Vacuum Model Research Articles

Discrete element method approach to modelling VPP dampers

In this paper, we present a novel approach to modeling and analysis of Vacuum Packed Particle dampers (VPP dampers) with the use of Discrete Element Method (DEM). VPP dampers are composed of loose granular medium encapsulated in a hermetic envelope, with controlled pressure inside the envelope. By changing the level of underpressure inside the envelope, one can control mechanical properties of the system. The main novelty of the DEM model proposed in this paper is the method to treat special (pressure) boundary conditions at the envelope. The model has been implemented within the open-source Yade DEM software. Preliminary results are presented and discussed in the paper. The qualitative agreement with experimental results has been achieved.

Quantum Chemical Investigation of the Intramolecular Copigmentation Complex of an Acylated Anthocyanin

Anthocyanins are the natural plant pigments responsible for most of the red, blue and purple colors of flowers and fruit. One method of stabilization of the color of anthocyanins in nature is intramolecular copigmentation, in which a copigment molecule covalently attached to one of the sugar residues complexes with the anthocyanin cation chromophore. In the present work, two quantum chemical methodologies, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and second.order algebraic diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)), were employed to predict the absorption spectra in vacuum and conductor-like screening model (COSMO) water of a natural anthocyanin containing an ester of coumaric acid (copigment) bound to the sugar residue of a cyanidin chromophore. ADC(2) in water adequately reproduces the experimental spectra with and without intramolecular copigmentation, pointing to this theoretical technique as a promising approach for predicting the spectroscopic properties of natural (and nature-inspired) dyes and pigments.

An evaluation of the innovative potentials of a HIV pilot exploring medical pluralism in rural South Africa

ABSTRACTThis article reflects on an internal evaluation undertaken to estimate the potentials of a community-university pilot project to be developed into a bonafide innovation that can be applied at scale. The focus of the community-university partnership has been to reduce the unintended consequences of medical pluralism on the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Waterberg district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Despite promising outputs from the partnership – including an increase in adherence to antiretroviral therapy and a reduction in stigma among traditionalists living with HIV – the partnership wished to establish whether further funding should be applied for to take the pilot from its current prototype status to a more established innovation. In order to evaluate the innovative potentials of the pilot, the opportunity vacuum model of innovation was adapted and applied. The findings indicate that (1) the application of the opportunity vacuum model of innovation to evaluate the potentials of the pilot to be developed into a bonafide innovation was fit for purpose and (2) the pilot contains the key ingredients that are associated with innovations in the making. The discussion reflects on the social potentials of the pilot to contribute to 90-90-90 from a global, national and local perspective. The reflection concludes by suggesting that the opportunity vacuum model of innovation is a versatile heuristic that could be applied in other contexts and the community-university pilot represents a nascent innovation which has sufficient potential to justify further development.

Influence of surface roughness of additive manufacturing polymer on surface flashover voltage

In recent years, additive manufacturing has been one of the most noteworthy technologies in the industry segment comprising high-voltage engineering and insulating materials. In this study, the influence of the surface roughness of an additive manufacturing polymer on the surface flashover voltage is investigated. We prepared two types of sample plate having the same volume resistivity and surface resistivity but different surface roughness by changing the building orientation (horizontally built and vertically built) of a 3D printer. By surface profile measurement and analysis of the arithmetic average roughness, it was revealed that the vertically built sample plate has a groove-like structure on the surface. Furthermore, it was shown that the surface flashover voltage in the direction perpendicular to the groove structure is about 20% times larger than in the parallel direction. In addition, it became clear that the relationship between the surface flashover voltage and the inter-electrode distance is well expressed in a flashover model in vacuum.

