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At least 397 records · Page 22

Data approximation using a blending type spline construction

Generalized expo-rational B-splines (GERBS) is a blending type spline construction where local functions at each knot are blended together by C{sup k}-smooth basis functions. One way of approximating discrete regular data using GERBS is by partitioning the data set into subsets and fit a local function to each subset. Partitioning and fitting strategies can be devised such that important or interesting data points are interpolated in order to preserve certain features. We present a method for fitting discrete data using a tensor product GERBS construction. The method is based on detection of feature points using differential geometry. Derivatives, which are necessary for feature point detection and used to construct local surface patches, are approximated from the discrete data using finite differences.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Future climate emulations using quantile regressions on large ensembles

The study of climate change and its impacts depends on generating projections of future temperature and other climate variables. For detailed studies, these projections usually require some combination of numerical simulation and observations, given that simulations of even the current climate do not perfectly reproduce local conditions. We present a methodology for generating future climate projections that takes advantage of the emergence of climate model ensembles, whose large amounts of data allow for detailed modeling of the probability distribution of temperature or other climate variables. The procedure gives us estimated changes in model distributions that are then applied to observations to yield projections that preserve the spatiotemporal dependence in the observations. We use quantile regression to estimate a discrete set of quantiles of daily temperature as a function of seasonality and long-term change, with smooth spline functions of season, long-term trends, and their interactions used as basis functions for the quantile regression. A particular innovation is that more extreme quantiles are modeled as exceedances above less extreme quantiles in a nested fashion, so that the complexity of the model for exceedances decreases the further out into the tail of the distribution one goes. We apply this method to two large ensembles of model runs using the same forcing scenario, both based on versions of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), run at different resolutions. The approach generates observation-based future simulations with no processing or modeling of the observed climate needed other than a simple linear rescaling. The resulting quantile maps illuminate substantial differences between the climate model ensembles, including differences in warming in the Pacific Northwest that are particularly large in the lower quantiles during winter. We show how the availability of two ensembles allows the efficacy of the method to be tested with a “perfect model” approach, in which we estimate transformations using the lower-resolution ensemble and then apply the estimated transformations to single runs from the high-resolution ensemble. Finally, we describe and implement a simple method for adjusting a transformation estimated from a large ensemble of one climate model using only a single run of a second, but hopefully more realistic, climate model.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Continuous energy cross section adjustment: a new method to generalize nuclear data assimilation for a wider range of applications.

This work presents a new method to perform continuous-energy cross section adjustment. The proposed method is based on recently developed Monte Carlo perturbation capabilities with continuous-energy sensitivity functions implemented in an extended Serpent version. The generation of continuous energy basis functions aseigendecomposition of the covariance matrices and the Generalized Least Squares method applied to these functions are described. The new approach is verified against standard, multi-group adjustment methodologies in a case study involving four different response functions in Jezebel. The results obtained by the two approaches for the selected case study are presented and compared in term of adjusted cross sections, adjusted covariance matrices, and uncertainty reduction.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Explicitly correlated Gaussian calculations of the {sup 2}D Rydberg states of the boron atom

Accurate non-relativistic variational calculations are performed for the seven lowest members of the {sup 2}D Rydberg series (1s{sup 2}2s2p{sup 2}, and 1s{sup 2}2s{sup 2}nd, n= 3, Horizontal-Ellipsis , 8) of the boron atom. The wave functions of the states are expanded in terms of all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussian basis functions and the effect of the finite nuclear mass is directly included in the calculations allowing for determining the isotopic shifts of the energy levels. The Gaussian basis is optimized independently for each state with the aid of the analytic energy gradient with respect to the Gaussian parameters. The calculations represent the highest accuracy level currently achievable for the considered states. The computed energies are compared with the available experimental data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Toward machine-learning-assisted PW-class high-repetition-rate experiments with solid targets

