56096906
Revisiting spherically symmetric relativistic hydrodynamics
used in fluid dynamics, specifically those designed to deal with shocks, which are based on a finite volume approximation. The two cases we consider are the relativistic blast wave problem and the evolution of a Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff star model, in spherical symmetry. In the first case we illustrate the implementation of relativistic Euler’s equations on a fixed background space-time, whereas in the second case we also show how to couple the evolution of the fluid to the evolution of the space-time.
117096035
Quasinormal acoustic oscillations in the Michel flow
We study spherical and nonspherical linear acoustic perturbations of the Michel flow, which describes the steady radial accretion of a perfect fluid into a nonrotating black hole. The dynamics of such perturbations are governed by a scalar wave equation on an effective curved background geometry determined by the acoustic metric, which is constructed from the spacetime metric and the particle density and four-velocity of the fluid. For the problem under consideration in this paper the acoustic metric has the same qualitative features as an asymptotically flat, static and spherically symmetric black hole, and thus it represents a natural astrophysical analogue black hole. As for the case of a scalar field propagating on a Schwarzschild background, we show that acoustic perturbations of the Michel flow exhibit quasinormal oscillations. Based on a new numerical method for determining the solutions of the radial mode equation, we compute the associated frequencies and analyze their dependency on the mass of the black hole, the radius of the sonic horizon and the angular momentum number. Our results for the fundamental frequencies are compared to those obtained from an independent numerical Cauchy evolution, finding good agreement between the two approaches. When the radius of the sonic horizon is large compared to the event horizon radius, we find that the quasinormal frequencies scale approximately like the surface gravity associated with the sonic horizon.
120073980
Analysis of compact and sealed RPCs feasibility
In this article, the feasibility of developing compact and portable float glass sealed Resistive Plate Chambers, sRPCs, is analyzed. For this purpose, several small (80 cm 2 ) sealed chambers have been constructed using inexpensive materials like windows float glass, copper tape and nylon fishing line. For the sake of simplicity, during this first development stage, only R134a has been used as ionizing gas. In order to distinguish gas leakage from internal gas degradation, a couple of sRPCs were tested inside a box with flowing gas: one with R134a and another with N2. Prompt charge, signal rising slope and operational current were used to assess chambers performance degradation during a two-week period. Regarding these variables, small leakages were spotted as the main reason for the performance degradation observed after about one week of steady operation at the sRPC working in N2 environment. The sRPC working in an R134a environment did not show any significative degradation during the whole test. A discussion on merits and limitations of the proposed design is provided.
7382859
Study of redshifted H I from the epoch of reionization with drift scan
Detection of the epoch of reionization (EoR) in the redshifted 21 cm line is a challenging task. Here, we formulate the detection of the EoR signal using the drift scan strategy. This method potentially has better instrumental stability compared to the case where a single patch of sky is tracked. We demonstrate that the correlation time between measured visibilities could extend up to 1-2 hr for an interferometer array such as the Murchison Widefield Array, which has a wide primary beam. We estimate the EoR power based on a cross-correlation of visibilities over time and show that the drift scan strategy is capable of detecting the EoR signal with a signal to noise that is comparable/better compared to the tracking case. We also estimate the visibility correlation for a set of bright point sources and argue that the statistical inhomogeneity of bright point sources might allow their separation from the EoR signal.
122792689
Computer animation of extensive air showers interacting with the MILAGRO water Cherenkov detector
I employ advanced computer animation to visualize the interaction of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) with the Milagro water reservoir. The animations help conceptualize the evolution of the EAS particle front as it hits a large volume of water and converts to a front of Cherenkov photons. Expected effects such as refraction and curvature are easily seen, as well as a number of novel behaviors. A simple model that explains the observed dynamics of the shower front is presented.
54083034
Overcoming real-world obstacles in 21 cm power spectrum estimation: A method demonstration and results from early Murchison Widefield Array data
We present techniques for bridging the gap between idealized inverse covariance weighted quadratic estimation of 21 cm power spectra and the real-world challenges presented universally by interferometric observation. By carefully evaluating various estimators and adapting our techniques for large but incomplete data sets, we develop a robust power spectrum estimation framework that preserves the so-called \EoR window" and keeps track of estimator errors and covariances. We apply our method to observations from the 32-tile prototype of the Murchinson Wideeld Array to demonstrate the importance of a judicious analysis technique. Lastly, we apply our method to investigate the dependence of the clean EoR window on frequency|especially the frequency dependence of the so-called \wedge" feature|and establish upper limits on the power spectrum from z = 6:2 to z = 11:7. Our lowest limit is
2271229
THE SENSITIVITY OF FIRST-GENERATION EPOCH OF REIONIZATION OBSERVATORIES AND THEIR POTENTIAL FOR DIFFERENTIATING THEORETICAL POWER SPECTRA
Statistical observations of the epoch of reionization (EOR) power spectrum provide a rich data set for understanding the transition from the cosmic ‘‘dark ages’’ to the ionized universe we see today. EOR observations have become an active area of experimental cosmology, and three first-generation observatories—MWA, PAST, and LOFAR—are currently under development. In this paper we provide the first quantitative calculation of the threedimensional power spectrum sensitivity, incorporating thedesign parameters of a planned array. This calculation is then used to explore the constraints these first-generation observations can place on the EOR power spectrum. The results demonstrate the potential for upcoming power spectrum observations to constrain theories of structure formation and reionization. Subject headings: early universe — intergalactic medium — radio lines: general — techniques: interferometric Online material: color figure