ON THE NECESSITY OF APPLYING A ROTATION TO INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY MEASUREMENTS IN RIVER FLOWS

In studies on river channel flow turbulence, it is often the case that the measured mean vertical velocity is different from zero, indicating that the frame of reference of the current meter is not parallel to the flow streamline. This situation affects the estimate of Reynolds shear stress in the streamwise and vertical planes and consequently the analysis of the flow turbulent structure. One way to solve this problem is to correct data by applying a rotation and this is reviewed in the first part of the paper. However, in fluvial geomorphology, the studied flow is often complex and streamlines may exhibit significant changes from one point of measurement to the other. In this context, applying a rotation complicates the situation more than it simplifies it. The second part of this paper examines the question of velocity data correction in complex flows using a field example of the turbulent boundary layer over a very rough gravel bed and a laboratory example taken from flow at a river channel confluence. In both cases, velocity vectors are spatially variable. In the first case, errors in the Reynolds shear stress estimates are relatively low (ranging from −13 to 7 per cent/deg) while in the second case, they are much larger (−200 to 164 per cent/deg). The significance of these errors on the interpretation of turbulence statistics in river channel flows is discussed. We propose that corrections should be applied in all clear cases of sensor misalignment and when the frame of reference changes spatially and temporally. However, no corrections should be used where different flow velocity vector orientations, not sensor misalignment, are responsible for the mean vertical velocity differing from zero.     

Experimental investigation of blade and propeller loads: Steady turning motion

This paper is the continuation of the work described in [14], dedicated to the presentation of the results of propeller performance in behind-hull during straight ahead motion obtained by a novel experimental set-up for the measurements of single blade loads. In the present case, the study shows and discusses the single blade and propeller loads developed during steady turning conditions, that were simulated by means of free running, self propelled maneuvering tests for a twin screw configuration. Maneuvering conditions are critical for the ship propulsion system, because the performance of the propeller and the side effects related to its functioning (propeller–hull induced pressure and vibrations, noise) are completely different with respect to the design condition in straight ahead motion. Thrust and torque and generation of in-plane loads (force and moments), developed by the blade during the period, evolve differently for the two propellers, due to different propeller–wake interactions. The understanding and the accurate quantification of propeller loads, in these realistic operative scenarios, are pivotal to design low emission and comfortable ships, fulfilling the requirements of safety and continuity of operations at sea. The analysis is carried out revisiting the investigation in [14] for three different speeds (F_N = 0.26, 0.34 and 0.40) and a large set of rudder angles that span moderate and tight maneuvers.     

Generalised relative and cumulative response functions for electromagnetic induction conductivity meters operating at low induction numbers

Relative and cumulative analytical response functions have been widely used as a powerful tool for forward modelling and interpretation of measurements obtained by electromagnetic induction conductivity meters operating at low induction numbers for one‐dimensional layered earth models. These well‐known functions were derived and should be used for the instruments laid on the surface of the earth. In this paper, we extended the response functions and obtained new generalised analytical expressions, which can be used for instruments carried at any height from the surface. The proposed new equations were compared with numerically constructed functions, obtained using the full solution of Maxwell's equations, and proved to be in very good agreement at low induction numbers. Quantitative analyses of the behaviour of the relative response and the depth of investigation of electromagnetic induction instruments, when raised from the ground, could also be done using the generalised functions.     

基于微动H/V谱比法的土石分界面探测研究——以济南中心城区为例

土石分界面对城市抗震设防和地下工程建设具有重要意义.城市中复杂的干扰限制了常规地球物理勘探方法的使用,本文选用环境友好且抗干扰能力强的微动H/V谱比法对济南中心城区的土石分界面展开研究.在济南中心城区开展三分量微动测量,得到了400多个测点的微动数据,计算了对应的H/V谱比曲线.将得到的H/V曲线划分成单峰、宽峰、双峰和无峰四种类型,分析了不同类型曲线与地质结构的关系.根据基岩性质不同,将研究区的基岩划分为灰岩和岩浆岩两种类型,总结出了基岩为灰岩时的深度-频率关系式,同时发现当基岩为岩浆岩时无法得到可靠的关系式.根据关系式计算得到了济南部分测线的土石分界面深度分布,另外,关系式的计算结果与钻孔资料十分吻合,能满足工程探测的精度要求.本方法为在城市强干扰环境中确定土石分界面深度提供了快速准确的解决方案.     

Insights into bedload transport processes of a large regulated gravel‐bed river

A comprehensive monitoring programme focusing on bedload transport behaviour was conducted at a large gravel‐bed river. Innovative monitoring strategies were developed during five years of preconstruction observations accompanying a restoration project. A bedload basket sampler was used to perform 55 cross‐sectional measurements, which cover the entire water discharge spectrum from a 200‐year flood event in 2013 to a rare low flow event. The monitoring activities provide essential knowledge regarding bedload transport processes in large rivers. We have identified the initiation of motion under low flow conditions and a decrease in the rate of bedload discharge with increasing water discharge around bankfull conditions. Bedload flux strongly increases again during high flood events when the entire inundation area is flooded. No bedload hysteresis was observed. The effective discharge for bedload transport was determined to be near mean flow conditions, which is therefore at a lower flow discharge than expected. A numerical sediment transport model was able to reproduce the measured sediment transport patterns. The unique dataset enables the characterisation of bedload transport patterns in a large and regulated gravel‐bed river, evaluation of modern river engineering measures on the Danube, and, as a pilot project has recently been under construction, is able to address ongoing river bed incision, unsatisfactory ecological conditions for the adjacent national park and insufficient water depths for inland navigation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of the microtremor measurements to a site effect study

Earthquake has left much life and property damages. The occurrence of such events necessitates the execution of plans for combating the earthquakes. One of the most important methods for combating earthquakes includes assessing dynamic characteristics of soil and site effect. One of the methods by which one can state dynamic characteristics of the soil of an area is the measurement of microtremors. Microtremors are small-scale vibrations that occur in the ground and have an amplitude range of about0.1–1 microns. Microtremor measurement is fast, applicable, cost-effective. Microtremor measurements were taken at 15 stations in the Babol, north of Iran. Regarding H/V spectral ratio method, peak frequency and amplification factor were calculated for all microtremor stations.According to the analysis, the peak frequency varies from0.67 to 8.10 Hz within the study area. Also, the authors investigated the validity of the results by comparing them with SESAME guidelines and geotechnical conditions of study area. The microtremor analysis results are consistent with SESAME guidelines and geotechnical condition of study area. The results show that the microtremor observations are acceptable methods for assessing dynamic characteristics of soil and site effect in the Babol City.     

联合星载GPS和KBRR星间测速数据反演GRACE时变重力场模型

高精度GRACE卫星时变重力场反演一直是卫星重力测量中的难题.为了恢复高精度的时变地球重力场模型,本文联合GRACE卫星的星载GPS和KBR星间测速观测数据,在对GRACE卫星进行精密定轨的同时,解算出60阶月平均地球重力场模型.通过对GRACE卫星的定轨精度、星载GPS相位和KBR星间测速数据的拟合残差以及时变地球重力场模型解算精度等分析,表明:(1)与美国宇航局喷气推进实验室(JPL)发布的约化动力学精密轨道相比,本文确定GRACE卫星轨道三维位置误差小于5 cm.(2)星载GPS相位数据拟合残差为5~8 mm,KBR星间测速数据拟合残差为0.18~0.30μm·s~(-1).(3)解算的月平均重力场模型与美国德克萨斯大学空间研究中心(CSR)、德国地学研究中心(GFZ)和JPL发布的RL05模型精度接近,时变信号在全球范围内具有很好的空间分布一致性.通过计算亚马逊流域和长江流域的水储量变化,本文与上述三个机构的计算结果无明显差异,且相关系数均达0.9以上.可见,本文建立的卫星轨道与重力场同解算法具有反演高精度GRACE时变重力场能力,为我国卫星重力场反演提供了重要的技术支持.     

