On the particle spectrum and the conformal window

We study the SU(3) gauge theory with twelve flavours of fermions in the fundamental representation as a prototype of non-Abelian gauge theories inside the conformal window. Guided by the pattern of underlying symmetries, chiral and conformal, we analyze the two-point functions theoretically and on the lattice, and determine the finite size scaling and the infinite volume fermion mass dependence of the would-be hadron masses. We show that the spectrum in the Coulomb phase of the system can be described in the context of a universal scaling analysis and we provide the nonperturbative determination of the fermion mass anomalous dimension gamma*=0.235(46) at the infrared fixed point. We comment on the agreement with the four-loop perturbative prediction for this quantity and we provide a unified description of all existing lattice results for the spectrum of this system, them being in the Coulomb phase or the asymptotically free phase. Our results corroborate the view that the fixed point we are studying is not associated to a physical singularity along the bare coupling line and estimates of physical observables can be attempted on either side of the fixed point. Finally, we observe the restoration of the U(1) axial symmetry in the two-point functions.Comment: 40 pages, 22 figure

One,Two,Zero: Scales of Strong Interactions

We discuss our results on QCD with a number of fundamental fermions ranging from zero to sixteen. These theories exhibit a wide array of fascinating phenomena which have been under close scrutiny, especially in recent years, first and foremost is the approach to conformality. To keep this review focused, we have chosen scale generation, or lack thereof as a guiding theme, however the discussion will be set in the general framework of the analysis of the phases and phase transitions of strong interactions at zero and nonzero temperature.Comment: 15 pages, prepared for IJMPA Special Issue 'Recent Nonperturbative Developments in QCD-like Theories

Quark matter revisited with non extensive MIT bag model

In this work we revisit the MIT bag model to describe quark matter within both the usual Fermi-Dirac and the Tsallis statistics. We verify the effects of the non-additivity of the latter by analysing two different pictures: the first order phase transition of the QCD phase diagram and stellar matter properties. While, the QCD phase diagram is visually affected by the Tsallis statistics, the resulting effects on quark star macroscopic properties are barely noticed.Comment: 10 pagens, 5 figure

Tilted boxes on inclined planes

We propose the study of a box placed on an inclined plane, with an initial tilt with respect to the plane. This is a paradigmatic example of the role played by friction as a link between translational and rotational motion. This example has two advantages over the usual example of a sphere (or cylinder) rolling down an inclined plane. First, it provides a good model for a much greater variety of "real-life" situations. Second, it exhibits a much richer structure in parameter space, even when the box starts from rest. (C) 2000 American Association of Physics Teachers

Production of thermoplastic matrix towpregs for higly demanding and cost - effective commercial applications

This work reviews the work made in last years to produce thermoplastic matrix towpregs to highly demanding and more cost-effective commercial applications using a powder coating technology developed in Portugal by Minho and Porto Universities. Different thermoplastic matrices and continuous fibre reinforcements were used in the towpregs produced for highly demanding markets (e.g., carbon fibre reinforced Primospire towpreg) and for more commercial applications (e.g., glass fibre reinforced polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride towpregs). The relevant processing parameters, such as, fibre pull-speed and furnace temperature were varied to determine their influence on the polymer mass fraction obtained in the studied raw materials. Several technologies were also developed and used (compression moulding, pultrusion and filament winding) to process composite parts with adequate properties for the envisaged markets at compatible production rates. The obtained results lead us to conclude that the studied thermoplastic matrix towpregs and their processed composite parts have very interesting conditions for being applied both in highly advanced and cost-effective markets.European Space Agency (ESA) e Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Production of thermoplastic matrix towpregs for highly demanding and cost-effective commercial applications

This work reviews the work made in last years to produce thermoplastic matrix towpregs to highly demanding and more cost-effective commercial applications using a powder coating technology developed in Portugal by Minho and Porto Universities. Different thermoplastic matrices and continuous fibre reinforcements were used in the towpregs produced for highly demanding markets (e.g., carbon fibre reinforced Primospire towpreg) and for more commercial applications (e.g., glass fibre reinforced polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride towpregs). The relevant processing parameters, such as, fibre pull-speed and furnace temperature were varied to determine their influence on the polymer mass fraction obtained in the studied raw materials. Several technologies were also developed and used (compression moulding, pultrusion and filament winding) to process composite parts with adequate properties for the envisaged markets at compatible production rates. The obtained results lead us to conclude that the studied thermoplastic matrix towpregs and their processed composite parts have very interesting conditions for being applied both in highly advanced and cost-effective markets.The authors acknowledge the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the financial support given to the work carried on

Processing of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics

ECCM15 - 15TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON COMPOSITE MATERIALS, Venice, Italy, 24-28 June 2012Towpregs based on different fibres and thermoplastic matrices were processed for highly demanding and more commercial applications by different composite processing technologies. In the technologies used, compression moulding and pultrusion, the final composite pr ocessing parameters were studied in order to obtain composites with adequate properties at industrial compatible production rates. The produced towpregs were tested to verify its polymer content and degree of impregnation. The obtained results have shown t hat the coating line enabled to produce, with efficiency and industrial scale speed rates, thermoplastic matrix towpregs that may be used to manufacture composites for advanced and larger volume commercial markets

Processing of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics

Towpregs based on different fibres and thermoplastic matrices were processed for highly demanding and more commercial applications by different composite processing technologies. In the technologies used, compression moulding and pultrusion, the final composite processing parameters were studied in order to obtain composites with adequate properties at industrial compatible production rates. The produced towpregs were tested to verify its polymer content and degree of impregnation. The obtained results have shown that the coating line enabled to produce, with efficiency and industrial scale speed rates, thermoplastic matrix towpregs that may be used to manufacture composites for advanced and larger volume commercial markets.(undefined

Modelling uncertainty in decision making : fuzzy performance measures and fuzzy target

Decision making processes are based on performance measures that are compared with other performance measures values or with targets. Generally, the performance measure is only a number which do not consider the uncertainty associated with obtaining it such as measurement errors, precision and accuracy of measurement tools and subjective judgment. In this work, the uncertainty associated with performance measures is quantified through fuzzy numbers. The decision criterion is also represented by a fuzzy number. An indicator that considers both uncertainties in performance measure and decision criterion is developed. This indicator will help the decision maker once it quantifies the risk associated with the decision.Centro Algoritm