SciPy 1.0: fundamental algorithms for scientific computing in Python.

SciPy is an open-source scientific computing library for the Python programming language. Since its initial release in 2001, SciPy has become a de facto standard for leveraging scientific algorithms in Python, with over 600 unique code contributors, thousands of dependent packages, over 100,000 dependent repositories and millions of downloads per year. In this work, we provide an overview of the capabilities and development practices of SciPy 1.0 and highlight some recent technical developments

Comparison of emissivity Evaluation Methods For Infrared Sources

ABSTRACT This paper starts with a back to basics review of the definition of blackbody emissivity, how it is measured and how it is specified. Infrared source vendors provide emissivity specifications for their blackbodies and source plates, but there is fine print associated with their declarations. While there is an industry agreement concerning the definition of emissivity, the data sheets for blackbodies and source plates are not consistent in how they base their claims. Generally, there are two types of emissivity specifications published in data sheets; one based on design properties of the source and thermometric calibration, and another based on an equivalent radiometric calibrated emissivity. The paper details how the source properties including geometry, surface treatment, and coatings are characterized and result in an emissivity value by design. The other approach is that the emissivity can be claimed to be essentially 100% when measured directly with a radiometer. An argument is derived to show that as the optical parameters of the unit under test and the radiometer diverge, the less useful an equivalent radiometric emissivity claim is. Also discussed, is under what test conditions the absolute emissivity does not matter. Further suggestions on how to achieve the clearest comparative emissivity specifications are presented

FLASH magnetohydrodynamic simulations of shock-generated magnetic field experiments

We report the results of benchmark FLASH magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of experiments conducted by the University of Oxford High Energy Density Laboratory Astrophysics group and its collaborators at the Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation des Lasers Intenses (LULI). In these experiments, a long-pulse laser illuminates a target in a chamber filled with Argon gas, producing shock waves that generate magnetic fields via the Biermann battery mechanism. We first outline the implementation of 2D cylindrical geometry in the unsplit MHD solver in FLASH and present results of verification tests. We then describe the results of benchmark 2D cylindrical MHD simulations of the LULI experiments using FLASH that explore the impact of external fields along with the possibility of magnetic field amplification by turbulence that is associated with the shock waves and that is induced by a grid placed in the gas-filled chamber. © 2012 Elsevier B.V

FLASH MHD simulations of experiments that study shock-generated magnetic fields

We summarize recent additions and improvements to the high energy density physics capabilities in FLASH, highlighting new non-ideal magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) capabilities. We then describe 3D Cartesian and 2D cylindrical FLASH MHD simulations that have helped to design and analyze experiments conducted at the Vulcan laser facility. In these experiments, a laser illuminates a carbon rod target placed in a gas-filled chamber. A magnetic field diagnostic (called a Bdot) employing three very small induction coils is used to measure all three components of the magnetic field at a chosen point in space. The simulations have revealed that many fascinating physical processes occur in the experiments. These include megagauss magnetic fields generated by the interaction of the laser with the target via the Biermann battery mechanism, which are advected outward by the vaporized target material but decrease in strength due to expansion and resistivity; magnetic fields generated by an outward expanding shock via the Biermann battery mechanism; and a breakout shock that overtakes the first wave, the contact discontinuity between the target material and the gas, and then the initial expanding shock. Finally, we discuss the validation and predictive science we have done for this experiment with FLASH

FLASH hydrodynamic simulations of experiments to explore the generation of cosmological magnetic fields

We report the results of FLASH hydrodynamic simulations of the experiments conducted by the University of Oxford High Energy Density Laboratory Astrophysics group and its collaborators at the Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation de Lasers Intenses (LULI). In these experiments, a long-pulse laser illuminates a target in a chamber filled with Argon gas, producing shock waves that generate magnetic fields via the Biermann battery mechanism. The simulations show that the result of the laser illuminating the target is a series of complex hydrodynamic phenomena. © 2012 Elsevier B.V