THE DIFFICULTY
IN OBTAINING REALISTIC CONCLUSIONS ABOUT VARIABLE "CONSTANTS"
EUGENE
F. CHAFFIN
A scale covariant modification
of Newton's second law is combined with Bohr's model of the atom. If
we suppose that physical "constants" have varied in a way
consistent with this theory, then it leads naturally to an explanation
of the red shifts in the light from distant galaxies. The model is offered
as an example of how not only the "constants," but also the
equations themselves are suspect in any endeavor to find the true laws
of physics. In the second part of the paper, some limits on the variability
of "constants" based on data from the Oklo reactor are examined.
It is found that limits which have been published in the technical literature
are more imaginary than real.
WORLD-VIEWS
AND THE METAMORPHIC MODEL: THEIR RELATION TO THE CONCEPT OF VARIABLE
CONSTANTS
ROBERT
A. HERRMANN
In this paper, the D-world
model is used to discuss four scientific method presuppositions, involving
linguistic concepts, that should be radically altered prior to the selection
of any theory that incorporates variations in assumed universal constants.
The metamorphic-anamorphosis model is re-introduced as an appropriate
theoretical construct that is consistent with the four altered presuppositions.
GOOD NEWS
FROM NEPTUNE: THE VOYAGER 2 MAGNETIC MEASUREMENTS
D. RUSSELL
HUMPHREYS
The Voyager 2 magnetic measurements
at Uranus and Neptune have confirmed the predictions of a creationist
theory on the origins of planetary magnetic fields. The unusual tilt
and offset of the fields found at each planet can be explained by a
simple extension of creationist ideas. In contrast, Voyager's magnetic
data makes great problems for evolutionary theories
A PRELIMINARY
REPORT ON THE GEOLOGY OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
EUGENE
F. CHAFFIN
A description is given
of the Valley and Ridge Province of Southwest Virginia, including thrust
faults, thrust blocks, folded mountains, and windows or "fensters"
present in the region. Interpretations which various geologists have
given to the area are discussed. These include descriptions of the Cumberland
Overthrust, the Kent Window east of Wytheville, as well as other areas.
I discuss the plate tectonics (continental drift) scenario as it has
been applied to the region, and offer an alternative scenario involving
the Genesis Flood, gravity slides, and other agents. I point out the
missing strata from the Pennsylvanian, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic,
and Cretaceous Periods, and most of the Cenozoic Era. I discuss the
inconsistency of this with establishment defined geological time.
AN INTRODUCTION
TO THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF CAVITATION IN THE EROSION OF WATER CHANNELS
EDMOND
W. HOLROYD, III
The process of cavitation
in water has been involved in the damage of many types of man-made structures.
Shock waves and water jets caused by the collapse of cavitation bubbles
can clean, dent, or even pulverize materials of many types, including
concrete and metals. The physics of cavitation damage is reviewed. Flow
speeds greater than 30 m/s appear necessary for cavitation damage, but
thereafter the damage potential can increase rapidly, perhaps at rates
proportional to the sixth power of velocity. Major damage can occur
with flow depths of only a few meters. Damage potential decreases with
flow depth because increasing pressures make it less likely that internal
water pressures can be dynamically forced to become less than the vapor
pressure of water. Cavitation damage is greatly lessened as the air
content of the water is increased, suggesting that cavitation damage
is unlikely to be found in "white water" rapids. The roughening
of water channel surfaces also decreases cavitation damage by slowing
the flow speeds and thereby increasing flow depths for constant flow
discharge. Damage initiated by cavitation can provide opportunities
to accelerate the rates for normal erosion processes as water plunges
into the holes created by cavitation.