Single-spin asymmetries in SIDIS induced by anomalous quark-gluon and quark-photon couplings

We calculate the contribution of the non-perturbative Pauli couplings in the quark-photon and quark-gluon vertices to the single-spin asymmetries (SSAs) in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). We describe the nucleon using the spectator model with scalar and axial-vector diquarks. Both of the new couplings can cause the helicity flip of the struck quark. The helicity flip and the rescattering induced by the non-perturbative gluon exchange between the struck quark and diquark lead to the SSAs. Their azimuthal dependencies are the same as that usually ascribed to the Collins and Sivers effects. Our numerical results, based on the instanton model for the QCD vacuum, show that the non-perturbative quark-gluon and quark-photon interactions have a strong influence on these asymmetries.

Late-Time Power-Law Stages of Cosmological Evolution in Teleparallel Gravity with Nonminimal Coupling

We investigate the Universe evolution at late-time stages in models of teleparallel gravity with power-law nonminimal coupling and a decreasing power-law potential of the scalar field $\phi$. New asymptotic solutions are found analytically for these models in vacuum and with a perfect fluid. Applying numerical integration, we show that the cosmological evolution leads to these solutions for some region of the initial conditions, and these asymptotic regimes are stable with respect to homogeneous variations of the initial data. The physical sense of the results is discussed.

Relaxing the σ8-tension through running vacuum in the Universe

It has recently been shown that the class of running vacuum models (RVMs) has the capacity to fit the overall cosmological observations better than the concordance ΛCDM model, therefore supporting the possibility of dynamical dark energy (DE). Apart from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies, the most crucial datasets involved are: i) baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO), and ii) direct large scale structure (LSS) formation data. Analyses mainly focusing on CMB and with insufficient BAO + LSS input generally fail to capture the dynamical DE signature, whereas the few existing studies accounting for the wealth of known CMB+BAO+LSS data (see in particular Solà, Gómez-Valent and de Cruz Pérez (2015), (2017); and Zhao et al. (2017)) do converge to the remarkable conclusion that dynamical DE might well be encoded in the current cosmological observations at 3–4σ c.l. A decisive factor is the persistent σ8-tension between the ΛCDM and the data. Because the issue is obviously pressing, we devote this work to explain how and why running vacuum in the expanding universe successfully relaxes the existing σ8-tension and describes the LSS formation data significantly better than the ΛCDM.

The H0 tension in light of vacuum dynamics in the universe

Despite the outstanding achievements of modern cosmology, the classical dispute on the precise value of H0, which is the first ever parameter of modern cosmology and one of the prime parameters in the field, still goes on and on after over half a century of measurements. Recently the dispute came to the spotlight with renewed strength owing to the significant tension (at >3σ c.l.) between the latest Planck determination obtained from the CMB anisotropies and the local (distance ladder) measurement from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), based on Cepheids. In this work, we investigate the impact of the running vacuum model (RVM) and related models on such a controversy. For the RVM, the vacuum energy density ρΛ carries a mild dependence on the cosmic expansion rate, i.e. ρΛ(H), which allows to ameliorate the fit quality to the overall SNIa+BAO+H(z)+LSS+CMB cosmological observations as compared to the concordance ΛCDM model. By letting the RVM to deviate from the vacuum option, the equation of state w=−1 continues to be favored by the overall fit. Vacuum dynamics also predicts the following: i) the CMB range of values for H0 is more favored than the local ones, and ii) smaller values for σ8(0). As a result, a better account for the LSS structure formation data is achieved as compared to the ΛCDM, which is based on a rigid (i.e. non-dynamical) Λ term.

Conjoined constraints on modified gravity from the expansion history and cosmic growth

