Binary Systems Research Articles

Pressure-induced large valence transitions in Yb-Cu binary intermetallic systems

Pressure-induced large valence transitions in Yb-Cu binary intermetallic systems

Gaia21blx: Complete resolution of a binary microlensing event in the Galactic disk

Gravitational microlensing is a method that is used to discover planet-hosting systems at distances of several kiloparsec in the Galactic disk and bulge. We present the analysis of a microlensing event reported by the Gaia photometric alert team that might have a bright lens. In order to infer the mass and distance to the lensing system, the parallax measurement at the position of Gaia21blx was used. In this particular case, the source and the lens have comparable magnitudes and we cannot attribute the parallax measured by Gaia to the lens or source alone. Since the blending flux is important, we assumed that the Gaia parallax is the flux-weighted average of the parallaxes of the lens and source. Combining this assumption with the information from the microlensing models and the finite source effects we were able to resolve all degeneracies and thus obtained the mass, distance, luminosities and projected kinematics of the binary lens and the source. According to the best model, the lens is a binary system at $2.18 0.07$ kpc from Earth. It is composed of a G star with $0.95 odot $ and a K star with $0.53 odot $. The source is likely to be an F subgiant star at $2.38 1.71$ kpc with a mass of $1.10 odot $. Both lenses and the source follow the kinematics of the thin-disk population. We also discuss alternative models, that are disfavored by the data or by prior expectations, however.

Mechanochemical synthesis of fluoride-ion conducting glass and glass–ceramic in ZrF4–BaF2 binary system

Fluoride glasses in the binary system ZrF4–BaF2 were prepared via mechanochemical treatment. The glass-forming region of the ZrF4–BaF2 system obtained using the mechanochemical method was wider than that obtained using the conventional melt-quenching method. The glass–ceramic 60ZrF4·40BaF2 (mol%) sample was obtained by heat treatment and shows a higher conductivity of 1.2 × 10–6 S cm−1 at 200 °C than the pristine glass. This study revealed that mechanochemical treatment was effective for the synthesis of fluoride glasses.

Viscous torque in turbulent magnetized active galactic nucleus accretion disks and its effects on the gravitational waves of extreme mass ratio inspirals

The merger of supermassive black holes produces millihertz gravitational waves (GWs), which are potentially detectable by the future Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Such binary systems are usually embedded in an accretion disk environment at the center of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Recent studies suggest the plasma environment imposes measurable imprints on the GW signal if the mass ratio of the binary is around q $ $. The effect of the gaseous environment on the GW signal is strongly dependent on the disk’s parameters; therefore, it is believed that future low-frequency GW detections will provide us with precious information about the physics of AGN accretion disks. We investigated this effect by measuring the viscous torque via modeling of the evolution of magnetized tori around the primary massive black hole. Using the general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic HARM-COOL code, we performed 2D and 3D simulations of weakly magnetized, thin accretion disks, with a possible truncation and transition to advection-dominated accretion flow. We studied the angular momentum transport and turbulence generated by the magnetorotational instability. We quantified the disk’s effective alpha viscosity and its evolution over time. We applied our numerical results to quantify the relativistic viscous torque on a hypothetical low-mass secondary black hole via a 1D analytical approach, and we estimated the GW phase shift due to the gas environment.

