In this paper we describe a video-camera recording of a (probable) ball lightning event and both the related image and signal analyses for its photometric and dynamical characterization. The results strongly support the BL nature of the recorded luminous ball object and allow the researchers to have an objective and unique video document of a possible BL event for further analyses. Some general evaluations of the obtained results considering the proposed ball lightning models conclude the paper.
I present estimates to justify previously proposed by me heuristic Dipole Dynamical Model (DDM) of Ball Lightning (BL). The movement and energy supplying to the dipole BL are due to the atmospheric electric field. Crucial for the detailed analysis of BL is using the new relation of balance of the force of atmospheric electric field (per unit mass of electron cloud) and dipole forces electrons-ions within BL dipole (per unit mass of BL) as the first necessary condition for the existance of BL as an integer. This model is unique because, unlike existing static models, fundamental condition for the existence of Ball Lightning is its forward motion. The virial theorem limiting BL power does not apply to BL which is not closed system like the Sun or Galaxy systems and is strongly dependent part of the infinitely extended in time and space large system. Stability of BL is due to two free parameters with the fundamental role of thermodynamic non-equilibrium, ionization, recombination and translational movement with energy loss by radiation and also excess volumetric positive charge. Stability of BL is not related to the presence of any external shells. Polarization degree of BL plasma is characterized by polarizability factor {gamma}. An example is presented of calculating the stability of an option of BL. There is also a possible connection of stability BL with statistical distributions of the atmospheric electric field in time and space. Destruction of BL can also occur due to arising kinematical instability at its accelerating (or decelerating) movement. Maximal energy density in BL DDM does not exceed the value Espec<(10(8) - 10(9)) J/m(3) decreasing with the growing BL radius. Resulting indefinitely long BL lifetime is also discussed. BL has no outer shell and no any inner rigid or elastic microstructure elements.
The clock paradox is analyzed for the case when the onward and return trips cover the same <<distance>> (as observed by the traveling twin) but at unequal velocities. In this case the stationary twin observes the distances covered by her sister during the onward and return trips to be different. The analysis is presented using formulations of special relativity and the only requirement for consistency is that all observations are made from any one chosen inertial frame. The analysis suggests that a defining feature of an inertial frame should be based on the continued maintenance of the distinctive synchronicity of the clocks co-moving with it. Published in Journal of Physical and Natural Sciences Volume 1, Issue 1, 2007 http://www.scientificjournals.org/journals2007/articles/1102.pdf
A small and light polystyrene ball is released without initial speed from a certain height above the floor. Then, it falls on air. The main responsible for the friction force against the movement is the wake of successive air vortices which form behind (above) the falling ball, a turbulent phenomenon. After the wake appears, the friction force compensates the Earth gravitational attraction and the ball speed stabilises in a certain limiting value Vl. Before the formation of the turbulent wake, however, the friction force is not strong enough, allowing the initially growing speed to surpass the future final value Vl. Only after the wake finally becomes long enough, the ball speed decreases and reaches the proper Vl.
After centuries, the long-standing problem of the nature of ball lightning may be closer to a solution. The relativistic-microwave theory of ball lightning recently proposed by Wu accounts for many of the leading characteristics of ball lightning, which most previous theories have failed to do. It involves the impact of a lightning-caused relativistic electron bunch to soil, producing an EM pulse that forms a plasma bubble. While the theory presents a plausible account of ball-lightning formation, storing electromagnetic energy long enough to account for the observed lifetime of such objects was not demonstrated. Here we show how such a structure can develop the high Q factor (~10^10) needed for the observed lifetimes of ~seconds for ball lightning, and show that the structure is radially stable, given certain assumptions.
Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) comprises a set of analytical techniques suited for material analysis, many of which are rather closely related. Self-consistent analysis of several IBA techniques takes advantage of this close relationship to combine different Ion Beam measurements in a unique model to obtain an improved characterization of the sample. This approach provides a powerful tool to obtain an unequivocal and reliable model of the sample, increasing confidence and reducing ambiguities. Taking advantage of the recognized reliability and quality of the simulations provided by SIMNRA, we developed a multi-process program for a self-consistent analysis based on SIMNRA calculations. MultiSIMNRA uses computational algorithms to minimize an objective function running multiple instances of SIMNRA. With four different optimization algorithms, the code can handle sample and setup parameters (including correlations and constraints), to find the set of parameters that best fits simultaneously all experimental data.