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At least 559 records · Page 31

The Use of Modeling for Flight Software Engineering on SMAP

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission proposes to deploy an Earth-orbiting satellite with the goal of obtaining global maps of soil moisture content at regular intervals. Launch is currently planned in 2014. The spacecraft bus would be built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), incorporating both new avionics as well as hardware and software heritage from other JPL projects. [4] provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed mission

Software architecture↗

Reviews and syntheses: Variable inundation across Earth's terrestrial ecosystems

Abstract. The structure, function, and dynamics of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems are profoundly influenced by how often (frequency) and how long (duration) they are inundated with water. A diverse array of natural and human-engineered systems experience temporally variable inundation whereby they fluctuate between inundated and non-inundated states. Variable inundation spans extreme events to predictable sub-daily cycles. Variably inundated ecosystems (VIEs) include hillslopes, non-perennial streams, wetlands, floodplains, temporary ponds, tidal systems, storm-impacted coastal zones, and human-engineered systems. VIEs are diverse in terms of inundation regimes, water chemistry and flow velocity, soil and sediment properties, vegetation, and many other properties. The spatial and temporal scales of variable inundation are vast, ranging from sub-meter to whole landscapes and from sub-hourly to multi-decadal. The broad range of system types and scales makes it challenging to predict the hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and physical evolution of VIEs. Despite all experiencing the loss and gain of an overlying water column, VIEs are rarely considered together in conceptual, theoretical, modeling, or measurement frameworks and approaches. Studying VIEs together has the potential to generate mechanistic understanding that is transferable across a much broader range of environmental conditions, relative to knowledge generated by studying any one VIE type. We postulate that enhanced transferability will be important for predicting changes in VIE function in response to global change. Here we aim to catalyze cross-VIE science that studies drivers and impacts of variable inundation across Earth's VIEs. To this end, we complement expert mini-reviews of eight major VIE systems with overviews of VIE-relevant methods and challenges associated with scale. We conclude with perspectives on how cross-VIE science can derive transferable understanding via unifying conceptual models in which the impacts of variable inundation are studied across multi-dimensional environmental space.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Machine learning-aided line intensity ratio technique applied to deuterium plasmas

It has been demonstrated that the electron density, n e , and temperature, T e , are successfully evaluated from He I line intensity ratios coupled with machine learning (ML). In this paper, the ML-aided line intensity ratio technique is applied to deuterium (D) plasmas with 0.031 < n e (10 18 m –3 ) < 0.67 and 2.3 < T e (eV) < 5.1 in the PISCES-A linear plasma device. Two line intensity ratios, D α /D γ and D α /D β , are used to develop a predictive model for n e and T e separately. Reasonable agreement of both ne and Te with those from single Langmuir probe measurements is obtained at n e > 0.1 × 10 18 m –3 . Addition of the D 2 /D α intensity ratio, where the D 2 band emission intensity is integrated in a wavelength range of λ ~ 557.4–643.0 nm, is found to improve the prediction of, in particular, n e , and T e . It is also confirmed that the technique works for D plasmas with 0.067 < n e (10 18 m –3 ) < 6.1 and 0.8 < T e (eV) < 15 in another linear plasma device, PISCES-RF. The two training datasets from PISCES-A and PISCES-RF are combined, and unified predictive models for n e and T e give reasonable agreement with probe measurements in both devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

AKARI OBSERVATIONS OF BROWN DWARFS. I. CO AND CO{sub 2} BANDS IN THE NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRA

