Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Tweak to Schrödinger's cat equation could unite Einstein's relativity and quantum mechanics, study hints

 Physicists have proposed modifications to the infamous Schrödinger's cat paradox that could help explain why quantum particles can exist in more than one state simultaneously, while large objects (like the universe) seemingly cannot.




The universe's largest structures appear to follow the rules of Einstein's relativity, while the smallest objects obey quantum mechanics. Can proposed changes to the infamous Schrödinger's cat equations help unite the two theories? (Image credit: TheDigitalArtist / Pixabay)

Theoretical physicists have proposed a new solution to the Schrödinger's cat paradox, which may allow the theories of quantum mechanics and Einstein's relativity to live in better harmony.

The bizarre laws of quantum physics postulate that physical objects can exist in a combination of multiple states, like being in two places at once or possessing various velocities simultaneously. According to this theory, a system remains in such a "superposition" until it interacts with a measuring device, only acquiring definite values as a result of the measurement. Such an abrupt change in the state of the system is called a collapse.

Physicist Erwin Schrödinger summarized this theory in 1935 with his famous feline paradox — using the metaphor of a cat in a sealed box being simultaneously dead and alive until the box is opened, thus collapsing the cat's state and revealing its fate.

However, applying these rules to real-world scenarios faces challenges — and that's where the true paradox arises. While quantum laws hold true for the realm of elementary particles, larger objects behave in accordance with classical physics as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, and are never observed in a superposition of states. Describing the entire universe using quantum principles poses even greater hurdles, as the cosmos appears entirely classical and lacks any external observer to serve as a measuring device for its state.

"The question is can the Universe, which does not have a surrounding environment, be in such a superposition?" lead author Matteo Carlesso, a theoretical physicist at the University of Trieste in Italy, told Live Science in an email. "Observations say no: everything goes along the classical predictions of General Relativity. Then, what is breaking such a superposition?"

Related: Quantum 'yin-yang' shows two photons being entangled in real-time

To tackle this question, Carlesso and his colleagues proposed modifications to the  Schrödinger equation, which governs how all states, including those in superposition, evolve over time.

"Specific modifications of the Schrödinger equation can solve the problem," Carlesso said. In particular, the team added terms to the equation that captured how the system interacts with itself, as well as adding some other specific terms. This in turn leads to superposition breaking down.

"Such effects are stronger the larger the system," Carlesso added.

Crucially, these modifications have little impact on microscopic quantum systems, such as atoms and molecules, but allow larger systems — like the universe itself — to collapse at frequent intervals, giving them definite values that fit with our observations of the cosmos. The team described their modified Schrödinger equation in February in the Journal of High Energy Physics.

In their tweaked version of quantum physics, the researchers eliminated the distinction between objects subject to measurement and measuring devices. Instead, they proposed that each system's state undergoes spontaneous collapse at regular intervals, leading to the acquisition of definite values for some of their attributes.

For large systems, spontaneous collapse occurs frequently, rendering them classical in appearance. Subatomic objects interacting with these systems become part of them, leading to rapid collapse of their state and the acquisition of definite coordinates, akin to measurement.

"With no action from external entities, any system localizes (or collapses) spontaneously in a particular state. In place of having a cat being dead AND alive, one finds it dead OR alive," Carlesso said.

The new model may explain why our universe's space-time geometry doesn't exist in a superposition of states and obeys the classical equations of Einstein's relativity.

"Our model describes a quantum Universe, which eventually collapsed thus becoming effectively classical," Carlesso said. "We show that spontaneous collapse models can explain the emergence of a classical Universe from a quantum superposition of Universes, where each of these Universes has a different space-time geometry."


While this theory may explain why the universe seems to be governed by classical laws of physics, it doesn't make new predictions about large-scale physical processes.

However, it does make predictions about how atoms and molecules will behave, albeit with minimal deviations from conventional quantum mechanics.

As a result, testing their modified quantum model won't be so simple. Future work will be aimed at coming up with such tests.

"Together with experimental collaborators, we are trying to test the effects of the collapse modifications or derive bounds on their parameters. This is completely equivalent to testing the limits of quantum theory."

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Saturday, April 27, 2024

Breathing New Life into Buildings: The Future of HVAC Design by Mechanical Engineers

 



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Monday, April 22, 2024

New generation of aircraft mechanics hoping to fill gaps amid worker shortage




Another student, Justin Bosco, said his love for aircraft started as a child.

"When I was younger there was a program called Operation Purple, where they would send military kids to a summer camp for a week," he said. "The Army National Guard came in one year and brought a Blackhawk helicopter, and little 8-year-old me was like that’s the coolest thing ever."

Among the pros of being an aircraft mechanic, Bosco said the job is very interesting, every day is different, and the money can't be complained about, "especially with everyone retiring."



