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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Physical interpretation of large Lorentz violation via Weyl semimetals

The physical intepretation of effective field theories of fundamental interactions incorporating large Lorentz violation is a long-standing challenge, known as the concordance problem. In condensed-matter physics, certain Weyl semimetals with emergent Lorentz invariance exhibit large Lorentz violation, thereby offering prospective laboratory analogues for exploration of this issue. We take advantage of the mathematical equivalence between the descriptions of large Lorentz violation in fundamental and condensed-matter physics to investigate the primary aspects of the concordance problem, which arise when the coefficients for Lorentz violation are large or the observer frame is highly boosted. Using thermodynamic arguments, we present a physical solution to the concordance problem and explore some implications.

Lorentz violation↗

Selective C−H Bond Cleavage in Methane by Small Gold Clusters

Abstract Methane represents the major constituent of natural gas. It is primarily used only as a source of energy by means of combustion, but could also serve as an abundant hydrocarbon feedstock for high quality chemicals. One of the major challenges in catalysis research nowadays is therefore the development of materials that selectively cleave one of the four C−H bonds of methane and thus make it amenable for further chemical conversion into valuable compounds. By employing infrared spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations it is uncovered herein that the interaction of methane with small gold cluster cations leads to selective C−H bond dissociation and the formation of hydrido methyl complexes, H‐Au x + ‐CH 3 . The distinctive selectivity offered by these gold clusters originates from a fine interplay between the closed‐shell nature of the d states and relativistic effects in gold. Such fine balance in fundamental interactions could prove to be a tunable feature in the rational design of a catalyst.

Lang, Sandra M.↗

Understanding the ignition mechanism of high-pressure spray flames

A conceptual model for turbulent ignition in high-pressure spray flames is presented. The model is motivated by first-principles simulations and optical diagnostics applied to the Sandia n-dodecane experiment. The Lagrangian flamelet equations are combined with full LLNL kinetics (2755 species; 11,173 reactions) to resolve all time and length scales and chemical pathways of the ignition process at engine-relevant pressures and turbulence intensities unattainable using classic DNS. The first-principles value of the flamelet equations is established by a novel chemical explosive mode-diffusion time scale analysis of the fully-coupled chemical and turbulent time scales. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this analysis reveals that the high Damköhler number limit, a key requirement for the validity of the flamelet derivation from the reactive Navier–Stokes equations, applies during the entire ignition process. Corroborating Rayleigh-scattering and formaldehyde PLIF with simultaneous schlieren imaging of mixing and combustion are presented. Our combined analysis establishes a characteristic temporal evolution of the ignition process. First, a localized first-stage ignition event consistently occurs in highest temperature mixture regions. This initiates, owed to the intense scalar dissipation, a turbulent cool flame wave propagating from this ignition spot through the entire flow field. This wave significantly decreases the ignition delay of lower temperature mixture regions in comparison to their homogeneous reference. This explains the experimentally observed formaldehyde formation across the entire spray head prior to high-temperature ignition which consistently occurs first in a broad range of rich mixture regions. There, the combination of first-stage ignition delay, shortened by the cool flame wave, and the subsequent delay until second-stage ignition becomes minimal. A turbulent flame subsequently propagates rapidly through the entire mixture over time scales consistent with experimental observations. As a result, we demonstrate that the neglect of turbulence-chemistry-interactions fundamentally fails to capture the key features of this ignition process.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

River–aquifer interactions enhancing evapotranspiration in a semiarid riparian zone: A modelling study

