Causal viscous universe coupled with zero-mass scalar field in higher derivative theory

Cosmological solutions in the presence of an imperfect fluid and zero-mass scalar field are obtained in higher derivative theory. We investigate both power law and exponential expansion of the universe described by full causal theories proposed by Israel and Stewart. It is observed that energy density, co-efficient of bulk viscosity decrease with time in the presence of massless scalar field and temperature increase with expansion of universe.     

Conformally-invariant scalar field with trace-free energy-momentum tensor in Robertson-Walker models

Exact solutions of Einstein's field equations for a conformally-invariant scalar field with trace-free energy-momentum tensor is presented for the Robertson-Walker models withK=+1, –1. The physical properties of the solution are also studied.     

Instability analyses of Merhülietsa slide, Kohima, Nagaland

Part of Merhülietsa colony of Kohima town and the national highway passing through it was devastated by a landslide on May 13, 2007. This unstable zone affected by rotational failure lies in the Disang sediments comprising shale with intercalations between thin-bedded siltstone and fine-grained sandstone. The shales are sheared, crumpled, and weathered to a high degree. This is attributed to a strike-slip fault and two shear fractures. Geotechnical analysis was carried out in the area and a factor of safety of 0.60 obtained for the slide mass. Similar work is extended to the surrounding area which had developed tension fractures. A slip circle drawn from tension cracks helps define future failure planes. A factor of safety of 0.93 is obtained indicating the possibility of progression of the slide zone. Rock mass rating of the shales surrounding the slide zone indicates poor rock condition, pointing to danger of collapse with further progression of the slide zone.     

Bulk viscous cosmological models of universe with variable deceleration parameter in Lyra’s Manifold

FRW models of universe in the presence of viscous fluid are investigated in the cosmological theory based on Lyra’s Manifold. By considering the deceleration parameter to be a variable and the viscosity coefficient of bulk viscous fluid to be a constant, exacts solutions have been obtained from which three forms of model of the universe are derived. The physical properties of the models are also investigated.     

First report of a dipterocarpaceous fossil wood from Manipur

A fossil wood resembling Shorea and other allied genera of the Dipterocarpaceae is described from the Tipam Group of Manipur. This is for the first time any angiosperm wood is recorded from this state. The fossil collected from Jiribam district is considered as late Miocene in age. Its occurrence indicates warm and humid climate in the region during the deposition of the sediments.     

Slowly-rotating cosmological perfect fluids

The Einstein field equations for a perfect fluid distribution representing slowly-rotating fluid spheres are investigated. By imposing restrictions on the matter rotation (r, t) which is related to the dragging of inertial frames, and a uniform rotation which is a function of time, the general solutions for (r, t) are obtained for all cosmological models. In the case of closed models the solutions for (r, t) may represent realistic astrophysical situations only when the radial distance is greater than –1 and less than +1.     

A new class of bulk viscous cosmological models in a scale covariant theory of gravitation

Field equations of cosmological models with bulk viscosity are constructed in the scale covariant theory of gravitation. A new class of solutions for the model is found by applying a variable deceleration parameter. Some physical implications of these solutions are briefly discussed.     

Petrological and geochemical study of serpentinised peridotites from the southern part of Manipur Ophiolitic Complex, Northeast India

The southern Manipur Ophiolitic Complex in the Indo-Myanmar Orogenic Belt, Northeast India comprises a set of serpentinised peridotites, pelagic sediments, podiform chromitites with minor mafic and felsic intrusives. Peridotites in the study area suffered various degrees of serpentinisation and also have been highly deformed and metamorphosed. Striations and slickenside surfaces are common features seen in these rocks indicating the effect of faulting or shearing due to tectonic movement. On the basis of mineralogy and modal composition these peridotites have been identified as serpentinised harzburgite, lherzolite, serpentinite with minor wehrlite. The serpentine minerals are mainly lizardite and chrysotile with sub-ordinate antigorite, whereas, pyroxenes are enstatite and diopside. The primary composition of Cr-spinels in these serpentinised peridotites are characterized by low SiO₂ (<0.11 wt.%), Fe₂O₃ (0.02 to 2.32 wt.%), TiO₂ (<0.15 wt.%), Cr# (0.13 to 0.23) and high Al# (0.74 to 0.86), Mg# (0.68 to 0.73). Olivine is relatively uniform in composition, ranges from Fo_89.64 to Fo_90.1. The mineralogical compositions and primary Cr-spinel chemistry of these peridotites are similar to Abyssal peridotites that formed in a mid-ocean ridge setting after low degree of partial melting. Thus, it supports that the mantle peridotites of the Manipur Ophiolitic Complex initially formed in a spreading regime.     

Cosmological viscous fluid models in the presence of electromagnetic field and zero-mass scalar field

The problem of electromagnetic field interacting with viscous fluid without and with zero-mass scalar field has been studied. It has been shown that electromagnetic field cannot interact with viscous fluid for spherically-symmetric Robertson-Walker metric. Exact solutions corresponding to the problem of electromagnetic field interactions in presence of viscous fluid and zero-mass scalar field have been obtained subject to various physical conditions. It presents a scope for the study of imperfect fluid FRW models showing the existence of the electromagnetic field due to the presence of zero-mass scalar field.     

Massive scalar field interacting with viscous fluid distribution in cosmological models

The study of Einstein's field equations describing Robertson-Walker cosmological models with massive scalar field and viscous fluid representing the matter has been made. The problem has been investigated with and without the source density in the wave equation. Corresponding exact solutions of the field equations have been obtained under different physical equations of state: namely, (i) dust distribution, (ii) Zeldovich fluid distribution, (iii) disordered distribution of radiation subject to physically realistic conditions. The physical interpretations of the physically realistic solutions has been investigated. It has been found that physically realistic solutions has been obtained for closed cosmological models only.