The Multigrid Beta Function Approach for Modeling of Background Error Covariance in the Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA)

We describe a method for the efficient generation of the covariance operators of a variational data assimilation scheme which is suited to implementation on a massively parallel computer. The elementary components of this scheme are what we call ‘beta filters’, since they are based on the same spatial profiles possessed by the symmetric beta distributions of probability theory. These approximately Gaussian (bell-shaped) polynomials blend smoothly to zero at the ends of finite intervals, which makes them better suited to parallelization than the present quasi-Gaussian ‘recursive filters’ used in operations at NCEP. These basic elements are further combined at a hierarchy of different spatial scales into an overall multigrid structure formulated to preserve the necessary self-adjoint attribute possessed by any valid covariance operator. This paper describes the underlying idea of the beta filter and discusses how generalized Helmholtz operators can be enlisted to weight the elementary contributions additively in such a way that the covariance operators may exhibit realistic negative sidelobes, which are not easily obtained through the recursive filter paradigm. The main focus of the paper is on the basic logistics of the multigrid structure by which more general covariance forms are synthesized from the basic quasi-Gaussian elements. We describe several ideas on how best to organize computation, which led us to a generalization of this structure which made it practical so that it can efficiently perform with any rectangular arrangement of processing elements. Some simple idealized examples of the applications of these ideas are given.

On Penrose’s theory of objective gravitationally induced wave function reduction

In this paper, the formal structure of Penrose’s gravitationally induced reduction of the wave function mechanism is analyzed. It is shown that pushing Penrose’s argument forward leads to the interpretation of quantum coherence in microscopic systems as an observable signature violation of general covariance. We discuss potential avenues to avoid this conclusion, among them emergent quantum mechanics and super-determinism.

Wave Functional of the Universe and Time

A version of the quantum theory of gravity based on the concept of the wave functional of the universe is proposed. To determine the physical wave functional, the quantum principle of least action is formulated as a secular equation for the corresponding action operator. Its solution, the wave functional, is an invariant of general covariant transformations of spacetime. In the new formulation, the history of the evolution of the universe is described in terms of coordinate time together with arbitrary lapse and shift functions, which makes this description close to the formulation of the principle of general covariance in the classical theory of Einstein’s gravity. In the new formulation of quantum theory, an invariant parameter of the evolutionary time of the universe is defined, which is a generalization of the classical geodesic time measured by a standard clock along time-like geodesics.

Physics in curved spacetime

Electromagnetic field theory, and the physics of continuous media (fluids, solids) in curved spacetime are discussed. Generalized Maxwell’s equations are written down and their justifaction is briefly presented. Then we turn to thermodynamics and continuous media. The concept of energy and momentum conservation is carefully expounded, and then the equations for fluid flow (continuity equation and Euler equation) are developed from the divergence of the energy tensor. The Bernoulli equation and the equation for hydrostatic equilibrium are obtained. The chapter then goes on to a general discussion of how general relativity operates and how gravitational phenomena are calculated and observed. The relation between gravity and other aspects of physics such as particle physics is discussed, along with the notion of general covariance.

On The Formulation of Bianchi Identity from Action Principle

In this letter, we investigate the basic property of the Hilbert-Einstein action principle and its infinitesimal variation under suitable transformation of the metric tensor. We find that for the variation in action to be invariant, it must be a scalar so as to obey the principle of general covariance. From this invariant action principle, we eventually derive the Bianchi identity (where, both the 1st and 2nd forms are been dissolved) by using the Lie derivative and Palatini identity. Finally, from our derived Bianchi identity, splitting it into its components and performing cyclic summation over all the indices, we eventually can derive the covariant derivative of the Riemann curvature tensor. This very formulation was first introduced by S Weinberg in case of a collision less plasma and gravitating system. We derive the Bianchi identity from the action principle via this approach; and hence the name ‘Weinberg formulation of Bianchi identity’.

