Messung der CP-verletzenden Asymmetrie von K + - pi + - pi 0 pi 0 mit dem NA48-Detektor

Bis heute ist die Frage nicht geklärt, warum bei der Entstehung des Universums Materie gegenüber der Antimaterie bevorzugt war und das heutige Materieuniversum entstanden ist. Eine Voraussetzung für die Entstehung dieser Materie-Antimaterie-Asymmetrie ist die Verletzung der Kombination von Ladungs- (C) und Punktsymmetrie (P), die CP-Verletzung. CP-Verletzung kann sich unter anderem in den Zerfällen K+- -> pi+- pi0 pi0 zeigen. Die NA48/2"=Kollaboration zeichnete während den Jahren 2003 und 2004 über 200~TB Daten von Zerfällen geladener Kaonen auf. In dieser Arbeit wurde die CP"=verletzende Asymmetrie der Zerfälle K+- -> pi+- pi0 pi0 mit über 90~Millionen ausgewählten Ereignissen aus diesem Datensatz gemessen. Vorhersagen im Standardmodell der Teilchenphysik sagen hier eine CP"=verletzende Asymmetrie in der Größenordnung zwischen $10^{-6}$ und $10^{-5}$ voraus. In Modellen außerhalb des Standardmodells kann es aber auch größere Asymmetrien geben. Das NA48/2"=Experiment war darauf ausgelegt, mögliche systematische Unsicherheiten zu begrenzen. Um dies zu erreichen, wurden positive und negative Kaonen simultan an einem Target erzeugt und ihr Impuls durch ein Strahlsystem mit zwei Strahlengängen auf ca. $60~GeV/c$ begrenzt. Die Strahlen wurden auf wenige Millimeter genau überlagert in die Zerfallsregion geleitet. Die Strahlengänge von positiven und negativen Kaonen sowie die Polarität des Magneten des Impulsspektrometers wurden regelmäßig gewechselt. Dies erlaubte eine Symmetrisierung von Strahlführung und Detektor für positive und negative Kaonen während der Analyse. Durch ein Vierfachverhältnis der vier Datensätze mit den unterschiedlichen Konfigurationen konnte sichergestellt werden, dass alle durch Strahlführung oder Detektor erzeugten Asymmetrien sich in erster Ordnung aufheben. Um die unterschiedlichen Produktionsspektren von positiven und negativen Kaonen auszugleichen wurde in dieser Arbeit eine Ereignisgewichtung durchgeführt. Die Analyse wurde auf mögliche systematische Unsicherheiten untersucht. Dabei zeigte sich, dass die systematischen Unsicherheiten in der Analyse deutlich kleiner als der statistischer Fehler sind. Das Ergebnis der Messung des die CP-verletzende Asymmetrie beschreibenden Parameters $A_g$ ist: begin{equation} A_g= (1,2 pm 1,7_{mathrm{(stat)}} pm 0,7_{mathrm{(sys)}}) cdot 10^{-4}. end{equation} Diese Messung ist fast zehnmal genauer als bisherige Messungen und stimmt innerhalb ihrer Unsicherheit mit dem Standardmodell überein. Modelle, die eine größere CP-Verletzung in diesem Zerfall vorhersagen, können ausgeschlossen werden.

Search for time-integrated cp violation in $d^0 \rightarrow k^+k^-$ and $d^0 \rightarrow \pi^+\pi^-$ decays at lhcb.

The LHCb experiment at the LHC, by exploiting the high production cross section for $c\overline{c}$ quark pairs, offers the possibility to investigate $\mathcal{CP}$ violation in the charm sector with a very high precision.\\ In this thesis a measurement of time-integrated \(\mathcal{CP}\) violation using $D^0\rightarrow~K^+K^-$ and $D^0\rightarrow \pi^+\pi^-$ decays at LHCb is presented. The measured quantity is the difference ($\Delta$) of \(\mathcal{CP}\) asymmetry ($\mathcal{A}_{\mathcal{CP}}$) between the decay rates of $D^0$ and $\overline{D}^0$ mesons into $K^+K^–$ and $\pi^+\pi^-$ pairs.\\ The analysis is performed on 2011 data, collected at \(\sqrt{s}=7\) TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1 fb\(^{-1}\), and 2012 data, collected at \(\sqrt{s}=8\) TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2 fb\(^{-1}\).\\ A complete study of systematic uncertainties is beyond the aim of this thesis. However the most important systematic of the previous analysis has been studied. We find that this systematic uncertainty was due to a statistical fluctuation and then we demonstrate that it is no longer necessary to take into account.\\ By combining the 2011 and 2012 results, the final statistical precision is 0.08\%. When this analysis will be completed and published, this will be the most precise single measurement in the search for $\mathcal{CP}$ violation in the charm sector.

