We consider the problem of two-point resistance on an m x n cobweb network with a superconducting boundary, which is topologically equivalent to a geographic globe. We deduce a concise formula for the resistance between any two nodes on the globe usi
ng a method of direct summation pioneered by one of us [Z. Z. Tan, et al, J. Phys. A 46, 195202 (2013)]. This method contrasts the Laplacian matrix approach which is difficult to apply to the geometry of a globe. Our analysis gives the result directly as a single summation.
An m x n cobweb network consists of n radial lines emanating from a center and connected by $m$ concentric n-sided polygons. A conjecture of Tan, Zhou and Yang for the resistance from center to perimeter of the cobweb is proved by extending the metho
d used by the above authors to derive formulae for m = 1, 2 and 3 and general n. The resistance of an m x (s+t+1) fan network from the apex to a point on the boundary distant s from the corner is also found.
The virial expansion of a gas is a correction to the ideal gas law that is usually discussed in advanced courses in statistical mechanics. In this note we outline this derivation in a manner suitable for advanced undergraduate and introductory gradua
te classroom presentations. We introduce a physically meaningful interpretation of the virial expansion that has heretofore escaped attention, by showing that the virial series is actually an expansion in a parameter that is the ratio of the effective volume of a molecule to its mean volume. Using this interpretation we show why under normal conditions ordinary gases such as O_2 and N_2 can be regarded as ideal gases.
The $q$-state Potts model has stood at the frontier of research in statistical mechanics for many years. In the absence of a closed-form solution, much of the past efforts have focused on locating its critical manifold, trajectory in the parameter ${
q, e^J}$ space where $J$ is the reduced interaction, along which the free energy is singular. However, except in isolated cases, antiferromagnetic (AF) models with $J<0$ have been largely neglected. In this paper we consider the Potts model with AF interactions focusing on deducing its critical manifold in exact and/or closed-form expressions. We first re-examine the known critical frontiers in light of AF interactions. For the square lattice we confirm the Potts self-dual point to be the sole critical point for $J>0$. We also locate its critical frontier for $J<0$ and find it to coincide with a solvability condition observed by Baxter in 1982. For the honeycomb lattice we show that the known critical point holds for {all} $J$, and determine its critical $q_c = frac 1 2 (3+sqrt 5) = 2.61803$ beyond which there is no transition. For the triangular lattice we confirm the known critical point to hold only for $J>0$. More generally we consider the centered-triangle (CT) and Union-Jack (UJ) lattices consisting of mixed $J$ and $K$ interactions, and deduce critical manifolds under homogeneity hypotheses. For K=0 the CT lattice is the diced lattice, and we determine its critical manifold for all $J$ and find $q_c = 3.32472$. For K=0 the UJ lattice is the square lattice and from this we deduce both the $J>0$ and $J<0$ critical manifolds and find $q_c=3$ for the square lattice. Our theoretical predictions are compared with recent tensor-based numerical results and Monte Carlo simulations.
Professor Chen Ning Yang has made seminal and influential contributions in many different areas in theoretical physics. This talk focuses on his contributions in statistical mechanics, a field in which Professor Yang has held a continual interest for
over sixty years. His Masters thesis was on a theory of binary alloys with multi-site interactions, some 30 years before others studied the problem. Likewise, his other works opened the door and led to subsequent developments in many areas of modern day statistical mechanics and mathematical physics. He made seminal contributions in a wide array of topics, ranging from the fundamental theory of phase transitions, the Ising model, Heisenberg spin chains, lattice models, and the Yang-Baxter equation, to the emergence of Yangian in quantum groups. These topics and their ramifications will be discussed in this talk.
We solve the monomer-dimer problem on a non-bipartite lattice, the simple quartic lattice with cylindrical boundary conditions, with a single monomer residing on the boundary. Due to the non-bipartite nature of the lattice, the well-known method of a
Temperley bijection of solving single-monomer problems cannot be used. In this paper we derive the solution by mapping the problem onto one on close-packed dimers on a related lattice. Finite-size analysis of the solution is carried out. We find from asymptotic expansions of the free energy that the central charge in the logarithmic conformal field theory assumes the value $c=-2$.
We consider the Potts model and the related bond, site, and mixed site-bond percolation problems on triangular-type and kagome-type lattices, and derive closed-form expressions for the critical frontier. For triangular-type lattices the critical fron
tier is known, usually derived from a duality consideration in conjunction with the assumption of a unique transition. Our analysis, however, is rigorous and based on an established result without the need of a uniqueness assumption, thus firmly establishing all derived results. For kagome-type lattices the exact critical frontier is not known. We derive a closed-form expression for the Potts critical frontier by making use of a homogeneity assumption. The closed-form expression is new, and we apply it to a host of problems including site, bond, and mixed site-bond percolation on various lattices. It yields exact thresholds for site percolation on kagome, martini, and other lattices, and is highly accurate numerically in other applications when compared to numerical determination.
We comment on Z. D. Zhangs Response [arXiv:0812.2330] to our recent Comment [arXiv:0811.3876] addressing the conjectured solution of the three-dimensional Ising model reported in [arXiv:0705.1045].
We study the corner-to-corner resistance of an M x N resistor network with resistors r and s in the two spatial directions, and obtain an asymptotic expansion of its exact expression for large M and N. For M = N, r = s =1, our result is R_{NxN} = (
4/pi) log N + 0.077318 + 0.266070/N^2 - 0.534779/N^4 + O(1/N^6).
