Linear and nonlinear vibration of non-uniform beams on two-parameter foundations using p-elements

A hierarchical finite element is presented for the geometrically nonlinear free and forced vibration of a non-uniform Timoshenko beam resting on a two-parameter foundation. Legendre orthogonal polynomials are used as enriching shape functions to avoid the shear-locking problem. With the enriching degrees of freedom, the accuracy of the computed results and the computational efficiency are greatly improved. The arc-length iterative method is used to solve the nonlinear eigenvalue equation. The computed results of linear and nonlinear vibration analyses show that the convergence of the proposed element is very fast with respect to the number of Legendre orthogonal polynomials used. Since the elastic foundation and the axial load applied at both ends of the beam affect the ratios of linear frequencies associated with the internal resonance, they influence the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the beam. The axial tensile stress of the beam in nonlinear vibration is investigated in this paper, and attention should be paid to the geometrically nonlinear vibration resulting in considerably large axial tensile stress in the beam.     

Relationship between Magmatic,Metamorphic, and Hydrothermal Processes within the Baikal–Muya Terrane (Eastern Siberia): Constraints from High-Precision Geochronological Study of the Kedrovskii Granitoid Massif

Doklady Earth Sciences - High-precision dating of granitoids is of key significance for age identification of the main stages of crust formation in various blocks of the continental crust. Here we...     

Sedimentary processes and trace metal contaminants in the buccaneer oil/gas field,northwestern gulf of Mexico

Sediments are the ultimate sink for contaminants in the marine environment, and physical processes of sedimentation influence the distribution and accumulation of these contaminants. Evaluation of contaminant levels in sediments is one approach to assessing environmental impact; data interpretation depends on consideration of sediment texture and mineralogy, however, which profoundly influence chemical composition. In this study, comparison of potentially contaminated sediments from the production field with control populations was done only within the context of similar (as to texture and organic carbon and carbonate content) sample groups as determined by cluster analysis. Ba, Cd, and Sr are identified as contaminants. Supported by the identification of a well-crystallized expandable clay—possibly bentonite—drilling fluids are a potential source of Ba. Ba and Sr may be unnaturally high because of their abundance in discharged produced formation waters, but may also be naturally controlled by the unique faunal assemblage associated with the structures. Cd is probably derived from corrosion of the structures and assorted debris on the seafloor. In general, contamination is limited to an area within 100 m of the platforms. Furthermore, substantial erosion around platforms has probably effectively removed and dispersed the bulk of the contaminants introduced into the marine environment by the offshore exploration/production operations.     

On the Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics to Investigate Aerosol Dispersion in an Industrial Environment: A Case Study

Aerosol dispersion in the area surrounding an existing biological treatment facility is investigated using large-eddy simulation, with the objective to investigate the applicability of computational fluid dynamics to complex real-life problems. The aerosol sources consist of two large aeration ponds that slowly diffuse aerosols into the atmosphere. These sources are modelled as dilute concentrations of a non-buoyant non-reacting pollutant diffusing from two horizontal surfaces. The time frame of the aerosol release is restricted to the order of minutes, justifying a statistically steady inlet boundary condition. The numerical results are compared to wind-tunnel experiments for validation. The wind-tunnel flow characteristics resemble neutral atmospheric conditions with a Reynolds number, based on the boundary-layer thickness, of Re _δ ≈ 2 × 10⁵. The numerical inflow conditions are based upon the wind-tunnel flow field. The predicted decay of both the mean and root-mean-square concentrations are in good agreement with experimental data; at 3 m from the ground, the plume mean concentration 200 m downwind of the source is approximately 2% of the source strength. The numerical data in the near-surface layer (0–50 m from the ground) correspond particularly well with the wind-tunnel data. Tentative deposition simulations suggest that there seems to be little difference in the deposition rates of large (1.8 × 10⁻⁵ m) and small (3 × 10⁻⁶ m) particles in the near-field under the flow conditions considered.     

“Basin scale” versus “localized” pore pressure/stress coupling - Implications for trap integrity evaluation

In petroleum industry, the difference between pore pressure (P_p) and minimum horizontal stress S_h (termed the seal or retention capacity) is of major consideration because it is often assumed to represent how close a system is to hydraulic failure and thus the maximum hydrocarbon column height that can be maintained. While S_h and P_p are often considered to be independent parameters, several studies in the last decade have demonstrated that S_h and P_p are in fact coupled. However, the nature of this coupling relationship remains poorly understood. In this paper, we explore the influences of the spatial pore pressure distribution on S_h/P_p coupling and then on failure pressure predictions and trap integrity evaluation. With analytical models, we predict the fluid pressure sustainable within a reservoir before failure of its overpressured shale cover. We verify our analytical predictions with experiments involving analogue materials and fluids. We show that hydraulic fracturing and seal breach occur for fluid pressure greater than it would be expected from conventional retention capacity. This can be explained by the impact of the fluid overpressure field in the overburden and the pressure diffusion around the reservoir on the principal stresses. We calculate that supralithostatic pressure could locally be reached in overpressured covers. We also define the retention capacity of a cover (RC) surrounding a fluid source or reservoir as the difference between the failure pressure and the fluid overpressure prevailing in shale at the same depth. In response to a localized fluid pressure rise, we show that the retention capacity does not only depend on the pore fluid overpressure of the overburden but also on the tensile strength of the cover, its Poisson’s ratio, and the depth and width of the fluid source.     