The hydrologic flows across the river–aquifer interface play an important role in groundwater dynamics and biogeochemical reactions within the subsurface; however, little is known about the effects of river–aquifer interactions on land surface processes. In this study, we developed a fully coupled three-dimensional (3D) land surface and subsurface model at a high resolution (~1 km) that accounts for high-frequency hydrologic exchange flow conditions to investigate how river–aquifer interactions modulate surface water budgets in the Upper Columbia-Priest Rapids watershed, a typical semiarid watershed located in the northwestern United States where river stage fluctuates in response to reservoir releases changing. Our results show that the spatiotemporal dynamics of river–aquifer interactions are highly heterogeneous, driven mainly by river-stage fluctuations. Adding 6.64 × 10 6 m 3 year –1 of water over the watershed from the river to groundwater owing to the lateral flow, river–aquifer interactions led to an increase in soil evaporation and transpiration supplied by higher soil moisture content, particularly in deeper subsurface. In a hypothetic future scenarios where a 5-m rise in river stage was assumed, the hydrologic flow exchange rates were intensified, resulting in higher surface water over the entire watershed. Overall, lateral flow induced by river–aquifer exchanges leads to an increase in evapotranspiration of ~75% in the historical period and of ~83% in the hypothetical future scenario. Finally, our study demonstrates the potential of coupled model as an effective tool for understanding river–aquifer–land surface interactions, and indicates that river–aquifer interactions fundamentally alter the water balance of the riparian zone for the semiarid watershed and will likely become more frequent and intense in the future under the effects of climate change.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Electronic excitations and spin interactions in chromium trihalides from embedded many-body wavefunctions

Although chromium trihalides are widely regarded as a promising class of two-dimensional magnets for next-generation devices, an accurate description of their electronic structure and magnetic interactions has proven challenging to achieve. Here, we quantify electronic excitations and spin interactions in CrX 3 (X = Cl, Br, I) using embedded many-body wavefunction calculations and fully generalized spin Hamiltonians. We find that the three trihalides feature comparable d-shell excitations, consisting of a high-spin 4 A 2 ($t^3_{2g}$$e^0_g$) ground state lying 1.5–1.7 eV below the first excited state 4 T 2 ($t^2_{2g}$$e^1_g$). CrCl 3 exhibits a single-ion anisotropy A sia = - 0.02 meV, while the Cr spin-3/2 moments are ferromagnetically coupled through bilinear and biquadratic exchange interactions of J 1 = - 0.97 meV and J 2 = - 0.05 meV, respectively. The corresponding values for CrBr 3 and CrI 3 increase to A sia = -0.08 meV and A sia = - 0.12 meV for the single-ion anisotropy, J 1 = -1.21 meV, J 2 = -0.05 meV and J 1 = -1.38 meV, J 2 = -0.06 meV for the exchange couplings, respectively. We find that the overall magnetic anisotropy is defined by the interplay between A sia and A dip due to magnetic dipole–dipole interaction that favors in-plane orientation of magnetic moments in ferromagnetic monolayers and bulk layered magnets. The competition between the two contributions sets CrCl 3 and CrI 3 as the easy-plane (A sia + A dip >0) and easy-axis (A sia + A dip <0) ferromagnets, respectively. The differences between the magnets trace back to the atomic radii of the halogen ligands and the magnitude of spin–orbit coupling. Our findings are in excellent agreement with recent experiments, thus providing reference values for the fundamental interactions in chromium trihalides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Theoretical Research at the High Energy Frontier: Cosmology and Beyond

