Advice regarding first research paper

[bahal2]

Hello everyone!

I am planning on writing a paper about the angle of repose of different granular materials (i.e.the cone that sand makes in an hourglass). My research will involve both experimental and theoretical work; I am going to collect data regarding the shape that different materials make, as well as deriving the shape of the material mathematically.

I think the paper will be around a freshman/sophomore undergrad level. I have begun to search for literature on this topic, and have found some, but none of the other papers have included an actual derivation of the shape like I will.

Here's my question: Do you think that this has any reasonable chance of being published in any journal? Perhaps the American Journal of Physics - I know that their articles are slanted more towards education.
I am just trying to get a feel for whether this is a realistic endeavor. Please let me know if there is any more info that I should give you guys. Thanks a lot for your help!

Aleksandar

 

[micromass]

It could help you greatly if you would find a professor who you could publish with. Find somebody who is relatively interested in the project. He/She can help you with writing the paper and can give you advice in what kind of journal you can publish.
I don't say I'm an expert on this, but if you don't have the endorsment of a professor, then publishing will likely not be so easy...

 

[bahal2]

Thanks for your quick reply, micromass.
There is a professor who is willing to help me with this, so that is not a problem.
However, do you think that the actual subject matter is something that the American Journal of Physics (for example) would consider?
(If anyone else is reading this thread, please feel free to chime in as well!)
Thanks again,
Aleksandar

 

[yenchin]

Thanks for your quick reply, micromass.
There is a professor who is willing to help me with this, so that is not a problem.
However, do you think that the actual subject matter is something that the American Journal of Physics (for example) would consider?
(If anyone else is reading this thread, please feel free to chime in as well!)
Thanks again,
Aleksandar

Since you have a professor who is willing to help, I think you should ask him about this. He should know the field sufficiently well to know what are the best journals suitable for the paper.