arXiv subjects

J. I. Katz

Publications and source records attributed to J. I. Katz.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Effective medium theory of elastic waves in random networks of rods

We formulate an effective medium (mean field) theory of a material consisting of randomly distributed nodes connected by straight slender rods, hinged at the nodes. Defining novel wavelength-dependent effective elastic moduli, we calculate both the static moduli and the dispersion relations of ultrasonic longitudinal and transverse elastic waves. At finite wave vector $k$ the waves are dispersive, with phase and group velocities decreasing with increasing wave vector. These results are directly applicable to networks with empty pore space. They also describe the solid matrix in two-component (Biot) theories of fluid-filled porous media. We suggest the possibility of low density materials with higher ratios of stiffness and strength to density than those of foams, aerogels or trabecular bone.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2010

Viscoelastic Suppression of Gravity-Driven Counterflow Instability

Attempts to achieve "top kill" of actively flowing oil wells by insertion of dense drilling "muds", i.e., slurries of dense minerals, from above will fail if the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the gravity-driven counterflow produces turbulence that breaks up the denser fluid into small droplets. Here we estimate the droplet size to be sub-mm for fast flows and suggest the addition of a shear-thickening polymer to suppress turbulence. Laboratory experiments show a progression from droplet formation to complete turbulence suppression at the relevant high velocities, illustrating rich new physics accessible by using a shear-thickening liquid in gravity driven counter-streaming flows.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2010

Measuring (n,f) cross-sections of short-lived states

In order to test theories of fission cross-sections, it is desirable to measure the (n,f) cross-sections of both an isomeric state and the ground state of the same isotope of the same element. This would test the ability to calculate effects that depend only on spin and parity without the confusion of effects that depend on (Z,A). At present there is no isotope for which the (n,f) cross-section has been measured successfully at MeV energies, where theoretical predictions can be made. There have been a few measurements of the cross-section U235m at thermal and cold energies. At these energies the cross-section is expected to be dominated by incalculable resonances, so that it may not be a useful test of theoretical predictions. I suggest methods for measuring the (n,f) cross-sections to neutrons with a fission spectrum of 1/2+ (26 m) isomeric U235m and of 1- (16 h) (shorter lived than the isomer) Am242gs.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2010

A Pedagogical "Toy" Climate Model

A "toy" model, simple and elementary enough for an undergraduate class, of the temperature dependence of the greenhouse (mid-IR) absorption by atmospheric water vapor implies a bistable climate system. The stable states are glaciation and warm interglacials, while intermediate states are unstable. This is in qualitative accord with the paleoclimatic data. The present climate may be unstable, with or without anthropogenic interventions such as CO$_2$ emission, unless there is additional stabilizing feedback such as "geoengineering".

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2009

Climate Engineering Responses to Climate Emergencies

Despite efforts to stabilize CO_2 concentrations, it is possible that the climate system could respond abruptly with catastrophic consequences. Intentional intervention in the climate system to avoid or ameliorate such consequences has been proposed as one possible response, should such a scenario arise. In a one-week study, the authors of this report conducted a technical review and evaluation of proposed climate engineering concepts that might serve as a rapid palliative response to such climate emergency scenarios. Because of their potential to induce a prompt (less than one year) global cooling, this study concentrated on Shortwave Climate Engineering (SWCE) methods for moderately reducing the amount of shortwave solar radiation reaching the Earth. The study's main objective was to outline a decade-long agenda of technical research that would maximally reduce the uncertainty surrounding the benefits and risks associated with SWCE. For rigor of technical analysis, the study focused the research agenda on one particular SWCE concept--stratospheric aerosol injection--and in doing so developed several conceptual frameworks and methods valuable for assessing any SWCE proposal.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2009

Stratospheric Albedo Modification by Aerosol Injection

This paper reviews and develops the proposal, widely discussed but not examined in detail, to use stratospheric aerosols to increase the Earth's albedo to Solar radiation in order to control climate change. The potential of this method has been demonstrated by the "natural experiments" of volcanic injection of sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere that led to subsequent observed global cooling. I consider several hygroscopic oxides as possible aerosol materials in addition to oxides of sulfur. Aerosol chemistry, dispersion and transport have been the subject of little study and are not understood, representing a significant scientific risk. Even the optimal altitude of injection and aerosol size distribution are poorly known. Past attention focused on guns and airplanes as means of lofting aerosols or their chemical precursors, but large sounding rockets are cheap, energetically efficient, can be designed to inject aerosols at any required altitude, and involve little technical risk. Sophisticated, mass-optimized "engineered" particles have been proposed as possible aerosols, but the formidable problems of their production in quantity, lofting and dispersion have not been addressed.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2009

