different possibilities for the orientation of the electric field (parallel and perpendicular to the two-dimensional lattice). We determine the effect of an applied electric field pulse on the evolution of the characteristic length scale and other properties of the liquid crystal texture network. In particular, we show that different types of defects are produced after the electric field is switched on, depending on the orientation of the electric field and the sign of the dielectric anisotropy.Comment: 7 pages, 12 figure

Rapid determination of food quality using steady state free precession sequences in TD-NMR spectroscopy.

bitstream/item/180768/1/Rapid-determination-of-food-quality-using-steady-state-free-precession-sequences-in-TD-NMR-spectroscopy..pd

Dilute-phase pneumatic conveying of polystyrene particles: pressure drop curve and particle distribution over the pipe cross-section

During the pneumatic conveying of plastic pellets, it has been observed that materials with similar physical characteristics may develop a substantial difference in pressure drop. In this work, the pressure drop in a particle-laden 2.7 meter long horizontal channel with circular cross-section is presented from an experimental perspective. Experiments are carried out for cylindrical polystyrene beads with an average diameter of 3.2 mm and mass loadings of 0.06 to 0.11 (kg particles/kg gas). The air mass flow rate was studied in the range from 0.085 kg/s to 0.170 kg/s. The pressure drop curve is shown as a function of air velocity and particle load. Response surface methodology showed high statistical significance for air velocity, particle load and their cross-relation.8188Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Measuring the Charged Particle Multiplicity with ALICE

The charged particle multiplicity distribution is one of the first measurements that ALICE will be able to perform. The knowledge of this basic property at a new energy is needed to configure Monte Carlo generators correctly with the aim of understanding the background of other, especially rare, processes including new physics. It allows to study the scaling behaviour and to verify model predictions. The unfolding of the measurement is a non-trivial task due to the finite precision and acceptance of the detector. Solutions are based on chi2 minimization or iteratively using Bayes' theorem. Both approaches to unfold the spectrum are presented. Furthermore, the capabilities of the SPD fast OR trigger are shown that enable physics at very high multiplicities.Comment: Proceedings of poster presentation at Quark Matter 2008, 20th International Conference on Ultra-Relativistic Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions in Jaipur, India; to be published in Indian Journal of Physics; 4 pages, 4 figure

Axiomatization and Models of Scientific Theories

In this paper we discuss two approaches to the axiomatization of scien- tific theories in the context of the so called semantic approach, according to which (roughly) a theory can be seen as a class of models. The two approaches are associated respectively to Suppes’ and to da Costa and Chuaqui’s works. We argue that theories can be developed both in a way more akin to the usual mathematical practice (Suppes), in an informal set theoretical environment, writing the set theoretical predicate in the language of set theory itself or, more rigorously (da Costa and Chuaqui), by employing formal languages that help us in writing the postulates to define a class of structures. Both approaches are called internal, for we work within a mathematical framework, here taken to be first-order ZFC. We contrast these approaches with an external one, here discussed briefly. We argue that each one has its strong and weak points, whose discussion is relevant for the philosophical foundations of science