Near-infrared medium-resolution spectra of seven bright brown dwarfs are presented. The spectra were obtained with the Infrared Camera on board the infrared astronomical satellite AKARI, covering 2.5-5.0 {mu}m with a spectral resolution of approximately 120. The spectral types of the objects range from L5 to T8 and enable us to study the spectral evolution of brown dwarfs. The observed spectra are in general consistent with predictions from previous observations and photospheric models; spectra of L-type dwarfs are characterized by continuum opacity from dust clouds in the photosphere, while very strong molecular absorption bands dominate the spectra in T-type dwarfs. We find that the CO fundamental band around 4.6 {mu}m is clearly seen even in the T8 dwarf 2MASS J041519 - 0935, confirming the presence of a non-equilibrium chemical state in the atmosphere. We also identify the CO{sub 2} fundamental stretching-mode band at 4.2 {mu}m for the first time in the spectra of late-L- and T-type brown dwarfs. As a preliminary step towards interpretation of the data obtained by AKARI, we analyze the observed spectra by comparing with those predicted by the unified cloudy model (UCM). Although overall spectral energy distributions can be reasonably fitted with the UCM, observed CO and CO{sub 2} bands in late-L and T dwarfs are unexpectedly stronger than the model predictions assuming local thermodynamical equilibrium. We examine the vertical mixing model and find that this model explains the CO band at least partly in the T dwarfs 2MASS J041519 - 0935 and 2MASS J055919 - 1404. The CO fundamental band also shows excess absorption against the predicted one in the L9 dwarf SDSS J083008+4828. Since CO is already highly abundant in the upper photospheres of late-L dwarfs, the extra CO due to vertical mixing has little effect on the CO band strengths, and the vertical mixing model cannot be applied to this L dwarf. A more serious problem is that the significant enhancement of the CO{sub 2} 4.2 {mu}m band in both the late-L and T dwarfs cannot be explained at all by the vertical mixing model. The cause of this enhancement of the CO{sub 2} band remains to be explained.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Shifted μ -hybrid inflation, gravitino dark matter, and observable gravity waves

We investigate supersymmetric hybrid inflation in a realistic model based on the gauge symmetry SU(4) c × SU(2) L × SU(2) R . The minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) μ term arises, following Dvali, Lazarides, and Shafi, from the coupling of the MSSM electroweak doublets to a gauge singlet superfield which plays an essential role in inflation. The primordial monopoles are inflated away by arranging that the SU(4) c × SU(2) L × SU(2) R symmetry is broken along the inflationary trajectory. The interplay between the (above) μ coupling, the gravitino mass, and the reheating following inflation is discussed in detail. We explore regions of the parameter space that yield gravitino dark matter and observable gravity waves with the tensor-to-scalar ratio r ~ 10 –4 –10 –3 .

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

High-scale supersymmetry, the Higgs boson mass, and gauge unification

Suppressing naturalness concerns, we discuss the compatibility requirements of high-scale supersymmetry breaking with the Higgs boson mass constraint and gauge coupling unification. We find that to accommodate superpartner masses significantly greater than the electroweak scale, one must introduce large nondegeneracy factors. These factors are enumerated for the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, and implications for the allowed forms of supersymmetry breaking are discussed. We find that superpartner masses of arbitrarily high values are allowed for suitable values of tan β and the nondegeneracy factors. Here, we also compute the large, but viable, threshold corrections that would be necessary at the unification scale for exact gauge coupling unification. Whether or not high-scale supersymmetry can be realized in this context is highly sensitive to the precise value of the top quark Yukawa coupling, highlighting the importance of future improvements in the top quark mass measurement.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Using Multi-Scale Modeling Systems to Study the Precipitation Processes

In recent years, exponentially increasing computer power has extended Cloud Resolving Model (CRM) integrations from hours to months, the number of computational grid points from less than a thousand to close to ten million. Three-dimensional models are now more prevalent. Much attention is devoted to precipitating cloud systems where the crucial 1-km scales are resolved in horizontal domains as large as 10,000 km in two-dimensions, and 1,000 x 1,000 km2 in three-dimensions. Cloud resolving models now provide statistical information useful for developing more realistic physically based parameterizations for climate models and numerical weather prediction models. It is also expected that NWP and mesoscale model can be run in grid size similar to cloud resolving model through nesting technique. Recently, a multi-scale modeling system with unified physics was developed at NASA Goddard. It consists of (1) a cloud-resolving model (Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model, GCE model), (2) a regional scale model (a NASA unified weather research and forecast, WRF), (3) a coupled CRM and global model (Goddard Multi-scale Modeling Framework, MMF), and (4) a land modeling system. The same microphysical processes, long and short wave radiative transfer and land processes and the explicit cloud-radiation, and cloud-land surface interactive processes are applied in this multi-scale modeling system. This modeling system has been coupled with a multi-satellite simulator to use NASA high-resolution satellite data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of cloud and precipitation processes simulated by the model. In this talk, a review of developments and applications of the multi-scale modeling system will be presented. In particular, the results from using multi-scale modeling system to study the interactions between clouds, precipitation, and aerosols will be presented. Also how to use of the multi-satellite simulator to improve precipitation processes will be discussed.