Discovery of a dormant 33 solar-mass black hole in pre-release Gaia astrometry

Gravitational waves from black-hole (BH) merging events have revealed a population of extra-galactic BHs residing in short-period binaries with masses that are higher than expected based on most stellar evolution models -- and also higher than known stellar-origin black holes in our Galaxy. It has been proposed that those high-mass BHs are the remnants of massive metal-poor stars. astrometry is expected to uncover many Galactic wide-binary systems containing dormant BHs, which may not have been detected before. The study of this population will provide new information on the BH-mass distribution in binaries and shed light on their formation mechanisms and progenitors. As part of the validation efforts in preparation for the fourth data release (DR4), we analysed the preliminary astrometric binary solutions, obtained by the Non-Single Star pipeline, to verify their significance and to minimise false-detection rates in high-mass-function orbital solutions. The astrometric binary solution of one source BH3, implies the presence of a $32.70 BH in a binary system with a period of 11.6 yr. radial velocities independently validate the astrometric orbit. Broad-band photometric and spectroscopic data show that the visible component is an old, very metal-poor giant of the Galactic halo, at a distance of 590 pc. The BH in the BH3 system is more massive than any other Galactic stellar-origin BH known thus far. The low metallicity of the star companion supports the scenario that metal-poor massive stars are progenitors of the high-mass BHs detected by gravitational-wave telescopes. The Galactic orbit of the system and its metallicity indicate that it might belong to the Sequoia halo substructure. Alternatively, and more plausibly, it could belong to the ED-2 stream, which likely originated from a globular cluster that had been disrupted by the Milky Way.

A computational method for calculating the electrical and thermal conductivity of random composites

In the present work, for the first time, the electrical–thermal conductivity of a composite random material is correlated with the number of conductive paths, the mean path length, and the mean effective path width measured in a representative surface element (RSE) by Monte Carlo sampling. This work is organized in two parts. The theoretical calculation takes place in the first part for the correlation of conductive paths by adopting three approaches (incremental with respect to accuracy and complexity) based on: (i) one-component straight paths; (ii) one-component non-straight paths; (iii) multi-component non-straight paths. In the second part, a novel numerical methodology for the calculation of the conductance of the RSE through the conductive paths, mean path length and the mean effective path is developed for the general model of multi-component non-straight line paths based on Ohm’s law. In addition, a methodology that reduces the calculated conductivity from the microscale to the macroscale is proposed, that takes into account the probability of percolation for finite sizes and the average value of the conductivity from the samples in which percolation occurs. After the necessary consistency steps and verification of the method and its implementation on random binary material systems, it is further applied to solve synthetic continuous percolation problems at the microscale and macroscale. The results and the accuracy of the calculations are in close agreement with existing models. The electrical Direct Current (DC) and thermal conductivity follow the same scaling relation and the proposed methodology can be applied at the same stage without additional cost. In a random binary medium the simulations showed that a scaling law of conductivity is followed by an exponent value close to 1.3. In addition, the number of conductive paths, the average length of the paths, and the effective width follow scaling laws with exponents 1.44±0.01 , −0.25±0.01 and −0.39±0.01, respectively.

Age of (152830) Dinkinesh I Selam constrained by secular tidal-BYORP theory

We constrained the age of the main belt binary asteroid system, (152830) Dinkinesh, through secular dynamics and assuming the secondary, Selam, is at equilibrium. We reproduced Selam's current semi-major axis and rotation period and Dinkinesh's current rotation period, starting from the initial conditions of the spin-up fission event. The method presented here includes the secular effects of YORP, BYORP, and tidal interactions, while also allowing for the strengths of these effects to be constrained. Based on this method, we performed a Monte Carlo simulation, which indicates that Selam's age is likely to be sim 1--10 Ma. Derivations for improved equations that describe tidal-BYORP equilibria in binary asteroid systems are also presented in this work. In particular, we derived: (1) a tidal-BYORP equilibrium equation that scales appropriately with the secondary mass and accounts for differences in the primary and secondary densities; and (2) an equation for YORP-driven primary spin stability, with the secondary being at equilibrium.

Astrometric detection of a Neptune-mass candidate planet in the nearest M-dwarf binary system GJ65 with VLTI/GRAVITY

Astrometric detection of a Neptune-mass candidate planet in the nearest M-dwarf binary system GJ65 with VLTI/GRAVITY

Comprehensive evaluation of early-age hydration and compressive strength development in seawater-mixed binary and ternary cementitious systems

