Descartes’s Mechanical but not Mechanistic Physics

Author(s):  
Helen Hattab

Descartes is commonly characterized as the arch-mechanist who rejected the syllogistic demonstrations sought in Scholastic Aristotelian physics, and instead aimed at purely “mechanistic explanations” of natural phenomena. Typical accounts of physical phenomena found in his scientific works, such as that of the properties of salt, are thus interpreted as no more than structural explanations that posit one of many possible arrangements of variously shaped microscopic particles to account for the observed effects. By examining Descartes’s own statements about the different ways in which his physics is “mechanical”, and by placing these in the context of the Renaissance revival of the geometrical demonstrations found in the Aristotelian Questions of Mechanics, this chapter shows that, and in what way, Descartes aimed at mathematical and mechanical, but not mechanistic, demonstrations of physical phenomena like salt.

Author(s):  
Stuart Glennan

This concluding chapter offers an abstract account of explanation as such, arguing that explanations involve the construction of models that always show what the targets of explanation depend upon (dependence), and sometimes show how multiple targets depend upon similar things (unification). It then suggests, in light of this account, how Salmon’s three conceptions of scientific explanation are not alternative conceptions, but are in fact complementary aspects of successful explanation. Explanations of natural phenomena are then divided into three kinds—bare causal, mechanistic, and non-causal. Bare causal explanations show what depends upon what, while mechanistic explanations show how those dependencies arise. Non-causal explanations in various forms show non-causal dependencies, which arise from features of the space in which mechanisms act.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2150312
Author(s):  
Rodica Cimpoiasu

In this work, we do apply a generalized expansion method to the realistic two-dimensional (2D) Chafee–Infante model with time-variable coefficients which is encountered in physical sciences.The key ideas of this method consist in: (i) to choose a nonlinear wave variable in respect to time-variable into the general finite series solution of the governing model; (ii) to take a full advantage from the general elliptic equation introduced as an auxiliary equation which can degenerate into sub-equations such as Riccati equation, the Jacobian elliptic equations, the generalized Riccati equation. Based upon this powerful technique, we successfully construct for the first time several types of non-autonomous solitary waves as well as some non-autonomous triangular solutions, rational or doubly periodic type ones. We investigate the propagation of non-autonomous solitons and we emphasize as well upon the influence of the variable coefficients. We are providing and analyzing a few graphical representations of some specific solutions. The results of this paper will be valuable in the study of nonlinear physical phenomena. The above- mentioned method could be employed to solve other partial differential equations with variable coefficients which describe various complicated natural phenomena.


2011 ◽  
Vol 50-51 ◽  
pp. 770-774
Author(s):  
Hai Yan Fan

The particle system has unique advantages on the stimulation of the natural phenomena of rain, snow, flowing water and dust, physical phenomena and space warp. The paper discussed using the event-driven particle flow system to stimulate the fountain on the stimulation of fountain on particle system, in which there are disadvantages of by using the non-event-driven particle flow system and lacking of the effects of external factors such as resistance, gravity and the speed of wind. The event-driven particle flow system is made up of a series of events. Every particle flow emitted the particles that will experienced a series of events. In every event we can use operator to the effect of all the changes in particles. Among the tests in the events, the events are connected together. So we can stimulate the water jetting, falling, spray, ripple and the effect of disappear with the wind of the fountain. All these can prove that the event-driven particle system is necessary in producing the realistic scene.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-185
Author(s):  
Kyungmin Min

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) installed infrasound networks in Cheorwon and Yanggu. These networks have been operated for detecting infrasound generated from artificial explosions, such as those due to North Korea's nuclear tests, and from natural phenomena such as the volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu. Currently, the KMA is simultaneously performing infrasound analysis and seismic wave analysis to discriminate between natural and artificial earthquakes. To efficiently perform the discrimination and analysis of artificial earthquakes, three infrasound networks were expanded in the West Sea and northern Gyeonggi-do Gyodong-do, Paju, and Yeoncheon. In this study, 22 cases of artificial earthquake events that occurred in North Korea in January 2020 were analyzed to test the analysis capabilities of the three newly installed infrasound networks. The results of the analysis confirmed that the newly installed infrasound networks exhibited a higher infrasound detection rate than the existing Cheorwon and Yanggu infrasound networks. The Cheorwon and Yanggu observation networks are being planned for relocation and installation due to aging and poor site conditions. The use of the new infrasound network is expected to improve the detection rate and analysis accuracy with respect to artificial earthquakes. Furthermore, it is expected to enhance the detection capability of infrasound generated from various physical phenomena such as nuclear tests performed by North Korea and volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu.


