Search

Fe, Mg, and O are among the most abundant elements in terrestrial planets. While the behavior of the Fe–O, Mg–O, and Fe–Mg binary systems under pressure have been investigated, there are still very few studies of the Fe–Mg–O ternary system at relevant Earth's core and super-Earth's mantle pressures. Here, we use the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) to study ternary FexMgyOz phases in a wide range of stoichiometries at 200 GPa and 350 GPa. We discovered three dynamically stable phases with stoichiometries FeMg2O4, Fe2MgO4, and FeMg3O4 with lower enthalpy than any known combination of Fe–Mg–O high-pressure compounds at 350 GPa. With the discovery of these phases, we construct the Fe–Mg–O ternary convex hull. We further clarify the composition- and pressure-dependence of structural motifs with the analysis of the AGA-found stable and metastable structures. Analysis of binary and ternary stable phases suggest that O, Mg, or both could stabilize a BCC iron alloy at inner core pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoscaling and isobaric yield ratio difference (IBD) methods are used to study Δμ/T (Δμ being the difference between the chemical potentials of the neutron and proton, and T being the temperature) in the measured 1 A GeV 124Sn + 124Sn, 112Sn + 112Sn, 136Xe + Pb and 124Xe + Pb reactions. The isoscaling phenomena in the 124Sn/112Sn and 136Xe/124Xe reaction pairs are investigated, and the isoscaling parameters α and β are obtained. The Δμ/T determined by the isoscaling method (IS-Δμ/T) and the IBD method (IB-Δμ/T) in the measured Sn and Xe reactions are compared. It is shown that in most fragments, the IS- and IB-Δμ/T are consistent in the Xe reactions, while the IS- and IB-Δμ/T ones are only similar in the less neutron-rich fragments in the Sn reactions. The shell effects in IB-Δμ/T are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, empirical kappa distribution, commonly used to describe non-equilibrium systems like space plasmas, has been connected with non-extensive statistical mechanics. Here we show how a consistent definition of the temperature and pressure is developed for stationary states out of thermal equilibrium, so that the familiar ideal gas state equation still holds. In addition to the classical triplet of temperature, pressure, and density, this generalization requires the kappa index as a fourth independent thermodynamic variable that characterizes the non-equilibrium stationary states. All four of these thermodynamic variables have key roles in describing the governing thermodynamical processes and transitions in space plasmas. We introduce a novel characterization of isothermal and isobaric processes that describe a system's transition into different stationary states by varying the kappa index. In addition, we show how the variation of temperature or/and pressure can occur through an "iso-q" process, in which the system remains in a fixed stationary state (fixed kappa index). These processes have been detected in the proton plasma in the inner heliosheath via specialized data analysis of energetic neutral atom (ENA) observations from Interstellar Boundary Explorer. In particular, we find that the temperature is highly correlated with (1) kappa, asymptotically related to isothermal (~1,000,000 K) and iso-q (Κ ~ 1.7) processes; and (2) density, related to an isobaric process, which separates the "Ribbon," P ≈ 3.2 pdyn cm-2, from the globally distributed ENA flux, P ≈ 2 pdyn cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two well-known examples of states of very different symmetry in nuclei to those of their neighbours are given by the phenomena of isobaric analog states and nuclear shape coexistence. We show in this letter that they are intimately related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An A-dependent temperature has been found both for the primary fragments and for the measured fragments in an improved isobaric-yield-ratio-difference method, which obeys the function , with C and k being parameters. Within the finite temperature range, the A-dependence of the difference among the free energy and binding energy is found to depend on A in the form of . For the measured fragment, the temperature obtained by the improved isobaric-yield-ratio-difference method depends on A in the manner of within 4 MeV. The A-dependence of temperature can be explained by the A-dependence of the isobaric difference among free energy in a natural way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RF power transfer efficiency and the relevant power absorption mechanisms of inductively heated hydrogen and deuterium plasmas are investigated in the low-pressure region between 0.25 and 10 Pa. The discharges are generated in a cylindrical vessel via a helical coil applying a frequency of 1 MHz and delivered RF powers up to 800 W. The power transfer efficiency η is quantified by a subtractive method that relies on the measurement of the delivered RF power and of the RF current through the plasma coil both with and without discharge operation. By means of optical emission spectroscopy and electrical probe measurements, the key plasma parameters are obtained. For both H2 and D2, the relative behavior of the power transfer efficiency is well comparable, which increases with increasing delivered RF power and describes a maximum at pressures between 1 and 3 Pa where more than of the provided