Seawater-mixed concrete (SWC) is a proposed solution for catering to the needs of developing nations facing extremely severe water stress. Recent research works advocate the feasibility of producing SWC by adding supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and alternative reinforcements without reducing the engineering properties of the same. However, limited information is available for optimising the type and amount of SCMs in binary and ternary blended SW-mixed cementitious systems for achieving desirable strength development and early-age hydration. A comprehensive study to understand the evolution of heat of hydration and strength up to 28 days was conducted on 31 binder compositions mixed with both fresh water (FW) and seawater (SW). Fly ash, slag, metakaolin, and limestone are the supplementary cementitious materials used with CEM I as a primary binder at a replacement level between 10 and 70%. Isothermal calorimetry results revealed an increase in total heat of hydration and a reduction in setting time with SW-mixed cement pastes compared to their FW-mixed counterparts. Similarly, a significant increase in strength between 0 and 50% was observed in SW-mixed cement pastes. Suitable binder combinations showing an increase in compressive strength and not a significant reduction in strength compared to the CEM I reference mix were identified using the strength improvement factor approach. Binary and ternary blended cementitious, consisting of fly ash, slag, and metakaolin at different replacement levels, are amongst the chosen binder combinations.

Equivalence principle and generalized accelerating black holes from binary systems

Equivalence principle and generalized accelerating black holes from binary systems

Qualitatively and quantitatively predicting the front velocity in binary reactive systems

Qualitatively and quantitatively predicting the front velocity in binary reactive systems

Solid-liquid equilibrium of forchlorfenuron in four binary solvents: Experiments, hansen solubility parameter and molecular simulation

In this research, the solubility of forchlorfenuron in 4 binary solvent systems {(methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and acetone) + water} was determined at certain experimental conditions (pressure of 101.3 kPa, temperature of 278.15 K-323.15 K) using laser dynamic monitoring method. Five thermodynamic models were applied to correlate and analyze the experimentally measured data. The modified Apelblat model has the lowest value of ARD (100ARD = 2.046 %) indicates that it fits best. The apparent thermodynamic properties during the dissolution process of forchlorfenuron in the four mixed solvent systems were explored using Van't Hoff equation. The effect of solvent properties on the dissolution was explored by calculating Hansen solubility parameters. For further understanding the solubility behavior on the molecular scale, molecular electrostatic potential analysis and Hirshfeld surface analysis were conducted to visualize the molecular surface charge distribution and predict the contact behavior between forchlorfenuron and solvent. Finally, the influence of intermolecular interactions between solute and solvent on solubility behavior was explored using radial distribution function analysis based on molecular dynamics simulations. And the results show the stronger intermolecular force corresponds to the larger solubility.

Orientation Relationship of the Intergrowth Al13Fe3 and Al13Fe4 Intermetallics Determined by Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction

In the Al-Fe binary system, the Al13Fe3 phase as well as the Al13Fe4 phase has similar icosahedral building blocks like those appearing in quasicrystals. Therefore, it is of vital importance to clarify the formation process of these two phases. Coexistence of the Al13Fe3 and Al13Fe4 phases was discovered from the educts obtained with a nominal atomic ratio of Al/Fe of 9:2 by high-pressure sintering for the first time. Firstly, single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) combined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurement capabilities were adopted to determine the detailed crystal structures of both phases, which were sharply refined with regard to Al13Fe3 and Al13Fe4. Secondly, the orientation relationship between Al13Fe3 and Al13Fe4 was directly deduced from the SXRD datasets and the coexistence structure model was consequently constructed. Finally, seven pairs of parallel atomic planes and their unique orientation relations were determined from the reconstructed reciprocal space precession images. In addition, the real space structure model of the intergrowth crystal along with one kind of interfacial atomic structure were constructed from the determined orientation relations between two phases.

Thermodynamic stability and ionic conductivity in lithium–germanium binary system

Lithium–germanium binary compounds are promising anode materials for secondary lithium-ion batteries due to their high capacity, low operating voltage, and high electronic conductivity of lithiated Ge. For their successful application in batteries, it is essential to know the temperature stability of different Li–Ge phases and the variation of their ionic conductivity depending on the operating temperatures of the batteries. This work aims to comprehensively study the thermodynamic stability and ionic conductivity in Li–Ge binary compounds using a combination of first-principle computations and machine-learning interatomic potentials. We calculated convex hulls of the Li–Ge system at various temperatures and a temperature–composition phase diagram was obtained, delineating stability fields of each phase. Our calculations show that at temperatures higher than 590 K, LiGe undergoes a I41/a–P4/mmm transition, which leads to a change in the ionic conductivity. We show that all stable and metastable Li–Ge compounds have high ionic conductivity, but LiGe and Li7Ge12 have the lowest lithium diffusion. Trajectories of diffusion and Ge arrangements depend on lithium concentration. Based on advanced theoretical approaches, this study provides insights for the development of Li–Ge materials in lithium-ion and lithium-metal battery applications.

