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Wind Wizard
By Siobhan Roberts. 2013
With Wind Wizard, Siobhan Roberts brings us the story of Alan Davenport (1932-2009), the father of modern wind engineering, who…
investigated how wind navigates the obstacle course of the earth's natural and built environments--and how, when not properly heeded, wind causes buildings and bridges to teeter unduly, sway with abandon, and even collapse. In 1964, Davenport received a confidential telephone call from two engineers requesting tests on a pair of towers that promised to be the tallest in the world. His resulting wind studies on New York's World Trade Center advanced the art and science of wind engineering with one pioneering innovation after another. Establishing the first dedicated "boundary layer" wind tunnel laboratory for civil engineering structures, Davenport enabled the study of the atmospheric region from the earth's surface to three thousand feet, where the air churns with turbulent eddies, the average wind speed increasing with height. The boundary layer wind tunnel mimics these windy marbled striations in order to test models of buildings and bridges that inevitably face the wind when built. Over the years, Davenport's revolutionary lab investigated and improved the wind-worthiness of the world's greatest structures, including the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Tower, Shanghai's World Financial Center, the CN Tower, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, the Sunshine Skyway, and the proposed crossing for the Strait of Messina, linking Sicily with mainland Italy. Chronicling Davenport's innovations by analyzing select projects, this popular-science book gives an illuminating behind-the-scenes view into the practice of wind engineering, and insight into Davenport's steadfast belief that there is neither a structure too tall nor too long, as long as it is supported by sound wind science.Nanoscale AFM and TEM Observations of Elementary Dislocation Mechanisms
By Jozef Veselý. 2017
This thesis addresses elementary dislocation processes occurring in single-crystalline alloys based on Fe-Al, and investigates correspondences between dislocation distribution inside…
crystals characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and surface patterns observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fe-Al alloys with different degrees of ordering were prepared and deformed in compression at ambient temperature in-situ inside the AFM device. The evolution of slip line structures was captured in the sequences of AFM images and wavy slip bands, while cross slip at the tip of the slip band and homogeneous fine slip lines were also identified. Further, the thesis develops a technique for constructing 3D representations of dislocations observed by TEM without the prohibitive difficulties of tomography, and creates 3D models of dislocation structures. Generally speaking, the thesis finds good agreement between AFM and TEM observations, confirming the value of AFM as a relevant tool for studying dislocations.Science Set Free: 10 Paths to New Discovery
By Rupert Sheldrake. 2012
The bestselling author ofDogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Homeoffers an intriguing new assessment of modern day science…
that will radically change the way we view what is possible. In Science Set Free, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, one of the world's most innovative scientists, shows the ways in which science is being constricted by assumptions that have, over the years, hardened into dogmas. Such dogmas are not only limiting, but dangerous for the future of humanity. According to these principles, all of reality is material or physical; the world is a machine, made up of inanimate matter; nature is purposeless; consciousness is nothing but the physical activity of the brain; free will is an illusion; God exists only as an idea in human minds, imprisoned within our skulls. But should science be a belief-system, or a method of enquiry? Sheldrake shows that the materialist ideology is moribund; under its sway, increasingly expensive research is reaping diminishing returns while societies around the world are paying the price. In the skeptical spirit of true science, Sheldrake turns the ten fundamental dogmas of materialism into exciting questions, and shows how all of them open up startling new possibilities for discovery. Science Set Free will radically change your view of what is real and what is possible.This thesis offers an excellent, comprehensive introduction to the physics of the quark–gluon plasma. It clearly explains the connection between…
theory and experiment, making the topic accessible to non-specialists in this field. The experimental work, which contributes significantly to our understanding of the quark–gluon plasma, is described in great detail. The results described in the final chapters of the thesis provide interesting new ideas about the connection between proton-proton and Pb-Pb collisions. Simone Schuchmann received the 'ALICE Thesis Award 2016' for this excellent work.This thesis is a comprehensive work that addresses many of the open questions currently being discusssed in the very-high-energy (VHE)…
