CFD simulation of blasting dust for the design of physical barriers

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to simulate the dispersion of dust generated in blasting located in limestone quarries. This is a complex phenomenon that has been studied through the use of several digital video recordings of blasts and dust concentration field measurements by ‘light scattering’ dust collectors. In addition, the subsequent simulation of the dispersion of the dust cloud by means of multiphase CFD has also been studied. CFD calculations were carried out using software Ansys CFX 10.0, through transitory models with Lagrangian particle models crossing an Eulerian air continuous phase. This paper presents results obtained by model simulations where physical barriers are set close to the blasting, with the aim of decreasing the dust cloud dispersal and the associated environmental impact.     

Towards a gender conscious counter-discourse in comprehensive physical planning

This article is based on a research project “Gender perspectives in comprehensive planning” where the aim is partly to ascertain how planners incorporate a gender perspective in comprehensive physical planning, and partly to identify the conceptions of gender/sex held by planners in this area. In our investigation, the question is raised whether comprehensive planning is perceived as neutral in terms of gender, if there are discussions or reflections that question this point of view and if there have been any contributions from a gender equality point of view. The aim is to expose how these discussions take place, examine reflections on this topic and to report and analyse how efforts to achieve gender equality in comprehenisve planning are shaped. To accomplish this goal, the study draws more on feminist theorization than on planning theory.     

Hypothesis of the multiple subsidence trough related to very steep and vertical coal seams and its prediction through profile functions

Coalfields in the north of Spain (Asturias) are mainly steeply dipping and at considerable depth. There is widespread use of caving mining methods at the present time. This paper describes a theory developed to predict the subsidence related to very steep and nearly vertical coal seams (70°–90°). This theory of the multiple subsidence trough is applied through a new profile function. Three real cases are analysed and the profile function is adjusted. An empirical relationship between the parameters of the new profile function and geological and mining factors has been developed.     

Metrics of Climate Change: Assessing Radiative Forcing and Emission Indices

In this paper, we review existing and alternative metrics of climate change, with particular emphasis on radiative forcing and global warming potentials (GWPs), in terms of their scientific performance. Radiative forcing is assessed in terms of questions such as the utility of the concept, uncertainties and sensitivity to key assumptions. The assessment of emission indices focuses on the climate and other resulting impacts (end points) against which emissions are weighted; the extent to which (and how) time dependence is included, with regard to both emission control and impact; how cost issues are dealt with; and the sensitivity of the metrics to various assumptions. It is concluded that the radiative forcing concept is a robust and useful metric of the potential climatic impact of various agents and that there are prospects for improvement by weighing different forcings according to their effectiveness. We also find that although the GWP concept is associated with serious shortcomings, it retains advantages over any of the proposed alternatives in terms of political feasibility. Alternative metrics, however, make a significant contribution to addressing important issues, and this contribution should be taken into account in the further development of refined metrics of climate change.     

Revised Rules of Procedure for the IPCC Process

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)held its fifteenth Plenary session in San Jose, CostaRica in April, 1999. One major item on the agenda wasthe adoption of a revised set of rules of procedurefor the Panel's work with its Third Assessment Report(TAR). The IPCC process is already a time-consumingand cumbersome process, and the new rules of procedureadopted at the fifteenth Plenary session adds furthercomplexity and bureaucracy to the process.