power are absorbed by the plasma. The observed relative dependencies of η on the operational parameters are found to be well explained by an analytical approach that considers the power absorption by the plasma via evaluating the RF plasma conductivity based on the measured plasma parameters. At the parameters present, non-collisional stochastic heating of electrons has to be considered for pressures , while collisional heating dominates at higher pressure. Molecular dissociation is found to have a significant influence on the power transfer efficiency of light molecular discharges. The direct comparison of H2 and D2 identifies the higher atomic density in deuterium to cause a systematically increased power transfer efficiency due to an increased ionization rate in the present electron temperature region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent results (Gerolymos and Vallet 2016 J. Fluid Mech.807 386–418) have provided data for the terms in the transport equations for the components of the dissipation tensor in low-Reynolds turbulent plane channel flow. The present paper extends the previous results by a detailed analysis of the behaviour of various mechanisms in the -transport equations (production, diffusion, redistribution, destruction), with particular emphasis on the component-by-component comparison with the corresponding mechanisms in the transport equations for the Reynolds-stresses rij. The splitting of the pressure terms for the wall-normal components into redistribution and pressure-diffusion reveals substantially different behaviour near the wall. The wall-asymptotics of different terms in the transport equations are studied in detail, and examined using the data. Both data and wall-asympotic analysis show that the anisotropy of the destruction-of-dissipation tensor is fundamentally different from that of rij or , never approaching the two-component state at the solid wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray burst model predictions of light curves and the final composition of the nuclear ashes are affected by uncertain nuclear masses. However, not all of these masses are determined experimentally with sufficient accuracy. Here we identify the remaining nuclear mass uncertainties in X-ray burst models using a one-zone model that takes into account the changes in temperature and density evolution caused by changes in the nuclear physics. Two types of bursts are investigated—a typical mixed H/He burst with a limited rapid proton capture process (rp-process) and an extreme mixed H/He burst with an extended rp-process. When allowing for a 3σ variation, only three remaining nuclear mass uncertainties affect the light-curve predictions of a typical H/He burst (27P, 61Ga, and 65As), and only three additional masses affect the composition strongly (80Zr, 81Zr, and 82Nb). A larger number of mass uncertainties remain to be addressed for the extreme H/He burst, with the most important being 58Zn, 61Ga, 62Ge, 65As, 66Se, 78Y, 79Y, 79Zr, 80Zr, 81Zr, 82Zr, 82Nb, 83Nb, 86Tc, 91Rh, 95Ag, 98Cd, 99In, 100In, and 101In. The smallest mass uncertainty that still impacts composition significantly when varied by 3σ is 85Mo with 16 keV uncertainty. For one of the identified masses, 27P, we use the isobaric mass multiplet equation to improve the mass uncertainty, obtaining an atomic mass excess of −716(7) keV. The results provide a roadmap for future experiments at advanced rare isotope beam facilities, where all the identified nuclides are expected to be within reach for precision mass measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studied the computational details of the Green–Kubo method with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for thermal conductivity prediction. In MD thermal conductivity calculation, little consensus has been made about the inclusion of zero-pressure volume relaxation in the isobaric–isothermal (NpT) ensemble, which determines the simulation lattice parameters. Simulations of fcc-based structures with different lattice parameters were performed to calculate lattice thermal conductivities and phonon density of states, and the results were compared to experimental reports and ab initio results to conclude that NpT volume relaxation is crucial for accurate prediction of thermal conductivity. In addition, the relation between thermal conductivity and interatomic potential cutoff distance was also analysed in the context of lattice relaxation. The results suggested that calculated thermal conductivity is strictly dependent on the lattice parameter and essentially independent of the cutoff distance. It was also shown that reducing the cutoff distance can greatly accelerate the thermal conductivity calculation, even without sacrificing the accuracy of thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The square-well (SW) potential is one of the simplest pair potential models and its phase behavior has been clearly revealed, therefore it has become a benchmark for checking new theories or numerical methods. We introduce the generalized canonical ensemble (GCE) into the isobaric replica exchange Monte Carlo (REMC) algorithm to form a novel isobaric GCE-REMC method, and apply it to the study of vapor–liquid transition of SW particles. It is validated that this method can reproduce the vapor–liquid diagram of SW particles by comparing the estimated vapor–liquid binodals and the critical point