A new algorithm for the detection of intercluster galaxy filaments using galaxy orientation alignments

We present a new algorithm for detecting intercluster galaxy filaments based upon the assumption that the orientations of constituent galaxies along such filaments are non-isotropic. We apply the algorithm to the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey catalogue and find that it readily detects many straight filaments between close cluster pairs. At large intercluster separations  (≫15  h ⁻¹ Mpc)  , we find that the detection efficiency falls quickly, as it also does with more complex filament morphologies. We explore the underlying assumptions and suggest that it is only in the case of close cluster pairs that we can expect galaxy orientations to be significantly correlated with filament direction.     

A viscoplastic model including anisotropic damage for the time dependent behaviour of rock

This paper presents a new constitutive model for the time dependent mechanical behaviour of rock which takes into account both viscoplastic behaviour and evolution of damage with respect to time. This model is built by associating a viscoplastic constitutive law to the damage theory. The main characteristics of this model are the account of a viscoplastic volumetric strain (i.e. contractancy and dilatancy) as well as the anisotropy of damage. The latter is described by a second rank tensor. Using this model, it is possible to predict delayed rupture by determining time to failure, in creep tests for example. The identification of the model parameters is based on experiments such as creep tests, relaxation tests and quasi‐static tests. The physical meaning of these parameters is discussed and comparisons with lab tests are presented. The ability of the model to reproduce the delayed failure observed in tertiary creep is demonstrated as well as the sensitivity of the mechanical response to the rate of loading. The model could be used to simulate the evolution of the excavated damage zone around underground openings. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

模拟堆载作用的黄土边坡土体变形机理试验

通过固结不排水剪试验,研究了堆载作用下不同深度、含水量和围压的原状黄土的变形和破坏特征,并从黄土的微观结构角度分析了产生这一现象的原因,结合黄土边坡特殊的工程地质条件,分析了堆载作用下黄土边坡土体的变形破坏过程。试验结果表明,不同深度、含水量和围压的原状黄土的应力应变曲线和抗剪强度具有不同的特征;特殊的工程地质条件,使黄土坡体的某些部位形成了堆载作用下不利于黄土材料强度保持的含水量和围压的组合,导致了这些部位黄土的变形破坏,进而诱发坡体的变形破坏。     

Evolution of binary stars and the effect of tides on binary populations

We present a rapid binary-evolution algorithm that enables modelling of even the most complex binary systems. In addition to all aspects of single-star evolution, features such as mass transfer, mass accretion, common-envelope evolution, collisions, supernova kicks and angular momentum loss mechanisms are included. In particular, circularization and synchronization of the orbit by tidal interactions are calculated for convective, radiative and degenerate damping mechanisms. We use this algorithm to study the formation and evolution of various binary systems. We also investigate the effect that tidal friction has on the outcome of binary evolution. Using the rapid binary code, we generate a series of large binary populations and evaluate the formation rate of interesting individual species and events. By comparing the results for populations with and without tidal friction, we quantify the hitherto ignored systematic effect of tides and show that modelling of tidal evolution in binary systems is necessary in order to draw accurate conclusions from population synthesis work. Tidal synchronism is important but, because orbits generally circularize before Roche lobe overflow, the outcome of the interactions of systems with the same semilatus rectum is almost independent of eccentricity. It is not necessary to include a distribution of eccentricities in population synthesis of interacting binaries; however, the initial separations should be distributed according to the observed distribution of semilatera recta rather than periods or semimajor axes.     

A mathematical model for orientation data from macroscopic conical folds

Statistical techniques are developed to classify folds into one of three classes: cylindrical, conical, or neither. A translated version of Bingham's distribution on the sphere is applied to orientation data fron conical folds. Iterative least-squares techniques are used to determine the best-fitting small circle (or cone), and confidence intervals for the cone axis and half apical angle are developed. Examples of a cylindrical and a conical fold are given. Another fold is neither cylindrical nor conical and is classified as pseudoconical. Relationships between the Bingham and Fisher distributions are presented.     

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE RECREATIONAL SUBDIVISIONS

Recreational subdivisions are extensive operations that have produced tremendous change in many areas. Environmental problems are widespread and often intensified by the extreme degree of clustering. Severe environmental impacts could be reduced substantially if the projects were developed in phases, water resource use was limited to environmentally “safe'’yields, and other environmental constraints were considered by project officials.     

Effects of boundary conditions and partial drainage on cyclic simple shear test results—a numerical study

Owing to imperfect boundary conditions in laboratory soil tests and the possibility of water diffusion inside the soil specimen in undrained tests, the assumption of uniform stress/strain over the sample is not valid. This study presents a qualitative assessment of the effects of non‐uniformities in stresses and strains, as well as effects of water diffusion within the soil sample on the global results of undrained cyclic simple shear tests. The possible implications of those phenomena on the results of liquefaction strength assessment are also discussed. A state‐of‐the‐art finite element code for transient analysis of multi‐phase systems is used to compare results of the so‐called ‘element tests’ (numerical constitutive experiments assuming uniform stress/strain/pore pressure distribution throughout the sample) with results of actual simulations of undrained cyclic simple shear tests using a finite element mesh and realistic boundary conditions. The finite element simulations are performed under various conditions, covering the entire range of practical situations: (1) perfectly drained soil specimen with constant volume, (2) perfectly undrained specimen, and (3) undrained test with possibility of water diffusion within the sample. The results presented here are restricted to strain‐driven tests performed for a loose uniform fine sand with relative density D_r=40%. Effects of system compliance in undrained laboratory simple shear tests are not investigated here. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.