Stress-state-permeability relations for overconsolidated clays

Analysis of experimental data of soils in both the normally consolidated and overconsolidated states reveal that the proposed relationships are tenable. Preconsolidation stress level influences the level of permeability.

Study of the reaction between 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene and 8-hydroxyquinoline in the solid state

1.2,3-Trihydroxybenzene (THB) reacts with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) in the solid state forming an orange-coloured charge transfer complex THB* (8HQ)(2). When the reaction was carried out in a petri dish, or when the vapours of 8HQ were allowed to react with solid THB (gravimetric study), the reaction product separated out as good quality, shiny single crystals. X-Ray diffraction studies on single crystals showed that they belong to the orthorhombic system with a = 15.408(1), b = 16.276(1), c = 7.825(1) Angstrom, Z = 4, D-x = 1.413 g cm(-3) and space group Pnaa. From the crystallographic evidence it has been found that the proton of the middle OH group of THB is transferred to the N atom of 8HQ. This accounts for the observed colour change. Kinetic studies on the solid state reaction showed that the 8HQ molecules diffuse towards THB, and the lateral diffusion occurs through surface migration, grain boundary diffusion and vapour phase diffusion. Gravimetric studies of the reaction between solid THB and 8HQ vapour showed that the diffusion of 8HQ molecules into the crystal lattice of THB has a higher energy of activation than that observed when the reactants are in contact. The nature of the crystal packing in the reaction product indicates diffusion of 8HQ molecules into the crystal lattice of THB along the c-axis, to occupy the cavities present between the THB molecules in the unit cell.

Symmetry-breaking transition in a two-level system coupled to an Ohmic bath: A squeezed-state approach

Displaced squeezed states are proposed as variational ground states for phonons (Bose fields) coupled to two-level systems (spin systems). We have investigated the zero-temperature phase diagram for the localization-delocalization transition of a tunneling particle interacting with an Ohmic heat bath. Our results are compared with known existing approximate treatments. A modified phase diagram using the displaced squeezed state is presented.

Whither solid state physics

The physics of the solid state has grown into that of condensed matter and is now expanding into the study of a bewildering variety of complex systems. After a brief survey of this progression, I enquire into the health of solid state physics; many signs of vitality and growth are found. The Indian scene in this field is briefly sketched, and some suggestions are offered on how to make it more lively,