On a class of polynomial Lagrangians

In the framework of finite order variational sequences a new class of Lagrangians arises, namely, \emph{special} Lagrangians. These Lagrangians are the horizontalization of forms on a jet space of lower order. We describe their properties together with properties of related objects, such as Poincar\'e--Cartan and Euler--Lagrange forms, momenta and momenta of generating forms, a new geometric object arising in variational sequences. Finally, we provide a simple but important example of special Lagrangian, namely the Hilbert--Einstein Lagrangian.Comment: LaTeX2e, amsmath, diagrams, hyperref; 15 page

On the bi-Hamiltonian Geometry of WDVV Equations

We consider the WDVV associativity equations in the four dimensional case. These nonlinear equations of third order can be written as a pair of six component commuting two-dimensional non-diagonalizable hydrodynamic type systems. We prove that these systems possess a compatible pair of local homogeneous Hamiltonian structures of Dubrovin--Novikov type (of first and third order, respectively).Comment: 21 pages, revised published version; exposition substantially improve

Systems of conservation laws with third-order Hamiltonian structures

We investigate $n$-component systems of conservation laws that possess third-order Hamiltonian structures of differential-geometric type. The classification of such systems is reduced to the projective classification of linear congruences of lines in $\mathbb{P}^{n+2}$ satisfying additional geometric constraints. Algebraically, the problem can be reformulated as follows: for a vector space $W$ of dimension $n+2$, classify $n$-tuples of skew-symmetric 2-forms $A^{\alpha} \in \Lambda^2(W)$ such that $$\phi_{\beta \gamma}A^{\beta}\wedge A^{\gamma}=0,$$ for some non-degenerate symmetric $\phi$.Comment: 31 page

Tetrad gravity, electroweak geometry and conformal symmetry

A partly original description of gauge fields and electroweak geometry is proposed. A discussion of the breaking of conformal symmetry and the nature of the dilaton in the proposed setting indicates that such questions cannot be definitely answered in the context of electroweak geometry.Comment: 21 pages - accepted by International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics - v2: some minor changes, mostly corrections of misprint

Validation of a small scale woody biomass downdraft gasification plant coupled with gas engine

In recent years, small scale cogeneration systems (< 500 kWe) distributed in different geographical locations using biomass has received special attention as economically competitive and environmentally friendly ways of producing energy. These systems can be integrated to industrial and agricultural activities where biomass residues are generated and can be converted into electricity and thermal energy by combustion or gasification. The legislations of many European countries such as Italy concerning renewable energy and energy efficiency along the taxation schemes have raised the incentives for small scale cogeneration plants. Consequently, there is a clear economic interest of the companies in this sector and there is also a scientific interest towards demonstration of their energetic efficiency, environmental performance and reliability. Among the suggested technologies for the biomass conversion into energy, downdraft gasification (using air as gasification agent), coupled with internal combustion engines, has the advantage of high electric efficiency (~ 25%) and low tar generation, making easier the gas cleaning process necessary for its use into engines. In the present work, the results of a measurement campaign performed on a commercial scale 350 kWth downdraft woodchips gasification plant, coupled with an SI internal combustion engine (ICE), are presented and discussed. The main goals of this first experimental campaign have been to verify the stability of gasifier and engine operation, operability of the plant and to determine its energy efficiency. The campaign verified a stable operation of the gasifier and the plant produced a syngas with a composition suitable for a gas engine. The energy balance resulted in a potential overall wood fuel to electricity efficiency of about 23 %