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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Tests of Gravitational Symmetries with Pulsar Binary J1713+0747

Symmetries play a fundamental role in modern theories of gravity. The strong equivalence principle (SEP) constitutes a collection of gravitational symmetries which are all implemented by general relativity. Alternative theories, however, are generally expected to violate some aspects of SEP. We test three aspects of SEP using observed change rates in the orbital period and eccentricity of binary pulsar J1713+0747: (1) the gravitational constant’s constancy as part of locational invariance of gravitation; (2) the universality of free fall (UFF) for strongly self-gravitating bodies; (3) the post-Newtonian parameter ˆα3 in gravitational Lorentz invariance. Based on the pulsar timing result of the combined data set from the North American Nanohertz Gravitational Observatory and the European Pulsar Timing Array, we find G˙ /G = (−0.1 ± 0.9) × 10−12 yr−1, which is weaker than Solar system limits, but applies for strongly self-gravitating objects. Furthermore, we obtain an improved test for a UFF violation by a strongly self-gravitating mass falling in the gravitational field of our Galaxy, with a limit of |Delta| < 0.002 (95 per cent C.L.). Finally, we derive an improved limit on the self-acceleration of a gravitationally bound rotating body, to a preferred reference frame in the Universe, with −3 × 10−20 < ˆα3 < 4 × 10−20 (95 per cent C.L.). These results are based on direct UFF and ˆα3 tests using pulsar binaries, and they overcome various limitations of previous tests of this kind.

W W Zhu↗

On the use of DSCOVR EPIC to monitor the visible calibration stability of polar orbiting imagers to improve the next edition of the CERES climate data record.

The NASA CERES project has provided the climate quality observed TOA and computed surface fluxes to the scientific community. CERES instruments are onboard the Terra, Aqua, NPP, and NOAA-20 spacecraft. CERES uses MODIS and VIIRS imagers to retrieve cloud properties needed to convert CERES footprint radiance observations into fluxes using empirically derived angular directional models obtained during early CERES record. CERES utilizes geostationary sensors to infer the regional diurnal fluxes in between Terra and Aqua CERES observations. The imagers are also used to radiometrically scale the geostationary sensors (GEO) radiances to the imager calibration reference to ensure that the GEO derived cloud properties and broadband TOA fluxes are consistent in both space and time. Both the imager and GEO retrieved cloud properties are used to compute the surface fluxes. The Aqua-MODIS, SNPP-VIIRS, and NOAA-20 VIIRS afternoon imagers will also need to be radiometrically scaled to the same common calibration reference. Although all three imagers employ onboard solar diffusers, the calibration is not consistent over time due to instrument anomalies and ageing of the onboard calibrators. The CERES imager and GEO calibration group (IGCG) has been tasked to remove the imager channel calibration drifts for the next CERES reprocessing effort. The team will rely primarily on deep convective clouds, desert, and polar ice invariant targets to monitor the imager channel stability. The team uses ray-matched radiance pairs to radiometrically scale the SNPP and NOAA-20 VIIRS sensors to Aqua-MODIS. The radiometric scaling is further validated using geostationary imagers as transfer radiometers. The DSCOVR satellite was launched on February 25, 2015 and orbits around the L1 Lagrange point directly between the Earth and the sun. The EPIC instrument onboard DSCOVR employs a CCD array to image the Earth approximately every 2-hours. The EPIC sensor contains no onboard calibration systems. However, multiple inter-calibration studies have shown that the EPIC imager is very stable in time. This is likely due to the DSCOVR satellite being located about a 1.5M km from the Earth, where very little Earth reflected solar radiation degrades the optics. The excellent radiometric stability of EPIC allows the CERES IGCG to utilize the EPIC observations as a stable reference for monitoring the calibration stability of the three afternoon imagers, as well as to validate the radiometric scaling factors between them. Examples of the imager relative calibration using EPIC before and after radiometric scaling will be shown along with the results from the use of invariant targets to remove imager calibration drifts.