We present progress in utilizing a machine learning (ML) assisted optimization framework to study the trends in a parameter space defined by spectrally shaped, high-intensity, petawatt-class (8 J, 45 fs) laser pulses interacting with solid targets and give the first simulation-based overview of predicted trends. A neural network (NN) incorporating uncertainty quantification is trained to predict the number of hot electrons generated by the laser–target interaction as a function of pulse shaping parameters. The predictions of this NN serve as the basis function for a Bayesian optimization framework to navigate this space. For post-experimental evaluation, we compare two separate neural network (NN) models. One is based solely on data from experiments, and the other is trained only on ensemble particle-in-cell simulations. Reviewing the predicted and observed trends across the experiment-capable laser parameter search space, we find that both ML models predict a maximal increase in hot electron generation at a level of approximately 12%–18%; however, no statistically significant enhancement was observed in experiments. On direct comparison of the NN models, the average discrepancy is 8.5%, with a maximum of 30%. Since shot-to-shot fluctuations in experiments affect the observations, we evaluate the behavior of our optimization framework by performing virtual experiments that vary the number of repeated observations and the noise levels. Here, we discuss the implications of such a framework for future autonomous exploration platforms in high-repetition-rate experiments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Pseudo-fragment approach for extended systems derived from linear-scaling DFT

We present a computational approach which is tailored for reducing the complexity of the description of extended systems at the density functional theory level. We define a recipe for generating a set of localized basis functions which arc optimized either for the accurate description of pristine, bulk-like Wannier functions, or for the in situ treatment of deformations induced by defective constituents such as boundaries or impurities. Our method enables one to identify the regions of an extended system which require dedicated optimization of the Kohn-Sham degrees of freedom, and provides the user with a reliable estimation of the errors-if any-induced by the locality of the approach. Such a method facilitates on the one hand an effective reduction of the computational degrees of freedom needed to simulate systems at the nanoscale, while in turn providing a description that can be straightforwardly put in relation to effective models, like tight binding Hamiltonians. In conclusion, we present our methodology with SiC nanotube-like cages as a test bed. Nonetheless, the wavelet-based method employed in this paper makes possible calculation of systems with different dimensionalities, including slabs and fully periodic systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Theoretical study of the nitrogen atom hyperfine coupling constant

The nitrogen-atom isotropic hyperfine coupling constant A(iso) is studied as a function of improvements in both the one-particle and n-particle basis sets. The study underscores the importance of diffuse basis functions. For example, the (9s 5p) primitive set of Huzinaga (1965) augmented with an even-tempered diffuse s function yields values for A(iso) that are virtually identical to an energy-optimized (23s 12p) even-tempered set. The A(iso) constant is found to converge relatively quickly with increasing l quantum numbers: d, f, and g functions are estimated to contribute 2.5 + or - 0.2, 0.4 + or - 0.1, and 0.05 + or - 0.05 MHz, respectively. Full CI calibration calculations indicate that very high levels of correlation treatment are required for quantitative results. In addition, a strong coupling is observed between the one-particle and n-particle requirements. The best result, 10.4 MHz, is in excellent agreement with the accurate experimental value of 10.4509 MHz.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

Linear scaling pseudo Fermi-operator expansion for fractional occupation

Recursive Fermi-operator expansion methods for the calculation of the idempotent density matrix are valid only at zero electronic temperature with integer occupation numbers. We show how such methods can be modified to include fractional occupation numbers of an approximate or pseudo Fermi-Dirac distribution and how the corresponding entropy term of the free energy is calculated. The proposed methodology is demonstrated and evaluated for different electronic structure methods including density functional tight-binding theory, Kohn-Sham density functional theory using numerical orbitals, and quantum chemistry Hartree-Fock theory using Gaussian basis functions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Linear Scaling Density Functional Calculations with Gaussian Orbitals

Recent advances in linear scaling algorithms that circumvent the computational bottlenecks of large-scale electronic structure simulations make it possible to carry out density functional calculations with Gaussian orbitals on molecules containing more than 1000 atoms and 15000 basis functions using current workstations and personal computers. This paper discusses the recent theoretical developments that have led to these advances and demonstrates in a series of benchmark calculations the present capabilities of state-of-the-art computational quantum chemistry programs for the prediction of molecular structure and properties.