gamma-ray community. It presents a detailed description of the MAGIC telescope together with a glimpse of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). One section is devoted to the design, development and characterization of trigger systems for current and future imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The book also features a state-of-the-art description of pulsar wind nebula (PWN) systems, the study of the multi-TeV spectrum of the Crab nebula, as well as the discovery of VHE gamma rays at the multiwavelength PWN 3C 58, which were sought at these wavelengths for more than twenty years. It also includes the contextualization of this discovery amongst the current population of VHE gamma-ray PWNe. Cataclysmic variable stars represent a new source of gamma ray energies, and are also addressed here. In closing, the thesis reports on the systematic search for VHE gamma-ray emissions of AE Aquarii in a multiwavelength context and the search for VHE gamma-ray variability of novae during outbursts at different wavelengths.The Cosmic Century
By Malcolm S. Longair. 2006
The twentieth-century witnessed the development of astrophysics and cosmology from subjects which scarcely existed to two of the most exciting…
and demanding areas of contemporary scientific inquiry. In this book Malcolm Longair reviews the historical development of the key areas of modern astrophysics, linking the strands together to show how they have led to the extraordinarily rich panorama of modern astrophysics and cosmology. While many of the great discoveries were derived from pioneering observations, the emphasis is upon the development of theoretical concepts and how they came to be accepted. These advances have led astrophysicists and cosmologists to ask some of the deepest questions about the nature of our Universe and have pushed astronomical observations to the very limit. This is a fantastic story, and one which would have defied the imaginations of even the greatest story-tellers.This thesis presents a series of experimental techniques based on scanning probe microscopy which make it possible access the…
degree of freedom of protons both in real and energy space These novel techniques and methods allow direct visualization of the concerted quantum tunneling of protons within the hydrogen-bonded network and quantification of the quantum component of a single hydrogen bond at a water solid interface for the first time Furthermore the thesis demonstrates that the anharmonic quantum fluctuations of hydrogen nuclei further weaken the weak hydrogen bonds and strengthen the strong ones However this trend was reversed when the hydrogen bond coupled to the local environment These pioneering findings substantially advance our understanding of the quantum nature of H bonds at the molecular levelPhysics for Rock Stars
By Christine Mckinley. 2014
From the host of the History channel's Brad Meltzer's Decoded: the laws of the universe like you've never experienced them…
before. This approachable book explains the world of physics with clarity, humor, and a dash of adventure. Physics for Rock Stars is not a weighty treatise on science, but a personal tour of physics from a quirky friend. Anyone who's ever wondered why nature abhors a vacuum, what causes magnetic attraction, or how to jump off a moving train or do a perfect stage dive will find answers and a few laughs too. No equations, numbers, or tricky concepts--just an inspiring and comical romp through the basics of physics and the beauty of the organized universe.Statistics for nuclear and particle physicists
By Louis Lyons. 1986
This book, written by a non-statistician for non-statisticians, emphasises the practical approach to those problems in statistics which arise regularly…
in data analysis situations in nuclear and high-energy physics experiments. Rather than concentrating on formal proofs of theorems, an abundant use of simple examples illustrates the general ideas which are presented, showing the reader how to obtain the maximum information from the data in the simplest manner. Possible difficulties with the various techniques, and pitfalls to be avoided, are also discussed. Based on a series of lectures given by the author to both students and staff at Oxford, this common-sense approach to statistics will enable nuclear physicists to understand better how to do justice to their data in both analysis and interpretation.This thesis describes the controlled immobilization of molecules between two cuboidal metal nanoparticles by means of a self-assembly method to…
control the quantum plasmon resonances It demonstrates that quantum-plasmonics is possible at length scales that are useful for real applications Light can interact with certain metals and can be captured in the form of plasmons which are collective ultra-fast oscillations of electrons that can be manipulated at the nano-scale Surface plasmons are considered as a promising phenomenon for potentially bridging the gap between fast-operating-speed optics and nano-scale electronics Quantum tunneling has been predicted to occur across two closely separated plasmonic resonators at length scales Unlike top-down nanofabrication the molecules between the closely-spaced metal nanoparticles could control the gap sizes down to sub-nanometer scales and act as the frequency controllers in the terahertz regime providing a new control parameter in the fabrication of electrical circuits facilitated by quantum plasmon tunnelingMagnetoconvection
