arXiv subjects

Ricardo Garcia-Salcedo

Publications and source records attributed to Ricardo Garcia-Salcedo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Teaching competencies in physics for engineering education: A qualitative analysis from teaching practice

Physics teaching in engineering programmes poses discipline-specific demands that intertwine conceptual modelling, experimental inquiry, and computational analysis. This study examines nine teaching competences for physics instruction derived from international and regional frameworks and interpreted within engineering contexts. Nineteen university instructors from the Technological Institute of Toluca completed an open-ended questionnaire; responses were analysed using a grounded theory approach (open and axial coding) complemented by descriptive frequencies. Results indicate stronger development in technical mastery, methodological/digital integration, technology-mediated communication, and innovation (C1, C2, C6, C9), while information literacy for digital content creation/adaptation and digital ethics/safety (C7, C8) remain underdeveloped. A recurrent understanding-application gap was identified, revealing uneven transfer from conceptual awareness to enacted classroom practice. We conclude that advancing physics education for engineers requires institutionally supported, discipline-specific professional development that aligns modelling, laboratory work, and computation with ethical and reproducible digital practices; such alignment can move instructors from adoption/adaptation toward sustained appropriation and innovation in multimodal settings.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2014

No compelling cosmological models come out of magnetic universes which are based in nonlinear electrodynamics

Here we investigate the cosmic dynamics of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes -- flat spatial sections -- which are driven by nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED) Lagrangians. We pay special attention to the check of the sign of the square sound speed since, whenever the latter quantity is negative, the corresponding cosmological model is classically unstable against small perturbations of the background energy density. Besides, based on causality arguments, one has to require that the mentioned small perturbations of the background should propagate at most at the local speed of light. We also look for the occurrence of curvature singularities. Our results indicate that several cosmological models which are based in known NLED Lagrangians, either are plagued by curvature singularities of the sudden and/or big rip type, or are violently unstable against small perturbations of the cosmological background -- due to negative sign of the square sound speed -- or both. In addition, causality issues associated with superluminal propagation of the background perturbations may also arise.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Comment on "Extended Born-Infeld theory and the bouncing magnetic universe"

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. D{\bf 85}, 023528 (2012)] the authors proposed a generalized Born-Infeld electrodynamics coupled to general relativity which produces a nonsingular bouncing universe. For a magnetic universe the resulting cosmic evolution inevitably interpolates between asymptotic de Sitter states. Here we shall show that (i) the above theory does not have the standard weak field Maxwell limit, (ii) a sudden curvature singularity -- not better than the big bang -- arises, (iii) the speed of sound squared is a negative quantity signaling instability against small perturbations of the background energy density, and that (iv) the conclusion about the inevitability of the asymptotic vacuum regime in a magnetic universe is wrong.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Bulk Viscous Matter-dominated Universes: Asymptotic Properties

By means of a combined use of the type Ia supernovae and H(z) data tests, together with the study of the asymptotic properties in the equivalent phase space - through the use of the dynamical systems tools - we demonstrate that the bulk viscous matter-dominated scenario is not a good model to explain the accepted cosmological paradigm, at least, under the parametrization of bulk viscosity considered in this paper. The main objection against such scenarios is the absence of conventional radiation and matter-dominated critical points in the phase space of the model. This entails that radiation and matter dominance are not generic solutions of the cosmological equations, so that these stages can be implemented only by means of unique and very specific initial conditions, i. e., of very unstable particular solutions. Such a behavior is in marked contradiction with the accepted cosmological paradigm which requires of an earlier stage dominated by relativistic species, followed by a period of conventional non-relativistic matter domination, during which the cosmic structure we see was formed. Also, we found that the bulk viscosity is positive just until very late times in the cosmic evolution, around z < 1. For earlier epochs it is negative, been in tension with the local second law of thermodynamics.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

QCD ghost dark energy cannot (even roughly) explain the main features of the accepted cosmological paradigm

We explore the whole phase space of the so called Veneziano/QCD ghost dark energy models where the dynamics of the inner trapping horizon is ignored and also the more realistic models where the time-dependence of the horizon is taken into consideration. We pay special attention to the choice of phase space variables leading to bounded and compact phase space so that no critical point of physical interest is missing. It is demonstrated that ghost dark energy is not a suitable candidate to explain the presently accepted cosmological paradigm since no critical point associated with matter dominance is found in the physical phase space of the model. A transient stage of matter dominance -- responsible for the observed amount of cosmic structure -- is an essential ingredient of the accepted cosmological paradigm. The above drawback is in addition to the well known problem with classical instability against small perturbations of the background density originated from negativity of the sound speed squared.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Phase Space Dynamics of Non-Gravitational Interactions between Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The Case of Ghost Dark Energy

