A New Monte Carlo Method and Its Implications for Generalized Cluster Algorithms

We describe a novel switching algorithm based on a ``reverse'' Monte Carlo method, in which the potential is stochastically modified before the system configuration is moved. This new algorithm facilitates a generalized formulation of cluster-type Monte Carlo methods, and the generalization makes it possible to derive cluster algorithms for systems with both discrete and continuous degrees of freedom. The roughening transition in the sine-Gordon model has been studied with this method, and high-accuracy simulations for system sizes up to $1024^2$ were carried out to examine the logarithmic divergence of the surface roughness above the transition temperature, revealing clear evidence for universal scaling of the Kosterlitz-Thouless type.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures. Phys. Rev. Lett. (in press

Exact Dissipative Cosmologies with Stiff Fluid

The general solution of the gravitational field equations in the flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker geometry is obtained in the framework of the full Israel-Stewart-Hiscock theory for a bulk viscous stiff cosmological fluid, with bulk viscosity coefficient proportional to the energy density.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Large-Scale Simulations of the Two-Dimensional Melting of Hard Disks

Large-scale computer simulations involving more than a million particles have been performed to study the melting transition in a two-dimensional hard disk fluid. The van der Waals loop previously observed in the pressure-density relationship of smaller simulations is shown to be an artifact of finite-size effects. Together with a detailed scaling analysis of the bond orientation order, the new results provide compelling evidence for the Halperin-Nelson-Young picture. Scaling analysis of the translational order also yields a lower bound for the melting density that is much higher than previously thought.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Full causal dissipative cosmologies with stiff matter

The general solution of the gravitational field equations for a full causal bulk viscous stiff cosmological fluid, with bulk viscosity coefficient proportional to the energy density to the power 1/4, is obtained in the flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker geometry. The solution describes a non-inflationary Universe, which starts its evolution from a singular state. The time variation of the scale factor, deceleration parameter, viscous pressure, viscous pressure-thermodynamic pressure ratio, comoving entropy and Ricci and Kretschmann invariants is considered in detail.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys.

Anisotropic Stars in General Relativity

We present a class of exact solutions of Einstein's gravitational field equations describing spherically symmetric and static anisotropic stellar type configurations. The solutions are obtained by assuming a particular form of the anisotropy factor. The energy density and both radial and tangential pressures are finite and positive inside the anisotropic star. Numerical results show that the basic physical parameters (mass and radius) of the model can describe realistic astrophysical objects like neutron stars.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, revised version to appear in Proc. R. Soc. London A: Mathematical, Physical & Engineering Science

Isotropic stars in general relativity

We present a general solution of the Einstein gravitational field equations for the static spherically symmetric gravitational interior spacetime of an isotropic fluid sphere. The solution is obtained by transforming the pressure isotropy condition, a second order ordinary differential equation, into a Riccati type first order differential equation, and using a general integrability condition for the Riccati equation. This allows us to obtain an exact non-singular solution of the interior field equations for a fluid sphere, expressed in the form of infinite power series. The physical features of the solution are studied in detail numerically by cutting the infinite series expansions, and restricting our numerical analysis by taking into account only $n=21$ terms in the power series representations of the relevant astrophysical parameters. In the present model all physical quantities (density, pressure, speed of sound etc.) are finite at the center of the sphere. The physical behavior of the solution essentially depends on the equation of state of the dense matter at the center of the star. The stability properties of the model are also analyzed in detail for a number of central equations of state, and it is shown that it is stable with respect to the radial adiabatic perturbations. The astrophysical analysis indicates that this solution can be used as a realistic model for static general relativistic high density objects, like neutron stars.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in EPJC; references adde

Brans-Dicke cosmology with a scalar field potential

Three solutions of the Brans-Dicke theory with a self-interacting quartic potential and perfect fluid distribution are presented for a spatially flat geometry. The physical behavior is consistent with the recent cosmological scenario favored by type Ia supernova observations, indicating an accelerated expansion of the Universe.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure