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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Two-dimensional oscillator in a magnetic field

The energy and eigenstate spectrum of a charged particle in the electric field of a 2D anisotropic oscillator and in a uniform magnetic field is considered. The exact analytic solution to the problem is obtained for an arbitrary magnetic field strength. The characteristic features of variation of the energy spectrum depending on the magnetic field strength are analyzed. The results of this study are of interest for the quantum-mechanical theory of magnetism and can be used to simulate the magnetic properties of atoms and molecules.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

The iterative thermal emission method: A more implicit modification of IMC

For over 40 years, the Implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) method has been used to solve challenging problems in thermal radiative transfer. These problems typically contain regions that are optically thick and diffusive, as a consequence of the high degree of “pseudo-scattering” introduced to model the absorption and reemission of photons from a tightly-coupled, radiating material. IMC has several well-known features that could be improved: a) it can be prohibitively computationally expensive, b) it introduces statistical noise into the material and radiation temperatures, which may be problematic in multiphysics simulations, and c) under certain conditions, solutions can be nonphysical, in that they violate a maximum principle, where IMC-calculated temperatures can be greater than the maximum temperature used to drive the problem. We have developed a variant of IMC called iterative thermal emission IMC, which is designed to have a reduced parameter space in which the maximum principle is violated. ITE IMC is a more implicit version of IMC in that it uses the information obtained from a series of IMC photon histories to improve the estimate for the end of time step material temperature during a time step. A better estimate of the end of time step material temperature allows for a more implicit estimate of other temperature-dependent quantities: opacity, heat capacity, Fleck factor (probability that a photon absorbed during a time step is not reemitted) and the Planckian emission source. We have verified the ITE IMC method against 0-D and 1-D analytic solutions and problems from the literature. These results are compared with traditional IMC. We perform an infinite medium stability analysis of ITE IMC and show that it is slightly more numerically stable than traditional IMC. We find that significantly larger time steps can be used with ITE IMC without violating the maximum principle, especially in problems with non-linear material properties. The ITE IMC method does however yield solutions with larger variance because each sub-step uses a different Fleck factor (even at equilibrium)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

EVOLUTION OF THE AXIAL MAGNETIC FIELD IN SOLAR FILAMENT CHANNELS

Formation of solar filament channels by photospheric magnetic reconnection is considered. A magnetohydrodynamic model for magnetic merging, driven by converging convective motions in the photosphere, is presented. Evolution of the axial magnetic field in a channel is analyzed. An exact time-dependent analytical solution for the field profile in a steady stagnation-point flow is derived. The maximum magnetic field in the channel is determined, and its dependence on the reconnection inflow speed is discussed. The quantitative results show that the maximum axial magnetic field in a forming channel is an indicator of the photospheric reconnection rate, in agreement with recent solar observations and laboratory experiments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

FORMATION OF THE GALACTIC MILLISECOND PULSAR TRIPLE SYSTEM PSR J0337+1715—A NEUTRON STAR WITH TWO ORBITING WHITE DWARFS

The millisecond pulsar in a triple system (PSR J0337+1715, recently discovered by Ransom et al.) is an unusual neutron star with two orbiting white dwarfs. The existence of such a system in the Galactic field poses new challenges to stellar astrophysics for understanding evolution, interactions, and mass transfer in close multiple stellar systems. In addition, this system provides the first precise confirmation for a very wide-orbit system of the white dwarf mass-orbital period relation. Here, we present a self-consistent, semi-analytical solution to the formation of PSR J0337+1715. Our model constrains the peculiar velocity of the system to be less than 160 km s{sup –1} and brings novel insight to, for example, common envelope evolution in a triple system, for which we find evidence for in-spiral of both outer stars. Finally, we briefly discuss our scenario in relation to alternative models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Uncertainty Quantification via Random Domain Decomposition and Probabilistic Collocation on Sparse Grids