The forefront of particle physics has focused on possible physics beyond the standard model which might help explain its peculiarities, including the nature of the spectrum of masses of elementary particles, the peculiar hierarchy between the Planck scale and the electroweak scale, and the possible manner in which the standard model might be embedded in a quantum theory which incorporates gravity. Over the past several decades it has become clear that several of the key out-standing problems associated with our understanding of fundamental interactions are inextricably tied to questions that are also of current interest in cosmology and astrophysics. At the same time, remarkable new data is being gathered that will allow empirical testing of theoretical ideas that have been around for a generation, from the discovery of the Higgs at the LHC to the possible detection of gravitational waves from Inflation at the GUT scale. The questions of the origin of mass, and possible grand unification are both tied to the possible existence of phase transitions in the early universe. Neutrino masses, as probed from astrophysical sources, may play a key role in elucidating the physics associated with the generation of baryon number. It is also possible that new physics at the electroweak scale may play a role in the nature of primordial cosmological magnetic fields. Low Energy Supersymmetry as a solution to the hierarchy problem can predict, besides events detectable at the LHC, stable weakly interacting particles that might make up the dark matter of the universe. The possible existence of large extra dimensions might also impact upon the hierarchy problem, but these could also dramatically affect our picture of the evolution of the Universe both at early times, and possibly on large scales. Inflation may depend upon new physics at the GUT scale, but its detection may now be imminent with the possible detection of a gravitational wave signature in the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation. Undoubtedly the most significant outstanding problem in high-energy physics is also a problem in cosmology, and indeed originated not from accelerators but from astrophysical observations: What is the origin and nature of the dark energy that appears to dominate the Universe? An understanding of quantum gravity, and perhaps a new understanding of quantum mechanics or quantum field theory may be required to fully address this problem. At the moment, the physics of black holes may provide the best opportunity to explore these issues, while the discovery of the Higgs suggests several new possible connections to physics that might be relevant for dark energy. Finally, pending confirmation of a gravitational wave signal from inflation, to date the only direct evidence for fundamental particle physics beyond the standard model comes, at least in part, from astrophysical neutrino observations. A remarkable convergence of theory, observation and experiment has been taking place that is allowing great strides to be made in our knowledge of the parameters that describe the universe, if not the origin of these parameters. Given the new discoveries now being made, and the incredible capabilities of future instruments, it is an exciting time to make progress in our fundamental understanding the origin and evolution of the Universe and the fundamental forces that guide that evolution. As a result, it is natural that our DOE theory research program at Arizona State University focuses in large part on the connections between particle physics and cosmology and astrophysics in order to improve our understanding of fundamental physics. Our areas of research cover all of the areas described above. Our group now consists of four faculty PI’s and their postdocs and students, complemented by long term visitor Frank Wilczek, and physics faculty colleagues Cecilia Lunardini, Richard Lebed, and Andrei Belitsky, whose interests overlap in areas ranging from particle theory and phenomenology to neutrino astrophysics. In addition, we interact with astronomers, and experimentalists in both Physics and the School of Earth and Space Exploration. In addition, Krauss and Parikh are associated, respectively, with the ASU Origins Project and the ASU Beyond Center. Both of these groups have helped us leverage DOE funds by supporting workshops associated with our activities from time to time. To continue the active program we have built up here, we are asking for support for 3 graduate students, and 3 postdocs (note that the PI will forego summer salary support in order to support one additional postdoc beyond the request in our last proposal for 2 postdocs). We have been fortunate to build a vibrant group based in part on University startup support for our program. Now that that support is coming to a close for most of our group, we are hoping that the exciting program we have created motivates continued DOE support at a level that, while not as great as the level we enjoyed with startup support, will nevertheless allow us to maintain our momentum.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Probing Complexity using the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and the Advanced Light Source (ALS)

The goal of our research program is to investigate fundamental interactions between photons and molecular/nano-systems to advance our quantitative understanding of electron correlations, charge transfer and many body phenomena. Our research projects focus on probing, on a femtosecond time-scale, multi-electron interactions and tracing nuclear motion in order to understand, and ultimately control energy flow and charge transfer processes from electromagnetic radiation to matter. The experiments will be carried out with state of the art instrumentation built by the P.I. team with funds from a DoE "Single Investigator and Small Group Research" (SISGR) grant. The research projects carried out the past three years consisted of first experiments using the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) x-ray free electron laser (FEL) facility at the SLAC National Laboratory, as well as the study of correlated processes in select anions using the Advanced Light Source (ALS). A report for the past cycle is described in section II. These studies have paved the way for our renewal application for the next three years. Our research interests for the next three years extend our past and present research by carrying out time-resolved measurements described in section III. They will consist of: a) The study of molecular dynamics that happen on ultrafast time scales, using pump-probe schemes and the study of non-linear physics in the x-ray regime via multi-photon absorption from the LCLS. This will be achieved by measuring and examining both electronic and nuclear dynamics subsequent to the interaction of molecules and nano-systems with LCLS pulses of various wavelength, intensity and pulse duration as described in section III.A. b) The study of molecular dynamics and correlated processes via absorption of vuv-soft x-rays from the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory to provide single-photon ionization baseline results for LCLS studies. In addition, we will study the photodetachment of anions using the ALS as described in section III. B. The PI has an ALS approved program (AP) thus has guaranteed beamtime. Our research underpins several aspects of the DOE mission since our investigations of the formation and evolution of energized states in molecules and nanostructures provides a fundamental basis for understanding elementary processes in solar energy conversion and radiation-induced chemistry. Most of our work is carried out in a strong partnership with theorists. Our proposed work falls in the class of research reported to be timely and necessary by the 2013 DoE Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) Subcommittee report on Future X-ray Light Sources. Specifically, our proposed experiments fall in the category labeled class II, “Spectroscopy and Dynamics with FELs”.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Advances in rapid compression machine studies of low- and intermediate-temperature autoignition phenomena