Scuseria, Gustavo E.↗

Gauged fermionic matrix quantum mechanics

We consider the gauged free fermionic matrix model, for a single fermionic matrix. In the large N limit this system describes a c=1/2 chiral fermion in 1+1 dimensions. The Gauss' law constraint implies that to obtain a physical state, indices of the fermionic matrices must be fully contracted, to form a singlet. There are two ways in which this can be achieved: one can consider a trace basis formed from products of traces of fermionic matrices or one can consider a Schur function basis, labeled by Young diagrams. The Schur polynomials for the fermions involve a twisted character, as a consequence of Fermi statistics. The main result of this paper is a proof that the trace and Schur bases coincide up to a simple normalization coefficient that we have computed.

1/N expansion↗

Discrete conservation properties for shallow water flows using mixed mimetic spectral elements

Here, a mixed mimetic spectral element method is applied to solve the rotating shallow water equations. The mixed method uses the recently developed spectral element histopolation functions, which exactly satisfy the fundamental theorem of calculus with respect to the standard Lagrange basis functions in one dimension. These are used to construct tensor product solution spaces which satisfy the generalized Stokes theorem, as well as the annihilation of the gradient operator by the curl and the curl by the divergence. This allows for the exact conservation of first order moments (mass, vorticity), as well as higher moments (energy, potential enstrophy), subject to the truncation error of the time stepping scheme. The continuity equation is solved in the strong form, such that mass conservation holds point wise, while the momentum equation is solved in the weak form such that vorticity is globally conserved. While mass, vorticity and energy conservation hold for any quadrature rule, potential enstrophy conservation is dependent on exact spatial integration. The method possesses a weak form statement of geostrophic balance due to the compatible nature of the solution spaces and arbitrarily high order spatial error convergence.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

An Algorithm for Atom-Centered Lossy Compression of the Atomic Orbital Basis in Density Functional Theory Calculations

Large atomic-orbital (AO) basis sets of at least triple and preferably quadruple-ζ (QZ) size are required to adequately converge Kohn–Sham density functional theory (DFT) calculations toward the complete basis set limit. However, incrementing the cardinal number by one nearly doubles the AO basis dimension, and the computational cost scales as the cube of the AO dimension, so this is very computationally demanding. Here, in this work, we develop and test a threshold-based natural atomic orbital (NAO) scheme in which ϵ-NAOs are obtained as eigenfunctions of atomic blocks of the density matrix in a one-center orthogonalized representation. This enables compression of the AO basis that is optimal for a given threshold, 10 –ϵ , by discarding NAOs with occupation numbers below that threshold. Extensive pilot test calculations using the Hartree–Fock functional and taking the converged density matrix as input suggest that a threshold of 10 –5 can yield a compression factor (ratio of AO to compressed ϵ-NAO dimension) between 2.5 and 4.5 for the QZ pc-3 basis. The errors in relative energies are typically less than 0.1 kcal/mol when the compressed basis is used instead of the uncompressed basis. Between 10 and 100 times smaller errors (i.e., usually less than 0.01 kcal/mol) can be obtained with a threshold 10 –7 , while the compression factor is typically between 2 and 2.5.

basis sets↗

Ab initio electron-phonon interactions using atomic orbital wave functions

The interaction among electrons and lattice vibrations determines key physical properties of materials, including their electrical and heat transport, excited electron dynamics, phase transitions, and superconductivity. We present an ab initio method that employs atomic orbital (AO) wave functions to compute the electron-phonon (e-ph) interactions in materials and interpolate the e-ph coupling matrix elements to fine Brillouin zone grids. We illustrate the numerical implementation of such AO-based e-ph calculations, and benchmark them against direct density functional theory calculations and Wannier function (WF) interpolation. The prime advantages of AOs over WFs for e-ph calculations are outlined. Since AOs are fixed basis functions associated with the atoms, they circumvent the need to generate a material-specific localized basis set with a trial-and-error approach, as is needed in WFs. Therefore, AOs are ideal to compute e-ph interactions in chemically and structurally complex materials for which WFs are challenging to generate, and are also promising for high-throughput materials discovery. Although our findings focus on AOs, the formalism we present generalizes e-ph calculations to arbitrary localized basis sets, with WFs recovered as a special case.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Liquid Crystal Mediated Interactions Between Nanoparticles in a Nematic Phase