with those from the literature. The notable advantage of this method is that the unstable vapor–liquid coexisting states, which cannot be detected using conventional sampling techniques, are accessed with a high sampling efficiency. Besides, the isobaric GCE-REMC method can visit all the possible states, including stable, metastable or unstable states during the phase transition over a wide pressure range, providing an effective pathway to understand complex phase transitions during the nucleation or crystallization process in physical or biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masses of 52Co, 52Com, 52Fe, 52Fem, and 52Mn have been measured with the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap mass spectrometer. The isobaric multiplet mass equation for the T = 2 quintet at A = 52 has been studied employing the new mass values. No significant breakdown (beyond the level) of the quadratic form of the IMME was observed (). The cubic coefficient was 6.0(32) keV (). The excitation energies for the isomer and the T = 2 isobaric analog state in 52Co have been determined to be 374(13) keV and 2922(13) keV, respectively. The measured mass values for 52Co and 52Com are 29(10) keV and 16(15) keV higher, respectively, than obtained in a recent storage-ring experiment, and significantly lower than predicted by extrapolations. Consequently, this has an impact on the proton separation energies for 52Co and 53Ni relevant for the astrophysical rapid proton capture process. The Q value for the proton decay from the isomer in 53Co has been determined with an unprecedented precision, keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental investigation of cathode erosion in atmospheric pressure hafnium-electrode plasma torches is reported under different plasma environments along with the results of numerical simulation. Air, nitrogen and oxygen are the plasma gases considered. Distinct differences in the erosion features in different plasmas are brought out. Cathode images exhibiting a degree of erosion and measured erosion rates are presented in detail as a function of time of arc operation and arc current. Physical erosion rates are determined using high precision balance. The changes in the surface microstructures are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Evolution of cathode chemistry is determined using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Numerical simulation with proper consideration of the plasma effects is performed for all the plasma gases. The important role of electromagnetic body forces in shaping the flow field and the distribution of pressure in the region is explored. It is shown that the mutual interaction between fluid dynamic and electromagnetic body forces may self-consistently evolve a situation of an extremely low cathode erosion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-pressure plasmas have been evaluated for their potential in biomedical and defense purposes. The sterilizing effect of plasma can be attributed to several active agents, including (V)UV radiation, charged particles, radical species, neutral and excited atoms and molecules, and the electric field. Spores of Bacillus subtilis were used as a bioindicator and a genetic model system to study the sporicidal effects of low-pressure plasma decontamination. Wild-type spores, spores lacking the major protective coat layers (inner, outer, and crust), pigmentation-deficient spores or spore impaired in encasement (a late step in coat assembly) were systematically tested for their resistance to low-pressure argon, hydrogen, and oxygen plasmas with and without admixtures. We demonstrate that low-pressure plasma discharges of argon and oxygen discharges cause significant physical damage to spore surface structures as visualized by atomic force microscopy. Spore resistance to low-pressure plasma was primarily dependent on the presence of the inner, and outer spore coat layers as well as spore encasement, with minor or less importance of the crust and spore pigmentation, whereas spore inactivation itself was strongly influenced by the gas composition and operational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maps of energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes obtained from observations made by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) revealed a bright structure extending over the sky, subsequently dubbed the IBEX ribbon. The ribbon had not been expected from the existing models and theories prior to IBEX, and a number of mechanisms have since been proposed to explain the observations. In these mechanisms, the observed ENAs emerge from source plasmas located at different distances from the Sun. Since each part of the sky is observed by IBEX twice during the year from opposite sides of the Sun, the apparent position of the ribbon as observed in the sky is shifted due to parallax. To determine the ribbon’s parallax, we found the precise location of the maximum signal of the ribbon observed in each orbital arc. The apparent positions obtained were subsequently corrected for the Compton–Getting effect, gravitational deflection, and radiation pressure. Finally, we selected a part of the ribbon where its position is similar in the different IBEX energy passbands. We compared the apparent positions obtained from the viewing locations on the opposite sides of the Sun, and found that they are shifted by a parallax angle of 0.