Discrete element model for crack propagation in brittle materials

We propose a discrete element model for brittle rupture. The material consists of a bidimensional set of closed‐packed particles in contact. We explore the isotropic elastic behavior of this regular structure to derive a rupture criterion compatible to continuum mechanics. We introduce a classical criterion of mixed mode crack propagation based on the value of the stress intensity factors, obtained by the analysis of two adjacent contacts near a crack tip. Hence, the toughness becomes a direct parameter of the model, without any calibration procedure. We verify the consistency of the formulation as well as its convergence by comparison with theoretical solutions of tensile cracks, a pre‐cracked beam, and an inclined crack under biaxial stress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An elastoplastic model based on the shakedown concept for flexible pavements unbound granular materials

Nowadays, the problem of rutting of flexible pavements linked to permanent deformations occurring in the unbound layers is taken into account only by mechanistic empirical formulas. Finite element modelling of realistic boundary value problems with incremental rheological models will lead to unrealistic calculation time for large cycle numbers. The objective of the authors is to present a simplified model which can be used to model the flexible pavements rutting with the finite elements framework. This method is based on the shakedown theory developed by Zarka which is usually associated to materials like steels. It has been adapted for granular materials by introducing a yield surface taking into account the mean stress influence on the mechanical behaviour and a dependency of the hardening modulus with the stress state. The Drucker–Prager yield surface has been used with a non‐associated flow rule. Comparisons with repeated load triaxial tests carried out on a subgrade soil have been done. These comparisons underline the capabilities of the model to take into account the cyclic behaviour of unbound materials for roads. Finally, a discussion, dealing with the use of the simplified method within a finite element modelling of a full‐scale experiment, is presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evidence of a Mixed-Layer Dynamics Contribution to the Entrainment Process

The internal thermal boundary layer developing over the Mediterranean during a cold-air outbreak associated with a Tramontane event has been studied by means of airborne lidar, in situ sensors, and a modelling approach that consisted of nesting the University of Washington (UW) planetary boundary-layer (PBL) model in an advective zero-order jump model. This approach bypasses some of the deficiencies associated with each model: the absence of the dynamics in the mixed layer for the zero-order jump model and the lack of an inversion at the PBL top for the UW PBL model. Particular attention is given to the parameterization of the entrainment flux at the PBL top. Values of the entrainment closure parameter derived with the model when matching PBL structure observations are much lower than those derived with standard zero-order jump models. They also are in good agreement with values measured in different meteorological situations by other studies. This improvement is a result of the introduction of turbulent kinetic energy production in the mixed layer.     

Combined L1/L2 Kalman filter-based tracking scheme for weak signal environments

A Kalman filter-based method combining the energy of both L1 C/A and L2C GPS signals in a combined tracking loop method to enhance performance under adverse conditions is developed. Standard tracking methods and the ionospheric effect on GPS signals are reviewed and compared to a new Kalman filter that simultaneously estimates delay, phase and total electron content by combining L1 C/A and L2C code and phase discriminator outputs. The new filter is tested and compared to standard methods for tracking L1 C/A and L2C using both simulated and real data. The new method is found to have improved sensitivity of 3 dB compared to standard L1 tracking and 4.5 dB compared to standard L2C tracking while at the same time providing an accurate estimate of the total electron content along the signal path.     

Modelling of rutting of two flexible pavements with the shakedown theory and the finite element method

This paper presents a finite element program, for the modelling of rutting of flexible pavements. In its present version, the program incorporates a permanent deformation model for unbound granular materials based on the concept of the shakedown theory developed by Zarka for metallic structures under cyclic loadings and has been used to estimate the permanent deformations of unbound granular materials (UGM) subjected to traffic loading. The calculation is performed in two steps: the first step consists in modelling the resilient behaviour of the pavement in 3D, using non-linear elastic models, to determine the stress field in the pavement. Then stress paths are derived and used to calculate the permanent deformations and the displacements, using a Drucker–Prager yield surface. An application to the prediction of the permanent deformations of experimental pavements with an unbound granular base, tested on the LCPC pavement testing facility is presented.     

Magic and Muck: On Chicken and Egg Problems When Framing Organic Conversions as Transformations,and the Importance of the Personal Sphere

Abstract

This comment aims to further develop James and Brown proposal of framing organic conversions as transformations, referring to “the three spheres of transformation” (practical, political, and personal). Particularly, I address the dynamic interactions between the three spheres during the transformational process, and challenge James and Brown’s emphasis on the political sphere. To this aim, I first make explicit the temporal logic underlying James and Brown’s analysis, which is consistent with other conceptualizations in literature, also giving importance to the political sphere. Then, I mention an alternative approach, highlighting the potentially initiating role of key individuals and farmers’ epiphanies in the transformational process. This makes a strong difference in the narratives that can be made around organic conversions, by shedding light on the personal sphere and the “co-arising” of the three spheres. This proposal raises both methodological and theoretical questions, which can be addressed by introducing insights from quantum theory.     

Diagnostics Of Hydraulic Jump And Gap Flow In Stratified Flows Over Topography

A criterion, allowing one to assess conditions likely togenerate gap flows and/or hydraulicjumps in stratified flows over a mountain ridge or a mountain pass,is derived. It is based on the one-dimensional reduced-gravity shallow-watertheory generalized to a three-dimensional orography with moderate streamwisevariations by introducing a variable effective flow cross-section. In this way,the hydraulic jump and gap flow are accommodated within the same model. Theresulting steady hyperbolic problem is shown to require the boundaryconditions to be expressed in terms of Riemann invariants. The latter yield the flow betweentwo given sites in a unique way. In particular, it is possible to relateunambiguously the existence of a hydraulic jump/gap flow and its energydiscontinuity to the boundary conditions. A simple method of flow interpolationand energy discontinuity calculation between two sites is presented.