arXiv subjects

Paul V. Quinn Sr

Publications and source records attributed to Paul V. Quinn Sr.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2010

Determining the Critical Temperature and Number of Frozen Layers in a Two-Dimensional Bed of Vibrating Hard Spheres Using a Global Equation of State

Using a global equation of state, empirically derived by Luding, we accurately model the density profile of a two-dimensional hard sphere system with diameter D and mass m under gravity with a given temperature T [Physica A, 271, 192 (1999)]. We then compare our solutions to MD simulated data. From the density profile, we can then solve for the critical temperature T_c, which we define as the temperature at which the system begins to condensate. Then, if T is below T_c, there is some frozen portion of the system. We derive a formula for the number of frozen layers μ_f, and compare our solution to the number of frozen layers in our simulated data.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

The Fermi Statistics of a Weakly Excited Particle in a Vibrating Bed

A one dimensional experiment in granular dynamics is carried out to test the thermodynamic theory of weakly excited granular systems [Hayakawa and Hong, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 2764(1997)] where granular particles are treated as spinless Fermions. The density profile is measured and then fit to the Fermi distribution function, from which the global temperature of the system, $T$, is determined. Then the center of mass, $< z(T) >$, and its fluctuations, $< Δz(T)^2 >$, are measured and plotted as functions of $T$. The Fermi function fits the density profile fairly well, with the value of $T$ being reasonably close to the predicted value. The scaling behavior of $< z(T) >$ and $< Δz(T) ^2 >$ is in excellent agreement with the theory.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2006

The Electrostatic Gravimeter: An Alternate Way of Measuring Gravitational Acceleration

In the past, the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the Earth, $g$, has been measured in many ways. Various methods include the use of a pendulum as well as models involving the use of a mass on a spring. We have designed a new method incorporating the mass-spring model with a capacitor, and a capacitance meter. This capacitor model still uses a hanging mass on a spring, but alters the method of determining the change in position of the mass attached to the spring caused by the gravitational acceleration. We relate the change in position of mass to the capacitance across the two parallel plates. By relating this capacitance directly to the gravitational acceleration, a new method of measuring $g$ is obtained.

physics.geo-ph↗