Shan Gao - Böcker

Consciousness and quantum mechanics are two great mysteries of our time--and recently scholars have postulated a deeper connection between them. Exploring this possible connection can be fruitful: an analysis of the conscious mind and psychophysical connection can be indispensable in understanding quantum mechanics and solving the notorious measurement problem, and there is also likely some kind of intimate connection between quantum mechanics--the most fundamental theory of the physical world--and our efforts to explain, naturalistically, the phenomenon of consciousness.The seventeen newly written chapters in this volume are divided into three sections: Consciousness and the Wave Function Collapse, Consciousness in Quantum Theories, and Quantum Approaches to Consciousness. This is the first volume to provide a comprehensive review and thorough analysis of intriguing conjectures about the connection between consciousness and quantum mechanics. Written by leading experts in physics, philosophy, and cognitive science, Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics will be of value to students and researchers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics and the philosophy of mind.

Since the notorious terrorist attack of the World Trade Center in 2001, researchers and engineers have been forced to review the existing research works and standards in resisting the progressive collapse of structures. From then on, the design of structure against progressive collapse has tended toward quantitative design, rather than qualitative design. The collapse of the COVID-19 epidemic isolation hotel in Quanzhou, China, in 2020 and the vertical collapse of a 12-story apartment in Florida, United States, in 2021 have aroused an upsurge of the research on progressive collapse. More experimental and theoretical works have been focused on this area. This book addresses this issue and provides a valuable reference for the progressive collapse analysis and design of building structures.

Reviews latest references systematically in terms of experiments, simulation, and theoryIntroduces different test equipment used in the tests of progressive collapse and also modeling techniques used in the numerical studies of progressive collapseIncludes performance prediction theories used in the analysis of progressive collapseComprises considerable information on the tests and simulation and theoretical studies collected from the authors’ research in the last 10 years

Glulam Materials and Structures: Durability and Sustainability in Construction offers a specialized exploration of the latest innovations relating to this environmentally-friendly technology, emphasizing its durability, performance, and expanding use in construction. The book analyzes the materials' response to extreme environments, focusing on critical factors like high-temperature exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and corrosive atmospheres, providing new perspectives into how glulam performs under these challenging conditions. Sections also cover cutting-edge advances in glulam beam designs, prestressed joints, and glulam-steel composite members, diving into their mechanical properties and environmental impact.The integration of sophisticated testing methods and equipment, simulation techniques, and performance prediction theories adds significant value to discussions, making this volume an indispensable resource for readers looking to optimize engineered wood products’ potential in both new and existing structures. Drawing from the authors’ extensive research, this work also delivers detailed case studies that demonstrate how glulam has been applied in real-world projects.Consolidates the latest theoretical and practical findings, providing readers with up-to-date coverage of current trends and knowledge in glulam technologyAddresses critical information gaps by offering meticulous analysis of the durability of glulam under extreme conditions, enhancing understanding of its performance in different environmentsExplores innovative designs by introducing new types of glulam beams, connections, and glulam-steel composite structures, highlighting how they contribute to improvements in structural integrity and resilienceIncludes a number of case studies that illustrate the practical applications of glulam, showcasing successful implementations that address contemporary construction challenges

Protective measurements offer an intriguing method for measuring the wave function of a single quantum system. With contributions from leading physicists and philosophers of physics - including two of the original discoverers of this important method - this book explores the concept of protective measurement, investigating its broad applications and deep implications. Addressing both physical and philosophical aspects, it covers a diverse range of topics, including experimental possibility of protective measurements, connections with the PBR theorem, and the implications of protective measurements for understanding the nature of quantum reality. Including a clear and concise introduction to standard quantum mechanics, conventional measurements, and the fundamentals of protective measurements, this is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers interested in the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics.

Combining twenty-six original essays written by an impressive line-up of distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics, this anthology reflects some of the latest thoughts by leading experts on the influence of Bell's theorem on quantum physics. Essays progress from John Bell's character and background, through studies of his main work, and on to more speculative ideas, addressing the controversies surrounding the theorem, and investigating the theorem's meaning and its deep implications for the nature of physical reality. Combined, they present a powerful comment on the undeniable significance of Bell's theorem for the development of ideas in quantum physics over the past 50 years. Questions surrounding the assumptions and significance of Bell's work still inspire discussion in the field of quantum physics. Adding to this with a theoretical and philosophical perspective, this balanced anthology is an indispensable volume for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and the foundations of quantum mechanics.

At the heart of quantum mechanics lies the wave function, a powerful but mysterious mathematical object which has been a hot topic of debate from its earliest stages. Covering much of the recent debate and providing a comprehensive and critical review of competing approaches, this ambitious text provides new, decisive proof of the reality of the wave function. Aiming to make sense of the wave function in quantum mechanics and to find the ontological content of the theory, this book explores new ontological interpretations of the wave function in terms of random discontinuous motion of particles. Finally, the book investigates whether the suggested quantum ontology is complete in solving the measurement problem and if it should be revised in the relativistic domain. A timely addition to the literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics, this book is of value to students and researchers with an interest in the philosophy of physics.

This is the first single volume about the collapse theories of quantum mechanics, which is becoming a very active field of research in both physics and philosophy. In standard quantum mechanics, it is postulated that when the wave function of a quantum system is measured, it no longer follows the Schrödinger equation, but instantaneously and randomly collapses to one of the wave functions that correspond to definite measurement results. However, why and how a definite measurement result appears is unknown. A promising solution to this problem are collapse theories in which the collapse of the wave function is spontaneous and dynamical. Chapters written by distinguished physicists and philosophers of physics discuss the origin and implications of wave-function collapse, the controversies around collapse models and their ontologies, and new arguments for the reality of wave function collapse. This is an invaluable resource for students and researchers interested in the philosophy of physics and foundations of quantum mechanics.

At the heart of quantum mechanics lies the wave function, a powerful but mysterious mathematical object which has been a hot topic of debate from its earliest stages. Covering much of the recent debate and providing a comprehensive and critical review of competing approaches, this ambitious text provides new, decisive proof of the reality of the wave function. Aiming to make sense of the wave function in quantum mechanics and to find the ontological content of the theory, this book explores new ontological interpretations of the wave function in terms of random discontinuous motion of particles. Finally, the book investigates whether the suggested quantum ontology is complete in solving the measurement problem and if it should be revised in the relativistic domain. A timely addition to the literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics, this book is of value to students and researchers with an interest in the philosophy of physics.