DSCOVR-EPIC↗

Extended Wear Testing of the 12-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the first wear test of the 12 kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) intended to isolate the impact of discharge current on component wear rates. Testing was led by Aerojet Rocketdyne and performed with the AEPS Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster. In total, approximately 860 hours of operation were accumulated split between operating conditions of 600 V/9 kW, 600 V/11 kW, and 600 V/12 kW. Thruster performance and stability were invariant throughout the wear test for all thruster throttle conditions and shown to be equal to the values previously measured with ETU-2. Inner front pole cover erosion rates were found to be invariant to discharge current as the measurements at all three operating conditions were equal to within the empirical uncertainty. Outer front pole cover erosion rates were found to be equal for the 600 V/9 kW and 600 V/12 kW conditions with operation at 600 V/11 kW yielding elevated erosion rates. Overall, the data shows that the AEPS thruster design has a high probability of meeting lifetime and performance requirements as the design proceeds to flight production and qualification.

Jason D Frieman↗

Extended Wear Testing of the 12-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the first wear test of the 12 kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) intended to isolate the impact of discharge current on component wear rates. Testing was led by Aerojet Rocketdyne and performed with the AEPS Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster. In total, approximately 860 hours of operation were accumulated split between operating conditions of 600 V/9 kW, 600 V/11 kW, and 600 V/12 kW. Thruster performance and stability were invariant throughout the wear test for all thruster throttle conditions and shown to be equal to the values previously measured with ETU-2. Inner front pole cover erosion rates were found to be invariant to discharge current as the measurements at all three operating conditions were equal to within the empirical uncertainty. Outer front pole cover erosion rates were found to be equal for the 600 V/9 kW and 600 V/12 kW conditions with operation at 600 V/11 kW yielding rates that were comparable to those on the inner front pole cover. Overall, the data shows that the AEPS thruster design has a high probability of meeting lifetime and performance requirements as the design proceeds to flight production and qualification.

HERMeS↗

DDFRG2: Double-Differential FRaGmentation Model with Pion Production

A set of Double-Differential FRaGmentation (DDFRG) models for production of fragments from nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions, relevant to space radiation, is currently being developed. DDFRG1 was a previous model developed for production of protons and light ions. A new model for pion production is developed in the present work and is called DDFRG2, which is based upon thermal production of pions from a central fireball source. The Lorentzinvariant double-differential cross section is calculated in the central fireball frame, and is Lorentz transformed to the laboratory frame, which results in a closed-form analytic formula involving no numerical integration, and which can be run very efficiently in radiation transport codes. The Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross section is then integrated over angle to give the singledifferential energy spectral distribution. Two versions of the DDFRG2 pion production are developed, namely DDFRG2-SIMPLE and DDFRG2-FULL. Both versions produce pion production Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross sections and also pion production single-differential spectral (energy) distributions. The SIMPLE version contains only one adjustable parameter. The FULL version contains three additional adjustable parameters. Both DDFRG2 versions are compared to over 1,000 data points. The SIMPLE version describes the p + 12 C → π − much better than the current HZETRN pion model. For other reactions, the SIMPLE version is of comparable quality to the current HZETRN pion model compared to data. For both the p + 12 C → π − reaction and all other reactions, DDFRG2-FULL describes the data much more accurately than the current HZETRN pion model.

John W. Norbury↗

Edge Wear of the Advanced Electric Propulsion System Pole Covers

This work summarizes a wear test focused on characterizing the erosion of the edges and side walls of the 12-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) pole covers as well as the impact of magnetic field strength on component erosion for operation at a discharge voltage of 600 V. Testing was performed with the AEPS Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster and accumulated approximately 325 hours of operation at the 600 V/12 kW condition with the magnetic field strength set to 75% of its nominal value. Thruster performance was invariant throughout the wear test for all thruster throttle conditions and matched previous measurements at the nominal magnetic field strength. Contrary to past results, inner front pole cover erosion rates were invariant to magnetic field strength at the 600 V/12 kW condition and no erosion was measured on the outer front pole cover. The erosion profile of the downstream inner front pole cover faces was continuous across the cover, indicating no significant change in erosion processes at the pole cover edges. Side wall erosion was only detected on the cathode-facing surfaces of the inner front pole cover and was equal in magnitude to the rates measured on the adjacent downstream edges. Taken together, these results suggest that erosion of the pole cover edges and sidewalls is driven by cathode-borne ions and will ultimately not impact AEPS life estimates.