Bremsstrahlung of Light through Spontaneous Emission of Gravitational Waves

Zero-point fluctuations are a universal consequence of quantum theory. Vacuum fluctuations of electromagnetic field have provided crucial evidence and guidance for QED as a successful quantum field theory with a defining gauge symmetry through the Lamb shift, Casimir effect, and spontaneous emission. In an accelerated frame, the thermalisation of the zero-point electromagnetic field gives rise to the Unruh effect linked to the Hawking effect of a black hole via the equivalence principle. This principle is the basis of general covariance, the symmetry of general relativity as the classical theory of gravity. If quantum gravity exists, the quantum vacuum fluctuations of the gravitational field should also lead to the quantum decoherence and dissertation of general forms of energy and matter. Here we present a novel theoretical effect involving the spontaneous emission of soft gravitons by photons as they bend around a heavy mass and discuss its observational prospects. Our analytic and numerical investigations suggest that the gravitational bending of starlight predicted by classical general relativity should also be accompanied by the emission of gravitational waves. This in turn redshifts the light causing a loss of its energy somewhat analogous to the bremsstrahlung of electrons by a heavier charged particle. It is suggested that this new effect may be important for a combined astronomical source of intense gravity and high-frequency radiation such as X-ray binaries and that the proposed LISA mission may be potentially sensitive to the resulting sub-Hz stochastic gravitational waves.

Analytical Solution to FRW Metric with Variable Speed of Light

<p>According to the principle of general covariance, the laws of physics are the same in all reference frames. The controversial theory of the Varying Speed of Light (VSL) contradicts the principle of general covariance. Fortunately the VLS theory explains some crucial issues in cosmology such as Lorentz variance, biometric theories, locally Lorentz variance, cosmological constant problem, horizon<em> </em>and flatness<em> </em>problems. Also, recent astronomical observations from quasar show that the fine structural constant depends on redshift and therefore, varies with cosmological time. In other to harness this fascinating and published knowledge, two models where used in this work. 1. Cosmology with variables c; here the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) is used in the Einstein field equation with variable c and Λ terms to obtain the scale factor, which shows the continuous exponential expansion of the universe. 2. Variation of the speed of light as a function of the scale factor of the universe; here we obtained: a good approximation to estimate the current age of the universe. The scale factor of the universe depends its content given by the equation of state parameter ω. We obtained the deceleration parameter in terms of the Hubble parameter. We arrived at a conclusion that the universe was decelerating at ω = 1, accelerating at ω = 1/3 and the Hubble parameter diverges at the beginning and end of the universe.</p>

A new paradox and the reconciliation of Lorentz and Galilean transformations

One of the most debated problems in the foundations of the special relativity theory is the role of conventionality. A common belief is that the Lorentz transformation is correct but the Galilean transformation is wrong (only approximately correct in low speed limit). It is another common belief that the Galilean transformation is incompatible with Maxwell equations. However, the “principle of general covariance” in general relativity makes any spacetime coordinate transformation equally valid. This includes the Galilean transformation as well. This renders a new paradox. This new paradox is resolved with the argument that the Galilean transformation is equivalent to the Lorentz transformation. The resolution of this new paradox also provides the most straightforward resolution of an older paradox which is due to Selleri in (Found Phys Lett 10:73–83, 1997). I also present a consistent electrodynamics formulation including Maxwell equations and electromagnetic wave equations under the Galilean transformation, in the exact form for any high speed, rather than in low speed approximation. Electrodynamics in rotating reference frames is rarely addressed in textbooks. The presented formulation of electrodynamics under the Galilean transformation even works well in rotating frames if we replace the constant velocity $$\mathbf {v}$$ v with $$\mathbf {v}=\varvec{\omega }\times \mathbf {r}$$ v = ω × r . This provides a practical tool for applications of electrodynamics in rotating frames. When electrodynamics is concerned, between two inertial reference frames, both Galilean and Lorentz transformations are equally valid, but the Lorentz transformation is more convenient. In rotating frames, although the Galilean electrodynamics does not seem convenient, it could be the most convenient formulation compared with other transformations, due to the intrinsic complex nature of the problem.