By N. O. Weiss, M. R. E. Proctor. 2014
The last thirty years have seen great leaps forward in the subject of magnetoconvection. Computational techniques can now explain exotic…
nonlinear behaviour, transition to chaos and the formation of structures that can be observed on the surface of the Sun. Here, two leading experts present the current state of knowledge of the subject. They provide a mathematical and numerical treatment of the interactions between electrically conducting fluids and magnetic fields that lead to the complex structures and rich behaviour observed on the Sun and other stars, as well as in the interiors of planets like the Earth. The authors' combined analytical and computational approach provides a model for the study of a wide range of related problems. The discussion includes bifurcation theory, chaotic behaviour, pattern formation in two and three dimensions, and applications to geomagnetism and to the properties of sunspots and other features at the solar surface.Applications of Group Theory to Atoms, Molecules, and Solids
By Thomas Wolfram, nas Ell altio lu. 2014
The majority of all knowledge concerning atoms, molecules, and solids has been derived from applications of group theory. Taking a…
unique, applications-oriented approach, this book gives readers the tools needed to analyze any atomic, molecular, or crystalline solid system. Using a clearly defined, eight-step program, this book helps readers to understand the power of group theory, what information can be obtained from it, and how to obtain it. The book takes in modern topics, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and isotopic frequencies of molecules, as well as more traditional subjects: the vibrational and electronic states of molecules and solids, crystal field and ligand field theory, transition metal complexes, space groups, time reversal symmetry, and magnetic groups. With over 100 end-of-chapter exercises, this book is invaluable for graduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering and materials science.Gravity, Weight and Their Absence (SpringerBriefs in Physics)
By Vladimir Pletser. 2018
The book introduces readers to the concept of weightlessness and microgravity and presents several examples of microgravity research in…
fluid physics the material sciences and human physiology Further it explains a range of basic physical concepts inertia reference frames mass and weight accelerations gravitation and weightiness free fall trajectories and platforms for microgravity research in simple terms The last section addresses the physiological effects of weightlessness The book s simple didactic approach makes it easy to read equations are kept to a minimum while examples and applications are presented in the appendices Simple sketches and photos from actual space missions illustrate the main content This book allows readers to understand the space environment that astronauts experience on board space stations and to more closely follow on-going and future space missions in Earth orbit and to MarsThis thesis focuses on the growth of a new type of two-dimensional 2D material known as hexagonal boron…
nitride h-BN using chemical vapor deposition CVD It also presents several significant breakthroughs in the authors understanding of the growth mechanism and development of new growth techniques which are now well known in the field Of particular importance is the pioneering work showing experimental proof that 2D crystals of h-BN can indeed be hexagonal in shape This came as a major surprise to many working in the 2D field as it had been generally assumed that hexagonal-shaped h-BN was impossible due to energy dynamics Beyond growth the thesis also reports on synthesis techniques that are geared toward commercial applications Large-area aligned growth and up to an eightfold reduction in the cost of h-BN production are demonstrated At present all other 2D materials generally use h-BN as their dielectric layer and for encapsulation As such this thesis lays the cornerstone for using CVD 2D h-BN for this purposeAdvanced Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
By Gennaro Miele, Giampiero Esposito, Giuseppe Marmo, George Sudarshan. 2014
Introducing a geometric view of fundamental physics, starting from quantum mechanics and its experimental foundations, this book is ideal for…
advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics and mathematical physics. Focusing on structural issues and geometric ideas, this book guides readers from the concepts of classical mechanics to those of quantum mechanics. The book features an original presentation of classical mechanics, with the choice of topics motivated by the subsequent development of quantum mechanics, especially wave equations, Poisson brackets and harmonic oscillators. It also presents new treatments of waves and particles and the symmetries in quantum mechanics, as well as extensive coverage of the experimental foundations.Classical Optics and its Applications
By Masud Mansuripur. 2009
Covering a broad range of fundamental topics in classical optics and electro-magnetism, this book is ideal for graduate-level courses in…