Submission to Journal of Polymers and the Environment Evaluation of Thermal Properties and Crystallinity in PHB-Based Systems – A DoE Approach

AbstractComplex formulations based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) were studied to statistically assess the effect of formulation (i.e., hydroxyvalerate (HV) content, plasticiser chemistry and content, filler type and content) on their thermal properties and degree of crystallinity (Xc). In binary systems, thermal properties were mainly influenced by filler type rather than its content, while for plasticised systems the changes were dependent on both increasing plasticiser content and PHB-plasticiser compatibility. Variations in HV content affected the ability of the polymer chain to fold, leading to significant changes in both thermal properties and Xc. In ternary systems, presence of multiple additives and consequent changes in intermolecular interactions lead to multifaceted behaviours that were not easily predicted by results from binary systems alone. For example, melting temperature did not show dependence on filler presence in PHBV systems despite introducing variations in pure PHB systems. In general, thermal properties and Xc are affected by all parameters studied, with changes in system free volume (i.e. changes in HV content and plasticisation) playing the most significant role. These results expand the understanding of factors controlling crystallisation in complex polymer systems and can be used to control matrix properties in new generations of packaging materials.

Time Dependence of Gel Formation in Lyotropic Nematic Liquid Crystals: From Hours to Weeks.

The combination of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) and low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) for the formation of lyotropic liquid crystal gels (LLC gels) leads to a versatile and complex material combining properties of both parent systems. We gelled the calamitic nematic NC phases of a binary and ternary system using the LMWG 3,5-bis-(5-hexylcarbamoyl-pentoxy)-benzoic acid hexyl ester (BHPB-6). This binary system consists of the surfactant N,N-dimethyl-N-ethyl-1-hexadecylammonium bromide (CDEAB) and water, whereas the ternary system consists of the surfactant N,N,N-trimethyl-N-tetradecylammonium bromide (C14TAB), the cosurfactant n-decanol, and water. Though containing similar surfactants, the gelled NC phases of the binary and ternary systems show differences in their visual and gel properties. The gelled NC phase of the binary system remains clear for several days after preparation, whereas the gelled NC phase of the ternary system turns turbid within 24 h. We investigated the time evolution of the gel strength with oscillation rheology measurements (a) within the first 24 h and (b) up to two weeks after gel formation. The shape of the fibers was investigated over different time scales with freeze fracture electron microscopy (FFEM). We demonstrate that despite their similarities, the two LLC gels also have distinct differences.

Ionic liquid boosting N-formylation of amines on polyoxometalate-stabilizing iridium single-atom catalysts

In this work, we have constructed a Ir single-atom substituted polyoxometalate (POM) salt K4[PW11O39Ir] (K-PWIr). The characterization by XRD, FT-IR, HAADF-STEM and XAFS confirmed that the single-atom Ir was anchored into the framework of the POM. The binary catalytic system K-PWIr and ionic liquid bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) malonate ([BMIM]2[Mal]) demonstrated outstanding catalytic activity for N-formylation of amines with CO2/H2, and TON values can reach as high as 448000. The [BMIM]2[Mal] played a crucial role in adsorption of CO2 and the isotopically labeled experiments confirmed that the ionic liquid aced as a shuttle to transport carbon dioxide from gas phase to catalytic Ir sites. Besides, the [BMIM]2[Mal] showed electron interaction with Ir sites, which can stabilize the catalytically active Ir+ sites. Detailed investigations confirmed the H2 underwent heterolytic dissociation on Ir-O sites and the reaction was proceeded via a formate intermediates.

