University of Leicester Open Journals
Not a member yet
2521 research outputs found
Sort by
A1 8 How To Build Your Own Aurora
No full textThis paper presents a framework for a large-scale (100 m3), contained artificial aurora. We derive the energy required to sustain a low-pressure plasma via an external radio frequency field, deriving the required power density of 267 W/m3 for an argon plasma, which results in a feasible input power of 26.7 kW. This is briefly taken further in considering other gases, linking the photon output to the energy cost. Finally, we establish the principles of plasma control through the use of the Lorentz force, showing how this could be used to shape the glow
P2 8 Only a Sith deals in Magnetohydrodynamics
No full textIn this paper, we investigate the iconic humming noise produced by the lightsaber from the StarWars movie franchise. We apply a magnetohydrodynamic model to investigate the formation ofstanding Alfv´en waves within the lightsaber plasma and find that for the fundamental frequencyof these waves to be within the range of human hearing, a lightsaber of magnetic field 1 T wouldrequire a plasma density of 1026 m−
Do Teaching Methods Affect Student’s Attention Span, Engagement and Attainment?
No full textStudent engagement is essential for attainment, with one of the biggest challenges being attention span. There is clear evidence that attention has begun to wane in students over the past 50 years. This is thought to be due to external distractions such as mobile phones, but also the method of lecture delivery which could have severe repercussions on student engagement. This project aimed to investigate the measures that could be undertaken to enhance student engagement with lectures, by trying to understand some of the issues students currently face. This was achieved by completing a discrete paper-based questionnaire targeting student levels 3-6. Findings from the project revealed 49% of students lost focus due to the teaching approach being delivered, with 42% of students wanting more problem-based learning to enhance their engagement. Interestingly 49% of students were only able to focus for up to 45 minutes, suggesting the need for a shift from more static didactic lecture delivery to more engaging and interactive methods of delivery
The postdigital museum in the making? Examining teachers’ attitudes towards digital, hybrid and blended educational museum programs
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to achieve a better understanding of teachers' needs and challenges when participating in museums' digital, hybrid, or blended educational programmes and resources in a post-pandemic reality. The paper also investigates the conditions that exist at different schools to enable participation and the use of the museum’s offer. Results from ten interviews with teachers in Småland, Öland, and Jämtland in Sweden are presented, and the results are analysed through the theoretical lens of the postdigital. This study shows the importance of digital/analogue and blended/hybrid museum programmes being planned, designed, and implemented with interactive affordances. Furthermore, it is suggested that insights and methods derived from transmedia storytelling could be used by museum educators to a larger extent, in order to move towards a more interactive and co-creative pedagogy. Finally, the results demonstrate that museums and schools have much to gain from working closer together to move towards what can be called a postdigital pedagogy
Human to beast: A scientific examination of the Bloodborne curse
No full textIn the computer game titled Bloodborne, the people/enemies you encounter have all turned or are in the process of turning into beasts. This is due to them imbibing a type of blood that originally had healing properties but was also cursed to transform anyone into a beast if too much was consumed. This paper aims to comprehend and explain this curse in a scientific context by looking at multiple possibilities as to how the curse comes about
Dancing through life, an insight into the energy required by Fiyero Tigelaar
No full textIn the 2024 Film adaptation of Wicked, Fiyero Tigelaar’s most well-known moment is when it comes to singing the song “Dancing Through Life”. This paper looks into the practicality and possibility of being able to continue dancing through life. Looking at calorie intake against the number of calories being burnt due to the high levels of exercise, the article aims to explore the total amount of energy that Fiyero Tigelaar would require per day to pull off this feat
A4 2 F9: The Orbital Fiero Fallacy
No full textIn the film F9: The Fast Saga, a 1984 Pontiac Fiero modified with a rocket engine is used to reachLow Earth Orbit. This paper analyses the physical plausibility of this scenario by calculating therequired fuel mass. We found that to reach the necessary orbital velocity of approximately 7800m/s, the vehicle would require a fuel mass over five times its own weight. This yields a requiredmass fraction for the fuel that is unattainable for a vehicle of its design, rendering the stunt aphysical impossibility
A4 3 Wireless Power Transfer Across the Earth-Moon Gap
No full textWireless power transfer using microwaves has been investigated for space-based solar power and planetary exploration. In this paper, using diffraction-limited beam spread and rectenna efficiency data from literature, we explore the feasibility of transmitting power from the Earth to the Moon. We demonstrate that conversion efficiencies remain the primary bottleneck in rectenna performance and apertures of orders of kilometers are required to provide a significant quantity of power to a lunar rectenna
P2 3 The Mass-Entropy Relation
No full textIn this paper, we investigate the local entropy change of The Eucharist, or Holy Communion,comparing the impacts from the use of leavened and unleavened bread and comparing this tothe number of church-goers. We find that the impact of unleavened bread on the congregationis greater than the impact of leavened bread, increasing the entropy of the rite significantly withmore attendees. We find the total entropy change for Orthodox Christians to be 2.4 × 109 J/Kper communion, and for Catholics, the entropy change is 1.3 × 1010 J/K per communion. And theEucharist is consistent with the laws of thermodynamics
A1 6 Fire In The (Variable) Hole
No full textThis paper lays a theoretical framework for the application of shape memory alloys (SMA) to rocket nozzle design in order to maintain ideal expansion during ascent. We apply this framework to the Atlas V 401 1st stage, quantifying the non-linear relationship between the nozzle exit area and altitude of the rocket. The results establish a first look estimation into nozzle actuation rates needed, that future research can build from; specifically into material properties of a viable SMA