Rupture of an evaporating liquid bridge between two grains

The study examines rupture of evaporating liquid bridges between two glass spheres. Evolution of the bridge profile has been recorded with the use of high-speed camera. Geometrical characteristics of the bridge were then used to calculate evolution of the variables during the process: Laplace pressure, capillary force, and surface tension force. For the purpose of reference, the bridge evolution is followed also during kinematic extension. During both processes the diameter of the neck decreases, with an acceleration of about 1–2 ms before the rupture. Two distinct rupture modes are observed, depending on the bridge aspect ratio. After the rupture, the mass of liquid splits, forming two separate oscillating drops attached to the spheres, and a suspended satellite droplet. Just before the rupture, an increasing repulsive Laplace pressure, and decreasing negative surface tension force develop. Capillary force follows the trend of the surface tension force, with an accelerating decline. Duration of the whole process and liquid mass stabilization is from 10 to 60 ms.     

Modelling-based assessment of suspended sediment dynamics in a hypertidal estuarine channel

We investigate the dynamics of suspended sediment transport in a hypertidal estuarine channel which displays a vertically sheared exchange flow. We apply a three-dimensional process-based model coupling hydrodynamics, turbulence and sediment transport to the Dee Estuary, in the north-west region of the UK. The numerical model is used to reproduce observations of suspended sediment and to assess physical processes responsible for the observed suspended sediment concentration patterns. The study period focuses on a calm period during which wave-current interactions can reasonably be neglected. Good agreement between model and observations has been obtained. A series of numerical experiments aim to isolate specific processes and confirm that the suspended sediment dynamics result primarily from advection of a longitudinal gradient in concentration during our study period, combined with resuspension and vertical exchange processes. Horizontal advection of sediment presents a strong semi-diurnal variability, while vertical exchange processes (including time-varying settling as a proxy for flocculation) exhibit a quarter-diurnal variability. Sediment input from the river is found to have very little importance, and spatial gradients in suspended concentration are generated by spatial heterogeneity in bed sediment characteristics and spatial variations in turbulence and bed shear stress.     

Hydraulic characterization and hydrological behaviour of a pilot permeable pavement in an urban centre,Brazil

Considering all the alterations on hydrology and water quality that urbanization process brings, permeable pavement (PP) is an alternative to traditional impermeable asphalt and concrete pavement. The goal of the PP and other low impact development devices is to increase infiltration and reduce peak runoff flows. These structures are barely used in Brazil aiming stormwater management, one of the big hydrological issues in cities throughout the country, with increasing urbanization rates. The main objective of this paper is the hydraulic characterization of a PP and the assessment of its hydrological efficiency from the point of view of the infiltration process. The study focuses on a pilot area in a parking lot in an urban area (Recife, Brazil). Soil elements filling the voids between concrete elements were sampled (particle size density, water contents) and tested with water infiltration experiments at several points of the 3 m × 1.5 m surface pilot area. Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters algorithm was applied to the infiltration experiment data to obtain the hydraulic characteristics of the soil composing the PP surface layer, the concrete grid pavers (with internal voids filled with natural soil) permeability being neglected. Results show that the soil hydraulic characteristics vary spatially within the pilot area and that the soil samples have different hydraulic behaviours. The hydraulic characteristics derived from Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters analysis were implemented into Hydrus code to simulate runoff, infiltration and water balance over a year. The numerical simulation showed the good potential of the PP for rainfall–runoff management, which demonstrates that PP can be used to retrofit existing parking infrastructure and to promote hydrological behaviour close to natural soils. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Relativistic fireworks

We have studied a model of relativistic fireworks. In this model it is assumed that a series of explosions occur. In each explosion the fragments fly apart in arbitrary directions with a given velocity which is a parameter in the model.We have succeeded in obtaining an exact expression for the distribution of fragments in velocity space aftern explosions.We present an exact solution also in the limiting case of small velocity steps where the process turns into a diffusion in velocity space.The development in configuration space has been obtained through Monte-Carlo numerical simulations.The model has been applied to metagalactic cosmology. Although single explosions cannot reach the highest redshifts observed in the Hubble expansion the fireworks model offers a possibility to reach thesez-values in a few explosions.The model gives a density inhomogeneity of 20% over a tenth of the Hubble distance as seen from a typical position. Observations show a considerably greater irregular variation.The model gives a local velocity dispersion which is too great to comply with observations. A development of the model is suggested.     