A continuum theory is used to study the interactions between nanoparticles suspended in nematic liquid crystals. The free energy functional that describes the system is minimized using an Euler–Lagrange approach and an unsymmetric radial basis function method. It is shown that nanoparticle liquid-crystal mediated interactions can be controlled over a large range of magnitudes through changes of the anchoring energy and the particle diameter. Finally, the results presented in this work serve to reconcile past discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental observations, and suggest intriguing possibilities for directed nanoparticle self-assembly in liquid crystalline media.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Morphological transitions in liquid crystal nanodroplets

A continuum theory is utilized to study ordering in liquid crystal nanodroplets. The free energy functional that describes the system is minimized using an Euler–Lagrange approach and an unsymmetric radial basis function method. The equilibrium morphology in nanodroplets is shown to represent a delicate balance between bulk and surface contributions; when the radius of the droplet reaches a critical value, that balance is altered and the droplet undergoes a transition. By controlling the anchoring conditions at the droplet's surface, one can control the radius where the transition occurs and even prepare metastable droplets where small perturbations can trigger a morphological transition. The findings of the theory are shown to be consistent with recent experimental observations on monodisperse nematic liquid crystal nanodroplets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Utility of a finite element solution algorithm for initial-value problems

The Galerkin criterion within a finite element Weighted Residuals formulation is employed to establish an implicit solution algorithm for an initial-value partial differential equation. Numerical solutions of a transient parabolic and a hyperbolic equation, obtained using linear, quadratic and two cubic finite element basis functions, are employed to quantize accuracy and confirm and refine theoretical convergence rate estimates. The linear basis algorithm for the hyperbolic equation displays excellent accuracy on a coarse computational grid and a high-order convergence rate with discretization refinement. Good accuracy and a strong convergence rate in surface flux are determined for a nonhomogeneous Neumann boundary constraint applied to a parabolic equation. The results amply demonstrate the impact of the nondiagonal finite element initial-value matrix structure on solution accuracy and/or convergence rate.

Baker, A. J.↗

Enhancing the applicability of multicomponent time-dependent density functional theory

The multicomponent extension of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) within the nuclear-electronic orbital (NEO) framework enables the calculation of both electronic and vibrational excitations simultaneously. In this NEO-TDDFT approach, all electrons and select nuclei, typically protons, are treated quantum mechanically on the same level. Herein, the dependence of the proton vibrational excitation energies on the nuclear and electronic basis sets is examined. Protonic basis sets that include f basis functions in conjunction with substantial electronic basis sets for the quantum hydrogen are found to produce accurate proton vibrational excitation energies that are mostly within ~30 cm -1 of reference values for the molecules studied. The NEO-TDDFT approach is shown to be effective for open-shell as well as closed-shell systems. Additionally, an approach for computing and visualizing the nuclear transition densities associated with the proton vibrational excitations is implemented. These nuclear transition densities are important for characterizing the proton vibrational excitations and determining the spatial orientations of the corresponding vibrational modes. These capabilities are essential for a variety of applications, including the incorporation of anharmonic effects into molecular vibrational frequency calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Robust Approaches to Handling Complex Geometries with Galerkin Difference Methods

The Galerkin difference (GD) basis is a set of continuous, piecewise polynomials defined using a finite-difference-like grid of degrees of freedom. The one dimensional GD basis functions are naturally extended to multiple dimensions using a tensor product construction on quadrilateral elements. The GD basis can be used to define the solution space for a discontinuous Galerkin finite element discretization of partial differential equations. In this work we propose two approaches to handling complex geometries within this setting: (1) using nonconforming, curvilinear GD elements and (2) coupling affine GD elements with curvilinear simplicial elements. In both cases the (semidiscrete) discontinuous Galerkin method is provably energy stable even when variational crimes are committed. Additionally, for both element types a weight-adjusted mass matrix is used, which ensures that only the reference mass matrix must be inverted. We also present sufficient conditions on the treatment of metric terms for the curvilinear, nonconforming GD elements to ensure that the scheme is both constant preserving and conservative. Numerical experiments confirm the stability results and demonstrate the accuracy of the coupled schemes.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