Those retirements are helping drive the shortage of mechanics as nearly one-third of the current aircraft mechanic workforce is at or near retirement.
AMERICAN AIRLINES PILOTS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT THAT INCLUDES PAY BOOST, BENEFITS

"We had the baby boomer generation, and that’s what filled the workforce. So this is you know, the next large wave. All the people now are going to need to start filling in all the spots that are being vacated by people retiring or at that age," said Matthew Harter, the SWIC Aviation Maintenance Technology Program coordinator.

Harter said the shortage of technicians could impact travel.

"If they don’t have enough mechanics, they can’t produce a certain amount of hours that inspections take, so they may have to down planes or extend planes maintenance activities longer," said Harter.

AIRLINES SEEK TO EXTEND CUTS TO FLIGHTS IN NEW YORK-AREA AIRPORTS AMID STAFFING SHORTAGE

Some commercial airlines like Delta and American don’t anticipate issues. Delta said they’re getting ahead of the shortage with a strong pipeline of workers through partnerships with schools and other recruiting efforts.. "We have a great team that goes out and helps with our forecasting to make sure we have enough of a spread. And then if we have to, we’ll add more schools in to the partnerships, and we’ll start drawing from other universities," said Joseph McDermott, Delta Air Lines' vice president of cabin operations and support services.
In the meantime, the future mechanics are ready to get to work.

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"I’m glad that there are jobs available, but I really hope that a lot of people [are] joining us so that we don’t have to end up with having to work overtime and being stressed out," Hagstrom said.


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Saturday, April 6, 2024

Elon’s Department of Engineering launches mechanical engineering concentration



The mechanical engineering concentration complements existing coursework and is the most popular engineering degree worldwide. Assistant Professor Blake Hament was hired this summer to add to existing curriculum and faculty expertise.



Wednesday, April 3, 2024

LyondellBasell Acquires Mechanical Recycling Assets and Plans Operations in California

mechanical recycling assets containing rigid plastics recycling processing lines from PreZero, a global recycling leader and waste management service provider. The transaction includes leasing the processing facility in Jurupa Valley, Calif., which has a production capacity of approximately 50 million pounds per year for recycled materials.



"This acquisition further strengthens our U.S. presence and will deliver value for our customers and plastic recycling rates in the West Coast," said Yvonne van der Laan, LyondellBasell executive vice president, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions. "We will build upon our existing experience in plastic recycling in Europe and deliver a state-of-the-art, mechanical recycling facility to meet growing demand for recycled products in the U.S."

LYB plans to operate its newly-acquired mechanical recycling plant in California to manufacture post-consumer recycled resins using plastic waste feedstock. LYB will offer these recycled polymers under its CirculenRecover brand, part of the company's Circulen portfolio of products that enable the circular economy. LYB expects to commence operations at its new facility in 2025.

The transaction supports the company's efforts to build a circular economy for plastic, help end plastic waste in the environment and meet customers' growing demand for sustainable products. Together with the previously announced equity stake in the and investment in the in Houston, this latest California-based transaction will further enhance the competitiveness of LYB in the U.S. recycled products market.

About LyondellBasell

We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information,

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the projections, anticipated results, or other expectations expressed in this release, including, but not limited to, receipt of required regulatory approvals; the successful construction and operation of the proposed facilities described in this release; and our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the ability to increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers to meet our targets and forecasts. While these statements and projections are made in good faith, LyondellBasell and its management cannot guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's





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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Working in the fast lane: Mechanical engineering student secures work term with Formula One



John MacIsaac always had a special interest in cars and engines. "Any maintenance large or small my dad would walk me through, and I would be encouraged to understand how the mechanism works and to research a solution," he says. This hobby paved the way for his interest in high-performance vehicles.

The third-year mechanical engineering student had the opportunity of a lifetime this past fall, completing his first work term at the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team factory in England.

Through a contact made at the Canadian Grand Prix, John was able to connect with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team's head of talent and recruitment. After applying for a position and completing the interview process, John was hired as a placement student in the Research and Development department.


When John arrived, the organization had just moved into a state-of-the-art factory. Initially, he was anxious to be working in such an advanced environment as a new engineer. His nerves soon diminished as his team welcomed him and gave him the chance to join projects and contribute.

During his time at the organization, John worked with his supervisor, who was responsible for most of the R&D and testing of the F1 cars' cooling systems. He was able to develop his skills by working with different types of software and running tests in the labs with the help of technicians. John noted that it was easy to develop relationships and receive input whenever it was required.

"My supervisor was comfortable allowing me to run tests on my own, which was invaluable for my personal development," he says, "My supervisor would also walk through every intricate detail of why a test is required; this allowed me to further analyze and explain our findings in our weekly team meetings. I found this to be the perfect work environment to grow professionally."

The projects John worked on took a lot of patience and attention to detail, and he was grateful to contribute and make an impact on the organization. "Knowing that my projects and tests will have a potential impact on the cars' performance makes them all incredibly special," he says.


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The Future of Mechanical Engineering: Trends to Watch in 2024

From the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, mechanical engineering has consistently led the way in innovation, driving progress acro...