Tao, Wei-Kuo↗

Using Multi-Scale Modeling Systems and Satellite Data to Study the Precipitation Processes

In recent years, exponentially increasing computer power extended Cloud Resolving Model (CRM) integrations from hours to months, the number of computational grid points from less than a thousand to close to ten million. Three-dimensional models are now more prevalent. Much attention is devoted to precipitating cloud systems where the crucial 1-km scales are resolved in horizontal domains as large as 10,000 km in two-dimensions, and 1,000 x 1,000 sq km in three-dimensions. Cloud resolving models now provide statistical information useful for developing more realistic physically based parameterizations for climate models and numerical weather prediction models. It is also expected that NWP and mesoscale models can be run in grid size similar to cloud resolving models through nesting technique. Recently, a multi-scale modeling system with unified physics was developed at NASA Goddard. It consists of (1) a cloud-resolving model (Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model, GCE model). (2) a regional scale model (a NASA unified weather research and forecast, W8F). (3) a coupled CRM and global model (Goddard Multi-scale Modeling Framework, MMF), and (4) a land modeling system. The same microphysical processes, long and short wave radiative transfer and land processes and the explicit cloud-radiation and cloud-land surface interactive processes are applied in this multi-scale modeling system. This modeling system has been coupled with a multi-satellite simulator to use NASA high-resolution satellite data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of cloud and precipitation processes simulated by the model. In this talk, a review of developments and applications of the multi-scale modeling system will be presented. In particular, the results from using multi-scale modeling systems to study the interactions between clouds, precipitation, and aerosols will be presented. Also how to use the multi-satellite simulator to improve precipitation processes will be discussed.

Tao, Wei--Kuo↗

Using Multi-Scale Modeling Systems and Satellite Data to Study the Precipitation Processes

In recent years, exponentially increasing computer power has extended Cloud Resolving Model (CRM) integrations from hours to months, the number of computational grid points from less than a thousand to close to ten million. Three-dimensional models are now more prevalent. Much attention is devoted to precipitating cloud systems where the crucial 1-km scales are resolved in horizontal domains as large as 10,000 km in two-dimensions, and 1,000 x 1,000 km2 in three-dimensions. Cloud resolving models now provide statistical information useful for developing more realistic physically based parameterizations for climate models and numerical weather prediction models. It is also expected that NWP and mesoscale model can be run in grid size similar to cloud resolving model through nesting technique. Recently, a multi-scale modeling system with unified physics was developed at NASA Goddard. It consists of (l) a cloud-resolving model (Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model, GCE model), (2) a regional scale model (a NASA unified weather research and forecast, WRF), (3) a coupled CRM and global model (Goddard Multi-scale Modeling Framework, MMF), and (4) a land modeling system. The same microphysical processes, long and short wave radiative transfer and land processes and the explicit cloud-radiation, and cloud-land surface interactive processes are applied in this multi-scale modeling system. This modeling system has been coupled with a multi-satellite simulator to use NASA high-resolution satellite data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of cloud and precipitation processes simulated by the model. In this talk, the recent developments and applications of the multi-scale modeling system will be presented. In particular, the results from using multi-scale modeling system to study the precipitating systems and hurricanes/typhoons will be presented. The high-resolution spatial and temporal visualization will be utilized to show the evolution of precipitation processes. Also how to use of the multi-satellite simulator tqimproy~ precipitation processes will be discussed.

Tao, Wei-Kuo↗

Composite quarks and leptons with embedded QCD

We construct a model of quark and lepton compositeness based on an 𝑆⁢𝑈⁡(15) gauge interaction that confines chiral preons, which are also charged under the weakly coupled 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(4) PS ×𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝐿 ×𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝑅 gauge group. The breaking of the latter, down to the Standard Model group, is achieved by scalar 𝑆⁢𝑈⁡(15) bound states at a scale in the 30–100 TeV range. The embedding of the QCD gauge group in 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(4) PS slows down the running of 𝛼 𝑠 in the UV. We estimate the effects of the strongly coupled 𝑆⁢𝑈⁡(15) dynamics on the running of the 𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(4) PS ×𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝐿 ×𝑆⁢𝑈⁢(2) 𝑅 gauge couplings, which likely remain perturbative beyond the compositeness scale of about 10 3 –10 4 TeV, and even above a unification scale. A composite vectorlike lepton doublet acquires a mass in the TeV range probed at future colliders, and an extended Higgs sector arises from six-preon bound states.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Finite naturalness and quark-lepton unification

