arXiv subjects

John W. Norbury

Publications and source records attributed to John W. Norbury.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2014

Elastic Differential Cross Sections for Space Radiation Applications

The eikonal, partial wave (PW) Lippmann-Schwinger, and three-dimensional Lippmann- Schwinger (LS3D) methods are compared for nuclear reactions that are relevant for space radiation applications. Numerical convergence of the eikonal method is readily achieved when exact formulas of the optical potential are used for light nuclei (A $\le$ 16), and the momentum-space representation of the optical potential is used for heavier nuclei. The PW solution method is known to be numerically unstable for systems that require a large number of partial waves, and, as a result, the LS3D method is employed. The effect of relativistic kinematics is studied with the PW and LS3D methods and is compared to eikonal results. It is recommended that the LS3D method be used for high energy nucleon-nucleus reactions and nucleus-nucleus reactions at all energies because of its rapid numerical convergence and stability.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2007

Relativistic Multiple Scattering Theory and the Relativistic Impulse Approximation

It is shown that a relativistic multiple scattering theory for hadron-nucleus scattering can be consistently formulated in four-dimensions in the context of meson exchange. We give a multiple scattering series for the optical potential and discuss the differences between the relativistic and non-relativistic versions. We develop the relativistic multiple scattering series by separating out the one boson exchange term from the rest of the Feynman series. However this particular separation is not absolutely necessary and we discuss how to include other terms. We then show how to make a three-dimensional reduction for hadron-nucleus scattering calculations and we find that the relative energy prescription used in the elastic scattering equation should be consistent with the one used in the free two-body t-matrix involved in the optical potential. We also discuss what assumptions are involved in making a Dirac Relativistic Impulse Approximation (RIA).

nucl-th↗

arXiv2007

Paramaterizations of inclusive cross sections for pion production in proton-proton collisions. II. Comparison to new data

A set of new, precise data have recently been made available by the NA49 collaboration for charged pion production in proton-proton and proton-Carbon reactions at 158 GeV. The current paper compares this new data to five currently available arithmetic parameterizations. Although a precise fit is not expected, two of the parameterizations do not work very well but the other three are able to provide a moderately good, but not precise fit to the proton-proton data. The best two of these three parameterizations are scaled to the proton-Carbon data and again provide a moderately good, but not precise fit.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2006

Differential Cross Sections for Electromagnetic Dissociation

Differential cross sections for electromagnetic dissociation in nucleus-nucleus collisions are calculated. The kinetic energy distribution is parameterized with a Boltzmann distribution and the angular distribution is assumed isotropic in the projectile frame. In order to be useful for three-dimensional transport codes, these cross sections are available in both the projectile and lab frames. Comparison between theory and experiment is good. The formalism applies to single and multiple nucleon removal, alpha particle removal, and fission in electromagnetic reactions of nuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2006

Parameterized total cross sections for pion production in nuclear collisions

Total inclusive cross sections for neutral and charged pion production in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus reactions have been calculated and compared to experiment. Nucleon-nucleon theoretical cross sections have been scaled up to nuclear collisions using a scaling factor similar to $(A_PA_T)^{2/3}$, where $A_P$ and $A_T$ are the nucleon numbers of the projectile and target nuclei. Variations in the power of this scaling factor have been studied and a good fit to experiment is obtained with a small modification of the power. Theoretical cross sections are written in a form that is very suitable for immediate input into transport codes.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2006

Working with simple machines

A set of examples is provided that illustrate the use of work as applied to simple machines. The ramp, pulley, lever and hydraulic press are common experiences in the life of a student and their theoretical analysis therefore makes the abstract concept of work more real. The mechanical advantage of each of these systems is also discussed so that students can evaluate their usefulness as machines.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2006

Pair production from nuclear collisions and cosmic ray transport

Modern cosmic ray transport codes, that are capable of use for a variety of applications, need to include all significant atomic, nuclear and particle reactions at a variety of energies. Lepton pair production from nucleus-nucleus collisions has not been included in transport codes to date. Using the methods of Baur, Bertulani and Baron, the present paper provides estimates of electron-positron pair production cross sections for nuclei and energies relevant to cosmic ray transport. It is shown that the cross sections are large compared to other typical processes such as single neutron removal due to strong or electromagnetic interactions. Therefore lepton pair production may need to be included in some transport code applications involving MeV electrons.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2006