Velocity profiles and basal stresses in natural debris flows

The internal deformation within debris flows holds essential information on dynamics and flow resistance of such mass-wasting processes. Systematic measurements of velocity profiles in real-scale debris flows are not yet available. Additionally, data on basal stresses of the solid and the fluid phase are rare. Here, we present and analyse measurements of vertical velocity profiles in two debris flows naturally occurring in the Gadria Creek, Italy. The method is based on cross-correlation of paired conductivity signals from an array of sensors installed on a fin-shaped wall located in the middle of the channel. Additionally, we measure normal stress and pore fluid pressure by two force plates with integrated pressure transducers. We find internal deformation throughout the flows. Only at the very front was some en-bloc movement observed. Velocity profiles varied from front to tail and between flows. For one debris flow, pore fluid pressure close to normal stress was measured, whereas the other flow was less liquefied. The median shear rates were mostly less than 5 s⁻¹ and Savage numbers at the basal layer ranged from 0.01 to 1. Our results highlight the variable nature of debris flows and provide quantitative data on shear rate and basal stress distribution to help guide model development for hazard assessment and landscape evolution. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

High spatio-temporal resolution measurements of cohesive sediment erosion

In this study, we present a novel approach to measure fundamental processes of cohesive sediment erosion. The experimental setup consists of a laboratory erosion flume (SETEG) and a photogrammetric method to detect sediment erosion (PHOTOSED). Detailed data are presented for three erosion experiments, which were conducted with a natural non-cohesive/cohesive sediment mixture at increasing sediment depths (4, 8, 16 cm). In each experiment, the sediment was exposed to a set of incrementally increasing shear stresses and the erosion was measured dynamically, pixel-based, and approximate to the process scale given the resolution of PHOTOSED. This enables us to distinguish between (i) individual emerging erosion spots caused by surface erosion and (ii) large holes torn open by detached aggregate chunks. Moreover, interrelated processes were observed, such as (iii) propagation of the erosion in the longitudinal and lateral direction leading to merging of disconnected erosion areas and (iv) progressive vertical erosion of already affected areas. By complementing the (bulk) erosion volume profiles with additional quantitative variables, which contain spatial information (erosion area, specific deepening, number of disconnected erosion areas), conclusions on the erosion behaviour (and the dominant processes) can be drawn without requiring qualitative information (such as visual observations). In addition, we provide figures indicating the spatio-temporal erosion variability and the (bulk) erosion rates for selected time periods. We evaluate the variability by statistical quantities and show that significant erosion is mainly confined to only a few events during temporal progression, but then considerably exceeds the time-averaged median of the erosion (factors between 7.0 and 16.0). Further, we point to uncertainties in using (bulk) erosion rates to assess cohesive sediment erosion and particularly the underlying processes. As a whole, the results emphasise the need to measure cohesive sediment erosion with high spatio-temporal resolution to obtain reliable and robust information. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

Field observations in a small subtropical estuary during and after a rainstorm event

In Australia, a large majority of small subtropical estuaries are narrow, elongated and meandering channels with large width to depth ratio and cross-sections which deepen and widen towards the mouth. Up to date, episodic rainstorm events in such small systems were rarely documented, and this study presents a field data set collected during and immediately after a rainstorm. A number of hydrodynamic and physio-chemical parameters were recorded simultaneously at several longitudinal locations for 12 h. The field measurements demonstrated a significant flushing of the estuarine zone, caused primarily by the rainfall runoff from the nearby shopping malls and roadways. Some strong vertical stratification of the water column was observed at all sampling locations, and the depth-averaged salinity data exhibited a dome-shaped intrusion curve. A solution of the salt dispersion equation provided some agreement with the freshwater flushing conditions during the wet weather.