Matrix Theory of pp Waves

The Matrix Theory that has been proposed for various pp wave backgrounds is discussed. Particular emphasis is on the existence of novel nontrivial supersymmetric solutions of the Matrix Theory. These correspond to branes of various shapes (ellipsoidal, paraboloidal, and possibly hyperboloidal) that are unexpected from previous studies of branes in pp wave geometries.Comment: 8 pages AMSLaTeX (ws-procs9x6.cls included). Talk given at QTS3 (Cincinnati, OH, Sept. 2003.

What is a “Just” System for Financing Schools: An Evaluation of Alternative Reforms

Principles for public school finance are outlined with respect to an equitable allocation of educational resources by the state. The argument is advanced that equal dollars per pupil is a practical, reasonable, acceptable and attainable initial basis for school financing. Objections to the equal dollars scheme are considered, leading to an analysis which suggests that the appropriate policy choice for school finance reformers is enactment of full state financing of education

On a refinement of the theory of the moon's physical librations

Mathematical model for lunar librational motio

The Geometry of (Super) Conformal Quantum Mechanics

N-particle quantum mechanics described by a sigma model with an N-dimensional target space with torsion is considered. It is shown that an SL(2,R) conformal symmetry exists if and only if the geometry admits a homothetic Killing vector $D^a$ whose associated one-form $D_a$ is closed. Further, the SL(2,R) can always be extended to Osp(1|2) superconformal symmetry, with a suitable choice of torsion, by the addition of N real fermions. Extension to SU(1,1|1) requires a complex structure I and a holomorphic U(1) isometry $D^a I_a{^b} \partial_b$. Conditions for extension to the superconformal group D(2,1;\alpha), which involve a triplet of complex structures and SU(2) x SU(2) isometries, are derived. Examples are given.Comment: 23 pages harvmac. Conventions simplified; typos corrected; references adde

Superconformal Multi-Black Hole Quantum Mechanics

The quantum mechanics of N slowly-moving charged BPS black holes in five-dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ supergravity is considered. The moduli space metric of the N black holes is derived and shown to admit 4 supersymmetries. A near-horizon limit is found in which the dynamics of widely separated black holes decouples from that of strongly-interacting, near-coincident black holes. This decoupling suggests that the quantum states supported in the near-horizon moduli space can be interpreted as internal states of a single composite black hole carrying all of the charge. The near-horizon theory is shown to have an enhanced D(2,1;0) superconformal symmetry. Eigenstates of the Hamiltonian H of the near-horizon theory are ill-defined due to noncompact regions of the moduli space corresponding to highly redshifted near-coincident black holes. It is argued that one should consider, instead of H eigenstates, eigenstates of $2 L_0 = H+K$, where K is the generator of special conformal transformations. The result is a well-defined Hilbert space with a discrete spectrum describing the N-black hole dynamics.Comment: 17 pages AMSLaTeX with JHEP.cls, using epsf.tex for 3 eps figures. Typos corrected. References adde

Analytical Investigation of Some Three-Dimensional Flow Problems in Turbomachines

One problem encountered in the theory of turbomachines is that of calculating the fluid velocity components when the inner and outer boundaries of the machine as well as the shape of or forces imparted by the blade row are given. The present paper discusses this problem under the restrictions that the fluid is inviscid and incompressible and that the blade rows consist of an infinite number of infinitely thin blades so that axially symmetric flow is assumed. It is shown, in general, that the velocity components in a plane through the turbomachine axis may be expressed in terms of the angular momentum and the leading-edge blade force normal to the stream surfaces. The relation is a nonlinear differential equation to which analytic solutions may be obtained conveniently only after the introduction of linearizing assumptions. A quite accurate linearization is effected through assuming an approximate shape of the stream surfaces in certain nonlinear terms. The complete linearized solution for the axial turbomachine is given in such form that blade loading, blade shape, distribution of angular momentum, or distribution of total head may be prescribed. Calculations for single blade rows of aspect ratio 2 and 2/3 are given for a radius ratio of 0.6. They indicate that the process of formation of the axial velocity profile may extend both upstream and downstream of a high-aspect-ratio blade row, while for low aspect ratios the major portion of the three-dimensional flow occurs within the blade row itself. When the through-flow velocity varies greatly from its mean value, the simple linearized solution does not describe the flow process adequately and a more accurate solution applicable to such conditions is suggested. The structure of the first-order linearized solution for the axial turbomachine suggested a further approximation employing a minimizing operation. The simplicity of this solution permits the discussion of three interesting problems: Mutual interference of neighboring blade rows in a multistage axial turbomachine, solution for a single blade row of given blade shape, and the solution for this blade row operating at a condition different from the design condition. It is found that the interference of adjacent blade rows in the multistage turbomachine may be neglected when the ratio of blade length to the distance between centers of successive blade rows is 1.0 or less. For values of this ratio in excess of 3.0, the interference may be an important influence. The solution for the single blade row indicated that, for the blade shape considered, the distortion of the axial velocity profile caused by off-design operation is appreciably less for low- than for high-aspect-ratio blades. To obtain some results for a mixed-flow turbomachine comparable with those for the axial turbomachine as well as to indicate the essential versatility of the method of linearizing the general equations, completely analogous theoretical treatment is given for a turbomachine whose inner and outer walls are concentric cones with common apex and whose flow is that of a three-dimensional source or sink. A particular example for a single rotating blade row is discussed where the angular momentum is prescribed similarly to that used in the examples for the axial turbomachine

Anti-de Sitter Fragmentation

Low-energy, near-horizon scaling limits of black holes which lead to string theory on AdS_2 x S^2 are described. Unlike the higher-dimensional cases, in the simplest approach all finite-energy excitations of AdS_2 x S^2 are suppressed. Surviving zero-energy configurations are described. These can include tree-like structures in which the AdS_2 x S^2 throat branches as the horizon is approached, as well as disconnected AdS_2 x S^2 universes. In principle, the black hole entropy counts the quantum ground states on the moduli space of such configurations. In a nonsupersymmetric context AdS_D for general D can be unstable against instanton-mediated fragmentation into disconnected universes. Several examples are given.Comment: harvmac (uses epsf), 27 pages with 6 eps figure