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American Institute of Physics


Simulating splash at the microscopic level

Researchers used a lattice-Botzmann method to simulate the impact of microdroplets on dry surfaces, revealing distinct physics at the microscopic level. They found that droplet sizes in spray cooling are three orders of magnitude smaller than previously studied millimeter-size droplets, and that this affects their dynamics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 2017

New metrology technique measures electric fields

American scientists have developed a new method to measure electric fields using atomic resonance-based technology, allowing for accurate and traceable measurements. This technique has improved spatial resolution and can measure frequencies up to one terahertz, relevant for future wireless mobile telecommunication systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 20, 2017

Magnets, all the way down!

Assemblies of metallic nanoparticles behave like bulk magnets, displaying intriguing shape-dependent behavior that could improve high-density information storage technologies. The structures' magnetic behavior is influenced only by the shape of the assemblies, revealing a single bulk ferromagnet.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 13, 2017

The synchronized dance of skyrmion spins

Researchers in Singapore used computer simulations to study skyrmion particles, gaining insights into their internal behaviors. The study found that the three fundamental modes of skyrmions respond differently to external magnetic fields, potentially leading to new microwave nano-oscillators and ultra-compact devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 30, 2017

Understanding stars: How tornado-shaped flow in a dynamo strengthens the magnetic field

A new simulation based on the von-Kármán-Sodium (VKS) dynamo experiment investigates the effects of fluid resistivity and turbulence on the collimation of the magnetic field. Researchers found that using magnetized ferromagnetic materials increases the magnetic field collimation, while conducting materials weaken it. This study contrib...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 23, 2017

How fluids flow through shale

Researchers used a coarse-grain approach to model the behavior of fluids in tiny pores within shale rock. The simulations incorporated high-resolution imagery of shale samples, allowing for better probing of the underlying physics. This new understanding could lead to more efficient oil and gas extraction methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 2, 2017

Light has new capacity for electronics

Scientists have discovered a new phenomenon called the photodielectric effect, which could lead to the creation of laser-controlled touch displays. The discovery uses light to increase the dielectric permittivity of a material, allowing for more efficient energy storage and filtering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 2017

Modeling reveals how policy affects adoption of solar energy photovoltaics in California

Researchers created a model to measure the impact of policy on commercial solar photovoltaic adoption in California, providing new insight into energy policy. The study found that government incentives have a greater impact on larger commercial customers and smaller businesses face unique hurdles when adopting solar PV systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 25, 2017

Lasers measure jet disintegration

A team of researchers applied spectroscopic diagnostics to study sub- and supercritical jet disintegration, revealing trends important for improving jet propulsion systems. The Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique provided quantitative density data, offering new insights into fluid behavior.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 18, 2017

Bubble group dancing

Researchers at Zhejiang University discovered a new type of bubbling mechanism that generates periodic and aperiodic bubbles with unique properties. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries such as heat transfer enhancement, mass transfer, and bubble motion control.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 11, 2017

Putting a spin on logic gates

Researchers have developed a prototype for a spin-wave majority logic gate that utilizes wave interference to process information. This innovation uses spin waves instead of classical currents or voltages, enabling the creation of nanoscale devices with improved efficiency and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 10, 2017