Slippage and re-initiation of (hydraulic) fractures at frictional interfaces

The analysis of mechanisms which could control the growth of fractures in non-homogeneous regions is of paramount importance. One such mechanism is the behavior of the fracture as it reaches a frictional interface; coupled with this is the question of re-initiation, e.g. whether a fracture can be contained within the region of initiation. Though the problems of slippage have been dealt with by other investigators, the present paper gives a more comprehensive picture and detailed treatment: effects of various frictional models at an interface are considered for a crack which intersects it at any angle; specialization then allows comparison with existing results in the literature. The problem of re-initiation, after slippage has occurred at a frictional interface, is also considered, using two different models. First, by introducing microcracks in the adjacent stratum and looking at the effects on propagation criteria and, secondly, by examining the actual distribution of the stress tangential to the slip surface; detailed computations are performed and a simple criterion for re-initiation is given, relating the re-initiation stress dominantly to the confining stress on the interface.     

On the theory of consolidation with double porosity—III A finite element formulation

We employ a finite element method to consider the numerical solution of Aifantis' equations of double porosity.^1–5 The physical and mathematical foundations of the theory of double porosity were considered in two previous papers, ^6,7 where analytical solutions of the relevant equations are also given. For practical purposes and for the completeness of the presentation, we re-derive the basic equations without resorting to the more rigorous scheme of multiporosity theory.^1–6 Instead, we follow the more familiar approach of Biot^8,9 which we now extend from the case of single porosity to the case of double porosity. Then a general finite element formulation of the relevant eqations is thoroughly discussed and explicitly described for the two-dimensional case where four-node rectangular non-conforming isoparametric elements are employed. Three numerical examples are presented in detail to illustrate the method and assess the differences between single and double porosity models in consolidation.     

An evaluation of the use of halogen and water abundances in efforts to distinguish mineralized and barren intrusive rocks

Analysis of the chlorine, fluorine and water content of approximately 200 samples from a total of fourteen mineralized and ten barren intrusive rocks from the Caribbean and Central America indicates that abundances of these constituents fail to distinguish mineralized rocks from barren rocks. Variations in background abundances arise from the increase in halogen content of potassium-rich rocks and from the depletion of halogens in altered and porphyritic rocks. A particularly well developed potassium-fluorine covariance is observed in tin-bearing granites, but such a covariance cannot be used to distinguish intrusive rocks associated with porphyry copper mineralization.     

A novel concept for a satellite-based maritime search and rescue system

Search and rescue (SAR) for both airborne and maritime vehicles has been an area of intense investigation for many years. Current techniques include employment of small distress transmitters which provide signals that have only a limited interception capability. This can considerably increase the search time and reduce its effectiveness. With the increased availability-existing and planned-of both synchronous and nonsynchronous satellites, SAR investigations are being directed toward the application of satellites. The present paper introduces the concept of satellite-based maritime search and rescue system (SAMSARS). This is a proposed pseudonoise (PN) wide-band spread spectrum system that would operate at low power levels and coexist with operational communication satellite systems (voice or data) without mutual interference. The use of existing operational satellite spectrum, instead of a dedicated distress channel or special satellites, is a major feature of SAMSARS. Other important aspects are its capability of providing unique identification and distress information in minutes following activation of the distress transmitter and its inherent immunity to false alarms. SAMSARS can also provide position location directly when three satellites are mutually visible or indirectly, by taking advantage of a vessel's on-board derived navigation data. This paper presents concept elements such as message structure, transmitter and receiver block diagrams, and unique features of SAMSARS. The paper also presents an operational example, including sample link power budgets, and finally specifies areas for further investigation.     

Explicit diagram illustrations of the evolution of astrophysical maser line shapes

The astrophysical maser line shape is an important ingredient in analyzing the properties of astrophysical maser sources. Based on a newly developed theory, this paper shows new, detailed, and explicit diagram illustrations of those line shapes and their evolutions.     

Numerical solutions for flow in porous media

A numerical approach is proposed to model the flow in porous media using homogenization theory. The proposed concept involves the analyses of micro‐true flow at pore‐level and macro‐seepage flow at macro‐level. Macro‐seepage and microscopic characteristic flow equations are first derived from the Navier–Stokes equation at low Reynolds number through a two‐scale homogenization method. This homogenization method adopts an asymptotic expansion of velocity and pressure through the micro‐structures of porous media. A slightly compressible condition is introduced to express the characteristic flow through only characteristic velocity. This characteristic flow is then numerically solved using a penalty FEM scheme. Reduced integration technique is introduced for the volumetric term to avoid mesh locking. Finally, the numerical model is examined using two sets of permeability test data on clay and one set of permeability test data on sand. The numerical predictions agree well with the experimental data if constraint water film is considered for clay and two‐dimensional cross‐connection effect is included for sand. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palaeoecology of a late Allerød peat bed at Godøy,western Norway

A peat bed found under solifluction deposits on Godøya island, western Norway, accumulated during a few decades around 11 000 yr BP, at the end of the Allerød period of the Late Weichselian. Palaeoecological investigations showed a local vegetation succession on wet sand culminating in a mire community dominated by Carex nigra. Periodic flooding brought in sand and silt, which decreased as drainage was impeded sufficiently for standing water to develop. The surrounding terrestrial vegetation was dominated by Salix scrub, with some open heath and alpine habitats nearby. Apart from two aquatic species, the 29 insect taxa recorded are characteristic of alpine heaths, plant litter (under Salix scrub) and stream-sides. Their remains, together with the terrestrial plant macrofossils, were washed into the mire from nearby. Because the fossils are locally derived, the environmental reconstructions are of the actual conditions at Godøy at ca. 11 000 yr BP. Palaeotemperature estimates from beetles and plants are in agreement. The coleopteran estimates (Mutual Climatic Range Method) suggest mean July temperatures of 10–13°C, slightly cooler than today (13.5°), and January temperatures between +1 and ?10°C, similar to or much colder than today. Summer temperature estimates from individual plant taxa indicate that temperatures during the Allerød period were similar to today's, but estimates from the reconstructed vegetation and timber-line positions give estimates up to 3.5° cooler. Temperatures fell 2.5–7.5°C at the Younger Dryas. This abrupt and severe cooling initiated the solifluction processes on Godøya that buried the peat. The Godøy peat bed and its contained fossils provide a rare glimpse of Allerød biota and environments at the local (site) scale.     

Hydrogen burning on a white dwarf accreting hydrogen in a binary system

We follow the accretion of hydrogen-rich matter onto the surface of a white dwarf in a close binary system. Two phases of accretion are assumed. First—slow accretion from the interstellar clouds, second—fast accretion from the companion.Hydrogen is ignited at the interface between the fast and slowly accreted layers. After a short runaway burning continues in the form of quasistationary deflagration front propagating inwards. The features of this front are discussed. A possibility of mass loss is indicated.