The converse problem for the multipotentialisation of evolution equations and systems

We propose a method to identify and classify evolution equations and systems that can be multipotentialised in given target equations or target systems. We refer to this as the {\it converse problem}. Although we mainly study a method for $(1+1)$-dimensional equations/system, we do also propose an extension of the methodology to higher-dimensional evolution equations. An important point is that the proposed converse method allows one to identify certain types of auto-B\"acklund transformations for the equations/systems. In this respect we define the {\it triangular-auto-B\"acklund transformation} and derive its connections to the converse problem. Several explicit examples are given. In particular we investigate a class of linearisable third-order evolution equations, a fifth-order symmetry-integrable evolution equation as well as linearisable systems.Comment: 31 Pages, 7 diagrams, submitted for consideratio

Linearisable third order ordinary differential equations and generalised Sundman transformations

We calculate in detail the conditions which allow the most general third order ordinary differential equation to be linearised in X'''(T)=0 under the transformation X(T)=F(x,t), dT=G(x,t)dt. Further generalisations are considered.Comment: 33 page

A nonlocal connection between certain linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations/oscillators

We explore a nonlocal connection between certain linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), representing physically important oscillator systems, and identify a class of integrable nonlinear ODEs of any order. We also devise a method to derive explicit general solutions of the nonlinear ODEs. Interestingly, many well known integrable models can be accommodated into our scheme and our procedure thereby provides further understanding of these models.Comment: 12 pages. J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 39 (2006) in pres

The Puzzle of the Flyby Anomaly

Close planetary flybys are frequently employed as a technique to place spacecraft on extreme solar system trajectories that would otherwise require much larger booster vehicles or may not even be feasible when relying solely on chemical propulsion. The theoretical description of the flybys, referred to as gravity assists, is well established. However, there seems to be a lack of understanding of the physical processes occurring during these dynamical events. Radio-metric tracking data received from a number of spacecraft that experienced an Earth gravity assist indicate the presence of an unexpected energy change that happened during the flyby and cannot be explained by the standard methods of modern astrodynamics. This puzzling behavior of several spacecraft has become known as the flyby anomaly. We present the summary of the recent anomalous observations and discuss possible ways to resolve this puzzle.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure. Accepted for publication by Space Science Review

A constrained random-force model for weakly bending semiflexible polymers

The random-force (Larkin) model of a directed elastic string subject to quenched random forces in the transverse directions has been a paradigm in the statistical physics of disordered systems. In this brief note, we investigate a modified version of the above model where the total transverse force along the polymer contour and the related total torque, in each realization of disorder, vanish. We discuss the merits of adding these constraints and show that they leave the qualitative behavior in the strong stretching regime unchanged, but they reduce the effects of the random force by significant numerical prefactors. We also show that a transverse random force effectively makes the filament softer to compression by inducing undulations. We calculate the related linear compression coefficient in both the usual and the constrained random force model.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in PR

A Nonliearly Dispersive Fifth Order Integrable Equation and its Hierarchy

In this paper, we study the properties of a nonlinearly dispersive integrable system of fifth order and its associated hierarchy. We describe a Lax representation for such a system which leads to two infinite series of conserved charges and two hierarchies of equations that share the same conserved charges. We construct two compatible Hamiltonian structures as well as their Casimir functionals. One of the structures has a single Casimir functional while the other has two. This allows us to extend the flows into negative order and clarifies the meaning of two different hierarchies of positive flows. We study the behavior of these systems under a hodograph transformation and show that they are related to the Kaup-Kupershmidt and the Sawada-Kotera equations under appropriate Miura transformations. We also discuss briefly some properties associated with the generalization of second, third and fourth order Lax operators.Comment: 11 pages, LaTex, version to be published in Journal of Nonlinear Mathematical Physics, has expanded discussio

Photon-Photon Interaction in a Photon Gas

Using the effective Lagrangian for the low energy photon-photon interaction the lowest order photon self energy at finite temperature and in non-equilibrium is calculated within the real time formalism. The Debye mass, the dispersion relation, the dielectric tensor, and the velocity of light following from the photon self energy are discussed. As an application we consider the interaction of photons with the cosmic microwave background radiation.Comment: REVTEX, 7 pages, 1 PostSrcipt figur

Florística e fitossociologia em áreas de manejo de açaizais no estuário amazônico.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a composição florística e a fitossociologia em três regiões do estuário amazônico em que é praticado o manejo de açaizais nativos. Nas regiões foram instaladas 30 parcelas de 0,5 ha e amostradas todas as espécies arbóreas e palmeiras com DAP ? 5 cm, mediu-se também a circunferência a altura do peito (CAP) com fita métrica de precisão de 1mm. Foram inventariados 10821 indivíduos, representados por 114 espécies, 96 gêneros e 33 famílias. As famílias mais representativas foram Arecaceae (9 espécies e 8007 indivíduos), seguida por Rubiaceae (2 espécies e 522 indivíduos),Myristicaceae (1 espécie e 268 indivíduos), Malvaceae (10 espécies e 264 indivíduos) e Euphorbiaceae (4 espécies e 247 indivíduos). Constatou-se que a riqueza nas áreas de manejo inventariadas permaneceu alta apesar da pressão antrópica que essas áreas sofrem

The use of high-resolution terrain data in gravity field prediction

Different types of gravity prediction methods for local and regional gravity evaluation are developed, tested, and compared. Four different test areas were particularly selected in view of different prediction requirements. Also different parts of the spectrum of the gravity field were considered