| 释义 |
thermalize, v. Physics.|ˈθɜːməlaɪz|
[f. thermal a. + -ize.]
a. trans. To bring into thermal equilibrium with the environment.
1956Ann. Rev. Nucl. Sci. VI. 317 The coolant..slows down the neutrons, acting as a ‘moderator’ and tending to thermalize the assembly. 1961G. R. Choppin Exper. Nuclear Chem. viii. 116 It is necessary to surround the source with paraffin or water to thermalize the neutrons. 1979Nature 29 Nov. 456/1 The hypothetical Oort cloud should be thermalised by weak stellar encounters on a time scale ∼ 1 Myr.
b. intr. Of sub-atomic particles, etc.: to attain thermal equilibrium with their environment.
1966New Scientist 17 Mar. 707/1 It has been predicted that a positron in a metal should ‘thermalize’—that is, reach the kinetic energy characteristic of the temperature of the metal—in about 10–12 s. 1973Physics Bull. Nov. 652/3 The density was so high that any radiation generated would have readily thermalized. 1978Nature 11 May 133/2 If the infalling protons thermalise just at the surface of the compact object, the radiation will be in the form of γ rays.
Hence ˈthermalized, ˈthermalizing ppl. adj.; also thermaliˈzation, the process of thermalizing.
1950Glasstone Sourcebk. Atomic Energy xi. 294/1 The process of reducing the energy of a neutron to the thermal region by elastic scattering is sometimes called thermalization or, more commonly, slowing down. 1971Nature 16 Apr. 450/1 A more likely possibility..is that electron thermalization during trapping produces local heating of the matrix. 1971Engineering Apr. 34/2 Moderating materials are often an integral part of the structure of nuclear reactors so that thermalized beams can be obtained directly. 1979Nature 30 Aug. 749/2 The major issue remaining is whether sputtered atoms escape Io or are merely supplied to a thermalising atmosphere for later escape. |