We study the phase space asymptotics of the so called Veneziano ghost dark energy models. Models where the ghost field's energy density: i) $ρ_{ghost}\propto H$, and ii) $ρ_{ghost}\propto H+H^2$, are investigated. Both, cases with and without additional non-gravitational interaction between cold dark matter and ghost dark energy, are subject to scrutiny. We pay special attention to the choice of phase space variables leading to bounded and compact phase space so that no critical point of physical interest is missing. A rich asymptotic structure is revealed: depending on the kind of non-minimal coupling critical points associated with radiation dominance, matter dominance, cold dark matter/ghost dark energy scaling, and ghost dark energy dominance, are found. Past and future attractors, as well as saddle equilibrium points, are identified in the corresponding phase spaces.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

The conformal transformation's controversy: what are we missing?

An alternative interpretation of the conformal transformations of the metric is discussed according to which the latter can be viewed as a mapping among Riemannian and Weyl-integrable spaces. A novel aspect of the conformal transformation's issue is then revealed: these transformations relate complementary geometrical pictures of a same physical reality, so that, the question about which is the physical conformal frame, does not arise. In addition, arguments are given which point out that, unless a clear statement of what is understood by "equivalence of frames" is made, the issue is a semantic one. For definiteness, an intuitively "natural" statement of conformal equivalence is given, which is associated with conformal invariance of the field equations. Under this particular reading, equivalence can take place only if the metric is defined up to a conformal equivalence class. A concrete example of a conformal-invariant theory of gravity is then explored. Since Brans-Dicke theory is not conformally invariant, then the Jordan's and Einstein's frames of the theory are not equivalent. Otherwise, in view of the alternative approach proposed here, these frames represent complementary geometrical descriptions of a same phenomenon. The different points of view existing in the literature are critically scrutinized on the light of the new arguments.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Spherically symmetric solution in a space-time with torsion

By using the method of group analysis, we obtain a new exact evolving and spherically symmetric solution of the Einstein-Cartan equations of motion, corresponding to a space-time threaded with a three-form Kalb-Ramond field strength. The solution describes in its more generic form, a space-time which scalar curvature vanishes for large distances and for large time. In static conditions, it reduces to a classical wormhole solution and to a exact solution with a localized scalar field and a torsion kink, already reported in literature. In the process we have found evidence towards the construction of more new solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Conformal transformations and the conformal equivalence principle

It is demonstrated that, unless the meaning of conformal transformations for the underlying geometrical structure is discussed on a same footing as it is done for the equations of the given gravity theory, the notion of "conformal equivalence", as it has been mostly used in the bibliography to date, lacks physical and mathematical content. A principle of conformal equivalence is then formulated and its consequences are investigated within a conformally invariant modification of Brans-Dicke (BD) theory of gravity. It is also demonstrated that vacuum BD theory ($ω\neq -3/2$) is not conformally invariant and, consequently, the different conformal frames in which the theory can be formulated are just different - conformally related - representations of a same phenomenon. Hence these can not be compared: either both are physically correct, or none is it.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Dirac-Born-Infeld Field Trapped in the Braneworld

We apply the dynamical systems tools to study the (linear) cosmic dynamics of a Dirac-Born-Infeld-type field trapped in the braneworld. We focus,exclusively, in Randall-Sundrum and in Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati brane models. We analyze the existence and stability of asymptotic solutions for the AdS throat and the quadratic potential and a particular choice of the warp factor and of the potential for the DBI field ($f(ϕ)=1/V(ϕ)$). It is demonstrated, in particular, that in the ultra-relativistic approximation matter-scaling and scalar field-dominated solutions always arise. In the first scenario the empty universe is the past attractor, while in the second model the past attractor is the matter-dominated phase.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Study Of Tachyon Dynamics For Broad Classes of Potentials

