Flux-cutting and flux-transport effects in type-II superconductor slabs in a parallel rotating magnetic field

The magnetic response of irreversible type-II superconductor slabs subjected to in-plane rotating magnetic field is investigated by applying the circular, elliptic, extended-elliptic, and rectangular flux-line-cutting critical-state models. Specifically, the models have been applied to explain experiments on a PbBi rotating disk in a fixed magnetic field ${\bm H}_a$, parallel to the flat surfaces. Here, we have exploited the equivalency of the experimental situation with that of a fixed disk under the action of a parallel magnetic field, rotating in the opposite sense. The effect of both the magnitude $H_a$ of the applied magnetic field and its angle of rotation $\alpha_s$ upon the magnetization of the superconductor sample is analyzed. When $H_a$ is smaller than the penetration field $H_P$, the magnetization components, parallel and perpendicular to ${\bm H_a}$, oscillate with increasing the rotation angle. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the applied field, $H_a$, is larger than $H_P$, both magnetization components become constant functions of $\alpha_s$ at large rotation angles. The evolution of the magnetic induction profiles inside the superconductor is also studied.Comment: 12 pages, 29 figure

Development and test of advanced composite components. Center Directors discretionary fund program

This report describes the design, analysis, fabrication, and test of a complex bathtub fitting. Graphite fibers in an epoxy matrix were utilized in manufacturing of 11 components representing four different design and layup concepts. Design allowables were developed for use in the final stress analysis. Strain gage measurements were taken throughout the static load test and correlation of test and analysis data were performed, yielding good understanding of the material behavior and instrumentation requirements for future applications

Low level of virological failure and drug resistance among patients receiving antiretroviral treatment under programme conditions in Maputo, Mozambique

Mexico AIDS Conference 200

Fermion dynamics in torsion theories

In this work we have studied the non-geodesical behaviour of particles with spin 1/2 in Poincar\'e gauge theories of gravity, via the WKB method and the Mathisson-Papapetrou equation. We have analysed the relation between the two approaches and we have argued the different advantages associated with the WKB approximation. Within this approach, we have calculated the trajectories in a particular Poincar\'e gauge theory, discussing the viability of measuring such a motion.Comment: 17 pages, 2 figures, minor changes, conclusions unchanged. It matches the version published in JCA

Strain balanced quantum posts

Quantum posts are assembled by epitaxial growth of closely spaced quantum dot layers, modulating the composition of a semiconductor alloy, typically InGaAs. In contrast with most self-assembled nanostructures, the height of quantum posts can be controlled with nanometer precision, up to a maximum value limited by the accumulated stress due to the lattice mismatch. Here we present a strain compensation technique based on the controlled incorporation of phosphorous, which substantially increases the maximum attainable quantum post height. The luminescence from the resulting nanostructures presents giant linear polarization anisotropy.Comment: Submitted to Applied Physics Letters (7th March 2011). 4 pages, 4 figure

Quasienergy spectrum and tunneling current in ac-driven triple quantum dot shuttles

The dynamics of electrons in ac driven double quantum dots have been extensively analyzed by means of Floquet theory. In these systems, coherent destruction of tunneling has been shown to occur for certain ac field parameters. In the present work we analyze, by means of Floquet theory, the electron dynamics of a triple quantum dot in series attached to electric contacts, where the central dot position oscillates. In particular, we analyze the quasienergy spectrum of this ac driven nanoelectromechanical system, as a function of the intensity and frequency of the ac field and of external dc voltages. For strong driving fields, we derive, by means of perturbation theory, analytical expressions for the quasienergies of the driven oscillator system. From this analysis we discuss the conditions for coherent destruction of tunneling (CDT) to occur as a function of detuning and field parameters. For zero detuning, and from the invariance of the Floquet Hamiltonian under a generalized parity transformation, we find analytical expressions describing the symmetry properties of the Fourier components of the Floquet states under such transformation. By using these expressions, we show that in the vicinity of the CDT condition, the quasienergy spectrum exhibits exact crossings which can be characterized by the parity properties of the corresponding eigenvectors