In this paper we present conjoined constraints on several cosmological models from the expansion history $H(z)$ and cosmic growth $f\sigma_8(z)$. The models we study include the CPL $w_0w_a$ parametrization, the Holographic Dark Energy (HDE) model, the Time varying vacuum ($\Lambda_t$CDM) model, the Dvali, Gabadadze and Porrati (DGP) and Finsler-Randers (FRDE) models, a power law $f(T)$ model and finally the Hu-Sawicki $f(R)$ model. In all cases we perform a simultaneous fit to the SnIa, CMB, BAO, $H(z)$ and growth data, while also following the conjoined visualization of $H(z)$ and $f\sigma_8(z)$ as in Linder (2017). Furthermore, we introduce the Figure of Merit (FoM) in the $H(z)-f\sigma_8(z)$ parameter space as a way to constrain models that jointly fit both probes well. We use both the latest $H(z)$ and $f\sigma_8(z)$ data, but also LSST-like mocks with $1\%$ measurements and we find that the conjoined method of constraining the expansion history and cosmic growth simultaneously is able not only to place stringent constraints on these parameters but also to provide an easy visual way to discriminate cosmological models. Finally, we confirm the existence of a tension between the growth rate and Planck CMB data and we find that the FoM in the conjoined parameter space of $H(z)-f\sigma_8(z)$ can be used to discriminate between the $\Lambda$CDM model and certain classes of modified gravity models, namely the DGP and $f(T)$.

Three dimensional boundary displacement due to stable ideal kink modes excited by external n = 2 magnetic perturbations

In low-collisionality scenarios exhibiting mitigation of edge localized mode (ELMs), stable ideal kink modes at the edge are excited by externally applied magnetic perturbation (MP)-fields. In ASDEX Upgrade these modes can cause three-dimensional (3D) boundary displacements up to the centimeter range. These displacements have been measured using toroidally localized high resolution diagnostics and rigidly rotating MP-fields with various applied poloidal mode spectra. These measurements are compared to non-linear 3D ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equilibria calculated by VMEC. Comprehensive comparisons have been conducted, which consider for instance plasma movements due to the position control system, attenuation due to internal conductors and changes in the edge pressure profiles.VMEC accurately reproduces the amplitude of the displacement and its dependencies on the applied poloidal mode spectra. Quantitative agreement is found around the low field side (LFS) midplane. The response at the plasma top is qualitatively compared. The measured and predicted displacements at the plasma top maximize when the applied spectra is optimized for ELM-mitigation. The predictions from the vacuum modeling generally fails to describe the displacement at the LFS midplane as well as at the plasma top. When the applied mode spectra is set to maximize the displacement, VMEC and the measurements clearly surpass the predictions from the vacuum modeling by a factor of four. Minor disagreements between VMEC and the measurements are discussed. This study underlines the importance of the stable ideal kink modes at the edge for the 3D boundary displacement in scenarios relevant for ELM-mitigation.

Gray-box modeling of resistive wall modes with vacuum-plasma separation and optimal control design for EXTRAP T2R

This paper presents a graybox methodology to model the resistive wall mode instability by combining first principle approach and system identification technique. In particular we propose a separate vacuum and plasma modeling with cascade interconnection. The shell is modeled using CARIDDI code which solves the 3D integral formulation of eddy current problem, whereas the plasma response is obtained empirically by system identification. Furthermore the resulting model is used to design an optimal feedback control. The model and feedback control is validated experimentally in EXTRAP T2R reversed-field pinch, where RWMs stabilization and non-axisymmetric mode sustainment is considered.

Gravitational baryogenesis in running vacuum models

We study the gravitational baryogenesis mechanism for generating baryon asymmetry in the context of running vacuum models. Regardless of whether these models can produce a viable cosmological evolution, we demonstrate that they produce a nonzero baryon-to-entropy ratio even if the universe is filled with conformal matter. This is a sound difference between the running vacuum gravitational baryogenesis and the Einstein–Hilbert one, since in the latter case, the predicted baryon-to-entropy ratio is zero. We consider two well known and most used running vacuum models and show that the resulting baryon-to-entropy ratio is compatible with the observational data. Moreover, we also show that the mechanism of gravitational baryogenesis may constrain the running vacuum models.