Due to lack of knowledge or insufficient data, many physical systems are subject to uncertainty. Such uncertainty occurs on a multiplicity of scales. In this study, we conduct the uncertainty analysis of diffusion in random composites with two dominant scales of uncertainty: Large-scale uncertainty in the spatial arrangement of materials and small-scale uncertainty in the parameters within each material. A general two-scale framework that combines random domain decomposition (RDD) and probabilistic collocation method (PCM) on sparse grids to quantify the large and small scales of uncertainty, respectively. Using sparse grid points instead of standard grids based on full tensor products for both the large and small scales of uncertainty can greatly reduce the overall computational cost, especially for random process with small correlation length (large number of random dimensions). For one-dimensional random contact point problem and random inclusion problem, analytical solution and Monte Carlo simulations have been conducted respectively to verify the accuracy of the combined RDD-PCM approach. Additionally, we employed our combined RDD-PCM approach to two- and three-dimensional examples to demonstrate that our combined RDD-PCM approach provides efficient, robust and nonintrusive approximations for the statistics of diffusion in random composites.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Excitation of a slow wave structure

The Green's function on a slow wave structure is constructed. The Green's function includes all radial modes, and for each radial mode, all space harmonics. We compare the analytic solution of the frequency response on the slow wave structure with that obtained from a particle-in-cell code. Favorable comparison is obtained when the first few lower order modes are resonantly excited. This gives some confidence in the prediction of converting a pulse train into radiation using a slow wave structure.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Interaction of elliptically polarised cross-degenerate cnoidal waves in an isotropic gyrotropic medium with spatial dispersion of cubic nonlinearity

Three unusual classes of particular analytical solutions to a system of four nonlinear equations are found for slowly varying complex amplitudes of circularly polarised components of the electric field. The system describes the self-action and interaction of two elliptically polarised plane waves collinearly propagating in an isotropic medium with second-order frequency dispersion and spatial dispersion of cubic nonlinearity. The solutions correspond to self-consistent combinations of two elliptically polarised cnoidal waves whose mutually orthogonal polarisation components vary in accordance with pairwise identical laws during propagation. At the same time, the amplitudes of the component with the same circular polarisation are proportional to two different elliptic Jacobi functions with the same periods. (nonlinear optical phenomena)

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Correlated two-photon transport in a one-dimensional waveguide side-coupled to a nonlinear cavity

We investigate the transport properties of two photons inside a one-dimensional waveguide side-coupled to a single-mode nonlinear cavity. The cavity is filled with a nonlinear Kerr medium. Based on the Laplace transform method, we present an analytic solution for the quantum states of the two transmitted and reflected photons, which are initially prepared in a Lorentzian wave packet. The solution reveals how quantum correlation between the two photons emerges after the scattering by the nonlinear cavity. In particular, we show that the output wave function of the two photons in position space can be localized in relative coordinates, which is a feature that might be interpreted as a two-photon bound state in this waveguide-cavity system.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

INTEGRATION OF PARTICLE-GAS SYSTEMS WITH STIFF MUTUAL DRAG INTERACTION

Numerical simulation of numerous mm/cm-sized particles embedded in a gaseous disk has become an important tool in the study of planet formation and in understanding the dust distribution in observed protoplanetary disks. However, the mutual drag force between the gas and the particles can become so stiff—particularly because of small particles and/or strong local solid concentration—that an explicit integration of this system is computationally formidable. In this work, we consider the integration of the mutual drag force in a system of Eulerian gas and Lagrangian solid particles. Despite the entanglement between the gas and the particles under the particle-mesh construct, we are able to devise a numerical algorithm that effectively decomposes the globally coupled system of equations for the mutual drag force, and makes it possible to integrate this system on a cell-by-cell basis, which considerably reduces the computational task required. We use an analytical solution for the temporal evolution of each cell to relieve the time-step constraint posed by the mutual drag force, as well as to achieve the highest degree of accuracy. To validate our algorithm, we use an extensive suite of benchmarks with known solutions in one, two, and three dimensions, including the linear growth and the nonlinear saturation of the streaming instability. We demonstrate numerical convergence and satisfactory consistency in all cases. Our algorithm can, for example, be applied to model the evolution of the streaming instability with mm/cm-sized pebbles at high mass loading, which has important consequences for the formation scenarios of planetesimals.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Dynamic Response of a Wire-Wrapped Pin - A New Experimental Method

