MY THEORETICAL WORK
(a) The Nature of Theory.
The purpose of theory is to try to understand, and understanding means
more than being able to calculate. My recommended procedure for forming theories
follows Aristotle, where observation provides the problem, the use of set theory
helps induce propositions, these are worked through, then we see whether what we
have agrees with observation. However, set theory analysis only works if we start
with the complete set of what we know, and a separate set of what we think we know.
It is important to include ALL the awkward data, because these indicate where the
current theory might be wrong. Details of this procedure are in my ebook
Aristotelian Methodology in the Physical Sciences (Elements of Theory)
(b) Planetary Formation and Biogenesis.
The standard theory of planetary formation assumes that in the stellar
accretion disk, dust and solids accrete into a reasonably uniform distribution of
planetesimals, which then gravitationally accrete into planets by what is called
oligarchic accretion.
However, there is no known mechanism for planetesimal formation and
there is no real way the planets could have formed in time. I propose the overlooked
monarchic growth, which in certain regions specific chemical effects are accelerated
due to the local temperature. This explains why every planetary system in our solar
system has a different overall composition from the others. The giant cores arise
from melt fusion of ices and therefore four giants are -predicted for every system
with enough matter, and a further planet is possible at greater distance, depending
on the initial temperature of the disk gas and the rate of inflow. The rocky planets
are similarly dependent on temperatures in the disk, but it is more complicated
because there are three different periods with different temperatures and hence more
variation is possible.
No evidence was found in the ten years following the first edition to
contradict the proposed mechanism, but the second edition was published to include a
lot of additional information gathered by the research community over those ten
years. Details can be found in my ebook “Planetary Formation and Biogenesis”
(c) Quantum Mechanics – Guidance Waves.
The two-slit experiment shows unambiguously the presence of
wave-particle duality. Either there is a physical wave or there is not, and while
standard physics concludes there is not, I follow de Broglie and Bohm in asserting
there is. The standard theory assumes that despite the fact there is no wave, the
quantum systems are defined by the Schrödinger equation, which in its more basic
form, free of operator formalism, is
The wave function ψ is given by
where A is the amplitude, S the action, and h is Planck's quantum of
action. It is generally held that ψ is complex, but from Euler's complex number
theory, when S (the time integral of the Lagrangian, and which hence evolves with
time) equals h, then ψ = A, which is real. Accordingly, my interpretation assumes
the antinode of the wave defines the expectation dynamical properties. My second
assumption is that if the wave is to cause the diffraction in the two-slit
experiment, it has to arrive at the slits at the same time. If so, the wave must
transmit energy, and since the Born rule has to be false because the phase velocity
and particle velocity are not the same, ψ.ψ* is not defined by probability. Instead,
A 2 defines the energy of the motion. From this I obtain, the Uncertainty Principle
and the Exclusion Principle. What follows is that atomic orbitals do not correspond
to hydrogen-like solutions of the Schrodinger equation, but rather the wave function
is a combination of all possible paths, and the screening constant is a function of
quantum numbers. A possible explanation is given for the delayed choice quantum
eraser, which, if correct, predicts the results of further experiments. I also argue
that the assertion that Alain Aspect proved violations of Bell's Inequality is not
correct. The experimental results are fine, but there is a logic error in reaching
the conclusion. (See Miller, I. J. (2023). Non-Violations in Bell's Inequality. J
Math Techniques Comput Math, 2(6), 209-210 .) Details are in my ebook “Guidance
Waves”
(d) Chemical Bonding
If we accept the principles of the guidance wave, the energy of
electrons is determined by the potential fields at the antinodes of the wave
component between the nuclei, which produces analytical results.. As a simple
example, the hydrogen molecule formed by linear combination of wave components has
the bond energy of one third the Rydberg energy. For elements Li and heavier, the
atomic orbitals do not correspond to the simple excited states of hydrogen, but
rather linear combination of waves occurs, which gives ionization energies that are
reasonably accurate with no arbitrary constants such as screening constants. The net
result of this, however, is that on linear combination of orbitals, a further
quantum effect is required, essentially to remove the effect of wave nodes on the
component between the nuclei. Calculated energies and bond lengths are generally in
good agreement with observation without any empirical correction through validation
and without arbitrary constants. Details can be found in my ebook “The Covalent Bond
From Guidance Waves”
(e) Biofuels.
My approach has been to assume the critical step is to convert the
solid biomass to a liquid. Hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulose rapidly
produces an oil containing hydrocarbons suitable for high-octane petroleum and jet
fuel, together with a phenolic fraction that can be further hydrotreated for fuel.
Microalgae are one promising feedstock, and besides fuel, some highly valuable
chemical feedstocks can be isolated. Details can be found in my ebook “Biofuels. An
Overview”.