Vacuum System and Modeling for the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment

Understanding the science of plasma-material interactions (PMI) is essential for the future development of fusion facilities. The design of divertors and first walls for the next generation of long-pulse fusion facilities, such as a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) or a DEMO, requires significant PMI research and development. In order to meet this need, a new linear plasma facility, the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) is proposed, which will produce divertor relevant plasma conditions for these next generation facilities. The device will be capable of handling low activation irradiated samples and be able to remove and replace samples without breaking vacuum. A Target Exchange Chamber (TEC) which can be disconnected from the high field environment in order to perform in-situ diagnostics is planned for the facility as well. The vacuum system for MPEX must be carefully designed in order to meet the requirements of the different heating systems, and to provide conditions at the target similar to those expected in a divertor. An automated coupling-decoupling (“autocoupler”) system is designed to create a high vacuum seal, and will allow the TEC to be disconnected without breaking vacuum in either the TEC or the primary plasma materials interaction chamber. This autocoupler, which can be actuated remotely in the presence of the high magnetic fields, has been designed and prototyped, and shows robustness in a variety of conditions. The vacuum system has been modeled using a simplified finite element analysis, and indicates that the design goals for the pressures in key regions of the facility are achievable.

Constraints on running vacuum model with H(z) and f σ8

We examine the running vacuum model with Λ (H) = 3 ν H2 + Λ0, where ν is the model parameter and Λ0 is the cosmological constant. From the data of the cosmic microwave background radiation, weak lensing and baryon acoustic oscillation along with the time dependent Hubble parameter H(z) and weighted linear growth f (z)σ8(z) measurements, we find that ν=(1.37+0.72−0.95)× 10−4 with the best fitted χ2 value slightly smaller than that in the ΛCDM model.

Static spherical metrics: a geometrical approach

There exist several solution generating algorithms for static spherically symmetric metrics. Here we use the geometrical approach of Lie point symmetries to solve the condition of pressure isotropy by finding the associated five-dimensional Lie algebra of symmetry generators. For the non-Abelian subalgebras the underlying equation is solved to obtain a general solution. Contained within this class are vacuum models, constant density models, metrics with linear equations of state and the Buchdahl representation of the polytrope with index five. For a different particular symmetry generator the condition of pressure isotropy is transformed to a Riccati equation which admits particular solutions.

Vacuum dynamics in the Universe versus a rigid Λ=const.

In this year, in which we celebrate 100 years of the cosmological term, [Formula: see text], in Einstein’s gravitational field equations, we are still facing the crucial question whether [Formula: see text] is truly a fundamental constant or a mildly evolving dynamical variable. After many theoretical attempts to understand the meaning of [Formula: see text], and in view of the enhanced accuracy of the cosmological observations, it seems now mandatory that this issue should be first settled empirically before further theoretical speculations on its ultimate nature. In this review, we summarize the situation of some of these studies. Devoted analyses made recently show that the [Formula: see text] hypothesis, despite being the simplest, may well not be the most favored one. The overall fit to the cosmological observables SNIa[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]BAO[Formula: see text]+H(z)[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]LSS[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]BBN[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]CMB single out the class of “running” vacuum models (RVMs), in which [Formula: see text] is an affine power-law function of the Hubble rate. It turns out that the performance of the RVM as compared to the “concordance” [Formula: see text] model (with [Formula: see text]) is much better. The evidence in support of the RVM may reach [Formula: see text] c.l., and is bolstered with Akaike and Bayesian criteria providing strong evidence in favor of the RVM option. We also address the implications of this framework on the tension between the CMB and local measurements of the current Hubble parameter.

Spontaneous symmetry breaking in three-Higgs-doublet S3-symmetric models

The talk summarises work done by the authors consisting of a detailed study of the possible vacua in models with three Higgs doublets with S3 symmetry and without explicit CP violation. Different vacua require special regions of the parameter space which were analysed in our work. We establish the possibility of spontaneous CP violation in this framework and we also show which complex vacua conserve CP. In our work we discussed constraints from vacuum stability. The results presented here are relevant for model building.