Planetary Nebula NGC 2818: Revealing its complex 3D morphology

ABSTRACT We carry out an advanced morpho-kinematic analysis of the Planetary Nebula (PN) NGC 2818, whose complex morphology is described by a basic bipolar component, filamentary structures and a knotty central region. We performed an upgrated 3D Morpho-kinematic (MK) model by employing the shape software, combining for the first time in PNe optical 2D spatially resolved echelle spectra and Fabry–Perot data cubes. The best-fitting 3D model of NGC 2818 successfully reconstructs the main morphology, considering one bipolar component, radial filamentary structures, and an equatorial component as the geometrical locus of the group of cometary knots. The model shows that the equatorial component has the lower expansion velocity of the system at 70 ± 20 km s−1. The velocity of the bipolar component is 120 ± 20 km s−1, while all the filamentary structures were found to expand at higher velocities of 180 ± 20 km s−1. Moreover, Fabry–Perot data revealed for the first time a north-eastern filament expanding at a mean velocity of 80 ± 20 km s−1, while its equivalent counterpart in the south-western region was confirmed by a new detected substructure in the echelle data. A new detected knotty structure at velocity −40 ± 20 km s−1 is also reported, as expelled material from the fragmented eastern lobe of the nebula. We interpret the overall structure of NGC 2818 as the result of the evolution of a binary system that underwent the common envelope phase, in conjunction with the ejections of a magnetized jet, misaligned with respect to the symmetry axis of the bipolar/elliptical shell.

Secular evolution of circumbinary 2-planet systems with isotropically varying masses

ABSTRACT We investigate the secular evolution of a four-body planetary system, where two planets move around a binary star configuration on quasi-elliptic orbits. It is assumed that the masses of all bodies can change isotropically at different rates and the bodies attract each other according to Newton’s law of universal gravitation. The purpose of this work is to investigate an influence of variability of the masses of the binary stars and their planets on the dynamical evolution of the planetary system. We consider the case of small eccentricities and inclinations of the bodies orbits and assume that their orbits do not intersect during evolution. Differential equations of the perturbed motion in the osculating analogues of canonical Poincaré elements were obtained in a general case of the many-body problem with variable masses in our previous work. Here we solve these equations numerically and investigate the secular evolution of some fictitious circumbinary 2-planet system under assumption that the two stars of the binary system lose their masses independently at different rates. In order to demonstrate the dynamical features of the equations we use the known parameters of the TOI-1338 system. Comparing the results of calculations in the cases of constant and variable masses, we show that the isotropic variability of the masses of bodies can influence substantially the secular perturbation of the orbital elements.

Magnetically recyclable hydrothermal biochar functionalized with β-CD for simultaneous capturing of cationic methylene blue and auramine O in wastewater

The highly efficient and recoverable magnetic hydrothermal biochar (β-CD@MHBC) was prepared by combining red sandalwood and β-cyclodextrin, and was used for removing methylene blue (MB) and auramine O (AO) dyes in the single and binary systems. The physical and chemical properties of the β-CD@MHBC were characterized using SEM-EDS, BET, XRD, VSM, FT-IR, and XPS techniques. Batch adsorption studies revealed that the obtained maximum adsorption capacities of β-CD@MHBC for MB and AO in the single system were 303.1 and 400.0 mg g−1, while in the binary system were 151.1 and 169.1 mg g−1 under the optimal conditions of pH 6, 1.0 g L−1 dosage, 150 mg L−1 dye concentration and adsorption time of 180 min, indicating the presence of competitive adsorption with AO possessing stronger affinity in the binary system. The adsorption behaviors of MB and AO could be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model in both single and binary systems. The possible adsorption mechanism involved pore filling, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds between β-CD@MHBC and dye molecules. Furthermore, the spent β-CD@MHBC displayed excellent reusability and stability with removal efficiencies of 94 % for MB and 83 % for AO after five cycles of adsorption-desorption. In summary, the prepared β-CD@MHBC with excellent adsorption property and regeneration performance could have great potential for continuous removal of target pollutants in actual wastewater treatment.