There is a present desire to experimentally acquire resolved strain and deflection along long, slender cylinders using non-visible and minimally invasive instrument techniques. This desire supports present safety related activities within the nuclear power industry. At present, no relevant technology has been demonstrated to support this function while satisfying the above requirements. This study presents and details a new method for experimentally quantifying the deflection of a cylindrical experiencing both static and dynamic loads. The method applies a distributed strain fiber-optic sensor which is helically wrapped along the axial length of the pin. An analytic relation is developed herein which decomposes the helical strain into both axial strain as well as axial deflection. This newly developed experimental method is compared against analytic solutions using ideal beam theory as well as independent and proven optical methods for the purpose of verifying the new method. The outcome of this study results in a new and verified method that quantifies the axial deflection distribution of a cylindrical pin. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Conditions for critical effects in the mass action kinetics equations for water radiolysis

We report on a subtle global feature of the mass action kinetics equations for water radiolysis that results in predictions of a critical behavior in H2O2 and associated radical concentrations. While radiolysis kinetics has been studied extensively in the past, it is only in recent years that high speed computing has allowed the rapid exploration of the solution over widely varying dose and compositional conditions. We explore the radiolytic production of H2O2 under various externally fixed conditions of molecular H2 and O2 that have been regarded as problematic in the literature – specifically, “jumps” in predicted concentrations, and inconsistencies between predictions and experiments have been reported for alpha radiolysis. We computationally map-out a critical concentration behavior for alpha radiolysis kinetics using a comprehensive set of reactions. We then show that all features of interest are accurately reproduced with 15 reactions. An analytical solution for steady-state concentrations of the 15 reactions reveals regions in [H2] and [O2] where the H2O2 concentration is not unique – both stable and unstable concentrations exist. The boundary of this region can be characterized analytically as a function of G-values and rate constants independent of dose rate. Physically, the boundary can be understood as separating a region where a steady-state H2O2 concentration exists, from one where it does not exist without a direct decomposition reaction. We show that this behavior is consistent with reported alpha radiolysis data and that no such behavior should occur for gamma radiolysis. We suggest experiments that could verify or discredit a critical concentration behavior for alpha radiolysis and could place more restrictive ranges on G-values from derived relationships between them.

Wittman, Richard S.↗

Local consumption speed of turbulent premixed flames - An analysis of ''memory effects''

The local turbulent flame speed of an attached flame is not only a function of the local flow and flame conditions, but also of upstream conditions - i.e., it is ''non-local'' or exhibits ''memory''. Non-locality adds an additional degree of freedom to the classic problem of a freely propagating flame propagating normally to the time averaged flow. Non-locality occurs due to mean tangential flow along the flame brush, which causes flame wrinkles to translate downstream. As such, the wrinkling of the flame at any given point is not only a function of the local velocity disturbance, but also a superposition of flame surface perturbations from locations upstream at previous times. This causes the correlation length scale of turbulent flame wrinkles to differ from that of the underlying turbulent velocity fluctuations. The objective of this paper is to provide a physical description of the key flame kinematic processes that cause these non-local effects. Two approaches are adopted in this work. First, analytical solutions of the G-equation that explicitly describe the effect of non-locality in the low turbulence limit are developed. Second, numerical computations of the G-equation are performed that demonstrate the role of non-linearity in flame surface kinematics at higher turbulence intensities. Finally, these predictions are shown to be consistent with data from a turbulent Bunsen flame. (author)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Heat transport in confined strongly coupled two-dimensional dust clusters

Dusty plasmas are a model system for studying strong correlation. The dust grains’ size of a few micro-meters and their characteristic oscillation frequency of a few hertz allow for an investigation of many-particle effects on an “atomic” level. In this article, we model the heat transport through an axially confined 2D dust cluster from the center to the outside. The system behaves particularly interesting since heat is not only conducted within the dust component but also transferred to the neutral gas. Fitting the analytical solution to the radial temperature profiles obtained in molecular dynamics simulations allows to determine the heat conductivity k. The heat conductivity is found to be constant over a wide range of coupling strengths even including the phase transition from solid to liquid here, as it was also found in extended systems by Nosenko et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 025003 (2008)].