°41 ± 0.°15, which corresponds to a distance of AU. This finding supports models of the ribbon with the source located just outside the heliopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new algorithm for space telescope high contrast imaging of close-to-face-on planetary disks called Optimized Spatially Filtered (OSFi) normalization. This algorithm is used on HR 8799 Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) coronagraphic archival data, showing an over-luminosity after reference star point-spread function (PSF) subtraction that may be from the inner disk and/or planetesimal belt components of this system. The PSF-subtracted radial profiles in two separate epochs from 2011 and 2012 are consistent with one another, and self-subtraction shows no residual in both epochs. We explore a number of possible false-positive scenarios that could explain this residual flux, including telescope breathing, spectral differences between HR 8799 and the reference star, imaging of the known warm inner disk component, OSFi algorithm throughput and consistency with the standard spider normalization HST PSF subtraction technique, and coronagraph misalignment from pointing accuracy. In comparison to another similar STIS data set, we find that the over-luminosity is likely a result of telescope breathing and spectral difference between HR 8799 and the reference star. Thus, assuming a non-detection, we derive upper limits on the HR 8799 dust belt mass in small grains. In this scenario, we find that the flux of these micron-sized dust grains leaving the system due to radiation pressure is small enough to be consistent with measurements of other debris disk halos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results based on X-ray, optical, and radio observations of the massive galaxy cluster CIZA J0107.7+5408. We find that this system is a post-core-passage, dissociative, binary merger, with the optical galaxy density peaks of each subcluster leading their associated X-ray emission peaks. This separation occurs because the diffuse gas experiences ram pressure forces, while the effectively collisionless galaxies (and presumably their associated dark matter (DM) halos) do not. This system contains double-peaked diffuse radio emission, possibly a double radio relic with the relics lying along the merger axis and also leading the X-ray cores. We find evidence for a temperature peak associated with the SW relic, likely created by the same merger shock that is powering the relic radio emission in this region. Thus, this system is a relatively rare, clean example of a dissociative binary merger, which can in principle be used to place constraints on the self-interaction cross-section of DM. Low-frequency radio observations reveal ultra-steep spectrum diffuse radio emission that is not correlated with the X-ray, optical, or high-frequency radio emission. We suggest that these sources are radio phoenixes, which are preexisting non-thermal particle populations that have been re-energized through adiabatic compression by the same merger shocks that power the radio relics. Finally, we place upper limits on inverse Compton emission from the SW radio relic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doppler free two photon absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the pressure broadening and frequency shift rates of the 5S1/2 (F = 3) → 5D5/2 (F = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) (778.105 nm) and the 5S1/2 (F = 2) → 7S1/2 (F = 2) (760.126 nm) two photon transitions in 85Rb by the noble gases and N2. To our knowledge, these rates are reported on for the first time. The self-broadening and shift rate of the 5S1/2 (F = 3) → 5D5/2 (F = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) transition and self -broadening rate of the 5S1/2 (F = 2) → 7S1/2 (F = 2) transition were also measured. The temperature dependence of the self-frequency shift (Rb-Rb collisions) of these transitions is presented. Helium diffusion rates through Quartz and Pyrex cells are also calculated and the implication of helium diffusion through glass vapor cells is discussed in regards to atomic frequency standards based on these transitions. Experimental pressure broadening and shift rates are compared to theoretically calculated rates assuming a 6, 8 or 6, 8, 10 difference potential and pseudo potential model. Reasonable agreement is achieved between experimental and theoretical values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements under external pressure were performed on NaFe1−xCoxAs (x = 0, 0.01, 0.028, 0.075 and 0.109) single crystals. For both underdoped and optimally doped NaFe1−xCoxAs, the maximum Tc reached as high as 31 K under certain pressures. Meanwhile the overdoped sample with x = 0.075 also exhibits a positive pressure effect on Tc, and an enhancement of Tc by 13 K is achieved under a pressure of 2.3 GPa. All of these superconducting samples show large positive pressure coefficients on superconductivity, being distinct from those of Ba(Fe1−xCox)2As2. However, the superconductivity cannot be induced by pressure in heavily overdoped non-superconducting NaFe0.891Co0.109As. These studies reveal that the electronic structure is very different between superconducting and heavily overdoped non-superconducting NaFe1−xCoxAs, consistent with the observation of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]