Phenomena in Complex (Dusty) Plasma Studied under Microgravity Conditions

Complex (dusty) plasmas are composed of weakly ionized gas and charged microparticles and represent the plasma state of soft matter. The investigations which are not available on ground have been per-formed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) with the help of the “Plasma Crystal-3 Plus” (PK-3 Plus) laboratory. A number of interesting phenomena has been observed. The phase transition from iso-tropic plasma into electrorheological plasma was initiated. The crystal-liquid phase transition was ob-tained in large 3D isotropic dusty plasma. The slow compression of the dust particle subsystem has been investigated

Training Higher School Students in Rapid Prototyping Technology as a Final Stage of Their Preparation for Innovative Activities

Introduction. The methodological systems of preparation for innovative engineering activity involve the involvement of students in all stages of the innovation cycle, including obtaining an intangible innovative product. However, the inability to obtain in students a material innovative product reduces the effectiveness of the preparation of these systems. The purpose of this study is to create a methodical system for preparing students for innovative research activities based on their involvement in all stages of obtaining a material innovative product using additive technologies. Materials and Methods. For writing the article the authors used the main points of the integrated approach to learning (integration of theoretical and practical training of innovative research activities and interdisciplinary integration of various branches of science (pedagogy, mathematical modeling, 3D modeling, additive technologies, innovation). Results. The methodical system of training students of technical higher education institution has been created and implemented, ensuring their involvement in all stages of the innovation cycle due to the use of rapid prototyping technologies. The effectiveness of technologies is confirmed by the results of the pedagogical experiment. Discussion and Conclusions. The performed researches allowed to create a methodical system for training students of technical universities of innovative research activities based on rapid prototyping technologies. This method significantly improves the effectiveness of training. It ensures the participation of students in all stages of obtaining a material innovative product: during the study of the course, and during classroom sessions. This method was developed and tested for the implementation at National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University. It provides the practical significance of the study considered in the article. Further development of the material presented in the article can be related to the expansion of the infrastructure of the Rapid Pro university center for designing and prototyping and attracting students to manufacturing industrial products

Freezing and melting of 3D complex plasma structures under microgravity conditions driven by neutral gas pressure manipulation

Freezing and melting of large three-dimensional complex plasmas under microgravity conditions is investigated. The neutral gas pressure is used as a control parameter to trigger the phase changes: Complex plasma freezes (melts) by decreasing (increasing) the pressure. Evolution of complex plasma structural properties upon pressure variation is studied. Theoretical estimates allow us to identify main factors responsible for the observed behavior.Comment: Phys. Rev. Lett. (in press); 4 pages, 4 figure

Fluid-solid phase transitions in 3D complex plasmas under microgravity conditions

Phase behavior of large three-dimensional complex plasma systems under microgravity conditions onboard the International Space Station is investigated. The neutral gas pressure is used as a control parameter to trigger phase changes. Detailed analysis of structural properties and evaluation of three different melting/freezing indicators reveal that complex plasmas can exhibit melting by increasing the gas pressure. Theoretical estimates of complex plasma parameters allow us to identify main factors responsible for the observed behavior. The location of phase states of the investigated systems on a relevant equilibrium phase diagram is estimated. Important differences between the melting process of 3D complex plasmas under microgravity conditions and that of flat 2D complex plasma crystals in ground based experiments are discussed.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures; submitted to Phys. Rev.

Understanding Russia's return to the Middle East

Over recent years, there has been a significant resurgence of Russian power and influence in the Middle East, which has been evident in the diplomatic and military intervention into Syria. This article identifies the principal factors behind Russia’s return to the region. First, there are domestic political influences with the coincidence of the uprisings in the Middle East, the so-called ‘Arab Spring,’ with large-scale domestic opposition protests within Russia during the elections in 2011–2012. Second, there is the role of ideas, most notably the growing anti-Westernism in Putin’s third presidential term, along with Russia’s own struggle against Islamist terrorism. These ideational factors contributed to Russia’s resolve to support the Assad government against both Western intervention and its domestic Islamist opposition. Third, Russia has benefited from a pragmatic and flexible approach in its engagement with the region. Moscow seeks to ensure that it is a critical actor for all the various states and political movements in the Middle East