Rapid compression machines (RCMs) are widely-used to acquire experimental insights into fuel autoignition and pollutant formation chemistry, especially at conditions relevant to current and future combustion technologies. RCM studies emphasize important experimental regimes, characterized by low- to intermediate-temperatures (600–1200 K) and moderate to high pressures (5–80 bar). At these conditions, which are directly relevant to modern combustion schemes including low temperature combustion (LTC) for internal combustion engines and dry low emissions (DLE) for gas turbine engines, combustion chemistry exhibits complex and experimentally challenging behaviors such as the chemistry attributed to cool flame behavior and the negative temperature coefficient regime. Challenges for studying this regime include that experimental observations can be more sensitive to coupled physical-chemical processes leading to phenomena such as mixed deflagrative/autoignitive combustion. Experimental strategies which leverage the strengths of RCMs have been developed in recent years to make RCMs particularly well suited for elucidating LTC and DLE chemistry, as well as convolved physical-chemical processes. Specifically, this work presents a review of experimental and computational efforts applying RCMs to study autoignition phenomena, and the insights gained through these efforts. A brief history of RCM development is presented towards the steady improvement in design, characterization, instrumentation and data analysis. Novel experimental approaches and measurement techniques, coordinated with computational methods are described which have expanded the utility of RCMs beyond empirical studies of explosion limits to increasingly detailed understanding of autoignition chemistry and the role of physical-chemical interactions. Fundamental insight into the autoignition chemistry of specific fuels is described, demonstrating the extent of knowledge of low-temperature chemistry derived from RCM studies, from simple hydrocarbons to multi-component blends and full-boiling range fuels. In conclusion, emerging needs and further opportunities are suggested, including investigations of under-explored fuels and the implementation of increasingly higher fidelity diagnostics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

$|\Delta \mathcal{B}| =2$: A State of the Field, and Looking Forward--A brief status report of theoretical and experimental physics opportunities

The origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry apparently obligates the laws of physics to include some mechanism of baryon number ($\mathcal{B}$) violation. Searches for interactions violating $\mathcal{B}$ and baryon-minus-lepton number $\mathcal{(B-L)}$ represent a rich and underutilized opportunity. These are complementary to the existing, broad program of searches for $\mathcal{L}$-violating modes such as neutrinoless double $\beta$-decay which could provide deeper understandings of the plausibility of leptogenesis, or $\mathcal{B}$-violating, $\mathcal{(B-L)}$-conserving processes such as proton decay. In particular, a low-scale, post-sphaleron violation mechanism of $\mathcal{(B-L)}$ could provide a \textit{testable} form of baryogenesis. Though theoretically compelling, searches for such $\mathcal{(B-L)}$-violating processes like $\Delta\mathcal{B}=2$ dinucleon decay and $n\rightarrow\bar{n}$ remain relatively underexplored experimentally compared to other rare processes. By taking advantage of upcoming facilities such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and the European Spallation Source, this gap can be addressed with new intranuclear and free searches for neutron transformations with very high sensitivity, perhaps greater than three orders of magnitude higher than previous experimental searches. This proceedings reports on recent theoretical and experimental advances and sensitivities of next-generation searches for neutron transformations were detailed as part of the Amherst Center for Fundamental Interactions Workshop, "Theoretical Innovations for Future Experiments Regarding Baryon Number Violation," directly coordinated with the Rare Processes and Precision Measurements Frontier.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Lattice Gauge Theories Within and Beyond the Standard Model