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Rayleigh-Taylor vortices in a pair-ion plasma

The Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) vortices and the analytical solution of three-mode coupling in pair-ion plasmas are investigated. It is shown that the E×B convection of polarization drift is responsible for the saturation of growing RT instability and as a result the localized dipole vortex structures are formed. The shear flow generation due to the destruction of vortex structures is discussed by the Fourier mode analysis.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Perfect fluid and scalar field in the Reissner-Nordstroem metric

We describe the spherically symmetric steady-state accretion of perfect fluid in the Reissner-Nordstroem metric. We present analytic solutions for accretion of a fluid with linear equations of state and of the Chaplygin gas. We also show that under reasonable physical conditions, there is no steady-state accretion of a perfect fluid onto a Reissner-Nordstroem naked singularity. Instead, a static atmosphere of fluid is formed. We discuss a possibility of violation of the third law of black hole thermodynamics for a phantom fluid accretion.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Terminal Sinking Velocity for Waste Packages Falling in a Deep Borehole - 17063

This evaluation of terminal velocity for a waste package sinking in a deep borehole filled with emplacement fluid was done to support concept development for the Deep Borehole Field Test (DBFT). The DBFT objective is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the deep borehole disposal (DBD) concept for certain radioactive wastes. The DBD concept calls for emplacing waste packages in the lower 2 km of a borehole drilled into crystalline basement rock to a depth of 5 km. Previous studies identified that accidentally dropping one or more waste packages during emplacement could be an important risk, particularly if a waste package is breached. This study evaluated the range of terminal sinking velocity, which can be used to design waste packages and impact limiters to ensure that breach does not occur. Based on an analytical model of a sinking container, a highly turbulent flow is expected to develop in the emplacement fluid. Turbulence is a complex three-dimensional phenomenon and the applicability of analytical models is limited. To backstop the analytical model and to extend predictions to other package dimensions and fluid properties, numerical simulation was performed using the ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamics code. Terminal velocity was calculated for downhole temperatures up to 1200 C, and three emplacement fluids (water, NaCl brine, and NaBr brine). Simulation results confirmed that flow around the sinking container is highly turbulent (Reynolds number 5.6 x 10{sup 4} to 7.3 x 10{sup 5}). Turbulence increases with temperature and decreases with density. Calculated terminal velocity ranges from 1.95 (200 C) to 2.13 m/s (1200 C) in water; 1.61 (200 C) to 1.79 m/s (1200 C) in NaCl; and 1.30 (200 C) to 1.46 m/s (1200 C) in NaBr. Terminal velocity is inversely related to fluid density, and the temperature effect on density appears to have a stronger effect on terminal velocity than the temperature effect on viscosity. The foregoing results are for non-perforated casing, but in practice the casing may be perforated to prepare for cementing, and to allow relief of fluid pressure from thermal expansion after emplacement of heat generating waste, and after final borehole closure. To represent the effect from perforations, the analytical solution was modified to include bypass flow through perforations and in the annulus. A workable perforation scheme is identified, consistent with borehole construction and closure requirements, using 2-cm and 5-cm diameter perforations. This scheme is estimated to limit the terminal velocity to 3 m/s, for reference waste packages falling in water at 400 C. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Smooth Contact of a Semiinfinite Punch with Rounded Edge and an Elastic Strip

We consider a problem of contact of an elastic strip with a semiinfinite punch with rounded edge indented into one face of the strip, while the other face of the strip is fixed. Friction forces in the contact zone are neglected. By the Wiener–Hopf method, we obtain the exact analytic solution of the problem. The distributions of contact stresses, the stresses inside the strip and along its fixed face, and the normal displacements of points of a part of the load-free face of the strip are determined. We construct the isochores and determine the position of the point at which the maximum values of the principal shear stresses are attained.

42 ENGINEERING↗

High-performance modeling acoustic and elastic waves using the parallel Dichotomy Algorithm

A high-performance parallel algorithm is proposed for modeling the propagation of acoustic and elastic waves in inhomogeneous media. An initial boundary-value problem is replaced by a series of boundary-value problems for a constant elliptic operator and different right-hand sides via the integral Laguerre transform. It is proposed to solve difference equations by the conjugate gradient method for acoustic equations and by the GMRES(k) method for modeling elastic waves. A preconditioning operator was the Laplace operator that is inverted using the variable separation method. The novelty of the proposed algorithm is using the Dichotomy Algorithm , which was designed for solving a series of tridiagonal systems of linear equations, in the context of the preconditioning operator inversion. Via considering analytical solutions, it is shown that modeling wave processes for long instants of time requires high-resolution meshes. The proposed parallel fine-mesh algorithm enabled to solve real application seismic problems in acceptable time and with high accuracy. By solving model problems, it is demonstrated that the considered parallel algorithm possesses high performance and efficiency over a wide range of the number of processors (from 2 to 8192).

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