Open Physics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Valery Vershigora

AbstractGlobal climate change is one of the most important international problems of the 21st century. The overall rapid increase in the dynamics of cataclysms, which have been observed in recent decades, is particularly alarming. Howdo modern scientists predict the occurrence of certain events? In meteorology, unusually powerful cumulonimbus clouds are one of the main conditions for the emergence of a tornado. The former, in their turn, are formed during the invasion of cold air on the overheated land surface. The satellite captures the cloud front, and, based on these pictures, scientists make assumptions about the possibility of occurrence of the respective natural phenomena. In fact, mankind visually observes and draws conclusions about the consequences of the physical phenomena which have already taken place in the invisible world, so the conclusions of scientists are assumptions by their nature, rather than precise knowledge of the causes of theorigin of these phenomena in the physics of microcosm. The latest research in the field of the particle physics and neutrino astrophysics, which was conducted by a working team of scientists of ALLATRA International Public Movement (hereinafter ALLATRA SCIENCE group)allatra-science.org, last accessed 10 April 2016., offers increased opportunities for advanced fundamental and applied research in climatic engineering.


Author(s):  
Slavica Brkić ◽  
Ljiljanka Kvesić ◽  
Marina Zubac

During their preschool age children discover natural phenomena in their environment. In their consciousness, they form the basic physical concepts based on experience. Their ideas can be right, but they can also be wrong because they take into consideration only what they see and thus, they come up with wrong ideas or misconceptions. At the very beginning of their primary education, teachers of class teaching directly witness their ideas related to basic physical concepts through various subjects: mathematics, natural sciences, art and physical education. Frequently, neither teachers nor their pupils consider these notions, thus their wrong ideas remain firmly rooted and present a barrier to the adoption of the correct physical ideas. Research of basic concepts related to motion, space and time was carried out as part of the workshop Class Teaching Course Open Days at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Education of the University of Mostar. The sample consisted of pupils of primary education of Herzegovina-Neretva and West-Herzegovinian Cantons. It has shown that pupils have the correct ideas about many physical phenomena, but it has also shown the presence of intuitive ideas which are not in accordance with physical ideas and need to be corrected in time


