Metric gravity theories and cosmology. I. Physical interpretation and viability

We critically review some concepts underlying current applications of gravity theories with Lagrangians depending on the full Riemann tensor to cosmology. We argue that it is impossible to reconstruct the underlying Lagrangian from the observational data: the Robertson-Walker spacetime is so simple and "flexible" that any cosmic evolution may be fitted by infinite number of Lagrangians. Confrontation of a solution with the astronomical data is obstructed by the existence of many frames of dynamical variables and the fact that initial data for the gravitational triplet depend on which frame is minimally coupled to ordinary matter. Prior to any application it is necessary to establish physical contents and viability of a given gravity theory.Comment: 29 pages. The previous version is divided in two separate papers. The first four chapters, expanded and modified, form the present paper. The title and abstract are adequately modified, some recent references added. The main conclusions remain unchanged. The second part will also appear in Class. Qu. Gra

Heat exchanger

A heat exchanger, as exemplified by a rocket combustion chamber, is constructed by stacking thin metal rings having microsized openings therein at selective locations to form cooling passages defined by an inner wall, an outer wall and fins. Suitable manifolds are provided at each end of the rocket chamber. In addition to the cooling channel openings, coolant feed openings may be formed in each of rings. The coolant feed openings may be nested or positioned within generally U-shaped cooling channel openings. Compression on the stacked rings may be maintained by welds or the like or by bolts extending through the stacked rings

NASA HOST project overview

NASA's Hot Section Technology (HOST) program has developed improved analytical models for the aerothermal environment, thermomechanical loading, material behavior, structural response, and service life of aircraft gas turbine engines' hot section components. These models, in conjunction with sophisticated computer codes, can be used in design analyses of critical combustor and turbine elements. Toward these ends, efforts were undertaken in instrumentation, combustion, turbine heat transfer, structural analysis, fatigue-fracture, and surface protection. Attention is presently given to the organization of HOST activities and their specific subject matter

Time-dependent energy absorption changes during ultrafast lattice deformation

The ultrafast time-dependence of the energy absorption of covalent solids upon excitation with femtosecond laser pulses is theoretically analyzed. We use a microscopic theory to describe laser induced structural changes and their influence on the electronic properties. We show that from the time evolution of the energy absorbed by the system important information on the electronic and atomic structure during ultrafast phase transitions can be gained. Our results reflect how structural changes affect the capability of the system to absorb external energy.Comment: 7 pages RevTeX, 8 ps figures, submitted to Journal of Appl. Physic