arXiv subjects

Brendan M. Quine

Publications and source records attributed to Brendan M. Quine.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Results of a one-way experiment to test the isotropy of the speed of light

This paper presents the outcome of an experiment based on an improved version of Fizeau's coupled-slotted-discs that tests the fundamental postulates of Special Relativity for the one-way speed of light propagation. According to our methodology, important phenomena - a limit on and the diurnal regularity of the variation of the speed of light due to the movements of the Earth (assuming that the speed of light follows a Galilean transformation) - can be tested by the present experiment. However, these measurements do not indicate any significant diurnal variation. Consequently, the limit of the present outcome on the variation of the speed of light is insignificant. Assuming that the speed of light is not invariant and performing a rigorous statistical analysis, the limit established is approximately 1/50 of the previous Fizeau-type experiment with 95% confidence level. These outcomes are consistent with the assumptions of Einstein's Special Relativity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

A Comparison of Continuous and Stochastic Methods for Modeling Rain Drop Growth in Clouds

Two models for raindrop growth in clouds are developed and compared. A continuous accretion model is solved numerically for drop growth from 20-50 microns, using a polynomial approximation to the collection kernel, and is shown to underestimate growth rates. A Monte Carlo simulation for stochastic growth is also implemented to demonstrate discrete drop growth. The approach models the effect of decreased average time between captures as the drop size increases. It is found that the stochastic model yields a more realistic growth rate, especially for larger drop sizes. It is concluded that the stochastic model showed faster droplet accumulation and hence shorter times for drop growth.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2011

To Re-Consider the One-Way Speed of Light Using Fizeau-Type-Coupled-Slotted-Disks

The isotropy of the speed of light - the fundamental postulate of Special Relativity (SR) constrains conceptions of time, space and the existence of a preferred cosmological reference frame. Consequently, this phenomenon has been subject to considerable experimental scrutiny. Most isotropy tests are two-way Michelson-Morley type tests which established the isotropy of the two-way speed in 1881. These approaches provide no experimental limit for the one-way (single-trip) isotropy of the speed of light which is still unresolved. Here we consider Fizeau-type experiments to test the isotropy of the one-way speed of light. Our theoretical and experimental design suggests that our approach is 2600 times more sensitive than that of previous Fizeau-type experiments and 2000 times more sensitive than Michelson-Morley type two-way tests. We present our experimental methodology as well as initial calibration results for our experimental apparatus.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2011

A Review of One-Way and Two-Way Experiments to Test the Isotropy of the Speed of Light

As we approach the 125th anniversary of the Michelson-Morley experiment in 2012, we review experiments that test the isotropy of the speed of light. Previous measurements are categorized into one-way (single-trip) and two-way (round-trip averaged or over closed paths) approaches and the level of experimental verification that these experiments provide is discussed. The isotropy of the speed of light is one of the postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR) and, consequently, this phenomenon has been subject to considerable experimental scrutiny. Here, we tabulate significant experiments performed since 1881 and attempt to indicate a direction for future investigation.

physics.hist-ph↗