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Addressing uncertainties of model predictions for extensive air showers initiated by high energy cosmic rays

Sergey Ostapchenko1, Tanguy Pierog2, and Günter Sigl1

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 063046 – Published 23 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/fz3g-13vy

Abstract

A new Monte Carlo generator of hadronic collisions is applied for studying model uncertainties regarding calculations of the development of extensive air showers (EAS) initiated by interactions of high energy cosmic rays in the atmosphere. More specifically, we investigate possibilities to modify the model predictions for two EAS characteristics mostly used in experimental studies of cosmic ray composition: air shower maximum depth and the muon number at ground level. For all the considered modifications of the model, we discuss in some detail the underlying physics mechanisms and investigate the impact of the changes, regarding a comparison of the model results to relevant accelerator data.

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Outline

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 063046– Published 23 September, 2026
  • Received 19 June 2026
  • Accepted 31 August 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by SCOAP3.

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