Hall thrusters↗

Edge Wear of the Advanced Electric Propulsion System Pole Covers

This work presents a summary of the first wear test of the 12 kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) focused on characterizing the erosion of the edges and side walls of the thruster pole covers. Testing was performed with the AEPS Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster and accumulated approximately 325 hours of operation at the 600 V/12 kW condition with the magnetic field strength set to 75% of its nominal value. Thruster performance was invariant throughout the wear test for all thruster throttle conditions and was found to be equal to previous measurements. Contrary to past results, inner front pole cover erosion rates were invariant to magnetic field strength at the 600 V/12 kW condition and no erosion was measured on the outer front pole cover. The erosion profile of the downstream inner front pole cover faces was continuous across the cover indicating no significant change in erosion process at the pole cover edges. Side wall erosion was only detected on the cathode-facing surfaces of the inner front pole cover and was equal in magnitude to the rates measured on the adjacent downstream edges. Taken together, these results suggest that erosion of the pole cover edges and sidewalls is driven by cathode-borne ions and will ultimately not impact AEPS life estimates.

Hall thrusters↗

Computational Characterization and Model Verification for 3D Microstructure Reconstruction of Additively-Manufactured Materials

The goal of this study is to characterize and validate the texture and grain topology of additively-manufactured anisotropic three-dimensional (3D) polycrystalline microstructures. The special focus is on developing methodologies to compare the grain shapes and orientations of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D microstructure representations using the same metric. To generate statistical data, synthetic microstructures are reconstructed from experimental data using Markov random field (MRF). The statistical similarity between the experimental and synthetic microstructures is verified by comparing their grain topologies. A universal measure to compare 2D and 3D grains is portrayed through the concept of image moments that are invariant to shape transformations. The graphical plots developed based on moment invariants to compare the 2D and 3D grains are used to verify the synthetic model

Materials Characterization↗

Testing the Gravitational Redshift With an Inner Solar System Probe: the Veritas Case

The NASA Discovery-class mission VERITAS, selected in June 2021, will be launched towards Venus after 2027. In addition to the science instrumentation that will build global foundational geophysical datasets, VERITAS proposed to conduct a technology demonstration for the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC-2). A first DSAC successfully operated in low-Earth orbit for more than two years, demonstrated the trapped ion atomic clock technology, and established a new level of performance for clocks in space. DSAC-2 would have further improvements in size, power, and performance. It would host a 1× 10 -13 grade USO to produce a frequency output with short-term stability of less than 2× 10 -13 /√ τ (where τ is the averaging time).However, due to funding shortfalls, DSAC-2, had to be canceled. The initially foreseen presence of an atomic clock on board the probe, however, raised the question whether this kind of instrumentation could be useful not only for navigation and time transfer but also for fundamental physics tests. In this work, we consider the DSAC-2 atomic clock and VERITAS mission as a specific example to measure possible discrepancies in the redshift predicted by General Relativity by using an atomic clock onboard an interplanetary spacecraft. In particular we investigate the possibility of measuring possible violations of the Local Lorentz Invariance and Local Position Invariance principles. We perform accurate simulations of the experiment during the VERITAS cruise phase. We consider different parametrizations of the possible violations of the General Relativity, different operational conditions, and several different assumptions on the expected measurement performance. We show that DSAC-2 onboard VERITAS would provide new and improved constraints with respect to the current knowledge. Our analysis shows the scientific value of atomic clocks like DSAC-2 hosted onboard interplanetary spacecraft.

