Incompressibility in finite nuclei and nuclear matter

The incompressibility (compression modulus) $K_{\rm 0}$ of infinite symmetric nuclear matter at saturation density has become one of the major constraints on mean-field models of nuclear many-body systems as well as of models of high density matter in astrophysical objects and heavy-ion collisions. We present a comprehensive re-analysis of recent data on GMR energies in even-even $^{\rm 112-124}$Sn and $^{\rm 106,100-116}$Cd and earlier data on 58 $\le$ A $\le$ 208 nuclei. The incompressibility of finite nuclei $K_{\rm A}$ is expressed as a leptodermous expansion with volume, surface, isospin and Coulomb coefficients $K_{\rm vol}$, $K_{\rm surf}$, $K_\tau$ and $K_{\rm coul}$. \textit{Assuming} that the volume coefficient $K_{\rm vol}$ is identified with $K_{\rm 0}$, the $K_{\rm coul}$ = -(5.2 $\pm$ 0.7) MeV and the contribution from the curvature term K$_{\rm curv}$A$^{\rm -2/3}$ in the expansion is neglected, compelling evidence is found for $K_{\rm 0}$ to be in the range 250 $< K_{\rm 0} <$ 315 MeV, the ratio of the surface and volume coefficients $c = K_{\rm surf}/K_{\rm vol}$ to be between -2.4 and -1.6 and $K_{\rm \tau}$ between -840 and -350 MeV. We show that the generally accepted value of $K_{\rm 0}$ = (240 $\pm$ 20) MeV can be obtained from the fits provided $c \sim$ -1, as predicted by the majority of mean-field models. However, the fits are significantly improved if $c$ is allowed to vary, leading to a range of $K_{\rm 0}$, extended to higher values. A self-consistent simple (toy) model has been developed, which shows that the density dependence of the surface diffuseness of a vibrating nucleus plays a major role in determination of the ratio K$_{\rm surf}/K_{\rm vol}$ and yields predictions consistent with our findings.Comment: 26 pages, 13 figures; corrected minor typos in line with the proof in Phys. Rev.

Tests of a single tube-in-shell water-boiling heat exchanger with a helical-wire insert and several inlet flow-stabilizing devices

Single tube-in-shell water-boiling heat exchanger performance with helical wire insert and flow stabilizing device

School Choice and Student Performance: Are Private Schools Really Better?

Are private schools really better than public schools, or is it simply that better students attend private schools? Although a number of recent studies find that students perform better in private schools (more specifically, Catholic schools), others do not. Typically, however, the instruments used to adjust for nonrandom selection are weak. This study employs uniquely detailed local instruments and jointly models selection into religious and nonreligious private high schools, relative to public high schools—improving instrument power in predicting private sector attendance to roughly three times that of prior studies. Failing to correct adequately for selection leads to a systematic upward bias in the estimated treatment effect for religious schools, but a downward bias for nonreligious private schools. With adequate correction, religious schools are modestly inferior in mathematics and science, while nonreligious schools are substantially superior. However, minority students, particularly in urban areas, benefit from religious schools. Other factors that may make both religious and nonreligious private schools attractive include possibly better retention rates, increased security and discipline, and greater opportunities for a variety of specialized school-day and extracurricular activities.

Effects of forward velocity on noise for a J85 turbojet engine with multitube suppressor from wind tunnel and flight tests

Flight and wind tunnel noise tests were conducted using a J85 turbojet engine as a part of comprehensive programs to obtain an understanding of forward velocity effects on jet exhaust noise. Nozzle configurations of primary interest were a 104-tube suppressor with and without an acoustically-treated shroud. The installed configuration of the engine was as similar as possible in the flight and wind tunnel tests. Exact simultaneous matching of engine speed, exhaust velocity, and exhaust temperature was not possible, and the wind tunnel maximum Mach number was approximately 0.27, while the flight Mach number was approximately 0.37. The nominal jet velocity range was 450 to 640 m/sec. For both experiments, background noise limited the jet velocity range for which significant data could be obtained. In the present tests the observed directivity and forward velocity effects for the suppressor are more similar to predicted trends for internally-generated noise than unsuppressed jet noise

Working Group 5: Measurements technology and active experiments

Technology issues identified by working groups 5 are listed. (1) New instruments are needed to upgrade the ability to measure plasma properties in space. (2) Facilities should be developed for conducting a broad range of plasma experiments in space. (3) The ability to predict plasma weather within magnetospheres should be improved and a capability to modify plasma weather developed. (4) Methods of control of plasma spacecraft and spacecraft plasma interference should be upgraded. (5) The space station laboratory facilities should be designed with attention to problems of flexibility to allow for future growth. These issues are discussed

A computational scheme to evaluate Hamaker constants of molecules with practical size and anisotropy

We propose a computational scheme to evaluate Hamaker constants, $A$, of molecules with practical sizes and anisotropies. Upon the increasing feasibility of diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) methods to evaluate binding curves for such molecules to extract the constants, we discussed how to treat the averaging over anisotropy and how to correct the bias due to the non-additivity. We have developed a computational procedure for dealing with the anisotropy and reducing statistical errors and biases in DMC valuations, based on possible validations on predicted $A$. We applied the scheme to cyclohexasilane molecule, Si$_6$H$_{12}$, used in 'printed electronics' fabrications, getting $A \sim 105 \pm 2$ [zJ], being in plausible range supported even by other possible extrapolations. The scheme provided here would open a way to use handy {\it ab initio} evaluations to predict wettabilities as in the form of materials informatics over broader molecules.Comment: The manuscript was revised according to review comment