Primordial black holes in linear and non-linear regimes

We revisit the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) in the radiation-dominated era for both linear and non-linear regimes, elaborating on the concept of an apparent horizon. Contrary to the expectation from vacuum models, we argue that in a cosmological setting a density fluctuation with a high density does not always collapse to a black hole. To this end, we first elaborate on the perturbation theory for spherically symmetric space times in the linear regime. Thereby, we introduce two gauges. This allows to introduce a well defined gauge-invariant quantity for the expansion of null geodesics. Using this quantity, we argue that PBHs do not form in the linear regime irrespective of the density of the background. Finally, we consider the formation of PBHs in non-linear regimes, adopting the spherical collapse picture. In this picture, over-densities are modeled by closed FRW models in the radiation-dominated era. The difference of our approach is that we start by finding an exact solution for a closed radiation-dominated universe. This yields exact results for turn-around time and radius. It is important that we take the initial conditions from the linear perturbation theory. Additionally, instead of using uniform Hubble gauge condition, both density and velocity perturbations are admitted in this approach. Thereby, the matching condition will impose an important constraint on the initial velocity perturbations δh0 = −δ0/2. This can be extended to higher orders. Using this constraint, we find that the apparent horizon of a PBH forms when δ > 3 at turn-around time. The corrections also appear from the third order. Moreover, a PBH forms when its apparent horizon is outside the sound horizon at the re-entry time. Applying this condition, we infer that the threshold value of the density perturbations at horizon re-entry should be larger than δth > 0.7.

Exhaustive rotamer search of the 4C1 conformation of α- and β-d-galactopyranose

An exhaustive search approach was used to establish all possible rotamers of α- and β-d-galactopyranose using DFT at the B3LYP/6-311+G** and M06-2X/6-311+G** levels, both in vacuum calculations, and including two variants of continuum solvent models as PCM and SMD to simulate water solutions. Free energies were also calculated. MM3 was used as the starting point for calculations, using a dielectric constant of 1.5 for vacuum modeling, and 80 for water solution modeling. For the vacuum calculations, out of the theoretically possible 729 rotamers, only about a hundred rendered stable minima, highly stabilized by hydrogen bonding and scattered in a ca. 14 kcal/mol span. The rotamer with a clockwise arrangement of hydrogen bonds was the most stable for the α-anomer, whereas that with a counterclockwise arrangement was the most stable for the β-anomer. Free energy calculations, and especially solvent modeling, tend to flatten the potential energy surface. With PCM, the total range of energies was reduced to 9–10 kcal/mol (α-anomer) or 7–8 kcal/mol (β-anomer). These figures fall to 4.5–6 kcal/mol using SMD. At the same time, the total number of possible rotamers increases dramatically to about 300 with PCM, and to 400 with SMD. Both models show a divergent behavior: PCM tends to underestimate the effect of solvent, thus rendering as the most stable many common rotamers with vacuum calculations, and giving underestimations of populations of β-anomers and gt rotamers in the equilibrium. On the other hand, SMD gives a better estimation of the solvent effect, yielding correct populations of gt rotamers, but more β-anomers than expected by the experimental values. The best agreement is observed when the functional M06-2X is combined with SMD. Both DFT models show minimal geometrical differences between the optimized conformers.

Comparison of divertor heat flux splitting by 3D fields with field line tracing simulation in KSTAR

We present the experimental and numerical analysis of divertor heat flux spitting by 3D magnetic fields in KSTAR. A dedicated experiment to measure the modification of the divertor heat flux profile in the n = 2 resonant and non-resonant field configurations has been conducted. The measured heat flux profiles were directly compared to the magnetic field line tracing (FLT) simulation using the POCA-FLT code, which fully considers vacuum and ideal plasma response models. Measurements indicate that the 3D fields induce strong splitting of heat flux on the divertor target due to the formation of stochastic field layers. Splitting characteristics largely depend on the applied 3D field structure and its alignment to the axisymmetric magnetic pitch. The modeling of the field line connection length shows good agreement with measurements, reproducing well the pattern of heat flux splitting. Simulations with the ideal plasma response better reproduce measured heat flux profiles by excitation of non-resonant field components in the non-resonant 0° phase and shielding of resonant field components in the resonant 90° phase.