49 research outputs found
Relations between the K_{l3} and tau --> K pi nu_tau decays
We investigate the relations between the K_{l3} and tau --> K pi nu_tau
decays using the meson dominance approach. First, the experimental branching
fractions (BF) for K^-_{e3} and K^0_{e3} are used to fix two normalization
constants (isospin invariance is not assumed). Then, the BF of tau^- -->
K^*(892)^- nu_tau is calculated in agreement with experiment. We further argue
that the nonzero value of the slope parameter lambda_0 of the K^-_{mu3} and
K^0_{mu3} form factors f_0(t) implies the existence of the tau^- -->
K_0^*(1430)^- nu_tau decay. We calculate its BF, together with BF's of the
K^-_{mu3}, K^0_{mu3}, tau- --> K^- pi^0 nu_tau, and tau- --> antiK^0 pi^0
nu_tau decays, as a function of the lambda_0 parameter. At some value of
lambda_0, different for charged and neutral kaons, calculated BF's seem to
match existing data and a prediction is obtained for the tau^- --> K pi nu
decays going through the K_0^*(1430)^- resonance.Comment: 14 pages, RevTeX, epsf.sty, 3 embedded figure
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Characterizing the Nano and Micro Structure of Concrete toImprove its Durability
New and advanced methodologies have been developed to characterize the nano and microstructure of cement paste and concrete exposed to aggressive environments. High resolution full-field soft X-ray imaging in the water window is providing new insight on the nano scale of the cement hydration process, which leads to a nano-optimization of cement-based systems. Hard X-ray microtomography images of ice inside cement paste and cracking caused by the alkali?silica reaction (ASR) enables three-dimensional structural identification. The potential of neutron diffraction to determine reactive aggregates by measuring their residual strains and preferred orientation is studied. Results of experiments using these tools are shown on this paper
On a possible new R^2 theory of supergravity
We consider a new MacDowell-Mansouri R^2-type of supergravity theory, an
extension of conformal supergravity, based on the superalgebra Osp(1|8).
Invariance under local symmetries with negative Weyl weight is achieved by
imposing chirality-duality and double-duality constraints on curvatures, along
with the usual constraint of vanishing supertorsion. An analysis of the
remaining gauge symmetries shows that those with vanishing Weyl weight are
invariances of the action at the linearized level. For the symmetries with
positive Weyl weight we find that invariance of the action would require
further modifications of the transformation rules. This conclusion is supported
by a kinematical analysis of the closure of the gauge algebra.Comment: 52 pages, Late
Monte Carlo Methods for Estimating Interfacial Free Energies and Line Tensions
Excess contributions to the free energy due to interfaces occur for many
problems encountered in the statistical physics of condensed matter when
coexistence between different phases is possible (e.g. wetting phenomena,
nucleation, crystal growth, etc.). This article reviews two methods to estimate
both interfacial free energies and line tensions by Monte Carlo simulations of
simple models, (e.g. the Ising model, a symmetrical binary Lennard-Jones fluid
exhibiting a miscibility gap, and a simple Lennard-Jones fluid). One method is
based on thermodynamic integration. This method is useful to study flat and
inclined interfaces for Ising lattices, allowing also the estimation of line
tensions of three-phase contact lines, when the interfaces meet walls (where
"surface fields" may act). A generalization to off-lattice systems is described
as well.
The second method is based on the sampling of the order parameter
distribution of the system throughout the two-phase coexistence region of the
model. Both the interface free energies of flat interfaces and of (spherical or
cylindrical) droplets (or bubbles) can be estimated, including also systems
with walls, where sphere-cap shaped wall-attached droplets occur. The
curvature-dependence of the interfacial free energy is discussed, and estimates
for the line tensions are compared to results from the thermodynamic
integration method. Basic limitations of all these methods are critically
discussed, and an outlook on other approaches is given
Reduced Diaphyseal Strength Associated with High Intracortical Vascular Porosity within Long Bones of Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder resulting in bone fragility. The mechanisms behind this fragility are not well understood. In addition to characteristic bone mass deficiencies, research suggests that bone material properties are compromised in individuals with this disorder. However, little data exists regarding bone properties beyond the microstructural scale in individuals with this disorder. Specimens were obtained from long bone diaphyses of nine children with osteogenesis imperfecta during routine osteotomy procedures. Small rectangular beams, oriented longitudinally and transversely to the diaphyseal axis, were machined from these specimens and elastic modulus, yield strength, and maximum strength were measured in three-point bending. Intracortical vascular porosity, bone volume fraction, osteocyte lacuna density, and volumetric tissue mineral density were determined by synchrotron micro-computed tomography, and relationships among these mechanical properties and structural parameters were explored. Modulus and strength were on average 64–68% lower in the transverse vs. longitudinal beams (P \u3c 0.001, linear mixed model). Vascular porosity ranged between 3 and 42% of total bone volume. Longitudinal properties were associated negatively with porosity (P ≤ 0.006, linear regressions). Mechanical properties, however, were not associated with osteocyte lacuna density or volumetric tissue mineral density (P ≥ 0.167). Bone properties and structural parameters were not associated significantly with donor age (P ≥ 0.225, linear mixed models). This study presents novel data regarding bone material strength in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Results confirm that these properties are anisotropic. Elevated vascular porosity was observed in most specimens, and this parameter was associated with reduced bone material strength. These results offer insight toward understanding bone fragility and the role of intracortical porosity on the strength of bone tissue in children with osteogenesis imperfecta
Enhanced hydrogen production from thermochemical processes
To alleviate the pressing problem of greenhouse gas emissions, the development and deployment of sustainable energy technologies is necessary. One potentially viable approach for replacing fossil fuels is the development of a H2 economy. Not only can H2 be used to produce heat and electricity, it is also utilised in ammonia synthesis and hydrocracking. H2 is traditionally generated from thermochemical processes such as steam reforming of hydrocarbons and the water-gas-shift (WGS) reaction. However, these processes suffer from low H2 yields owing to their reversible nature. Removing H2 with membranes and/or extracting CO2 with solid sorbents in situ can overcome these issues by shifting the component equilibrium towards enhanced H2 production via Le Chatelier's principle. This can potentially result in reduced energy consumption, smaller reactor sizes and, therefore, lower capital costs. In light of this, a significant amount of work has been conducted over the past few decades to refine these processes through the development of novel materials and complex models. Here, we critically review the most recent developments in these studies, identify possible research gaps, and offer recommendations for future research
How ice grows from premelting films and water droplets
Close to the triple point, the surface of ice is covered by a thin liquid
layer (so-called quasi-liquid layer) which crucially impacts growth and melting
rates. Experimental probes cannot observe the growth processes below this
layer, and classical models of growth by vapor deposition do not account for
the formation of premelting films. Here, we develop a mesoscopic model of
liquid-film mediated ice growth, and identify the various resulting growth
regimes. At low saturation, freezing proceeds by terrace spreading, but the
motion of the buried solid is conveyed through the liquid to the outer
liquid-vapor interface. At higher saturations water droplets condense, a large
crater forms below, and freezing proceeds undetectably beneath the droplet. Our
approach is a general framework that naturally models freezing close to three
phase coexistence and provides a first principle theory of ice growth and
melting which may prove useful in the geosciences.Comment: 32 pages, 10 figure