We study the implications of finite naturalness in Pati-Salam models where SU⁢(3)C is embedded in SU(4). For the minimal realization at low scale of quark-lepton unification, which employs the inverse seesaw for neutrino masses, we find that radiative corrections to the Higgs boson mass are at least δm$^{2}_{ℎ}$/m$^{2}_{ℎ}$ ~O⁡(104). The one-loop contributions to the Higgs mass are suppressed by four powers of the hypercharge gauge coupling. We find that for the vector leptoquarks the naively leading part of the two-loop corrections cancel. We assume the Dirac Yukawa couplings for neutrinos are equal to the up-type quark Yukawa couplings as predicted in the minimal theory for quark-lepton unification. Despite these findings, the two-loop corrections still dominate the finite naturalness bound. We mention a way to relax the lower bound on the vector leptoquark mass and have δm$^{2}_{ℎ}$/m$^{2}_{ℎ}$ ~O⁡(10 2 ).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

String theory and grand unification suggest a submicroelectronvolt QCD axion

Axions, grand unification, and string theory are each compelling extensions of the Standard Model. We show that combining these frameworks imposes strong constraints on the QCD axion mass. Using perturbative unitarity arguments and explicit string compactifications—such as those from the Kreuzer-Skarke (KS) type IIB ensemble—we find that the axion mass is favored to lie within the range 10 −11 eV ≲ 𝑚 𝑎 ≲ 10 −8 eV. This range is directly relevant for near-future axion dark matter searches, including ABRACADABRA/DMRadio and CASPEr. We argue that grand unification and the absence of proton decay suggest a compactification volume that keeps the string scale above the unification scale ( ∼ 10 16 GeV), which in turn limits how heavy the axion can be. The same requirements limit the KS axiverse to have at most ∼ 47 axions. As an additional application of our methodology, we search for axions in the KS axiverse that could explain the recent Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument hints of evolving dark energy but find none with high enough decay constant (𝑓 𝑎 ≳ 2.5 ×10 17 GeV); we comment on why such high decay constants and low axion masses are difficult to obtain in string compactifications more broadly.

Axions↗

Search for proton decay via 𝑝 → 𝑒 + ⁢𝜂 and 𝑝 → 𝜇 + ⁢𝜂 with a 0.37 Mton-year exposure of Super-Kamiokande

A search for proton decay into 𝑒 + /𝜇 + and a 𝜂 meson has been performed using data from a 0.373 Mton·year exposure (6050.3 live days) of Super-Kamiokande. Compared to previous searches this work introduces an improved model of the intranuclear 𝜂 interaction cross section, resulting in a factor of 2 reduction in uncertainties from this source and ∼10% increase in signal efficiency. No significant data excess was found above the expected number of atmospheric neutrino background events resulting in no indication of proton decay into either mode. Lower limits on the proton partial lifetime of 1.4 × 10 34 years for 𝑝 → 𝑒 + ⁢𝜂 and 7.3 × 10 33 years for 𝑝 → 𝜇 + ⁢𝜂 at the 90% CL were set. These limits are around 1.5 times longer than our previous study and are the most stringent to date.

Grand unified models↗

The quantum mechanics of high-order kinematic values

In this paper, within the framework of a unified mathematical model, the new formulation of quantum mechanics – quantum mechanics of higher order kinematic values – is proposed. In contrast to the well-known formulations of quantum mechanics in the new formulation, the wave function has not only a coordinate or momentum representation, but also representations through acceleration and accelerations of higher orders. The representations of the wave function in terms of higher order kinematic values make it possible to consider the dissipative systems problem and the variable entropy systems one within a single mathematical apparatus. The new formulation is not built phenomenologically, but from first principles and in a particular case contains the formulation of the de Broglie–Bohm &lang;wave-pilot&rang; quantum mechanics. The new formulation is based on the Vlasov equations chain. This approach allows us to obtain a natural connection between classical and quantum systems. Examples of such systems are considered in this paper.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Analysis of textural properties of CaO-based CO 2 sorbents by ex-situ USAXS

