Finite element models for rock fracture mechanics

A finite element model for the prediction of discrete fracture propagation in rock structures loaded in compression is presented. The model integrates any one of three theories for mixed-mode fracture initiation; it contains an energy balance algorithm for predicting crack increment length, and incorporates recent developments in finite element stress-intensity factor computation. The predictions of the model are compared with the observed fracture response of a real rock structure. Results show that the model accurately predicts both stable and unstable fracture progagations observed experimentally.     

Oxygen exchange between a ‘model’ pond and the atmosphere

Oxygen exchange between a sheltered ‘model’ farm pond (6 m diameter and 2.5 m deep) and the atmosphere averaged 0.33 m/day for measurements made from April to December. This value was similar to those reported for isolated surfaces in sheltered waters and in laboratory tanks but below those of large, inland waters. Low average wind velocity (0.7 m/sec) probably caused the low O₂ exchange rate. Interactions between air and water temperatures and precipitation may be important factors governing short-term O₂ exchange in highly sheltered waters.     

A rate-type constitutive model for soil with a critical state

A continuum representation for soil which incorporates the concepts of hypoelasticity and critical state theory is proposed. General, three-dimensional constitutive equations are formulated to relate specific volume, stress, rate of deformation and rate of change of stress, resulting in a mathematical material model which exhibits phenomenological features typical of soil response. The general constitutive equations are specialized to represent the particular cases of isotropic compression, constant, volume deformation, uniaxial compression and biaxial deformation. Methods are suggested for determining the model parameters to represent a specific soil using conventional triaxial test data. Comparisons of stress-strain response with published experimental data are shown.     

Short gravity and capillary wave spectra from tower-based radar

Radar backscatter measurements made as part of Project MARSEN in 1979 from the Noordwijk tower off the Dutch coast are used to calculate apparent ripple (capillary and short-gravity wave) spectra by inverting the small-perturbation scattering theory. The measurements were made at 10 and 15 GHz for angles of incidence ranging from20degto70deg; this means that the range of Bragg-resonant spatial wavenumbers covered is from 1.43 to 5.90 cm^-1. Results of coincidentC- andX-band experiments by the Institute Francais du Petrole (IFP) andX-band experiments by a group of Dutch researchers (TNO) are compared with our results and good general agreement is found. Our initial results show a steeper falloff of the spectra with increasing wavenumber than reported previously, particularly at low windspeeds. When the spectra are modified to account for the difference between previous aircraft and tower measurements [1], the observed spectra agree well with the appropriate part of Pierson's wave spectrum as modified by Fung and Lee [2].