On a nonlinear hybrid method for multiscale analysis of a bearing-capacity test of a real-scale segmental tunnel ring

A nonlinear hybrid method is developed for multiscale analysis of a bearing-capacity test of a real-scale segmental tunnel ring subjected to point loads. The structural analysis consists of two parts. Part I refers to modeling of bending-induced tensile cracking of the segments, resulting from the external loading. The segments are subdivided into elements, according to the crack spacing. Each element is either intact or contains one central crack band, flanked by lateral undamaged domains. A multiscale model for tensile softening of concrete is used to describe the progressive deterioration of the crack bands. After iterative determination of their state of damage, the effective bending and extensional stiffnesses of the corresponding elements are quantified by means of Voigt-Reuss-Hill estimates. The effective stiffnesses are used for linear-elastic simulations of the segmental tunnel ring. Part II refers to the relative rotation angles at the joints, which are estimated from monitoring data, using the Bernoulli-Euler hypothesis. Since the validity of this hypothesis is questionable for neck-like joints, the relative rotation angles are post-processed such that they refer to rigid body displacements of the segments. The following conclusions are drawn: The presented approach yields good estimates of crack widths. Relative rotation angles at the joints mainly result in rigid body displacements of the segments, governing the convergences. Because realistic interface models are lacking, hybrid analysis based on displacement-monitoring data allows for performing ultimate-load analysis of segmental tunnel rings.     

Stopping power of matter and energy losses of solar neutrinos

The effects of neutrino mass and oscillations are investigated in the calculations of energy losses of solar neutrinos. In these calculations, we take into account the full energy dependence of the stopping power of matter for neutrinos. The case of Majorana neutrinos are also investigated. It is found that the total losses of energy of solar neutrinos are too small to account for the solar neutrino problem.     

Lunar core detection using two surface magnetometers at very low frequency

A method of analysis is developed for combining the measurements of two surface magnetometers so as to deduce empirically the very low frequency electromagnetic transfer function of the Moon. The method is expected to be useful in determining the presence of a lunar metallic core by making usable for this purpose simultaneous magnetic field measurements by the Apollo 15 and 16 surface modules.     

Photo's from Proceedings of the Third MicroQuasar Workshop; Granada Worshop on Galactic Relativistic Jet Sources – Granada,Spain, 11–13 September 2000

The X-Ray Spectroscopic Explorer (XRASE) has a unique combination of features that will make it possible to address many of NASA's scientific goals. These include how galaxy clusters form, the physics and chemistry of the ISM, the heating of stellar coronae, the amount and content of intergalactic baryonic matter, the mass of black holes and the formation of disks and jets in AGN and galactic binaries. XRASE has a thin foil, multilayered telescope with a large collecting area up to 10 keV, especially in the Fe K region (1100 cm²). Its microcalorimeter array combines high energy resolution (7 eV at 6 keV) and efficiency with a field-of-view of 26 arcmin² . A deep orbit allows for long, continuous observations. Monitoring instruments in the optical (WOM-X), UV (TAUVEX) and hard X-RAY (GRAM) bands will offer exceptional opportunities to make simultaneous multi-wavelength observations.     

Sulfur isotopes and origin of some sulfide deposits,New England,Australia

The S-isotopic compositions of sulfide deposits from Steinmann, granitoid and felsic volcanic associations have been examined. Ores of Steinmann association have ³⁴S values close to zero per mil (³⁴S=+0.3±3.1) it appears they are of mantle origin. Isotopically, ores of granitoid association regularly show a variable enrichment in ³²S relative to meteoritic (³⁴S=–2.7±3.3). The composition is in accord with an upper mantle/lower crustal source. Two stratiform accumulations of felsic volcanic association show a narrow spread of ³⁴S values (+0.2 to 2.4); a mantle origin for the sulfur in these deposits is favored. In contrast, vein, stockwork and cement ores are moderately enriched in ³²S relative to meteoritic (³⁴S=–4.0±6.4). These ores are polygenetic; sulfur and metals appear to have been leached from local country rocks where volcanogenic and biogenic sulfur predominate.     

Elastic constant systematics

This papers reviews elastic constant systematics. The bulk modulus of oxides and silicates is generally predictable on the basis of density and mean atomic weight. For constant mean atomic weight, \(\bar M\) , the bulk modulus is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the molar volume, regardless of whether molar volume changes due to temperature,T, pressure,P, or crystal structure. This iso- \(\bar M\) trend has the explanation that the Grüneisen parameter, (?K/?P) _T , and ?(1/αK)(?K/?T) _P , whereK is bulk modulus and α is volumetric thermal expansion, are approximately constant for most materials. For isostructural compounds, the bulk modulus is inversely proportional to the molar volume. This isostructural trend has the explanation that a certain combination of interatomic force parameters are the same for isostructural compounds. Equivalent iso- \(\bar M\) and isostructural trends are discussed for velocity versus density. Exceptions to the systematics exist.     

Uranium-series disequilibrium studies in phosphorite nodules from the west coast of South America

Sedimentary phosphorites occurring on the sea floor off Peru and Chile have been analyzed for U and Th isotopes, to establish their ages and hence obtain clues for their mode of formation. Fission-track distribution studies indicate that the U is primarily associated with the apatite fraction. Uranium-series disequilibrium methods, therefore, should be applicable, if the U incorporation is syngenetic with the apatite.The fractionation of U isotopes between oxidation states in the relatively young phosphorites from South America is low compared to that in older deposits. This supports the contention of Kolodny and Kaplan (1970) that the major mechanism of ${}^{234}\text{U}{}^{238}\text{U}$ fractionation is displacement of ²³⁴U atoms into sites where they are more ‘oxidizable’ than the ²³⁸U parent. Age estimates based on ²³⁴U(IV) and ²³⁰Th contents are internally consistent and range from late Pleistocene to Recent.The results indicate that marine phosphorites are currently forming in this area of intense oceanic upwelling. The age pattern during the last 150,000 yr suggests a correlation with eustatic high sea level stands and implies that conditions were more favorable for apatite genesis in this area during interglacials rather than during glacial times.