Macroscopic approximation to relativistic kinetic theory from a nonlinear closure

We use a macroscopic description of a system of relativistic particles based on adding a nonequilibrium tensor to the usual hydrodynamic variables. The nonequilibrium tensor is linked to relativistic kinetic theory through a nonlinear closure suggested by the Entropy Production Principle; the evolution equation is obtained by the method of moments, and together with energy-momentum conservation closes the system. Transport coefficients are chosen to reproduce second order fluid dynamics if gradients are small. We compare the resulting formalism to exact solutions of Boltzmann's equation in 0+1 dimensions and show that it tracks kinetic theory better than second order fluid dynamics.Comment: v2: 6 two-column pages, 2 figures. Corrected typos and a numerical error, and added reference

A hydrodynamic approach to QGP instabilities

We show that the usual linear analysis of QGP Weibel instabilities based on the Maxwell-Boltzmann equation may be reproduced in a purely hydrodynamic model. The latter is derived by the Entropy Production Variational Method from a transport equation including collisions, and can describe highly nonequilibrium flow. We find that, as expected, collisions slow down the growth of Weibel instabilities. Finally, we discuss the strong momentum anisotropy limit.Comment: 11 pages, no figures. v2: minor changes, added references. Accepted in Phys. Rev.

Disentangling the nuclear shape coexistence in even-even Hg isotopes using the interacting boson model

We intend to provide a consistent description of the even-even Hg isotopes, 172-200Hg, using the interacting boson model including configuration mixing. We pay special attention to the description of the shape of the nuclei and to its connection with the shape coexistence phenomenon.Comment: To appear in CGS15 conference proceedings (EPJ Web of Conferences

On the nature of the Lambda(1405) as a superposition of two states

We use recent data on the $K^- p \to \pi^0 \pi^0 \Sigma^0$ reaction with the $\pi^0 \Sigma^0$ mass distribution of forming the $\Lambda(1405)$ with a peak at 1420 MeV and a relatively narrow width of $\Gamma = 38$ MeV, together with those of the $\pi^- p \to K^0 \pi \Sigma$ reaction to show that there are two $\Lambda(1405)$ states instead of one as so far assumed.Comment: Contribution to the PANIC05 Conference, Santa Fe, October 200