Modelling the behaviour of a large landslide with respect to hydrogeological and geomechanical parameter heterogeneity

Thanks to a sophisticated transient hydrogeological modelling allowing the determination of the pore pressure fields in La Frasse landslide mass during a crisis, it has been possible to model the mechanical behaviour of the slide and obtain results that prove to be similar to the monitored data, in terms of peak velocity, distribution of velocity with time and space and total displacements. Such results are reached only when appropriate constitutive modelling laws are used, and when geotechnical tests supply all the required parameters. The main results concern the potential effect of a drainage system during a crisis, like the one experienced in 1994. It can include vertical boreholes equipped with pumps or drains drilled from a gallery. The draining system reduces horizontal displacements down to 5% of the values modelled during the crisis. This effect, which appears to extend over a large width, will be even more significant if the boreholes discharge the drained water into the gallery, due to its extension in the presently stabilised landslide mass below the active zone. The modelling tools developed for La Frasse landslide thus provide all the necessary information to optimise the drainage scheme.     

Te-Rich argyrodite occurrence in Roşia Montană ore deposit,Apuseni Mountains,Romania

A new argyrodite occurrence has been discovered in the Ro?ia Montan? ore deposit located in the South Apuseni Mountains, Romania. Argyrodite is associated with common base metal sulfides and sulfosalts (galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite ± alabandite, pyrite, and marcasite), tellurides (hessite, altaite, sylvanite) and rare electrum grains in the Ag-rich Cârnicel vein hosted by an extracraterial phreatomagmatic breccia within the Cârnic massif. SEM and EPMA analyses revealed that this argyrodite is Te-rich and a mean Ag_8.04Ge_0.9Te_2.07S_3.77 formula was calculated. This phase could be the germaniferous equivalent of the previously-described Te-rich canfieldite. To cite this article: L. Bailly et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Les placers à silice ultrapure français : étude gîtologique comparative

The comparative study of two French high-purity silica placers of European class suitable for the electrometallurgy of silicon and ferrosilicon, located at Boudeau and Thédirac, in the Dordogne and Lot departments respectively, indicates strong similarities as regards the sources and the transportation of quartz, as well as a same process of undercover karstification as a determining factor in the formation of the deposits. The main difference lies in the number of the stages necessary to the formation of the trap. This comparative study allows the constitution of dynamic models for the genesis of these economic quartz concentrations. To cite this article: L. Désindes et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Paleo-deviatoric stress magnitudes from calcite twins and related structural permeability evolution in minor faults: Example from the toarcian shale of the French Causses Basin, Aveyron, France

The relationship between deformation and so-called fluid paleotransfers in minor faults has been analysed in an argillaceous formation located in the Causses Basin in France. The fluid paleotransfers are related to the fault activity to a large extent. We attempt to estimate the intensity of paleo-deviatoric stress magnitudes under which the fault activity may have occurred and consequently, the change in the structural fault permeability. The paleo-deviatoric stress magnitudes were calculated with the inverse method of Etchecopar applied to calcite twinning. The measured crystals are contained within the core zone of minor faults and this study is based on a previous complete microtectonic and microstructural analysis of the faults. In this paper, analysis of calcite twinning has been applied for the first time to vein fillings associated small faults in a context of relatively weak deformation, a condition ensured by the tectonic and structural analysis. Calculation and discussion of the paleo-deviatoric stress tensors in relation to the evolution of the structural fault permeability and to the hydraulic behaviour of the faults are the aim of this paper. The analysed faults, created and active during the same tectonic event, were permeable under a (σ₁–σ₃) mean value of 40–50 MPa. On the other hand, the reactivation of faults during a second tectonic event implies mean (σ₁–σ₃) value higher than 40–50 MPa, especially for the faults that are poorly oriented with respect to the principal tectonic stress directions. The core zone of these faults remained sealed and impermeable or became permeable by development of microcracks inside the pre-existing fillings.     

Experimental and numerical investigations of the behaviour of a heat exchanger pile

The geothermal use of concrete geostructures (piles, walls and slabs) is an environmentally friendly way of cooling and heating buildings. With such geothermal structures, it is possible to transfer energy from the ground to fluid‐filled pipes cast in concrete and then to building environments. To improve the knowledge in the field of geothermal structures, the behaviour of a pile subjected to thermo‐mechanical loads is studied in situ. The aim is to study the increased loads on pile due to thermal effects. The maximum thermal increment applied to the pile is on the order of 21°C and the mechanical load reached 1300 kN. Coupled multi‐physical finite element modelling is carried out to simulate the observed experimental results. It is shown that the numerical model is able to reproduce the most significant thermo‐mechanical effects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.