Fabrizio De Marchi↗

Investigations of Relations Between Jupiter-Europa and Jupiter-Ganymede Resonant Tori in the Planar Bicircular Restricted 4-Body Problem

Most unstable periodic orbits of the planar circular restricted 3-body problem (PCRTBP) persist as invariant tori when a periodic forcing is added to the equations of motion. Among the persisting orbits are unstable resonant periodic or- bits. In this study, we first compute invariant tori in the planar concentric cir- cular restricted 4-body problem corresponding to exterior Jupiter-Europa and in- terior Jupiter-Ganymede PCRTBP resonant periodic orbits. Motivated by the 2:1 Laplace resonance between the orbits of Europa and Ganymede around Jupiter, we then use the computed tori to characterize relations between m:n Jupiter-Ganymede and m:2n Jupiter-Europa PCRTBP resonant orbits.

de la Llave, Rafael↗

Disentangling the Entangled Linkages of Magnetic Helicity

Magnetic helicity, H, measures magnetic linkages in a volume. The early theoretical development of helicity focused on magnetically closed systems in V bounded by ∂V. For magnetically closed systems, V ∈ R -3 = V + V∗, no magnetic flux threads the boundary, n̂ · B|∂V = 0. Berger & Field (1984) and Finn & Antonsen (1985) extended the definition of helicity to relative helicity, H, for magnetically open systems where magnetic flux may thread the boundary. Berger (1999, 2003) expressed this relative helicity as two gauge invariant terms that describe the self helicity of magnetic field that closes inside V and the mutual helicity between the magnetic field that threads the boundary ∂V and the magnetic field that closes inside V. The total magnetic field that permeates V entangles magnetic fields that are produced by current sources J in V with magnetic fields that are produced by current sources J∗ in V∗. Building on this fact, we extend Berger’s expressions for relative magnetic helicity to eight gauge invariant quantities that simultaneously characterize both of these self and mutual helicities and attribute their origins to currents J in V and/or J∗ in V∗, thereby disentangling the domain of origin for these entangled linkages. We arrange these eight terms into novel expressions for internal and external helicity (self) and internal-external helicity (mutual) based on their domain of origin. The implications of these linkages for interpreting magnetic energy is discussed and new boundary observables are proposed for tracking the evolution of the field that threads the boundary.

Analytical mathematics↗

DDFRG3: Double-Differential FRaGmentation model for Neutron production

A Double-Differential FRaGmentation (DDFRG) model for neutron production from nucleus - nucleus collisions is developed for space radiation applications. DDFRG1 was a previous model developed for production of protons and light ions, and DDFRG2 was a model developed for pion production. A new model (DDFRG3) for neutron production is developed in the present work, and is based upon thermal production of neutrons from the projectile, the target and central fireball sources. The Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross sections are calculated in the various source frames, and are Lorentz transformed to the laboratory frame, resulting in a closed-form analytic formula involving no numerical integration, and which can be run very efficiently in radiation transport codes. The Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross section is then integrated over angle to give the single-differential energy spectral distribution. The DDFRG3 neutron model compares very well to an extensive experimental data set.

neutrons↗

Optimal Mission Profile for Low-Boom Supersonic Aircraft

An optimal mission profile, called the low-boom mission profile, is proposed for low-boom supersonic aircraft. The low-boom mission profile uses a fixed AoA for the cruise segment until reaching the cruise ceiling. The fixed AoA is determined by the cruise condition for the low-boom shaping of the aircraft. The derived CL trajectory is not necessarily the optimal trajectory for the cruise range when unrestricted supersonic flight is allowed. The undertrack sonic boom ground noise level is reduced during the cruise because of the increasing altitude from the fixed AoA trajectory and the approximate invariance of nondimensional overpressure at 3BL below a supersonic aircraft with respect to cruise altitude change when the AoA and cruise Mach are fixed. The approximate invariance of nondimensional overpressure at 3BL below a supersonic aircraft is verified using both Euler and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes CFD solvers. A low-boom supersonic transport concept is used to illustrate that, compared to the fixed cruise altitude trajectory, the low-boom mission profile can increase the cruise range of a low-boom aircraft and reduce the undertrack sonic boom ground noise levels for the entire cruise segment. One significant contribution of this paper is the implication that an aircraft OML satisfying a sonic boom ground noise level constraint at SOC will satisfy the same noise level constraint over the entire cruise segment, as long as a fixed AoA trajectory is flown.