We investigate in detail the asymptotic properties of tachyon cosmology for a broad class of self-interaction potentials. The present approach relies in an appropriate re-definition of the tachyon field, which, in conjunction with a method formerly applied in the bibliography in a different context, allows to generalize the dynamical systems study of tachyon cosmology to a wider class of self-interaction potentials beyond the (inverse) square-law one. It is revealed that independent of the functional form of the potential, the matter-dominated solution and the ultra-relativistic (also matter-dominated) solution, are always associated with equilibrium points in the phase space of the tachyon models. The latter is always the past attractor, while the former is a saddle critical point. For inverse power-law potentials $V\proptoϕ^{-2λ}$ the late-time attractor is always the de Sitter solution, while for sinh-like potentials $V\propto\sinh^{-α}(λϕ)$, depending on the region of parameter space, the late-time attractor can be either the inflationary tachyon-dominated solution or the matter-scaling (also inflationary) phase. In general, for most part of known quintessential potentials, the late-time dynamics will be associated either with de Sitter inflation, or with matter-scaling, or with scalar field-dominated solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Analysis of the Educative Reform for Secondary School in Mexico and its implications on Science II subject for the new curriculum

In Mexico, the educative reform that has been taking effect gradually in the secondary school education from 2005, has eliminated some subjects and created other that they concentrate in a single degree of studies the themes of the basic education, waking up changes that represent a challenge for teachers, who besides are adapted to new academic loads, they face an approach different in the treatment from the new themes. Beyond the conflicts that all reform can generate, the present paper is not a political or social analysis, but it approaches some differences between authorities of Secretaria de Educacion Publica (Public Education Secretary) and teachers, studying the implications of the new curriculum of Sciences II (Physics). Additionally, it is considers the design of didactic sequences to teach some physical concepts in the secondary school by active learning.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2009

Dynamics of FRW Universes Sourced by Non-Linear Electrodynamics

We apply the dynamical systems tools to study the (linear) dynamics of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universes that are fuelled by non-linear electrodynamics. We focus, mainly, in two particular models. In the first model the cosmic evolution is fuelled by cold dark matter, a cosmological constant and a non-linear electrodynamics field. In the second case non-singular cosmology and late-time accelerated expansion are unified in a model where the Einstein's field equations are sourced only by cold dark matter and a non-linear electrodynamics field. It is shown that, in contrast to previous claims, the cosmological effects coming from the non-linear electrodynamics field are not as generic as though. In fact, critical points in the phase space that could be associated with non-linear electrodynamic effects are not found.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Self accelerating solutions in a DGP brane with a scalar field trapped on it: the dynamical systems perspective

We apply the dynamical systems tools to study the linear dynamics of a self-interacting scalar field trapped on a DGP brane. The simplest kinds of self-interaction potentials are investigated: a) constant potential, and b) exponential potential. It is shown that the dynamics of DGP models can be very rich and complex. One of the most interesting results of this study shows that dynamical screening of the scalar field self-interaction potential, occuring within the Minkowski cosmological phase of the DGP model and mimetizing 4D phantom behaviour, is an attractor solution for a constant self-interaction potential but not for the exponential one. In the latter case gravitational screening is not even a critical point of the corresponding autonomous system of ordinary differential equations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Critical comments on the paper "Crossing $ω=-1$ by a single scalar field on a Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati brane" by H Zhang and Z-H Zhu [Phys.Rev.D75,023510(2007)]

It is demonstrated that the claim in the paper "Crossing $ω=-1$ by a single scalar field on a Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati brane" by H Zhang and Z-H Zhu [Phys.Rev.D75,023510(2007)], about a prove that there do not exist scaling solutions in a universe with dust in a Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) braneworld scenario, is incorrect.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Soliton structures in a molecular chain model with saturation

In the present work, we study, by means of a one-dimensional lattice model, the collective excitations corresponding to intra molecular ones of a chain like proteins. It is shown that such excitations are described by the Nonlinear Schrodinger equation with saturation. The solutions obtained here are the bell solitons, bubbles, kinks and crowdons. Since they belong to different sectors on the parametric space, the bubble condensation could give place to some important changes of face in this kind of nonlinear system. Additionally, it is shown that the limiting velocity of the solitons is the velocity of sound waves corresponding to longitudinal vibrations of molecules.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2008

Some properties of evolving wormhole geometries within nonlinear electrodynamics

In this paper we review some properties for the evolving wormhole solution of Einstein equations coupled with nonlinear electrodynamics. We integrate the geodesic equations in the effective geometry obeyed by photons; we check out the weak field limit and find the traversability conditions. Then we analyze the case when the lagrangian depends on two electromagnetic invariants and it turns out that there is not a more general solution within the assumed geometry.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Nonlinear Electrodynamics and black holes

It is addressed the issue of black holes with nonlinear electromagnetic field, focussing mainly in the Born-Infeld case. The main features of these systems are described, for instance, geodesics, energy conditions, thermodynamics and isolated horizon aspects. Also are revised some black hole solutions of alternative nonlinear electrodynamics and its inconveniences.

hep-th↗