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Computational Fluid Dynamics Fluid dynamics is the science that studies the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). These resources are for you, if you are concerned with the computational aspects of fluid dynamics. Find out about academic institutions, companies, specific topics (such as turbulence and hypersonic flow), documents, and lots of other related information. Web: Usenet:
Fusion Fusion is a process by which small atoms such as hydrogen are fused together to produce heavier atoms such as helium. As this happens, some of the matter is converted into energy. The goal of fusion research is to design reactors that produce large amounts of energy by fusing hydrogen atoms into helium under manageable conditions. In some ways, fusion is an ideal way to create energy. The raw materials are cheap, the waste material (helium) is safe, and there are no problems with radioactivity. However, fusion takes place only under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. (In fact, fusion is the basic process by which energy is produced inside of stars.) If we could create fusion reactors here on Earth, it would be wonderful, but there are still many years of research ahead of us. Web:
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High Energy Physics High-energy physics is the area of study that deals with fundamental sub-atomic forces and particles. Such study requires special devices that use enormous amounts of energy to create sub-atomic particles and then force them to interact. (Hence, the name, high-energy physics.) The study of such particles and forces leads to an understanding of the very nature of matter, both on sub-atomic (very small) and cosmological (very large) levels. Web:
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Index of Physics Abstracts This is the perfect place to find papers relating to high energy physics, astrophysics, condensed matter theory, general relativity, quantum cosmology, and nuclear theory. A keyword search will help you track down the information you need. Web: Optics Optics is the study of light and vision. Here is the Web site of the Optical Society of America (OSA). It covers all aspects of optical physics and engineering, including information about quantum electronics, photonics and vision. Web: Usenet:
Particle Surface Research Particle surface research involves the study of how an ion beam interacts with a particular surface. Here is a Web site where you will find links to computational, experimental and theoretical resources all over the Net. (If you run out of places to visit and you get bored, try shooting some beta particles at this book and see what happens.) Web:
Physics Conferences If you feel the overwhelming urge to attend a physics conference, you can visit this site to search by month or by field of physics. Personally, I was going to go to the Aerosol Symposium, but I blew it off. As well as conferences, there are listings for workshops and summer schools. Web:
Physics Talk and General Discussion These are the main Usenet groups in which physics-related topics are discussed. If you have a question or a comment, post it to the most specific group you can that is appropriate. The sci.physics group is for the discussion of topics that don't fit in anywhere else. If you are new to these groups, you should start by reading the Usenet Physics FAQ (frequently asked question list) which you can find at the Web sites. (Remember, without physics, our world would be dull indeed and the universe would be far too easy to understand.) Web:
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Plasma Physics When you have to attend a potluck dinner and you just don't know what to bring, consider a nice quasi-neutral gas such as plasma. Admittedly, it doesn't sound entirely appetizing, but just think of all the great things you can do with it. You could make an advanced microwave device, use it in ceramic production or toxic waste treatment or, for a really fun time, you could design a power grid for a spacecraft. Find out the other reasons why plasma is cool by reading information about the science and possible applications of this branch of physics. Web:
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Polymer and Liquid Crystal Tutorial A polymer is a high-molecular weight compound, consisting of large numbers of repeating units -- relatively simple molecules called monomers -- linked by covalent bonds. Polymers can be natural (such as cellulose, silk and natural rubber) or synthetic (such as plastics and synthetic fibers). A liquid crystal is a liquid in which the constituent molecules arrange themselves with a higher degree of order than ordinary liquids, by pointing along a common axis called a director. Within a liquid crystal, the arrangement of the molecules offers many of the optical characteristics of solid crystals. However, since the molecular arrangements are not so firmly fixed, they can be modified -- along with subsequent changes in optical properties -- by mechanical stress, electromagnetic radiation or changes in temperature. Both polymers and liquid crystals are fascinating substances. If you would like a good introduction to these and other related subjects, try this series of well-organized, well-written multimedia tutorials. I enjoyed the tutorials myself, even though they did tend to remind me of organic chemistry class. Web: Polymer Physics Polymers are large molecules constructed out of repeating units of small building blocks, joined to one another by covalent bonds. Many polymers occur naturally, such as cellulose, natural rubber and silk. Even proteins can be thought of as polymers. Commercially, there are a great many man-made polymers, such as plastics, synthetic fibers and synthetic rubber. Web:
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Relativity "Relativity" refers to the idea that there are certain physical properties that can be determined only relative to an observer. Here is a simple example: You're standing beside a highway and someone points to a car and asks "How fast is that car going?" Now imagine yourself driving on the highway beside that very car, keeping even with it. In the first case, the car is moving fast relative to an observer at the side of the road. In the second case, the car is barely moving at all, relative to an observer in a nearby car. Einstein developed such ideas into two complex theories: special relativity (dealing with systems that are not accelerating) and general relativity (dealing with gravity and acceleration). Einstein's theories formed the basis of our modern understanding of the universe, and the relativity research that is being carried on today has the goal of explaining, with more and more accuracy, how things really work. Web:
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