Measurement of CP asymmetries in $\lambda^0_b \to pk^-$ and $\lambda^0_b \to p \pi^-$ decays at LHCb

The LHCb experiment has been designed to perform precision measurements in the flavour physics sector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) located at CERN. After the recent observation of CP violation in the decay of the Bs0 meson to a charged pion-kaon pair at LHCb, it is interesting to see whether the same quark-level transition in Λ0b baryon decays gives rise to large CP-violating effects. Such decay processes involve both tree and penguin Feynman diagrams and could be sensitive probes for physics beyond the Standard Model. The measurement of the CP-violating observable defined as ∆ACP = ACP(Λ0b → pK−)−ACP(Λ0b →pπ−),where ACP(Λ0b →pK−) and ACP(Λ0b →pπ−) are the direct CP asymmetries in Λ0b → pK− and Λ0b → pπ− decays, is presented for the first time using LHCb data. The procedure followed to optimize the event selection, to calibrate particle identification, to parametrise the various components of the invariant mass spectra, and to compute corrections due to the production asymmetry of the initial state and the detection asymmetries of the final states, is discussed in detail. Using the full 2011 and 2012 data sets of pp collisions collected with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 3 fb−1, the value ∆ACP = (0.8 ± 2.1 ± 0.2)% is obtained. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second corresponds to one of the dominant systematic effects. As the result is compatible with zero, no evidence of CP violation is found. This is the most precise measurement of CP violation in the decays of baryons containing the b quark to date. Once the analysis will be completed with an exhaustive study of systematic uncertainties, the results will be published by the LHCb Collaboration.

The effect of the ductility on the collapse loads: The failure of a steel roof

Studio dell'effetto della duttilità sul carico di collasso: il crollo di una copertura reticolare spaziale in acciaio causato dalla compresenza di un'ingente mancanza di resistenza e duttilità nei collegamenti delle aste e possibili stati coattivi. Il carico di collasso nel caso di strutture a bassa duttilità dipende dalla presenza di stati coattivi dovuti a imperfezioni di realizzazione o cedimenti vincolari della struttura in esercizio.

Misura di asimmetria CP nei decadimenti: $D^0 \to K^+K^-$ e $D^0 \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ ad LHCb

La fisica del sapore è uno dei settori di ricerca più promettenti per realizzare misure di altissima precisione del Modello Standard e per osservare indirettamente, attraverso i decadimenti mediati dalle interazioni deboli nuove particelle. L'esperimento LHCb \`e stato progettato per realizzare misure di altissima precisione in questo settore. Grazie all'alta luminosità integrata disponibile (3 fb \ap{-1}) ed alla elevata sezione d’urto di produzione dei quark charm, LHCb \`e in grado di realizzare misure di una precisione mai raggiunta fino ad ora da altri esperimenti. In questo lavoro di tesi \`e stata realizzata una misura preliminare della simmetria di violazione di CP, realizzata mediante i decadimenti dei mesoni neutri $D^0$ negli stati finali $K^+K^-$ e $\pi^+\pi^-$. Per realizzare la misura sono stati selezionati i decadimenti $D^{*\pm} \to D^0(K^+K^-)\pi^\pm_s$ e $D^{*\pm} \to D^0(\pi^+\pi^-)\pi^\pm_s$ utilizzando i dati raccolti da LHCb durante il RUN-1 (2010-2012) ed \`e stato sviluppato un modello di adattamento ai dati in grado di misurare la differenza di asimmetria di CP integrate nel tempo nei decadimenti $D^0 \rightarrow K^+K^-$ e $D^0 \rightarrow \pi^+\pi^-$, $\Delta A_{CP}$. Il modello \`e stato sviluppato in modo da descrivere le distribuzioni di massa invariante del $D^0$ e del $D^{*\pm}$ sia per la componente di segnale sia per quelle di fondo ed \`e stato adattato ai dati, per sottrarne i fondi e misurare le asimmetrie $A_{RAW}(K^+K^-)$ e $A_{RAW}(\pi^+\pi^-)$, corrispondenti alla differenza tra il numero di eventi di segnale $D^{*+}$ e $D^{*-}$, diviso la loro somma. La differenza di queste asimmetrie corrisponde a $\Delta A_{CP}$, la cui misura, non ufficiale, \`e stata determinata essere $\Delta A_{CP}= (-0.12\pm 0.08)\% $. Questo risultato rappresenta la miglior misura al mondo mai realizzata da un singolo esperimento.

Effective Length K-Factors For Flexural Buckling Strengths Of Web Members In Open Web Steel Joists

Open web steel joists are designed in the United States following the governing specification published by the Steel Joist Institute. For compression members in joists, this specification employs an effective length factor, or K-factor, in confirming their adequacy. In most cases, these K-factors have been conservatively assumed equal to 1.0 for compression web members, regardless of the fact that intuition and limited experimental work indicate that smaller values could be justified. Given that smaller K-factors could result in more economical designs without a loss in safety, the research presented in this thesis aims to suggest procedures for obtaining more rational values. Three different methods for computing in-plane and out-of-plane K-factors are investigated, including (1) a hand calculation method based on the use of alignment charts, (2) computational critical load (eigenvalue) analyses using uniformly distributed loads, and (3) computational analyses using a compressive strain approach. The latter method is novel and allows for computing the individual buckling load of a specific member within a system, such as a joist. Four different joist configurations are investigated, including an 18K3, 28K10, and two variations of a 32LH06. Based on these methods and the very limited number of joists studied, it appears promising that in-plane and out-of-plane K-factors of 0.75 and 0.85, respectively, could be used in computing the flexural buckling strength of web members in routine steel joist design. Recommendations for future work, which include systematically investigating a wider range of joist configurations and connection restraint, are provided.

