Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Local Scour Around Submarine Piggyback Pipeline Under Steady Current

As a new type of submarine pipeline, the piggyback pipeline has been gradually adopted in engineering practice to enhance the performance and safety of submarine pipelines. However, limited simulation work and few experimental studies have been published on the scour around the piggyback pipeline under steady current. This study numerically and experimentally investigates the local scour of the piggyback pipe under steady current. The influence of prominent factors such as pipe diameter, inflow Reynolds number, and gap between the main and small pipes, on the maximum scour depth have been examined and discussed in detail. Furthermore, one formula to predict the maximum scour depth under the piggyback pipeline has been derived based on the theoretical analysis of scour equilibrium. The feasibility of the proposed formula has been effectively calibrated by both experimental data and numerical results. The findings drawn from this study are instructive in the future design and application of the piggyback pipeline.     

Scour development around submarine pipelines due to current based on the maximum entropy theory

This paper presents the results from laboratory experiments and theoretical analysis to investigate the development of scour around submarine pipeline under steady current conditions. Experiments show that the scour process takes place in two stages: the initial rapid scour and the subsequent gradual scour development stage. An empirical formula for calculating the equilibrium scour depth (the maximum scour depth) is developed by using the regression method. This formula together with the maximum entropy theory can be applied to establish a formula to predict the scour process for given water depth, diameter of pipeline and flow velocity. Good agreement between the predicted and measured scour depth is obtained.     

Gravity-driven sedimentation on the northwestern continental slope in the South China Sea: Results from high-resolution seismic data and piston cores

mODUCnONGravityflowsedimentationonthenorthwsterncontinentalsl0PeoftheSOuthChinaSea(SCS)are0fgreatinterestfromthescientificandengineeringP0intofview-Th0roughknOWedgofcontinentalsloPepmeessesanddepositionfeatUresispreregUisiteforhydID-carbenexploraion0fdeepwaerandforprotectionofoffhoredrineeopneeringstrUcbes(PlaifonnsandpiPelines)againstnaedhed.ManykindsofmassmovmentPIDCess-eswerefoUndtobeactiveonthen0rthernSCS(Damuth,l979;l98O).High-freqUency(3.5ffo)echo-chaIaCterInaPPingisawell…     

A Field Investigation on the Effects of Background Erosion on the Free Span Development of a Submarine Pipeline

The safety of submarine pipelines is largely influenced by free spans and corrosions. Previous studies on free spans caused by seabed scours are mainly based on the stable environment, where the background seabed scour is in equilibrium and the soil is homogeneous. To study the effects of background erosion on the free span development of subsea pipelines, a submarine pipeline located at the abandoned Yellow River subaqueous delta lobe was investigated with an integrated surveying system which included a Multibeam bathymetric system, a dual-frequency side-scan sonar, a high resolution sub-bottom profiler, and a Magnetic Flux Leakage(MFL) sensor. We found that seabed homogeneity has a great influence on the free span development of the pipeline. More specifically, for homogeneous background scours, the morphology of scour hole below the pipeline is quite similar to that without the background scour, whereas for inhomogeneous background scour, the nature of spanning is mainly dependent on the evolution of seabed morphology near the pipeline. Magnetic Flux Leakage(MFL) detection results also reveal the possible connection between long free spans and accelerated corrosion of the pipeline.     

Potential submarine geologic hazards at the entrance of the Pearl River Estuary in the northern South China Sea

The potential submarine geologic hazards were distinguished and categorized at the entrance of the Pearl River Estuary in the northern South China Sea, based upon the analysis of side scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler surveying data of about 2500 km long, in an area about 2000 km~2 around the Wanshan Archipelago. The data obtained in the survey has the highest spatial resolution by far, which could reveal more detailed distributions and characteristics of the geologic hazards than before. In the study region, three paleo-channels that were buried about 10–30 m below the seabed were found; more than 10 shallow gas areas were discovered. The sand waves found in the region were generally small and located near the islands, and twenty pockmarks found on the seabed were mostly concentrated to north of Zhuzhou island. There are also many man-made obstacles in the region, such as wreckages, pipeline, etc. In this paper we provide a detailed distribution map of the submarine geologic hazards in this region for the first time, and discuss their formation and harmfulness, which will provide a scientific basis for marine engineering construction, marine geologic disaster prevention and mitigation.     

Numerical simulation and experimental study of the hydrodynamics of a modeled reef located within a current

The hydrodynamic forces and flow field of artificial reef models in steady flow were numerically investigated using the RNG k-ɛ turbulent model. The numerical simulation results are consistent with results observed by experimental means. A comparative study indicates that the corresponding errors of forces between calculated values and values observed in the experiment vary in the range of 2.3%–11.2% and that the corresponding errors of velocities vary in the range of 1.3%–15.8%. The flow field numerical results show that upstream and vortices exist when the current passes over and through the surface of the reef model. This study suggests that the numerical simulation method can be applied to predict the forces and flow field associated with artificial reefs.     

Calculation of maximum allowable free span length and safety assessment of the DF1-1 submarine pipeline

The DF1-1 submarine pipeline was investigated using a dual-frequency side-scan sonar and a swath sounder system. More than a hundred scour pits under the pipeline were found, most of which have caused the span of the pipeline to increase and threatened its safety. The maximum allowable free span length (MAFSL) of the pipeline was determined through the limitations regarding maximum allowable stress under static or quasi-static loads and the onset of Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV) under different hydrodynamic actions. The results show that the MAFSL under static conditions is 56 m. However, the MAFSLs are 30 m and 20 m under ordinary weather conditions and hurricane-induced currents for the 100-year return period, respectively, to avoid VIV as calculated by using the highest safety class factor. It is suggested that spanning pipelines longer than 20 m should be supported. Additionally, eight successive spans which may also threaten the pipeline were proposed. The most hazardous scour pits are along the pipeline section from KP42 to KP51.     

Horizontal Normal Force on Buried Rigid Pipelines in Fluctuant Liquefied Silty Soil

The submarine pipelines that are buried in the Yellow River subaqueous delta can be subject to fluctuant local-liquefied soil caused by storm wave action, possibly causing pipeline damage. An experimental investigation was carried out in a wave flume to study the horizontal normal force on buried rigid pipelines in fluctuant liquefied soil. In this experiment, the soil bed was made of silt from the Yellow River Delta, whereas a steel pipe served as pipeline. Under the experimental conditions, the normal force range on the pipeline in fluctuant liquefied soil was several times higher than that in stable soil, specifically on the side of the pipeline exposed to the wave direction. The resultant force of the horizontal normal forces on the buried pipeline grew by about one order of magnitude after soil liquefaction.     

中国大陆科学钻探先导孔零偏VSP资料解释

用六级三分量检波器在中国大陆科学钻探先导孔中实施了零偏VSP测量.数据处理结果表明,中国大陆科学钻探孔区超高压变质岩石的地震波速度主要介于4500～7000m/s之间,显著高于一般的沉积岩地区,而且随深度变化不明显.声波测井速度系统地稍低于VSP层速度,可能是由于井壁处岩石的完整性受到破坏而造成的.地震波速度与岩石密度和岩性存在明确的对应关系,榴辉岩的密度和地震波速度均显著高于片麻岩类岩石;由榴辉岩退变生成的斜长角闪岩类岩石,其密度和地震波速度均呈现出较大的变化,主要与其退变质程度有关;超基性岩中的裂隙系统导致其密度和地震波速度大幅度下降.由于榴辉岩与其他岩石类型之间存在较大的波阻抗差异,因此用零偏VSP资料标定该区地震波的地质层位是有效的.关于地震波反射的原因,通过综合研究地震波(包括反射纵波、上行转换横波、井筒波)的特征、岩石速度和密度分布以及井径变化,认为主要是岩性分界面、韧性剪切带和断裂(带),但还有一些因素尚待进一步研究.     

Two-dimensional numerical simulation of flow around three-stranded rope

Three-stranded rope is widely used in fishing gear and mooring system. Results of numerical simulation are presented for flow around a three-stranded rope in uniform flow. The simulation was carried out to study the hydrodynamic characteristics of pressure and velocity fields of steady incompressible laminar and turbulent wakes behind a three-stranded rope. A three-cylinder configuration and single circular cylinder configuration are used to model the three-stranded rope in the two-dimensional simulation. The governing equations, Navier-Stokes equations, are solved by using two-dimensional finite volume method. The turbulence flow is simulated using Standard κ-ε model and Shear-Stress Transport κ-ω(SST) model. The drag of the three-cylinder model and single cylinder model is calculated for different Reynolds numbers by using control volume analysis method. The pressure coefficient is also calculated for the turbulent model and laminar model based on the control surface method. From the comparison of the drag coefficient and the pressure of the single cylinder and three-cylinder models, it is found that the drag coefficients of the three-cylinder model are generally 1.3–1.5 times those of the single circular cylinder for different Reynolds numbers. Comparing the numerical results with water tank test data, the results of the three-cylinder model are closer to the experiment results than the single cylinder model results.     

Cohesion variation during instability evolution of disaster medium in mud inrush of mountain tunnel

Mud inrush in mountain tunnel is an independent geological hazard type different from water inrush, landslide and debris flow. The intrinsic factor of mud inrush is the instability failure of disaster medium. Its essence is that when the cohesion decreases gradually with the increase of void ratio to the point where the movement of soil particles cannot be restricted, soil particles and groundwater form slurry and gush out. Thus, accurate calculation of cohesion with variable void ratios is crucial for analyzing the reliability of disaster medium. In this study, the disaster medium was regarded as graded soil and a structural model was established wherein soil particles were simplified as cubes and the interparticle pores were represented by the clearance between cubes. On the basis of the structure model of disaster medium, a function between the soil particle distance and void ratio was derived. Cohesion is equivalent to the resultant force between soil particles per unit area; thus, a cohesion function was derived in which the void ratio is the main variable. This function considers the influence of gradationcharacteristics on cohesion variation and is generally applicable to various types of disaster medium. A series of direct shear tests were carried out to determine the cohesion variation for different types of disaster medium with variable void ratios. By comparing the variation of cohesion obtained through direct shear tests with those deduced by the proposed cohesion function, we verified the validity and general applicability of the cohesion function. It is of great significance because the cohesion function can accurately predict the variation of cohesion by using the void ratio, and effectively evaluate the possibility of mud inrush according to the initial mechanical properties of disaster medium.     

Particle image velocimetry and numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic characteristics of an artificial reef

This article reports a particle image velocimetry study and the comparative results of a numerical simulation into the hydrodynamic characteristics around an artificial reef.We reveal the process of flow separation and vortex evolution,and compare the force terms generated by our artificial reef model.The numerical simulation agrees well with experimental results,showing the applicability of computational fluid dynamics to the hydrodynamics of an artificial reef.Furthermore,we numerically simulate the hydrodynamics of the reef model for seven velocities.The results show that the drag coefficient is approximately 1.21 in a self-modeling region for Reynolds numbers between 2.123×104and 9×104.Therefore,the upwelling height and current width of the flow field do not change significantly when the inflow velocity increases.Our study indicates that computational fluid dynamics can be applied to study the hydrodynamics of an artificial reef and offer clues to its construction.     

A field study on the conversion ratio of phytoplankton biomass carbon to chlorophyll-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> in Jiaozhou Bay,China

A one-year field study was conducted to determine the conversion ratio of phytoplankton biomass carbon (Phyto-C) to chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in Jiaozhou Bay, China. We measured suspended particulate organic carbon (POC) and phytoplankton Chl-a samples collected in surface water monthly from March 2005 to February 2006. The temporal and spatial variations of Chl-a and POC concentrations were observed in the bay. Based on the field measurements, a linear regression model II was used to generate the conversion ratio of Phyto-C to Chl-a. In most cases, a good linear correlation was found between the observed POC and Chl-a concentrations, and the calculated conversion ratios ranged from 26 to 250 with a mean value of 56 μg μg⁻¹. The conversion ratio in the fall was higher than that in the winter and spring months, and had the lowest values in the summer. The ratios also exhibited spatial variations, generally with low values in the near shore regions and relatively high values in offshore waters. Our study suggests that temperature was likely to be the main factor influencing the observed seasonal variations of conversion ratios while nutrient supply and light penetration played important roles in controlling the spatial variations.     

Mass-front velocity of dry granular flows influenced by the angle of the slope to the runout plane and particle size gradation

The mass-front velocities of granular flows results from the joint action of particle size gradations and the underlying surfaces.However,because of the complexity of friction during flow movement,details such as the slope-toe impedance effects and momentum-transfer mechanisms have not been completely explained by theoretical analyses,numerical simulations,or field investigations.To study the mass-front velocity of dry granular flows influenced by the angle of the slope to the runout plane and particle size gradations we conducted model experiments that recorded the motion of rapid and long-runout rockslides or avalanches.Flume tests were conducted using slope angles of 25°,35°,45°,and 55° and three particle size gradations.The resulting mass-front motions consisted of three stages:acceleration,velocity maintenance,and deceleration.The existing methods of velocity prediction could not explain the slowing effect of the slope toe or the momentum-transfer steady velocity stage.When the slope angle increased from 25° to 55°,the mass-front velocities dropped significantly to between 44.4% and59.6% of the peak velocities and energy lossesincreased from 69.1% to 83.7% of the initial,respectively.The velocity maintenance stages occurred after the slope-toe and mass-front velocity fluctuations.During this stage,travel distances increased as the angles increased,but the average velocity was greatest at 45°.At a slope angle of 45°,as the median particle size increased,energy loss around the slope toe decreased,the efficiency of momentum transfer increased,and the distance of the velocity maintenance stage increased.We presented an improved average velocity formula for granular flow and a geometrical model of the energy along the flow line.     

热液衍生石油及其有机质研究

石油与天然气的成因长期存在有机成因和无机成因的争议。近年来, 全球不同大洋洋底热液衍生石油的发现, 为更进一步探索油气成因提供了新的思考。在回顾有机生油假说和无机生油假说基本理论和二者争论的基础上，重点介绍了热液衍生石油及其有机质的特点和研究进展。然后结合三塘湖盆地、鄂尔多斯盆地烃源岩中热液喷流沉积的研究取得了以下重要认识:①热液衍生石油的有机质来源于陆源高等植物和洋底低等生物，该生物是围绕热液喷口生活的嗜热、嗜毒、耐高温生物；②热液衍生石油不需要埋藏来持续提供热量，海底热液活动为其提供了物质和热量；③在有机质与深源热物质流体发生物理化学作用的过程中，有机质“瞬时”(时间很短)热解成油，部分转化为类似于石油的产品。热液衍生石油及其有机质的研究不仅能进一步深化人们对油气成因的认识，而且对非常规石油的勘探开发具有重要意义。      

Parametric Stability Analysis of Marine Risers with Multiphase Internal Flows Considering Hydrate Phase Transitions

This study investigates the effects of multiphase internal flows that consider hydrate phase transitions on the parametric stability of marine risers.A numerical model of the multiphase internal flow that considers a hydrate phase transition is established.The model first solves the flow parameters and subsequently obtains the natural frequencies of risers with different gas intake ratios.The stability charts of marine risers with different gas intake ratios are plotted by applying Floquet theory,and the effects of the gas intake ratio on the instability and vibration response of the risers are identified.The natural frequency increases with an increase in the gas intake ratio;thus,instability zones move to higher frequency ranges in the stability charts.As the increasing gas intake ratio reduces the damping effect of the Coriolis force,the critical amplitude of the heave in the unstable region decreases,especially when hydrodynamic damping is not considered.As a result,higher-order unstable regions are excited.When in an unstable region,the vibration response curve of a riser with a high gas intake ratio excited by parametric resonance diverges quickly due to parametric resonance.     

Flow variability along a vegetated natural stream under various sediment transport rates

The influence of vegetation and sediment on flow characteristics in open channels cannot be neglected. To study the flow variability under the effects of the instream natural vegetation and sediment supply, experiments were conducted with varied water and sediment supply in a movable bed of a river prototype. The instantaneous three-dimensional velocities near two types of vegetation patches (the shrub and the weed) and along the centerline of the main channel with vegetation belts were measured using a 3-D side-looking acoustic Doppler velocimetry. The experimental results show that both the instream vegetation and sediment supply strongly affect the flow and turbulence characteristics. In the case of vegetation patches, both the shrub and weed have a considerable influence on the distribution of the streamwise velocity and turbulence intensity of their surrounding water. The streamwise velocity distribution followed as J-shape and linear shape around the weed and shrub under different experimental conditions. The turbulence intensity was large at the top of the weed and shrub; the shrub had its greatest influence on the downstream water flow. In the case of vegetation belts, the streamwise velocity along the centerline of the main channel exhibited an S-shape, J-shape and linear shape at different locations under varied water, vegetation structures and riverbed configurations. The turbulence intensity along the centerline of the main channel ranged from 0.0 to 0.1. The upstream turbulence intensity was affected considerably by a sediment supply, while the downstream turbulence intensity changed with the varied vegetation characteristics and riverbed topography. The second flow coefficient M-value increased longitudinally and was almost positive along the centerline of the main channel, implying that the rotational direction of the secondary current cell was clockwise.     

Field measurements of influence of sand transport rate on structure of wind-sand flow over coastal transverse ridge

The structure of wind-sand flow under different total sand transport rates was measured with field vertical anemometer and sand trap on the crest of typical coastal transverse ridge in Changli Gold Coast of Hebei Province, which is one of the most typical coastal aeolian distribution regions in China and famous for the tall and typical coastal transverse ridges. The measurement results show that, on the conditions of approximate wind velocities and same surface materials and environments, some changes happen to the structure of wind-sand flow with the increase of total sand transport rate on the crest of coastal transverse ridge. First, the sand transport rates of layers at different heights in the wind-sand flow increase, with the maximum increase at the height layer of 4-8cm. Second, the ratios of sand transport rates of layers at different heights to total sand transport rate decrease at the low height layer （0-4cm）, but increase at the high height layer （4-60cm）. Third, the distribution of the sand transport rate in the wind-sand flow can be expressed by an exponential function at the height layer of 0-40cm, but it changes from power function model to exponential function model in the whole height layer （0-60cm） and changes into polynomial function model at the height layer of 40-60cm with the increase of total sand transport rate. Those changes have a close relationship with the limit of sand grain size of wind flow transporting and composition of sand grain size in the wind-sand flow.     

示踪实验在湾潭隧道涌水突泥判别中的应用

以宜来高速湾潭隧道为研究对象, 通过现场调查、地下水示踪实验、地下水流量监测, 以及采用大气降雨入渗法计算隧道的平均涌水量和丰水期涌水量, 同时采用RFPA渗流软件对隧道涌突水的可能性进行判别。现场调查及示踪试验结果显示湾潭隧道岩溶管道为多支, 混合型岩溶管道, 水文地质条件复杂, 丰水期涌水量约为平均隧道涌水量的4.6倍。数值模拟结果表明, 隧道涌水突泥破坏要历经裂隙萌生、裂隙扩展、裂隙进一步扩展、贯通破坏阶段。同时当岩溶管道处的过水流量达到初始值(37 248 m3/d)约2.7~3.5倍之间时便可出现涌水突泥破坏, 也即出水口2流量达到10 000~13 000 m3/d时, 湾潭隧道具有极高的涌水突泥风险。