The Standard Model of particle physics has been very successful in describing fundamental interactions up to the highest energies currently probed in particle accelerator experiments. However, the Standard Model is incomplete and currently exhibits tension with experimental data for interactions involving $B$~mesons. Consequently, $B$-meson physics is of great interest to both experimentalists and theorists. Experimentalists worldwide are studying the decay and mixing processes of $B$~mesons in particle accelerators. Theorists are working to understand the data by employing lattice gauge theories within and beyond the Standard Model. This work addresses the theoretical effort and is divided into two main parts. In the first part, I present a lattice-QCD calculation of form factors for exclusive semileptonic decays of $B$~mesons that are mediated by both charged currents ($B \to \pi \ell \nu$, $B_s \to K \ell \nu$) and neutral currents ($B \to \pi \ell^+ \ell^-$, $B \to K \ell ^+ \ell^-$). The results are important for constraining or revealing physics beyond the Standard Model. This work uses MILC's (2+1+1)-flavor ensembles, with the HISQ action for the up, down, strange, and charm sea and valence quarks, and the clover action in the Fermilab interpretation for the $b$~quark. Simulations are carried out on five ensembles at three lattice spacings down to $\approx 0.088$~fm, with both physical and unphysical sea-quark masses. I present results for correlation-function fits and describe the chiral-continuum extrapolation and $z$~expansion of the form factors. In the second part, I present the status of an ongoing lattice calculation of $SU(3)$ gauge theory with eight and 12 fundamental fermions, in which I search for the endpoint of the line of first-order phase transitions in the mass--coupling plane. The results are important for understanding the phase diagram of these models, with possible applications to physics beyond the Standard Model. This work uses the staggered action and the nHYP-improved stagge! red action for the fermions, as well as the Wilson action in the fundamental and fundamental--adjoint representations for the gauge bosons. With the unimproved actions, I present results for a small lattice and describe the ongoing effort on larger lattices. I also discuss the shift symmetry on lattices with and without improved actions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Why is GeV physics relevant in the age of the LHC?

The contribution that Jefferson Lab has made, with its 6 GeV electron beam, and will make, with its 12 GeV upgrade, to our understanding of the way the fundamental interactions work, particularly strong coupling QCD, is outlined. The physics at the GeV scale is essential even in TeV collisions.

Pennington, Michael R.↗

Parity violation in electron scattering

By comparing the cross sections for left- and right-handed electrons scattered from various unpolarized nuclear targets, the small parity-violating asymmetry can be measured. These asymmetry data probe a wide variety of important topics, including searches for new fundamental interactions and important features of nuclear structure that cannot be studied with other probes. A special feature of these experiments is that the results are interpreted with remarkably few theoretical uncertainties, which justifies pushing the experiments to the highest possible precision. To measure the small asymmetries accurately, a number of novel experimental techniques have been developed.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Ab-initio investigation of the effect of adsorbed salts on segregation of Cr at the Ni (100) surface

The dissolution and depletion of chromium (Cr) in salt facing nickel (Ni) alloy surfaces is one of the predominant degradation mechanisms of structural components in molten salt technology. Here, we use density functional theory to investigate the role of electronic level interactions that may underlie the depletion phenomenon of Cr in a Ni (100) surface exposed to various adsorbed salt species. Our results show that, under vacuum, Ni preferentially segregates to the surface layer. Conversely, in the presence of adsorbed anionic salt species (e.g., chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F) or the impurity oxygen (O)) Cr segregation becomes more favorable. In these cases, Cl has the weakest effect on segregation, while O has the strongest effect. Our analysis reveals the strong correlation between Cr segregation and the amount of valence charge transferred between the Cr atom and surface adsorbate: the greater the charge transfer, the lower the segregation energy. We also show that, when considered, secondary cations screen Cr-anion interactions, which in turn reduce the magnitude of the anions effect on segregation. These results shed light on the role of salt impurities likely play in the overall corrosion phenomena in molten salt environments. This work provides insights into the atomic level interactions fundamental to molten salt corrosion and on the importance of maintaining salt purity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A high-voltage MR-ToF mass spectrometer and separator for the study of exotic isotopes at FRIB

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) delivers a wide variety of rare isotopes as fast, stopped, or reaccelerated beams to enable forefront research in nuclear structure, astrophysics, and fundamental interactions. To expand the scientific potential of FRIB’s stopped and reaccelerated beam programs, we are designing a Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer and separator (MR-ToF MS). It will enable high-precision mass measurements of short-lived isotopes, improve beam diagnostics, and deliver isobarically and isomerically purified beams to downstream experimental stations. It is designed to store ions at a kinetic energy of 30 keV, significantly enhancing ion throughput while maintaining high mass resolving power. In conclusion, we present the scientific motivation, technical design, and simulations demonstrating the expected performance of the system, which has the potential to significantly enhance FRIB’s mass measurement, diagnostic, and mass separation capabilities.

