ABSTRACTS
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.