Low-boom characteristics↗

Data-Driven Operator Theoretic Methods for Global Phase Space Learning

In this work, we propose to apply the recently developed Koopman operator techniques to explore the global phase space of a nonlinear system from time-series data. In particular, we address the problem of identifying various invariant subsets of a phase space from the spectral properties of the associated Koopman operator constructed from time-series data. Moreover, in the case when the system evolution is known locally in various invariant subspaces, then a phase space stitching result is proposed that can be applied to identify a global Koopman operator. A biological system, bistable toggle switch and a second-order nonlinear system example are considered to illustrate the proposed results. The construction of this global Koopman operator is very helpful in experimental works as multiple experiments can't be run at the same time starting from several initial conditions.

Nandanoori, Sai Pushpak↗

A Flexible Power Method for Solving Infinite Dimensional Tensor Eigenvalue Problems

We propose a flexible power method for computing the leftmost, i.e., algebraically smallest, eigenvalue of an infinite dimensional tensor eigenvalue problem, $H x = \lambda x$, where the infinite dimensional symmetric matrix $H$ exhibits a translational invariant structure. We assume the smallest eigenvalue of $H$ is simple and apply a power iteration of $e^{-H}$ with the eigenvector represented in a compact way as a translational invariant infinite Tensor Ring (iTR). Hence, the infinite dimensional eigenvector can be represented by a finite number of iTR cores of finite rank. In order to implement this power iteration, we use a small parameter $t$ so that the infinite matrix-vector operation $e^{-Ht}x$ can efficiently be approximated by the Lie product formula, also known as Suzuki--Trotter splitting, and we employ a low rank approximation through a truncated singular value decomposition on the iTR cores in order to keep the cost of subsequent power iterations bounded. We also use an efficient way for computing the iTR Rayleigh quotient and introduce a finite size iTR residual which is used to monitor the convergence of the Rayleigh quotient and to modify the timestep $t$. In this paper, we discuss 2 different implementations of the flexible power algorithm and illustrate the automatic timestep adaption approach for several numerical examples.

Beeumen, Roel Van↗

Study of Excited Cascade Baryons and Preliminary Cross-Sections for &Xi;(1530) Using Data from the GlueX Experiment

The spectra of predicted particles from elementary quark models (CQMs) are expansive, accurate for the low-lying spectra, but incomplete. The GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab is a vehicle to study medium energy photoproduction of hadronic states. The primary goal of the GlueX collaboration is to study Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD, also known as the strong nuclear force) and the nature of quark confinement. The GlueX collaboration uses a polarized photon beam incident on a liquid hydrogen target (LH 2 ) to investigate the aftermath of photon-proton interactions. The cascade baryons, denoted by &Xi;, are defined by having two, second-generation, strange quarks with an additional first-generation light quark (u or d). Experimentally, few cascades have been discovered, which is the antithesis of what most models expect. The cascades have some favorable attributes but are difficult to detect because the production cross sections are small and direct production is unlikely. Fortunately, in the 12 GeV era of the GlueX experiment, there is sufficient energy, beam time and data analysis tools for the detection of excited cascade states and their properties. From the reaction γ p →Κ + Κ + &Xi; - π 0 , the invariant mass spectra of &Xi; - π 0 system was surveyed for new possible resonances. The invariant mass spectrum has a strong &Xi;(1530) signal with other smaller resonances throughout the spectrum. Preliminary cross sections for the &Xi;(1530) that was photoproduced from the proton are presented at energies never before explored. While the &Xi;(1530) couples almost exclusively to the &Xi;π channel, there is an easily identifiable &Xi;(1690) signal decaying &Xi;π. Through the use of a simultaneous fitting routing of the &Xi;*- mass spectra, I was able to observe the &Xi;(1690) decaying to the KΛ, as well as to the &Xi; - π 0 branch. With additional statistics, a measurement of the branching ratio should be possible. Lastly, a partial wave analysis (PWA) was completed to verify that the total angular momentum of &Xi;(1530) is J = 3/2 and consistent with having positive parity. Additionally, there is evidence of a potentially interesting feature slightly above the mass of the &Xi;(1530) that should be more fully explored as new GlueX data becomes available.