Effects Of The Flash Welding Process On Mechanical And Microstructural Properties Of Structural Steel Joints Assessed Using Dest

ASTM A529 carbon¿manganese steel angle specimens were joined by flash butt welding and the effects of varying process parameter settings on the resulting welds were investigated. The weld metal and heat affected zones were examined and tested using tensile testing, ultrasonic scanning, Rockwell hardness testing, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy in order to quantify the effect of process variables on weld quality. Statistical analysis of experimental tensile and ultrasonic scanning data highlighted the sensitivity of weld strength and the presence of weld zone inclusions and interfacial defects to the process factors of upset current, flashing time duration, and upset dimension. Subsequent microstructural analysis revealed various phases within the weld and heat affected zone, including acicular ferrite, Widmanstätten or side-plate ferrite, and grain boundary ferrite. Inspection of the fracture surfaces of multiple tensile specimens, with scanning electron microscopy, displayed evidence of brittle cleavage fracture within the weld zone for certain factor combinations. Test results also indicated that hardness was increased in the weld zone for all specimens, which can be attributed to the extensive deformation of the upset operation. The significance of weld process factor levels on microstructure, fracture characteristics, and weld zone strength was analyzed. The relationships between significant flash welding process variables and weld quality metrics as applied to ASTM A529-Grade 50 steel angle were formalized in empirical process models.

Fastener-Based Computational Models of Cold-Formed Steel Shear Walls

Cold-formed steel (CFS) combined with wood sheathing, such as oriented strand board (OSB), forms shear walls that can provide lateral resistance to seismic forces. The ability to accurately predict building deformations in damaged states under seismic excitations is a must for modern performance-based seismic design. However, few static or dynamic tests have been conducted on the non-linear behavior of CFS shear walls. Thus, the purpose of this research work is to provide and demonstrate a fastener-based computational model of CFS wall models that incorporates essential nonlinearities that may eventually lead to improvement of the current seismic design requirements. The approach is based on the understanding that complex interaction of the fasteners with the sheathing is an important factor in the non-linear behavior of the shear wall. The computational model consists of beam-column elements for the CFS framing and a rigid diaphragm for the sheathing. The framing and sheathing are connected with non-linear zero-length fastener elements to capture the OSB sheathing damage surrounding the fastener area. Employing computational programs such as OpenSees and MATLAB, 4 ft. x 9 ft., 8 ft. x 9 ft. and 12 ft. x 9 ft. shear wall models are created, and monotonic lateral forces are applied to the computer models. The output data are then compared and analyzed with the available results of physical testing. The results indicate that the OpenSees model can accurately capture the initial stiffness, strength and non-linear behavior of the shear walls.

Osteoblast responses to different oxide coatings produced by the sol-gel process on titanium substrates

In order to improve the osseointegration of endosseous implants made from titanium, the structure and composition of the surface were modified. Mirror-polished commercially pure (cp) titanium substrates were coated by the sol-gel process with different oxides: TiO(2), SiO(2), Nb(2)O(5) and SiO(2)-TiO(2). The coatings were physically and biologically characterized. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the absence of organic residues. Ellipsometry determined the thickness of layers to be approximately 100nm. High resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomice force microscopy revealed a nanoporous structure in the TiO(2) and Nb(2)O(5) layers, whereas the SiO(2) and SiO(2)-TiO(2) layers appeared almost smooth. The R(a) values, as determined by white-light interferometry, ranged from 20 to 50nm. The surface energy determined by the sessile-drop contact angle method revealed the highest polar component for SiO(2) (30.7mJm(-2)) and the lowest for cp-Ti and 316L stainless steel (6.7mJm(-2)). Cytocompatibility of the oxide layers was investigated with MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in vitro (proliferation, vitality, morphology and cytochemical/immunolabelling of actin and vinculin). Higher cell proliferation rates were found in SiO(2)-TiO(2) and TiO(2), and lower in Nb(2)O(5) and SiO(2); whereas the vitality rates increased for cp-Ti and Nb(2)O(5). Cytochemical assays showed that all substrates induced a normal cytoskeleton and well-developed focal adhesion contacts. SEM revealed good cell attachment for all coating layers. In conclusion, the sol-gel-derived oxide layers were thin, pure and nanostructured; consequent different osteoblast responses to those coatings are explained by the mutual action and coadjustment of different interrelated surface parameters.