kGamma distributions in granular packs

It has been recently pointed out that local volume fluctuations in granular packings follow remarkably well a shifted and rescaled Gamma distribution named the kGamma distribution [T. Aste, T. Di Matteo, Phys. Rev. E 77 (2008) 021309]. In this paper we confirm, extend and discuss this finding by supporting it with additional experimental and simulation data.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

The importance of the electronic contribution to linear magnetoelectricity

We demonstrate that the electronic contribution to the linear magnetoelectric response, usually omitted in first-principles studies, can be comparable in magnitude to that mediated by lattice distortions, even for materials in which responses are strong. Using a self-consistent Zeeman response to an applied magnetic field for noncollinear electron spins, we show how electric polarization emerges in linear magnetoelectrics through both electronic- and lattice-mediated components -- in analogy with the high- and low-frequency dielectric response to an electric field. The approach we use is conceptually and computationally simple, and can be applied to study both linear and non-linear responses to magnetic fields.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Combining tomographic imaging and DEM simulations to investigate the structure of experimental sphere packings

We combine advanced image reconstruction techniques from computed X-ray micro tomography (XCT) with state-of-the-art discrete element method simulations (DEM) to study granular materials. This "virtual-laboratory" platform allows us to access quantities, such as frictional forces, which would be otherwise experimentally immeasurable.Comment: 20 pages, 17 figure

Freshly Formed Dust in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant as Revealed by the Spitzer Space Telescope

We performed Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph mapping observations covering nearly the entire extent of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant (SNR), producing mid-infrared (5.5-35 micron) spectra every 5-10". Gas lines of Ar, Ne, O, Si, S and Fe, and dust continua were strong for most positions. We identify three distinct ejecta dust populations based on their continuum shapes. The dominant dust continuum shape exhibits a strong peak at 21 micron. A line-free map of 21 micron-peak dust made from the 19-23 micron range closely resembles the [Ar II], [O IV], and [Ne II] ejecta-line maps implying that dust is freshly formed in the ejecta. Spectral fitting implies the presence of SiO2, Mg protosilicates, and FeO grains in these regions. The second dust type exhibits a rising continuum up to 21 micron and then flattens thereafter. This ``weak 21 micron'' dust is likely composed of Al2O3 and C grains. The third dust continuum shape is featureless with a gently rising spectrum and is likely composed of MgSiO3 and either Al2O3 or Fe grains. Using the least massive composition for each of the three dust classes yields a total mass of 0.02 Msun. Using the most-massive composition yields a total mass of 0.054 Msun. The primary uncertainty in the total dust mass stems from the selection of the dust composition necessary for fitting the featureless dust as well as 70 micron flux. The freshly formed dust mass derived from Cas A is sufficient from SNe to explain the lower limit on the dust masses in high redshift galaxies.Comment: 8 figures: Accepted for the publication in Ap

Bounding inconsistency using a novel threshold metric for dead reckoning update packet generation

Human-to-human interaction across distributed applications requires that sufficient consistency be maintained among participants in the face of network characteristics such as latency and limited bandwidth. The level of inconsistency arising from the network is proportional to the network delay, and thus a function of bandwidth consumption. Distributed simulation has often used a bandwidth reduction technique known as dead reckoning that combines approximation and estimation in the communication of entity movement to reduce network traffic, and thus improve consistency. However, unless carefully tuned to application and network characteristics, such an approach can introduce more inconsistency than it avoids. The key tuning metric is the distance threshold. This paper questions the suitability of the standard distance threshold as a metric for use in the dead reckoning scheme. Using a model relating entity path curvature and inconsistency, a major performance related limitation of the distance threshold technique is highlighted. We then propose an alternative time—space threshold criterion. The time—space threshold is demonstrated, through simulation, to perform better for low curvature movement. However, it too has a limitation. Based on this, we further propose a novel hybrid scheme. Through simulation and live trials, this scheme is shown to perform well across a range of curvature values, and places bounds on both the spatial and absolute inconsistency arising from dead reckoning