Threshold meson production and cosmic ray transport

An interesting accident of nature is that the peak of the cosmic ray spectrum, for both protons and heavier nuclei, occurs near the pion production threshold. The Boltzmann transport equation contains a term which is the cosmic ray flux multiplied by the cross section. Therefore when considering pion and kaon production from proton-proton reactions, small cross sections at low energy can be as important as larger cross sections at higher energy. This is also true for subthreshold kaon production in nuclear collisions, but not for subthreshold pion production.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2006

Electromagnetic Dissociation and Space Radiation

Relativistic nucleus-nucleus reactions occur mainly through the Strong or Electromagnetic (EM) interactions. Transport codes often neglect the latter. This work shows the importance of including EM interactions for space radiation applications.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2002

Parameterizations of Invariant Meson Production Cross Section

The Lund string fragmentation model is applied in a non-perturbative calculation of the invariant production cross section of pions from proton-proton collisions in the soft pT region. Invariant production cross sections of pions and kaons from proton-proton collisions in the hard pT region are calculated from the Feynman-Field perturbative QCD parton model. Parameterizations of these production invariant cross sections are described.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

The Nystrom plus Correction Method for Solving Bound State Equations in Momentum Space

A new method is presented for solving the momentum-space Schrodinger equation with a linear potential. The Lande-subtracted momentum space integral equation can be transformed into a matrix equation by the Nystrom method. The method produces only approximate eigenvalues in the cases of singular potentials such as the linear potential. The eigenvalues generated by the Nystrom method can be improved by calculating the numerical errors and adding the appropriate corrections. The end results are more accurate eigenvalues than those generated by the basis function method. The method is also shown to work for a relativistic equation such as the Thompson equation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Parametrizations of Inclusive Cross Sections for Pion Production in Proton-Proton Collisions

Accurate knowledge of cross sections for pion production in proton-proton collisions finds wide application in particle physics, astrophysics, cosmic ray physics and space radiation problems, especially in situations where an incident proton is transported through some medium, and one requires knowledge of the output particle spectrum given the input spectrum. In such cases accurate parametrizations of the cross sections are desired. In this paper we review much of the experimental data and compare to a wide variety of different cross section parametrizations. In so doing, we provide parametrizations of neutral and charged pion cross sections which provide a very accurate description of the experimental data. Lorentz invariant differential cross sections, spectral distributions and total cross section parametrizations are presented.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Graviton Production in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

We study the feasibility of producing the graviton of the novel Kaluza-Klein theory in which there are d large compact dimensions in addition to the 4 dimensions of Minkowski spacetime. We calculate the cross section for producing such a graviton in nucleus-nucleus collisions via t-channel photon-photon fusion using the semiclassical Weizsacker-Williams method and show that it can exceed the cross section for graviton production in electron-positron scattering by several orders of magnitude.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2000

Properties of Regge Trajectories

Early Chew-Frautschi plots show that meson and baryon Regge trajectoies are approximately linear and non-intersecting. In this paper, we reconstruct all Regge trajectories from the most recent data. Our plots show that meson trajectories are non-linear and intersecting. We also show that all current meson Regge trajectories models are ruled out by data.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Revitalization of an undergraduate physics program

This article describes the successful revitalization of an undergraduate physics program. The areas of curriculum development, undergraduate research experiences and advising and retention, to name a few, are emphasized in this interconnecting and systematic approach whereby each and every effort combines to get results. The program can be used by other physics departments wishing to improve and expand undergraduate education in physics.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2000

Lagrangians and Hamiltonians for High School Students

A discussion of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics is presented at a level which should be suitable for advanced high school students. This is intended for those who wish to explore a version of mechanics beyond the usual Newtonian treatment in high schools, but yet who do not have advanced mathematical skills.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2000

Another exact inflationary solution

A new closed-form inflationary solution is given for a hyperbolic interaction potential. The method used to arrive at this solution is outlined as it appears possible to generate additional sets of equations which satisfy the model. In addition a new form of decaying cosmological constant is presented.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1998

Some Connections between Quantum Tunneling and Inflation

The Wheeler-DeWitt equation in the minisuperspace approximation is studied in four different models. Under certain circumstances each model leads to a tunneling potential and under the same circumstances the classical version of each model leads to inflation.

gr-qc↗