Reconstruction and analysis of sub-plinian tephra dispersal during the 1530 A.D. Soufrière (Guadeloupe) eruption: Implications for scenario definition and hazards assessment

The last magmatic eruption of Soufrière of Guadeloupe dated at 1530 A.D. (Soufrière eruption) is characterized by an onset with a partial flank-collapse and emplacement of a debris-avalanche that was followed by a sub-plinian VEI 2–3 explosive short-lived eruption (Phase-1) with a column that reached a height between 9 and 12 km producing about 3.9 × 10⁶ m³ DRE (16.3 × 10⁶ m³ bulk) of juvenile products. The column recurrently collapsed generating scoriaceous pyroclastic flows in radiating valleys up to a distance of 5–6 km with a maximum interpolated bulk deposit volume of 11.7 × 10⁶ m³ (5 × 10⁶ m³ DRE). We have used HAZMAP, a numerical simple first-order model of tephra dispersal [Macedonio, G., Costa, A., Longo, A., 2005. A computer model for volcanic ash fallout and assessment of subsequent hazard. Comput. Geosci. 31, 837–845] to reconstruct to a first approximation the potential dispersal of tephra and associated tephra mass loadings generated by the sub-plinian Phase 1 of the 1530 A.D. eruption. We have tested our model on a deterministic average dry season wind profile that best-fits the available data as well as on a set of randomly selected wind profiles over a 5 year interval that allows the elaboration of probabilistic maps for the exceedance of specific tephra mass load thresholds. Results show that in the hypothesis of a future 1530 A.D. scenario, populated areas to a distance of 3–4 km west–southwest of the vent could be subjected to a static load pressure between 2 and 10 kPa in case of wet tephra, susceptible to cause variable degrees of roof damage. Our results provide volcanological input parameters for scenario and event-tree definition, for assessing volcanic risks and evaluating their impact in case of a future sub-plinian eruption which could affect up to 70 000 people in southern Basse-Terre island and the region. They also provide a framework to aid decision-making concerning land management and development. A sub-plinian eruption is the most likely magmatic scenario in case of a future eruption of this volcano which has shown, since 1992, increasing signs of low-energy seismic, thermal, and acid degassing unrest without significant deformation.     

Re-interpretation of a mixed petrographic province — The Sintra intrusive complex (Portugal) and related rocks

Sub-alkaline to calc-alkaline granite dominates the high-level plutonic massif of the Serra de Sintra, while two overlapping ring complexes recognised within it consist of four distinct alkaline to sub-alkaline quartz-bearing syenitic units, together with intrusions of a remarkable kaersutite- and (titan?)biotite-bearing theralite heteromorph (Mafraite), contaminated to varying degrees by sialic admixture. Large volumes of sub-volcanic breccia testify to considerable late explosive activity in and near the ring centres. Minor intrusives are approximate compositional counterparts of the plutonic rocks, but more closely resemble lavas forming the extensive “basaltic mantle” of the Lisbon region, where compositions range from olivine basalt, basanite and theralite (luscladite) to subordinate quartz-bearing trachyandesite and trachyte. Undersaturated salic rocks are absent throughout the province. Magmatic differentiation probably played a minimal part in petrogenesis of the Sintra intrusives. The granite is interpreted as a direct product of basement syntexis, the other rocks as products of selective palingenetic reactions between mafraitic magma and crystalline basement (or granite). Evolution of the volcanic and hypabyssal rocks may have been controlled by similar reactions, but evidence favouring differentiation of this suite from sialcontaminated basic parents is almost as strong. There are some points of resemblance between this province and that of the Auvergne region in southern France.     

Paleoclimatic changes in southern Africa during the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation: evidence from ODP Leg 175 Site 1085

Pliocene age sediments from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 175, Site 1085-A and B in the Cape Basin were analyzed to investigate the impact of the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation (INHG) on the South Atlantic Benguela Current system from 4 to 2 Ma. Proxies for productivity (concentrations and mass accumulation rates of total organic carbon, carbon to nitrogen ratios, percent calcium carbonate, and percent biogenic silica) as well as weight percent sand (a proxy for preservation or winnowing) peak at 3.2, 3.0, 2.4, and 2.25 Ma. Normative calculations of allied trace and major elemental determinations indicate synchronous increases in productivity peaks, as well as high concentrations and accumulations of terrigenous sediments. Coeval increases in hemipelagic sedimentation and productivity indicators could be the result of enhanced eolian sedimentation resulting from strengthened winds, leading to elevated rates of upwelling and enhanced productivity. However, rapid burial, as indicated by high sedimentation rates, could also enhance preservation. The very high concentrations (>30%) and accumulations (up to 60 g/cm²/kyr) limit the likelihood that eolian sedimentation was the only transport mechanism, invoking an additional fluvial source. Rapid burial by either eolian or fluvial transport links these intervals of enhanced preservation and productivity with continental climate changes resulting from (1) increased winds and/or dust availability due to higher aridity in the Namibia/northern South Africa region; (2) lowered sea-level related to increased ice volume; (3) increased sediment load due to wetter conditions in the continental interior; or (4) some combination. Peaks at 3.2, 2.4 and 2.25 Ma are coincident with maximum precession, suggesting a link between hemipelagic sedimentation and enhanced monsoonal circulation over southern Africa. The Site 1085 sedimentary record during the INHG seems to be controlled by low-latitude processes linked to precession rather than hig-latitude processes.     

Numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics with variational assimilation of observational data

Models and methods of the numerical modeling of ocean hydrodynamics dating back to the pioneering works of A.S. Sarkisyan are considered, with emphasis on the formulation of problems and algorithms of mathematical modeling and the four-dimensional variational assimilation of observational data. An algorithm is proposed for studying the sensitivity of the optimal solution to observational data errors in a seasurface temperature assimilation problem in order to retrieve heat fluxes on the surface. An example of a solution of the optimal problem of the World Ocean hydrodynamics with the assimilation of climatic temperature and salinity observations is offered.