Electrostatic ion beam trap↗

An improved understanding of the natural resonances of moonpools contained within floating rigid-bodies: Theory and application to oscillating water column devices

The fundamental interactions between waves, a floating rigid-body, and a moonpool that is selectively open to atmosphere or enclosed to purposefully induce pressure fluctuations are investigated. The moonpool hydrodynamic characteristics and the hydrodynamic coupling to the rigid-body are derived implicitly through reciprocity relations on an array of field points. By modeling the free surface of the moonpool in this manner, an explicit hydrodynamic coupling term is included in the equations of motion. This coupling results in the migration of the moonpool's natural resonance frequency from the piston frequency to a new frequency when enclosed in a floating rigid-body. Two geometries that highlight distinct aspects of marine vessels and oscillating water column (OWC) renewable energy devices are analyzed to reveal the coupled natural resonance migration. The power performance of these two OWCs in regular waves is also investigated. The air chamber is enclosed and a three-dimensional, linear, frequency domain performance model that links the rigid-body to the moonpool through a linear resistive control strategy is detailed. Furthermore, an analytic expression for the optimal linear resistive control values in regular waves is presented.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Membrane tension feedback on shape and motility of eukaryotic cells

In the framework of a phase field model of a single cell crawling on a substrate, we investigate how the properties of the cell membrane affect the shape and motility of the cell. Since the membrane influences the cell dynamics on multiple levels and provides a nontrivial feedback, we consider the following fundamental interactions: (i) the reduction of the actin polymerization rate by membrane tension; (ii) area conservation of the cell’s two-dimensional cross-section vs. conservation of the circumference (i.e. membrane inextensibility); and (iii) the contribution from the membrane’s bending energy to the shape and integrity of the cell. As in experiments, we investigate two pertinent observables — the cell’s velocity and its aspect ratio. We find that the most important effect is the feedback of membrane tension on the actin polymerization. Bending rigidity has only minor effects, visible mostly in dynamic reshaping events, as exemplified by collisions of the cell with an obstacle.

Winkler, Benjamin↗

Particle resuspension: Challenges and perspectives for future models

Using what has become a celebrated catchphrase, Philip W. Anderson once wrote that “more is different” (Science, Vol. 177, Issue 4047, pp. 393–396, 1972). First formulated in the context of condensed matter, this statement carries far beyond the sole limits of solid-state physics. It emphasizes that collective behavior can be more than the mere sum of what happens for elementary constituents or the mere collation of the evolution of each degree of freedom. Said otherwise, complex phenomena can arise out of the interplay between multiple sub-phenomena each of which can be relatively simple. The process of particle resuspension, in which discrete particles adhering on a surface are pulled off and carried away by a fluid flow, is another example involving a web of phenomena pertaining to fluid mechanics, particle dynamics and interface chemistry whose cross-effects create an intricate topic. The purpose of this review is to analyze the physics at play in particle resuspension in order to bring insights into the rich complexity of this common but challenging concern. Following the more-is-different vision, this is performed by starting from a range of practical observations and experimental data. We then work our way through the investigation of the key mechanisms which play a role in the overall process. In turn, these mechanisms reveal an array of fundamental interactions, such as particle–fluid, particle–particle and particle–surface, whose combined effects create the tapestry of current applications. At the core of this analysis are descriptions of these physical phenomena and the different ways through which they are intertwined to build up various models used to provide quantitative assessment of particle resuspension. The physics of particle resuspension implies to hold together processes occurring at extremely different space and time scales and models are key in providing a single vehicle to lead us through such multiscale journeys. This raises questions on what makes up a model and one objective of the present work is to clarify the essence of a modeling approach. In spite of its ubiquitous nature, particle resuspension is still at the early stages of developments. Many extensions need to be worked out and revisiting the art of modeling is not a moot point. The need to consider more complex objects than small and spherical particles and, moreover, to come up with unified descriptions of mono- and multilayer resuspension put the emphasis on solid model foundations if we are to go beyond current limits. Further, this is very much modeling in the making and new ideas are proposed to stimulate interest into this everyday but challenging issue in physics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