Thermodynamics of Dipolar Chain Systems

The thermodynamics of a quantum system of layers containing perpendicularly oriented dipolar molecules is studied within an oscillator approximation for both bosonic and fermionic species. The system is assumed to be built from chains with one molecule in each layer. We consider the effects of the intralayer repulsion and quantum statistical requirements in systems with more than one chain. Specifically, we consider the case of two chains and solve the problem analytically within the harmonic Hamiltonian approach which is accurate for large dipole moments. The case of three chains is calculated numerically. Our findings indicate that thermodynamic observables, such as the heat capacity, can be used to probe the signatures of the intralayer interaction between chains. This should be relevant for near future experiments on polar molecules with strong dipole moments.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, final versio

Layers of Cold Dipolar Molecules in the Harmonic Approximation

We consider the N-body problem in a layered geometry containing cold polar molecules with dipole moments that are polarized perpendicular to the layers. A harmonic approximation is used to simplify the hamiltonian and bound state properties of the two-body inter-layer dipolar potential are used to adjust this effective interaction. To model the intra-layer repulsion of the polar molecules, we introduce a repulsive inter-molecule potential that can be parametrically varied. Single chains containing one molecule in each layer, as well as multi-chain structures in many layers are discussed and their energies and radii determined. We extract the normal modes of the various systems as measures of their volatility and eventually of instability, and compare our findings to the excitations in crystals. We find modes that can be classified as either chains vibrating in phase or as layers vibrating against each other. The former correspond to acoustic and the latter to optical phonons. Instabilities can occur for large intra-layer repulsion and produce diverging amplitudes of molecules in the outer layers. Lastly, we consider experimentally relevant regimes to observe the structures.Comment: 17 pages, 20 figures, accepted versio

A line-balancing strategy for designing flexible assembly systems

We present a rough-cut analysis tool that quickly determines a few potential cost-effective designs at the initial design stage of flexible assembly systems (FASs) prior to a detailed analysis such as simulation. It uses quantitative methods for selecting and configuring the components of an FAS suitable for medium to high volumes of several similar products. The system is organized as a series of assembly stations linked with an automated material-handling system moving parts in a unidirectional flow. Each station consists of a single machine or of identical parallel machines. The methods exploit the ability of flexible hardware to switch almost instantaneously from product to product. Our approach is particularly suitable where the product mix is expected to be stable, since we combine the hardware-configuration phase with the task-allocation phase.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45513/1/10696_2004_Article_BF00167513.pd

Early watermills – an archaeological indication of taxation?

The introduction of watermills in Southern Scandinavia has often been linked to the advent of the Cistercian Order and regarded a kick-starter for the so-called medieval revolution. In the present article, the archaeological evidence for watermills predating the religious order will be investigated and an earlier and alternative origin laid out. Here, the increased specialisation and centralisation pertaining to the Late Iron Age and Viking Age will be introduced as a significant cause for the initial construction of watermills, and the extensive excavations at Viking Age Omgaard, Denmark, will figure as case in point. Also, essential social mechanisms such as taxation and elite privileges will be highlighted as overlooked triggers in the Viking Age employment of watermills