Von Neumann Turbulent Transport Model

I propose a simple model, based on an analogy to von Neumann artificial viscosity, of turbulent diffusion, heat diffusion and viscosity coefficients for use in modeling subgrid turbulent diffusivity in multi-phase numerical hydrodynamics and, more generally, in subgrid turbulent viscosity and thermal transport. In analogy to the von Neumann artificial viscosity, these coefficients explicitly contain the grid size and do not attempt a quantitative model of the unresolved turbulence. In order to address the problem that it is often not known a priori when and where a flow will become turbulent, the coefficients are set to zero when the flow is not expected to be turbulent on the basis of a Richardson/Rayleigh-Taylor stability criterion, in analogy to von Neumann's setting of artificial viscosity to zero in expanding flows.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2009

What Are Gamma-Ray Bursts -- The Unique Role of Very High Energy Gamma-Ray Observations

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been an enigma since their discovery forty years ago. However, considerable progress unraveling their mysteries has been made in recent years. Developments in observations, theory, and instrumentation have prepared the way so that the next decade can be the one in which we finally answer the question, "What are gamma-ray bursts?" This question encompasses not only what the progenitors are that produce the GRBs, but also how the enormous luminosity of the GRBs, concentrated in gamma rays, is achieved. Observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, from both the ground and space, will be required to fully tackle this important question. This white paper, mostly distilled from a recent study commissioned by the Division of Astrophysics of the American Physical Society, focuses on what very high energy (~100 GeV and above) gamma-ray observations can contribute. Very high energy gamma rays probe the most extreme high energy particle populations in the burst environment, testing models of lepton and proton acceleration in GRBs and constraining the bulk Lorentz factor and opacity of the outflow. Sensitivity improvements of more than an order of magnitude in the very high energy gamma-ray band can be achieved early in the next decade, in order to contribute to this science.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2008

Thump, ring: the sound of a bouncing ball

A basketball bounced on a stiff surface produces a characteristic loud thump, followed by high-pitched ringing. Describing the ball as an inextensible but flexible membrane containing compressed air, I formulate an approximate theory of the generation of these sounds and predict their amplitudes and waveforms.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2008

Gamma Ray Burst Section of the White Paper on the Status and Future of Ground-based TeV Gamma-ray Astronomy

This is a report on the findings of the gamma ray burst working group for the white paper on the status and future of TeV gamma-ray astronomy. The white paper is an APS commissioned document, and the overall version has also been released and can be found on astro-ph. This detailed section of the white paper discusses the status of past and current attempts to observe gamma ray bursts at GeV-TeV energies. We concentrate on the potential of future ground-based gamma-ray experiments to observe the highest energy emission ever recorded for GRBs, particularly for those that are nearby and have high Lorentz factors in the GRB jet. It is clear that major advances are possible and that the detection of very high energy emission would have strong implications for GRB models, as well as cosmic ray origin.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

The Gamma Ray Burst section of the White Paper on the Status and Future of Very High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy: A Brief Preliminary Report

This is a short report on the preliminary findings of the gamma ray burst (GRB) working group for the white paper on the status and future of very high energy (VHE; >50 GeV) gamma-ray astronomy. The white paper discusses the status of past and current attempts to observe GRBs at GeV-TeV energies, including a handful of low-significance, possible detections. The white paper concentrates on the potential of future ground-based gamma-ray experiments to observe the highest energy emission ever recorded for GRBs, particularly for those that are nearby and have high Lorentz factors in the GRB jet. It is clear that the detection of VHE emission would have strong implications for GRB models, as well as cosmic ray origin. In particular, the extended emission phase (including both afterglow emission and possible flaring) of nearby long GRBs could provide the best possibility for detection. The difficult-to-obtain observations during the prompt phase of nearby long GRBs and short GRBs could also provide particularly strong constraints on the opacity and bulk Lorentz factors surrounding the acceleration site. The synergy with upcoming and existing observatories will, of course, be critical for both identification of GRBs and for multiwavelength/multimessenger studies.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Circulation in Blowdown Flows