Here in this work, the micro-textural properties of CaO-based CO 2 sorbents prepared in a thermo-gravimetric reactor were investigated by ex situ synchrotron-based Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Ultra Small Angle X-ray Scattering (USAXS) and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS). Six sorbent samples were produced by calcination in vacuum at different temperatures and durations of the heating step; additionally, four partially carbonated samples were produced, after calcination in vacuum, at different CaO conversions. The scattering intensity profiles were analyzed by means of the Unified Fit model. Bimodal pore size distributions (micro-pores and meso-pores) were identified and the micro-textural properties (porosity, specific surface and pore radius of gyration) of each of the two pore populations were quantified both for the calcined and for the carbonated samples. The micro-textural properties of a few calcined samples were compared with N 2 -adsorption measurements. For each pore population, the trends of porosity, specific surface and pore radius of gyration, in addition to the pore number density and sphericity factor, were obtained versus time during the calcination and versus the CaO conversion during the carbonation. The relevance of micro-pores with respect to macro-pores was assessed both as far as the porosity impact on the CO 2 capture capacity and as far as the specific surface impact on the carbonation kinetics. For the calcined samples, the micro-textural properties of a partially calcined sample were compared with those of the completely calcined samples, and pore correlation distances were determined. Finally, for the carbonated samples, the specific surface per unit of particle volume results linearly dependent on the CaO conversion and, if expressed per unit of mass of unreacted CaO, does not change significantly for most of the CaO carbonation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Indirectly probing the structural change in ion-irradiated Zr-Based metallic glasses from small scale mechanical tests

Ion irradiation was applied to tailor the structural heterogeneities in Zr-based metallic glasses at room temperature. Experimental methods of X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, and micropillar compression were conducted to examine the irradiation effects on their structural and mechanical property changes. It is found that the irradiated materials retained amorphous structure after room-temperature Ni ion irradiation. The reduction of elastic modulus and hardness measured by nanoindentation indicated the irradiation-induced mechanical degradation. A unified statistic model was employed to quantitatively predict the density and strength of irradiation defects, although their specific structural and physical nature is not explicitly included in this model. The transition of non-intersecting shear bands to multiple intersecting shear bands was observed on compression tests of irradiated micropillars with the increase of irradiation dose. Furthermore, the analysis of the displacement excursion of micropillar compression tests indicated a different deformation mode from the unirradiated state. These results from nanoindentation pop-in and micro-pillar compression tests suggested that irradiation eventually leads to a new state with different types and characteristics of structural heterogeneities from violent displacement cascades and non-equilibrium energy deposition/dissipation processes, which also proves ion irradiation as an effective method to tune the structure and mechanical properties of metallic glasses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of Nanoscale Accessible Pore Structures for Improved Prediction of Gas Production Potential in Chinese Marine Shales

The Lower Cambrian Niutitang and Lower Silurian Longmaxi shales in the Upper Yangtze Platform (UYP) are the most promising strata for shale gas exploration in China. Knowledge of the nanoscale pore structure may improve the prediction of the gas production potential in Chinese marine shales. A systematic investigation of the pore accessibility and its impact on methane adsorption capacity has been conducted on shale samples using various techniques including geochemical and mineralogical analyses, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), helium porosimetry, and methane adsorption. The results show that organic matter (OM) pores with various shapes dominate the pore systems of these shales. OM tended to mix with clay minerals and converted to organoclay complexes, developing plentiful micro- and mesopores. A unified fit model with two pore structures, fractal pores and finite pores, was used to model the SANS data to characterize the pore structure of the shales. Both mass and surface fractals are identified for each pore structure. The total porosity estimated by the Porod invariant method ranges between 2.35 and 16.40%, of which the porosity for finite pores ranges between 0.35 and 6.36%, and the porosity for the fractal pores ranges between 2.07 and 8.51%. The fraction of open pores was evaluated by comparing the porosities estimated by He porosimetry and SANS. We find that the fraction of open pores is higher than 64% for most of these shales. Correlation analyses suggest that clay and total organic carbon (TOC) have opposite effects on pore structure and methane adsorption capacity. Samples with higher clay contents have higher pore accessibility and lower total porosity, surface area, and maximum methane adsorption, whereas samples with higher TOC content show the inverse relationships. The high percentage of open pores may reduce methane adsorption capacity in these shales, whereas low pore accessibility may reduce methane production at specific pressure differences. Furthermore, both TOC and pore accessibility may be essential controlling factors in methane production from shale gas reservoirs.

03 NATURAL GAS↗