Sumner, Brandon↗

Search for the NΔ resonance in the 𝛾𝑑 → 𝑑𝜋 +𝜋 − reaction

A dibaryon which is an object with baryon number B = 2 has been studied for a long time. Dyson and Xuong classified non-strangeness dibaryon states based on SU(6) symmetries in 1960?s. In the framework, the deuteron is classified as one of the sextet states of dibaryons. Although dibaryon have been an interesting subject of research for a long time, most of the experimental studies up to the early 2000?s were unsuccessful. The CELCIUS/WASA collaboration reported this state via the double-pionic fusion reaction (?= ! 3c0c0) in 2009. Thereafter, the WASA-at-COSY collaboration revealed properties of the isoscaler resonance state via the ?= ! 3c0c0 reaction in 2011. The dibaryon resonance state with isospin ? = 0 and spin ( = 3 thought to be a ?03 which was predicted by Dyson and Xuong at 2.35 GeV?22 with a configuration of ??. The reported mass and width of that state were 2?37 GeV?22 and 0?07 GeV?22, espectively. The mass was ?0?08 GeV?22 smaller than that of 2?, the width was narrower than that of single ?. This surprising result made dibaryon study come back into the limelight. ?12 is one of the dibaryon states classified by Dyson and Xuong with isospin ? = 1, spin ( = 2. This state can be regarded as an s-wave #? resonance. ?12 is an interesting state from the point of view of the possibilities of existence as an internal structure of ?03 and contribution to many-body effects in nuclei. Though there were some experimental clues and theoretical studies of this state, it was unclear whether the obtained experimental results represented a real resonance or not due to the difficulty of separation from kinematical effects. Very recently, the FOREST group at Tohoku University reported a photoproduced isovector dibaryon state at mass of 2.14 GeV?22 in the 3c0 invariant mass spectra of the W3 ! 3c0c0 reaction. The most probable ?% configuration was 2¸ although they didn?t exclude the possibility of ?% = 1¸ or 3?. They separated the dibaryon production process from conventional pion production process for the first time using angular distribution of deuteron. We investigated the W3 ! 3c¸c? reaction for study of a possible #? dibaryon state using a deuterium target at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University, Japan. In the experiment, ?3 ? 1012 tagged photon beam at energies ranging from 0.8 to 1.1 GeV was impinged to the liquid deuterium target (?520 mg?cm2) and the charged particles in the final state: deuteron, c¸, and c?, were detected by a magnetic spectrometer with a large solid angle named NKS2. NKS2 had capabilities of reconstructing momentum of charged particles, multi-track analysis, and ??c separation. We performed two different analyses named 2-track analysis and 3-track analysis. The 2-track (3-track) analysis was for events in which two (three) particles of 3c¸c? in the final state, including deuteron, were detected by NKS2. In the 3-track and 2-track analysis, ?2000? ?15000 events were identified as the W3 ! 3c¸c? reaction events, respectively. The 2-track analysis with higher statistics was mainly used to derive the cross sections, and the 3-track analysis was used to check the consistency of the 2-track analysis. In this thesis, we have shown the total cross section, the differential cross sections of the W3 ! 3c¸c? reaction in the region of jC j ¡ 0?15 GeV2. This is the world?s first measurement of this reaction in this energy region. Dibaryon resonance structures were observed below the #? threshold in the differential cross section of the invariant mass of 3c?. The mass and width of the structure were consistent with these of ?12 measured by the W3 ! 3c0c0 reaction. The mechanism of the production process was discussed based on the angular distribution of emitted deuteron.

Toyama, Yuichi↗