The blowdown of high pressure gas in a pressure vessel produces rapid adiabatic cooling of the gas remaining in the vessel. The gas near the wall is warmed by conduction from the wall, producing radial temperature and density gradients that affect the flow, the mass efflux rate and the thermodynamic states of both the outflowing and the contained gas. The resulting buoyancy-driven flow circulates gas through the vessel and reduces, but does not eliminate, these gradients. The purpose of this note is to estimate when blowdown cooling is rapid enough that the gas in the pressure vessel is neither isothermal nor isopycnic, though it remains isobaric. I define a dimensionless number, the buoyancy circulation number BC, that parametrizes these effects.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2007

X-Radiography of Cargo Containers

The problem of detecting a nuclear weapon smuggled in an ocean-going cargo container has not been solved, and the detonation of such a device in a large city could produce casualties and property damage exceeding those of September 11, 2001 by orders of magnitude. Any means of detecting such threats must be fast and cheap enough to screen the millions of containers shipped each year, and must be capable of distinguishing a threatening quantity of fissionable material from the complex loading of masses of innocent material found in many containers. Here we show that radiography with energetic X-rays produced by a 10 MeV electron accelerator, taking advantage of the high density and specific atomic properties of fissionable material, may be a practical solution.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2007

Detection of Neutron Sources in Cargo Containers

We investigate the problem of detecting the presence of clandestine neutron sources, such as would be produced by nuclear weapons containing plutonium, within cargo containers. Small, simple and economical semiconductor photodiode detectors affixed to the outsides of containers are capable of producing statistically robust detections of unshielded sources when their output is integrated over the durations of ocean voyages. It is possible to shield such sources with thick layers of neutron-absorbing material, and to minimize the effects of such absorbers on ambient or artificial external neutron fluxes by surrounding them with neutron-reflective material.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2006

When hot water freezes before cold

I suggest that the origin of the Mpemba effect (the freezing of hot water before cold) is freezing-point depression by solutes, either gaseous or solid, whose solubility decreases with increasing temperature so that they are removed when water is heated. They are concentrated ahead of the freezing front by zone refining in water that has not been heated, reduce the temperature of the freezing front, and thereby reduce the temperature gradient and heat flux, slowing the progress of the front. I present a simple calculation of this effect, and suggest experiments to test this hypothesis.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2005

Filament attachment dynamics in actin-based propulsion

Theory and experiment have established that F-actin filaments are strongly attached to the intracellular parasites (such as Listeria) they propel with ``comet tails''. We consider the implications of these observations for propulsion. By calculating the motion produced in various models of attachment and comparing to experiment we demonstrate that the attachment must be sliding rather than hinged. By modeling experiments on ActA-coated spheres we draw conclusions regarding the interaction between F-actin and their surfaces that may also be applicable to living systems.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2000

Atomistics of Tensile Failure in Fused Silica: Weakest Link Models Revisited

In weakest link models the failure of a single microscopic element of a brittle material causes the failure of an entire macroscopic specimen, just as a chain fails if one link fails. Pristine samples of glass, such as optical communications fiber, approach their ideal strength, and their brittle tensile failure has been described by this model. The statistics of weakest link models are calculable in terms of the statistics of the individual links, which, unfortunately, are poorly known. Use of the skewness of the failure distribution may permit simultaneous determination of the statistics of the individual weak links and of their number density, which indicates their physical origin. However, the applicability of weakest link models to real materials remains unproven.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv1999

Compton Electrons and Electromagnetic Pulse in Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts

When gamma-rays emerge from a central source they may undergo Compton scattering in surrounding matter. The resulting Compton-scattered electrons radiate. Coherent radiation by such Compton electrons follows nuclear explosions above the Earth's atmosphere. Particle acceleration in instabilities produced by Compton electron currents may explain the radio emission by SN1998bw. Bounds on coherent radiation are suggested for supernovae and gamma-ray bursts; these bounds are very high, but it is unknown if coherent radiation occurs in these objects.

astro-ph↗