Mixed optimization of power transmission structures: An application of the simulated annealing algorithm

En el presente artículo se expone una metodología que encara una optimización general del peso de las estructuras de transporte de energía. Esta metodología se basa en la algorítmica del recocido simulado enunciada por Kirkpatrick a principios de los años ochenta, que consiste en un proceso estocástico de pruebas basado en la analogía con el recocido de los metales. El método enunciado por Kirkpatrick permite adoptar soluciones que puedan empeorar la función objetivo, con la finalidad de mejorar la exploración del entorno factible y posibilitar una mejora final de la solución obtenida. El algoritmo propuesto compatibiliza la naturaleza discreta de las secciones de las barras con la naturaleza continua de las variables que definen la geometría y la forma global de la estructura. Así se desarrolla una metodología capaz de obtener la solución a un problema de optimización mixto, evitando, a la vez, posibles explosiones combinatorias derivadas del proceso estocástico. Por otra parte, también se ha complementado el algoritmo de Kirkpatrick con un análisis de sensibilidad de primer orden que proporciona un considerable ahorro en el coste computacional del método y se implementan funciones de penalización exterior para mejorar el tratamiento de las restricciones del diseño. Con todo ello se consigue una metodología general que permite la optimización de estructuras reales de transporte de energía en tiempos de computación asumibles.A general methodology to optimize the weight of power transmission structures is presented in this article. This methodology is based on the simulated annealing algorithm defined by Kirkpatrick in the early ‘80s. This algorithm consists of a stochastic approach that allows to explore and analyze solutions that do not improve the objective function in order to develop a better exploration of the design region and to obtain the global optimum. The proposed algorithm allows to consider the discrete behavior of the sectional variables for each element and the continuous behavior of the general geometry variables. Thus, an optimization methodology that can deal with a mixed optimization problem and includes both continuum and discrete design variables is developed. In addition, it does not require to study all the possible design combinations defined by discrete design variables. The algorithm proposed usually requires to develop a large number of simulations (structural analysis in this case) in practical applications. Thus, the authors have developed first order Taylor expansions and the first order sensitivity analysis involved in order to reduce the CPU time required. Exterior penalty functions have been also included to deal with the design constraints. Thus, the general methodology proposed allows to optimize real power transmission structures in acceptable CPU time.Peer Reviewe

Alkaline cement mortars. Chemical resistance to sulfate and seawater attack

The durability and chemical resistance of alkali activated slag and fly ash/slag mortars in contact with sulfates and seawater media have been studied. Two methods were used in the evaluation of such durability: Kock-Steinegger and ASTM CI012. A mineralogical and a microstructural characterization of mortars were done at different ages of their conservation in aggressive media through XRD, SEM/EDX and mercury porosimetry. Results showed a high durability of activated cement mortars in sulfates and seawater media. NaOH activated mortars are the most sensitive to environment attack with formation of expansive products as gypsum and ettringite, although in very low proportion.Se ha estudiado la estabilidad química en medios sulfáticos y de agua de mar de morteros de escorias activadas alcalinamente y morteros de mezclas de escoria y cenizas volantes activadas alcalinamente. Se han empleado dos métodos para evaluar dicha estabilidad: Kock-Steinegger y la norma ASTM CIO 12. Se ha realizado una caracterización mineralógica y micro estructural de los morteros (a diferentes edades de permanencia en los medios agresivos) a través de DRX, SEM/EDXy porosimetría de mercurio. Los resultados obtenidos han demostrado la elevada durabilidad de todos los morteros de cementos activados estudiados frente a la agresividad de los sulfatos y del agua de mar Los morteros de escoria activada con NaOH son los más susceptibles al ataque por esos medios, conformación de productos expansivos como el yeso y la etringita, aunque en proporciones muy bajas.Consejo Superior de investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)Peer reviewe