Sayram: A Positivity‐Preserving Open Source 3D Radiation Belt Modeling Code

Abstract Radiation belt dynamics is typically modeled using a quasilinear diffusion equation. However, standard numerical methods often produce non‐physical negative or oscillatory solutions due to cross‐diffusion terms. Here, we present Sayram, an open‐source 3D radiation belt modeling code that employs a positivity‐preserving finite volume method to address this decades‐old numerical challenge. Sayram incorporates key physical processes of the radiation belts, including local wave–particle interactions, radial diffusion, and losses due to precipitation and magnetopause shadowing. We validate Sayram using 1D radial diffusion, 2D pitch‐angle and momentum diffusion, and a 3D model diffusion problem. Additionally, we apply it to a GEM challenge storm‐time radiation belt event, demonstrating consistency with previous results. Compared to other 3D radiation belt codes, Sayram employs an implicit time integration scheme, preserves positivity, and ensures conservation properties. The code is developed in C++ with a highly modular design, allowing for easy adaptation to similar tasks. By making Sayram open source, we aim to provide the radiation belt community with a robust tool to improve radiation belt modeling and forecasting.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics
Published
2025-06-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025ja033991
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.15

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article

Sayram: A Positivity‐Preserving Open Source 3D Radiation Belt Modeling Code

Xin Tao, J. M. Albert, A. A. Chan, Peng Peng
1 citations
Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
1.15
article

Sayram: A Positivity‐Preserving Open Source 3D Radiation Belt Modeling Code

Xin Tao, J. M. Albert, A. A. Chan, Peng Peng
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Abstract Radiation belt dynamics is typically modeled using a quasilinear diffusion equation. However, standard numerical methods often produce non‐physical negative or oscillatory solutions due to cross‐diffusion terms. Here, we present Sayram, an open‐source 3D radiation belt modeling code that employs a positivity‐preserving finite volume method to address this decades‐old numerical challenge. Sayram incorporates key physical processes of the radiation belts, including local wave–particle interactions, radial diffusion, and losses due to precipitation and magnetopause shadowing. We validate Sayram using 1D radial diffusion, 2D pitch‐angle and momentum diffusion, and a 3D model diffusion problem. Additionally, we apply it to a GEM challenge storm‐time radiation belt event, demonstrating consistency with previous results. Compared to other 3D radiation belt codes, Sayram employs an implicit time integration scheme, preserves positivity, and ensures conservation properties. The code is developed in C++ with a highly modular design, allowing for easy adaptation to similar tasks. By making Sayram open source, we aim to provide the radiation belt community with a robust tool to improve radiation belt modeling and forecasting.

Journal of Geophysical Research Space PhysicsVol. 130(7)
University of Science and Technology of China (CN), United States Air Force Research Laboratory (US), Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science (CN), Rice University (US)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
1.15
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Sayram: A Positivity‐Preserving Open Source 3D Radiation Belt Modeling Code — Xin Tao, J. M. Albert, et al. · Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS