Control strategy for variable damping element considering near‐future excitation influence

A control strategy is proposed for variable damping elements (VDEs) used together with auxiliary stiffness elements (ASEs) that compose a time‐varying non‐linear Maxwell (NMW) element, considering near‐future excitation influence. The strategy first composes a state equation for the structural dynamics and the mechanical balance in the NMW elements. Next, it establishes a cost function for estimating future responses by the weighted quadratic norms of the state vector, the controlled force and the VDEs' damping coefficients. Then, the Euler equations for the optimum values are introduced, and also approximated by the first‐order terms under the autoregressive (AR) model of excitation information. Thus, at each moment t_k, the strategy conducts the following steps: (1) identify the obtained seismic excitation information to an AR model, and convert it to a state equation; and (2) determine VDEs' damping coefficients under the initial conditions at t_k and the final state at t_k+L, using the first‐order approximation of the Euler equations. The control effects are examined by numerical experiments. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flow modelling in gravel‐bed rivers: rethinking the bottom boundary condition

A key problem in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of gravel‐bed rivers is the representation of multi‐scale roughness, which spans the range from grain size, through bedforms, to channel topography. These different elements of roughness do not clearly map onto a model mesh and use of simple grain‐scale roughness parameters may create numerical problems. This paper presents CFD simulations for three cases: a plane bed of fine gravel, a plane bed of fine gravel including large, widely‐spaced pebble clusters, and a plane gravel bed with smaller, more frequent, protruding elements. The plane bed of fine gravel is modelled using the conventional wall function approach. The plane bed of fine gravel including large, widely‐spaced pebble clusters is modelled using the wall function coupled with an explicit high‐resolution topographic representation of the pebble clusters. In these cases, the three‐dimensional Reynolds‐averaged continuity and Navier–Stokes equations are solved using the standard k ? ε turbulence model, and model performance is assessed by comparing predicted results with experimental data. For gravel‐bed rivers in the field, it is generally impractical to map the bed topography in sufficient detail to enable the use of an explicit high‐resolution topography. Accordingly, an alternative model based on double‐averaging is developed. Here, the flow calculations are performed by solving the three‐dimensional double‐averaged continuity and Navier‐Stokes equations with the spatially‐averaged 〈k ? ε〉 turbulence model. For the plane bed of fine gravel including large, widely‐spaced pebble clusters, the model performance is assessed by comparing the spatially‐averaged velocity with the experimental data. The case of a plane gravel bed with smaller, more frequent, protruding elements is represented by a series of idealized hypothetical cases. Here, the spatially‐averaged velocity and eddy viscosity are used to investigate the applicability of the model, compared with using the explicit high‐resolution topography. The results show the ability of the model to capture the spatially‐averaged flow field and, thus, illustrate its potential for representing flow processes in natural gravel‐bed rivers. Finally, practical data requirements for implementing such a model for a field example are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discussion: ‘Macroscale surface roughness and frictional resistance in overland flow’ by D. S. L. Lawrence

Lawrence argued that the inundation ratio Λ, defined as the mean flow depth d divided by the roughness height k, is the dominant control of flow resistance f and should be used as the primary variable when evaluating the hydraulics of overland flow on rough surfaces. Lawrence defined three flow regimes on the basis of Λ and developed an expression for f in terms of Λ for each regime. Common sense, however, suggests that f is independent of Λ where Λ < 1 because when roughness elements protrude through the flow, the value of f for the flow is the same regardless of the height of the elements. The error appears to have crept in as a result of Lawrence's representation of roughness elements by hemispheres. Lawrence found that f ∝ d/k, which she interpreted to mean f ∝ Λ. However, in her model the length dimension denoted by k is in fact half the breadth b/2 of the roughness elements. The distinction between k and b/2 is important, especially for roughness elements where k ≠ b/2. Thus, contrary to Lawrence's claim, f is not generally a function of Λ. Instead, f is a function of Λ only where Λ > 1. Where Λ < 1, f is a function of d/(b/2) or d/b. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using Grain‐Size Distribution Methods for Estimation of Air Permeability

Knowledge of air permeability (k_a) at dry conditions is critical for the use of air flow models in porous media; however, it is usually difficult and time consuming to measure k_a at dry conditions. It is thus desirable to estimate k_a at dry conditions from other readily obtainable properties. In this study, the feasibility of using information derived from grain‐size distributions (GSDs) for estimating k_a at dry conditions was examined. Fourteen GSD‐based equations originally developed for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity were tested using k_a measured at dry conditions in both undisturbed and disturbed river sediment samples. On average, the estimated k_a from all the equations, except for the method of Slichter, differed by less than ± 4 times from the measured k_a for both undisturbed and disturbed groups. In particular, for the two sediment groups, the results given by the methods of Terzaghi and Hazen‐modified were comparable to the measured k_a. In addition, two methods (e.g., Barr and Beyer) for the undisturbed samples and one method (e.g., Hazen‐original) for the undisturbed samples were also able to produce comparable k_a estimates. Moreover, after adjusting the values of the coefficient C in the GSD‐based equations, the estimation of k_a was significantly improved with the differences between the measured and estimated k_a less than ±4% on average (except for the method of Barr). As demonstrated by this study, GSD‐based equations may provide a promising and efficient way to estimate k_a at dry conditions.     

Probabilistic development of shear strength model for reinforced concrete squat walls

In order to reconcile the larger scatter and avoid the biased estimate from deterministic predictions for the shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) squat structural walls, a probabilistic shear strength model is developed in this paper based on the strut‐and‐tie model and the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method. The strut‐and‐tie model is used to derive an appropriate function form for the probabilistic shear strength model, where four unknown model parameters (e.g. k₁, k₂, k₃ and k₄) are defined carefully to guarantee them having a clear physical‐based meaning so that the corresponding prior distribution ranges can be specified reasonably. Then, the GLUE method is adopted to estimate the posterior cumulative distribution of k₁, k₂, k₃ and k₄ with an available experimental database. Furthermore, to demonstrate the stability of the estimated posterior cumulative distribution, the sensitivity of three major aspects in GLUE method is investigated. Finally, based on the estimated cumulative distribution of k₁, k₂, k₃ and k₄, the developed probabilistic shear strength model is simplified as a mean prediction model and a standard deviation prediction model for facilitate using in engineering practice. Therefore, with the developed probabilistic shear strength model, not only can the squat structural walls be designed in confidence, but the accuracy of those deterministic predictions can be evaluated in a probabilistic manner. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of organic solvent type on the removal of nitrate ion using liquid membrane technique

In this study, the removal of nitrate ions from aqueous solutions with liquid membrane technique has been investigated for different organic solvent types in which solubilized tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TDTMABr) as carrier. n-butyl alcohol, chloroform, and mixture of chloroform + n-hexane (n-hexane 85% + chloroform 15%) were used as organic solvent. Kinetic parameters (k _1d, k _2m, k _2a, t _max, R _m^max, J _m^max, J _a^max) were calculated from obtained data. time R _a values of mixture, butyl alcohol, and chloroform are 0.81, 0.78, and 0.55, respectively. Similarly R _d, R _m, and t _max values of the mixture equal to 0.14, 0.04, and 87.92 min, respectively. This behavior of the system shows the organic solvent type is an effective parameter on separation yield. It can be concluded that the mixture is the most effective organic solvent type among the investigated ones, because liquid membrane systems should be operated within the range of having the R _m, R _d, and t _max values are minimum while R _a values are maximum.     

The Kozeny‐Carman Equation with a Percolation Threshold

A procedure has been developed for calculating permeability (k) from the Kozeny‐Carman equation, a procedure that links ideas from percolation theory with the ideas of Koltermann and Gorelick (1995) and Esselburn et al. (2011) . The approach focuses on the proportion of coarser pores that are occupied by finer sediments relative to a percolation threshold proportion (ω_c). If the proportion occupied is below ω_c, then the unoccupied coarser pores percolate. Otherwise they do not percolate. Following the ideas of Koltermann and Gorelick (1995) , the effective grain‐size term in the Kozeny‐Carman equation is calculated using the geometric mean if the unoccupied coarse pores percolate, and using the harmonic mean if otherwise. Following ideas of Esselburn et al. (2011) , this approach is implemented by evaluating the potential for grains in each size category to occupy pores among sediment of each larger‐size category. Application of these ideas to physical sediment models for sands and gravels, which have known k, indicates that a threshold does indeed exist. Results also suggest that the Kozeny‐Carman equation is robust and gives representative values for k, even though ω_c is not precisely known.     

Modified treatment of intercepted snow improves the simulated forest albedo in the Canadian Land Surface Scheme

The Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) was modified to correct an underestimation of the winter albedo in evergreen needleleaf forests. Default values for the visible and near‐infrared albedo of a canopy with intercepted snow, α_VIS,cs and α_NIR,cs, respectively, were too small, and the fraction of the canopy covered with snow, f_snow, increased too slowly with interception, producing a damped albedo response. A new model for f_snow is based on z_I*, the effective depth of newly intercepted snow required to increase the canopy albedo to its maximum, which corresponds in the model with f_snow = 1. Snow unloading rates were extracted from visual assessments of photographs and modelled based on relationships with meteorological variables, replacing the time‐based method employed in CLASS. These parameterizations were tested in CLASS version 3.6 at boreal black spruce and jack pine forests in Saskatchewan, Canada, a subalpine Norway spruce and silver fir forest at Alptal, Switzerland, and a boreal maritime forest at Hitsujigaoka, Japan. Model configurations were assessed based on the index of agreement, d, relating simulated and observed daily albedo. The new model employs α_VIS,cs = 0.27, α_NIR,cs = 0.38 and z_I* = 3 cm. The best single‐variable snow unloading algorithm, determined by the average cross‐site d, was based on wind speed. Two model configurations employing ensemble averages of the unloading rate as a function of total incoming radiation and wind speed, and air temperature and wind speed, respectively, produced larger minimum cross‐site d values but a smaller average. The default configuration of CLASS 3.6 produced a cross‐site average d from October to April of 0.58. The best model employing a single parameter (wind speed at the canopy top) for modelling the unloading rate produced an average d of 0.86, while the two‐parameter ensemble‐average unloading models produced a minimum d of 0.81 and an average d of 0.84. © 2015 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Video‐based gravel transport measurements with a flume mounted light table

The study of bedload transport processes is constrained by an inability to monitor the mass, volume and grain size distribution of sediment in transport at high temporal frequencies. Building upon a previously published design, we have integrated a high‐resolution (1392 × 1024 pixels) video camera with a light table to continuously capture images of 2–181 mm material exiting a flume. The images are continuously recorded at a rate of 15 to 20 frames per second and are post‐processed using LabView^(?) software, yielding continuous grain‐size‐specific transport information on a per second basis. The video capture rate is sufficient to record multiple images of each grain leaving the flume so that particle velocities can be measured automatically. No manual image processing is required. After calibration the method is accurate and precise for sediment in the 2 mm through to 45 mm grain size classes compared with other means of measuring bedload. Based on a set of validation samples, no statistically significant difference existed between the D₁₀, D₁₆, D₂₅, D₅₀, D₇₅, D₈₄, D₉₀ and D₉₅ determined by sieving captured samples and the D_i values determined with the system. On average the system overpredicted transport by 4 per cent (n = 206, SD = 42%). This error can be corrected easily by simply weighing the mass of sediment that leaves the flume. The technology is relatively inexpensive and provides high‐resolution data on coarse sediment transport out of a flume. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Runoff modelling at two field slopes: use of in situ measurements of air permeability to characterize spatial variability of saturated hydraulic conductivity

The time required at a field site to obtain a few measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s) will allow for many measurements of soil air permeability (k_a). This study investigates if k_a measured in situ (k_{a, in situ}) can be a substitute for measurement of K_s in relation to infiltration and surface runoff modelling. Measurements of k_{a, in situ} were carried out in two small agricultural catchments. A spatial correlation of the log‐transformed values existed having a range of approximately 100 m. A predictive relationship between K_s and k_a measured on 100‐cm³ soil samples in the laboratory was derived for one of the field slopes and showed good agreement with an earlier suggested predictive K_s–k_a relationship. In situ measurements of K_s and k_a suggested that the predictive relationships also could be used at larger scale. The K_s–k_a relationships together with the k_{a, in situ} data were applied in a distributed surface runoff (DSR) model, simulating a high‐intensity rainfall event. The DSR simulation results were highly dependent on whether the geometric average of k_{a, in situ} or kriged values of k_{a, in situ} was used as model input. When increasing the resolution of K_s in the DSR model, a limit of 30–40 m was found for both field slopes. Below this limit, the simulated runoff and hydrograph peaks were independent of resolution scale. If only a few randomly chosen values of K_s were used to represent the spatial variation within the field slope, very large deviations in repeated DSR simulation results were obtained, both with respect to peak height and hydrograph shape. In contrast, when using many predicted K_s values based on a K_s–k_a relationship and measured k_{a, in situ} data, the DSR model generally captured the correct hydrograph shape although simulations were sensitive to the chosen K_s–k_a relationship. As massive measurement efforts normally will be required to obtain a satisfactory representation of the spatial variability in K_s, the use of k_{a, in situ} to assess spatial variability in K_s appears a promising alternative. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A THEOREM FOR DIRECT CURRENT REGIMES AND SOME OF ITS CONSEQUENCES *

For any direct current regime, the theorem holds, where φ_p is the total measured or calculated potential at any point P, φ is the potential distribution known a priori, r is the distance between P and any volume element dV, the gradients are evaluated at the element, and the current sources and sinks have finite dimensions. Thus, each space element behaves as a dipole of moment (1/4π) ?φdV and contributes its share of signal or potential accordingly. By suitable summation or integration, the contribution from any assigned portion of space to the total measured signal can be determined. Except for the chargeability factor m, the formula also establishes Seigel's initial postulate for the time domain induced polarisation theory. The contribution depends on the potential gradient, not the current density, and the integration extends over the entire space. Although an insulating target carries no current, it contributes a signal that is in general larger than normal by virtue of its higher potential gradient, and thus helps in creating an overall positive anomaly or resistivity high. On the other hand, an infinitely conducting target—even though it supports a larger amount of current than normal—contributes nothing to the measured signal as the potential gradient is zero everywhere inside. Thus, by contributing less than normal, a conducting target promotes the creation of what is usually a resistivity low. In all cases, the contributions from the space elements add up exactly to the measured or total calculated value. Some other consequences of the theorem are also discussed, especially in relation to a simple two-layer earth. For instance, the contribution from the upper half-space (air) turns out to be equal to that from the lower (real ground), for all observation points on the ground surface and for any ground configuration.     

Hydrodynamic behaviour of coarse bioclastic sand from shelly cheniers

Cheniers from Mont‐Saint‐Michel bay (France) are coarse shelly sand ridges migrating on the mudflat up to the salt marshes where they accumulate and merge in a littoral barrier. In this macrotidal setting and low wave forcing, the cheniers are rarely submerged. However, they are found to move up to several metres during coincidence of spring tide and wave activity. Their processes of migration, morphology and internal structure (composition of the beddings, grain size, sorting and grain arrangement) are thought to be closely related to the hydrodynamic behaviour of the coarse and shelly sediment. This paper focuses on the hydrodynamic behaviour of bioclastic sand sampled from the cheniers: settling velocities of the shell fragments were measured using a 2 m long sedimentation tube. Thresholds of motion under unidirectional current, velocity and turbulence vertical profiles were characterized in a small recirculating flume using Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). The flat‐shaped bioclastic particles feature low settling velocities and reveal a good resistance to the re‐suspension effect of the flow when imbricated in a sediment bed. The shear stress in the bottom boundary layer has been measured in the viscous and log sub‐layers. Nikuradse roughness heights (k_s) for shell debris beds of different sizes have been quantified. It is found that k_s ≈ 2·56d₅₀. This value is close to the ones used for classic rounded sand grains despite their major differences of shape. The dual behaviour of the shell fragments (low settling velocity, good resistance to unidirectional flow) should be considered as a key to understanding how this coarse material is transported across the tidal flat, and finally accumulated as cheniers. Further flume experiments including wave activity and tidal fluctuations are necessary to better quantify these complex processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Daily streamflow modelling and assessment based on the curve‐number technique

A cell‐based long‐term hydrological model (CELTHYM) that can be integrated with a geographical information system (GIS) was developed to predict continuous stream flow from small agricultural watersheds. The CELTHYM uses a cell‐by‐cell soil moisture balance approach. For surface runoff estimation, the curve number technique considering soil moisture on a daily basis was used, and release rate was used to estimate baseflow. Evapotranspiration was computed using the FAO modified Penman equation that considered land‐use‐based crop coefficients, soil moisture and the influence of topography on radiation. A rice paddy field water budget model was also adapted for the specific application of the model to East Asia. Model sensitivity analysis was conducted to obtain operational information about the model calibration parameters. The CELTHYM was calibrated and verified with measured runoff data from the WS#1 and WS#3 watersheds of the Seoul National University, Department of Agricultural Engineering, in Hwaseong County, Kyounggi Province, South Korea. The WS#1 watershed is comprised of about 35·4% rice paddy fields and 42·3% forest, whereas the WS#3 watershed is about 85·0% forest and 11·5% rice paddy fields. The CELTHYM was calibrated for the parameter release rate, K, and soil moisture storage coefficient, STC, and results were compared with the measured runoff data for 1986. The validation results for WS#1 considering all daily stream flow were poor with R², E² and RMSE having values of 0·40, ?6·63 and 9·69 (mm), respectively, but validation results for days without rainfall were statistically significant (R² = 0·66). Results for WS#3 showed good agreement with observed data for all days, and R², E² and RMSE were 0·92, 0·91 and 2·23 (mm), respectively, suggesting potential for CELTHYM application to other watersheds. The direct runoff and water balance components for watershed WS#1 with significant areas of paddy fields did not perform well, suggesting that additional study of these components is needed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interactions between freshwater input, light, and phytoplankton dynamics on the Louisiana continental shelf

We examined the effects of freshwater flow and light availability on phytoplankton biomass and production along the Louisiana continental shelf in the region characterized by persistent spring–summer stratification and widespread summer hypoxia. Data were collected on 7 cruises from 2005 to 2007, and spatially-averaged estimates of phytoplankton and light variables were calculated for the study area using Voronoi polygon normalization. Shelf-wide phytoplankton production ranged from 0.47 to 1.75 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ across the 7 cruises. Shelf-wide average light attenuation (k_d) ranged from 0.19–1.01 m⁻¹ and strongly covaried with freshwater discharge from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers (R²=0.67). Interestingly, we observed that the euphotic zone (as defined by the 1% light depth) extended well below the pycnocline and to the bottom across much of the shelf. Shelf-wide average chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 5.9 mg m⁻³ and, similar to k_d, covaried with river discharge (R²=0.83). Also, chl a concentrations were significantly higher in plume versus non-plume regions of the shelf. When integrated through the water-column, shelf-wide average chl a ranged from 26.3 to 47.6 mg m⁻², but did not covary with river discharge, nor were plume versus non-plume averages statistically different. The high integrated chl a in the non-plume waters resulted from frequent sub-pycnocline chl a maxima. Phytoplankton production rates were highest in the vicinity of the Mississippi River bird's foot delta, but as with integrated chl a were not statistically different in plume versus non-plume waters across the rest of the shelf. Based on the vertical distribution of light and chl a, a substantial fraction of phytoplankton production occurred below the pycnocline, averaging from 25% to 50% among cruises. These results suggest that freshwater and nutrient inputs regulate shelf-wide k_d and, consequently, the vertical distribution of primary production. The substantial below-pycnocline primary production we observed has not been previously quantified for this region, but has important implications about the formation and persistence of hypoxia on the Louisiana continental shelf.     

Directions of preferential flow in a hillslope soil, 1. Quasi‐steady flow

Preferred infiltration is mainly perceived as vertically down whereas subsurface storm flow is thought to occur parallel to slopes. The transition from vertical to lateral flow in a layered hillslope soil is the focus of the contribution. Transient flow is assumed to move as a wetting front. Three time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) wave‐guides, each 0·15 m long, were mounted in the shape of a truncated tetrahedron with its peak pointing down. Each wave‐guide focuses the front velocity along its axis. The three front‐velocity vectors are decomposed into their x, y and z components, which are then assembled to the resultant velocity vector. The volume density flux of preferred flow is the product of the front velocity and the mobile water content. The latter is the amplitude of transient soil moisture measured with each wave‐guide. The resultant vector of the volume flux density is computed similarly to the velocity vector. The experimental approach allows for the rapid assessment of transient flows without relying on the variation of water potentials. The experiments indicate that the directions of the resultant vectors of velocity and volume flux density can be estimated if the moisture variations of the three TDR wave‐guides are strongly correlated during the passing of the wetting front. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Field observations of the vertical distribution of sand transport characteristics over fine,medium and coarse sand surfaces

The vertical distribution of sand transport characteristics is an important issue in aeolian research. Surface characteristics affect sand transport processes, but their effects are not yet fully understood. To provide more data on this subject, we observed sand transport in 16 field experiments above surfaces covered by fine, medium and coarse sand. The sand transport rate over relatively coarser‐grained medium and coarse surfaces could be expressed as a Gaussian peak function: q _z = a + b exp (?0.5[(|z – C _h|)/d ]^e), where q _z is the measured sediment transport at height z above the bed and a , b , C _h, d , and e are regression coefficients. The measured sand transport flux peak values (H _h) were linearly related to C _h, and both values were significantly related to the mean surface grain size. However, for the relatively finer‐grained medium and fine sand surfaces, the sediment transport could be expressed as an exponential function. The cumulative sand transport below 0.1 m was directly related to the mean surface grain size, and the relationship could be expressed as the following exponential function: C _z = f + g exp –M _z/i , where C _z is the cumulative sand transport at height z above the bed, M _z is the mean grain size and f , g , and i are regression coefficients. Above 0.1 m, there were no significant relationships between the cumulative sand transport and the mean surface grain size. The mean grain size decreased with increasing height below the peak height and then increased with increasing height. The surface grain size distribution and proportions of the particles in different grain size categories controlled the mean grain size as a function of height. The observed changes in the sand transport rate and grain size with height will provide support for sand disaster mitigation, numerical modelling and studies of dune formation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于不同模型的大型湖泊水气界面气体传输速率估算

气体传输速率是湖泊水—气界面温室气体交换通量的重要驱动因子,但其估算具有不确定性.本研究选择3种不同的参数化方程估算大型(面积2400 km2)浅水(平均水深1.9 m)湖泊——太湖水—气界面的气体传输速率,探讨大型湖泊气体传输速率的控制因子和变化范围,为估算模型的选取提供参考.结果表明,气体传输速率的两个重要参数风应力和水体对流混合速率存在夜间高、白天低的变化特征,因此气体传输速率也存在夜间高、白天低的变化特征.总体上太湖气体传输速率主要由风力控制,可以通过风速函数估算得到.太湖水—气界面气体传输速率的年均值为1.27~1.46m/d.因气体传输速率存在空间变化,单一站点参数化的模型可能不适合其他区域湖泊水—气界面气体传输速率的估算,但湖泊的面积可能是一个有效的预测因子.