optics, providing supplementary reading materials for teachers and students alike. Industrial scientists and engineers developing modern optical systems will also find it an invaluable resource. Now in color, this second edition contains 13 new chapters, covering optical pulse compression, the Hanbury Brown-Twiss experiment, the Sagnac effect, Doppler shift and stellar aberration, and optics of semiconductor diode lasers. The first half of the book deals primarily with the basic concepts of optics, while the second half describes how these concepts can be used in a variety of technological applications. Each chapter is concerned with a single topic, developing an understanding through the use of diagrams, examples, numerical simulations, and logical arguments. The mathematical content is kept to a minimum to provide the reader with insightful discussions of optical phenomena.Reductionism: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)
By Alastair Rae. 2013
Ever since the ancient Greeks conceived of the atom, humans have sought the smallest ingredients of our existence. In the…
past century, the use of reductionism to understand behavior has gained steam as the quantum universe and the workings of the human mind have been uncovered; still there are those who say that reductionists are oversimplifying our world. Here, acclaimed physicist Alastair Rae spells out how the powerful tool of reductionism works, from the level of subatomic particles, up through molecular chemistry, and beyond to our neural networks. How does physics explain consciousness? Can quantum mechanics be applied to the brain or mind? Rae's exploration is an indispensable guide to one of the most fundamental ideas of science and the perfect companion for anyone considering how scientific findings reach into human life.Electromagnetics of Body Area Networks: Antennas, Propagation, and RF Systems
By Zhi Hao Jiang, Douglas H. Werner. 2009
The book is a comprehensive treatment of the field, covering fundamental theoretical principles and new technological advancements, state-of-the-art device design,…
and reviewing examples encompassing a wide range of related sub-areas. In particular, the first area focuses on the recent development of novel wearable and implantable antenna concepts and designs including metamaterial-based wearable antennas, microwave circuit integrated wearable filtering antennas, and textile and/or fabric material enabled wearable antennas. The second set of topics covers advanced wireless propagation and the associated statistical models for on-body, in-body, and off-body modes. Other sub-areas such as efficient numerical human body modeling techniques, artificial phantom synthesis and fabrication, as well as low-power RF integrated circuits and related sensor technology are also discussed. These topics have been carefully selected for their transformational impact on the next generation of body-area network systems and beyond.Biological Magnetic Materials and Applications
By Tadashi Matsunaga, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, David Kisailus. 2018
This book addresses the biologically controlled synthesis of magnetic materials and its applications in bio-inspired design and synthesis …
It highlights several key aspects of biologically produced magnetic materials i organisms that biologically synthesize and utilize magnetic materials ii formation mechanisms iii how these biological formation routes yield various phases and morphologies and iv the resultant magnetic and structural properties and describes diverse bio-inspired approaches to utilizing magnetic materials in applications ranging from semiconductor to health industries In addition the book discusses the recent industrial use of magnetic materials to develop scalable technologies that encompass protein displays drug-delivery biophysical separations and medical diagnostics as well as outlining future next-generation applications As such it offers valuable insights for all scientists interested in using multidisciplinary fields to overcome current obstacles and in gaining multifaceted expertise in magnetic materials bionanotechnologyCell Mapping Methods: Algorithmic Approaches and Applications (Nonlinear Systems And Complexity Ser. #99)
By Carlos Hernández, Jian-Qiao Sun, Oliver Schütze, Fu-Rui Xiong. 2019
This book presents the latest algorithmic developments in the cell-mapping method for the global analysis of nonlinear dynamic systems, global…
solutions for multi-objective optimization problems, and global solutions for zeros of complex algebraic equations. It also discusses related engineering and scientific applications, including the nonlinear design of structures for better vibration resistance and reliability; multi-objective, structural-acoustic design for sound abatement; optimal multi-objective design of airfoils for better lift; and optimal multi-objective design of linear and nonlinear controls with or without time delay.The first book on the subject to include extensive Matlab and C++ codes, it presents various implementation algorithms of the cell-mapping method, enabling readers to understand how the method works and its programming aspects. A link to the codes on the Springer website will be provided to the readers.