Author(s):  
K.D. Slipchenko

Background. Domra expressive means today are meager than many other instruments. This is due to the fact that domra is a relatively young instrument in the academic environment, which is why it is limited by the variety of performing techniques. However, modern domra composers and performers are constantly looking for new ways to expand the capabilities of the instrument. In domra music, sonorics is presented in the works of O. Oliinyk, L. Matviichuk, V. Matriashin, M. T. Lysenko. Special attention should be paid to the pieces for domra solo by O. Oliinyk, which trace the features of sonority, in particular “Shimmering sound” (1996) and “Chimes” (1984) for domra solo. Despite the fact that O. Oliinyk is a bright domra player, well-versed in the capabilities of the instrument, and actively fills the coffers of domra repertoire with own pieces and arrangements, researchers of domra modern art almost do not pay attention to him in their writings. The only exception is article of I. Formaniuk (2017), which researches the features of the domra sound image in “Chimes” by O. Oliinyk, while the author does not bring to light the effect of sonorics on the specifics of interpretation of the instrument. Objectives. Determine the means of implementing the sonoristic capabilities of the instrument in the pieces of O. Oliinyk for domra solo “Shimmering sound” and “Chimes”. Methods. The research methodology is based on the unity of genre-style, organological and historiographical analysis, which helps to identify the means of realizing the sonorous potential of domra. Results. Coloristic techniques in the pieces “Shimmering sound” (1996) and “Chimes” (1984) are systematized depending on the method (trills, glissando, beats) and the place of sound extraction (behind the stand, on the bow, not on the instrument), and also considered their expressive potential. In addition to the various techniques of playing in the “Shimmering sound” by O. Oliinyk, attractive is the actual compositional side and internal image contrast, which demonstrates various sound ways of implementing the program idea of “shimmering”. The composer freely uses a twelve-tonality with a noticeable attraction in G. The composition of the work is a complex three-part form. In the first part, the gradation of the figurative state ranges from light sound shimmering to expressive disconcertingly sonorous sounds in a dense texture. The effect of “shimmer” is created through the use of half-tone trills. The second part contrasts with the first transparent texture, large rhythmics and sustained pedals, which are aimed at embodying a meditative-contemplative image. The reprise (third part) consists of three phases. The first phase begins with the key intonation of the first part, and the “flashing” light effect reappears. In accordance with the chosen range of means, the ownership of the pieces of O. Oliinyk to a specific sonorics type is defined. Thus, in “Shimmering sound” the idea of shimmering is realized by O. Oliinyk with the help of special techniques of sound extraction, beyond temperation (non-tremolo glissando by pulling and lowering the strings, glissando with pulling the strings with the finger of the left hand), sound effects (“slap”, beat the strings behind the stand, with the mediator on the bow, with the mediator on the stand and beat with foot or heel on the floor) that allows us to consider the play in the context of sonoristic. In contrast to the “Shimmering sound”, in the “Chimes” the sound image of “ringing” is embodied, primarily, by rhythmic complex and non-standard sound production methods only give coloristic shading and complement sound representing palette. Specific author’s techniques that have enriched the genre palette of sound extraction tools are revealed. The main motif of the bells is the quarto-quint moves in the melody and the “ringning” rhythm formules against which the harmonious plan of the O. Oliinyk’s piece looks quite traditional and as simple as possible. Here dominate the tonic-dominant constructions. The main tonality of the work is D Major with a constant gravitation to the fifth degree. The stability of the harmonic plan is also facilitated by the form of strict variations, in which the piece is written. Domra in the works by O. Oliinyk is presented as an instrument that is capable not only of displaying physical phenomena (sound and light), but also of imitating other instruments, in particular guitars and bells, and borrowing techniques from their armory (“slap”, beats on the instrument bow, imitation of bells with flageolets). After analyzing the “Chimes” for domra solo by O. Oliinyk, it should be noted that he manages not only to adapt the idea of ringing for a plucked instrument, but also to show the diversity of domra’s expressive potential. Non-standard methods of sound extraction are aimed at reflecting different types of bells. Conclusions. In comparison with the “Shimmering sound”, “Chimes” are inferior in the variety of ways of playing the domra, but the work is interesting in the idea of representing “ringing” in the domra version, which brings the work closer to coloristics. Thus, in the works of O. Oliinyk, domra is presented as an instrument that is able to imitate other instruments, sound images of objects, natural phenomena and physical phenomena (sound and light). All these ideas are realized and revealed through a range of sonoristic means, which encourages composers to expand the performing armory of domra at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries and constantly enrich its visual palette, the diversity of which confirms the growing potential of domra in the field of modern academic performance.


1977 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 191-215
Author(s):  
G.B. Rybicki

Observations of the shapes and intensities of spectral lines provide a bounty of information about the outer layers of the sun. In order to utilize this information, however, one is faced with a seemingly monumental task. The sun’s chromosphere and corona are extremely complex, and the underlying physical phenomena are far from being understood. Velocity fields, magnetic fields, Inhomogeneous structure, hydromagnetic phenomena – these are some of the complications that must be faced. Other uncertainties involve the atomic physics upon which all of the deductions depend.


Author(s):  
George C. Ruben ◽  
Merrill W. Shafer

Traditionally ceramics have been shaped from powders and densified at temperatures close to their liquid point. New processing methods using various types of sols, gels, and organometallic precursors at low temperature which enable densificatlon at elevated temperatures well below their liquidus, hold the promise of producing ceramics and glasses of controlled and reproducible properties that are highly reliable for electronic, structural, space or medical applications. Ultrastructure processing of silicon alkoxides in acid medium and mixtures of Ludox HS-40 (120Å spheres from DuPont) and Kasil (38% K2O &62% SiO2) in basic medium have been aimed at producing materials with a range of well defined pore sizes (∼20-400Å) to study physical phenomena and materials behavior in well characterized confined geometries. We have studied Pt/C surface replicas of some of these porous sol-gels prepared at temperatures below their glass transition point.


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