CodaQ as a combination of scattering and intrinsic attenuation: Numerical simulations with the boundary integral method

Numerical modelling ofSH wave seismograms in media whose material properties are prescribed by a random distribution of many perfectly elastic cavities and by intrinsic absorption of seismic energy (anelasticity) demonstrates that the main characteristics of the coda waves, namely amplitude decay and duration, are well described by singly scattered waves in anelastic media rather than by multiply scattered waves in either elastic or anelastic media. We use the Boundary Integral scheme developed byBenites et al. (1992) to compute the complete wave field and measure the values of the direct waveQ and coda wavesQ in a wide range of frequencies, determining the spatial decay of the direct wave log-amplitude relation and the temporal decay of the coda envelope, respectively. The effects of both intrinsic absorption and pure scattering on the overall attenuation can be quantified separately by computing theQ values for corresponding models with (anelastic) and without (elastic) absorption. For the models considered in this study, the values of codaQ ^–1 in anelastic media are in good agreement with the sum of the corresponding scatteringQ ^–1 and intrinsicQ ^–1 values, as established by the single-scattering model ofAki andChouet (1975). Also, for the same random model with intrinsic absorption it appears that the singly scattered waves propagate without significant loss of energy as compared with the multiply scattered waves, which are strongly affected by absorption, suggesting its dominant role in the attenuation of coda waves.     

Modelling of ground motion in the vicinity of massive structures

A two-dimensional elastic Chebyshev spectral element method (SPEM) is used to model the seismic wavefield within a massive structure and in its vicinity. We consider 2-D models where a linear elastic structure, with quadrangular cross-section, resting on an elastic homogeneous half-space, is impinged upon by the waves generated by a surface impulse at some distance. The scattering of Rayleigh waves and the response of the structure are extensively analysed in a parametric way, varying size, mechanical parameters and shape of the load. Some of the models considered are representative of embankments and earth dams. The simulation shows that some models resonate, storing part of the incoming energy. With realistic parameters, the lowest resonance frequency is due to pure shear deformation and is controlled by the shear velocity and height of the load. Flexural modes are excited only at higher frequencies. The acceleration at the top of the structure may be five/seven times higher than at the base, depending on the mass of the structure. The gradual release of trapped energy produces a ground roll lasting several seconds after the wave front has passed. The ground-roll amplitude depends on the sturcture's mass and can be as large as 30% of the peak acceleration. Outside resonance conditions, the ground motion is almost unaffected by the presence of the artefact; the horizontal motion on top of it is nearly twice the motion at ground level. Similar results should be expected when the incident field is an upcoming shear wave. A qualitative discussion shows that the presence of anelastic attenuation in the embankment does not significantly alter the preceding conclusions, unless it is of very low values (e.g. Q < 15).The modelling results that we discuss indicate that the soil-structure interaction may substantially alter the ‘free-field’ ground motion. From a practical point of view, the main conclusions are: (1) careful analysis is necessary when interpreting seismic records collected in the vicinity of large artefacts; (2) seismic hazard at a site may depend on the presence of man-made structures such as embankments, dams, tall and massive buildings.     

模糊聚类分析方法在地震预报中的应用

总结了1993～1997年应用模糊聚类分析方法对甘肃省地震预报的效果,通过评价得到对河西走廊地区和南北地震带北段地区的预报能力分别为0．55和0．61,扣除随机概率的预报成功率分别为0．5和0．58。     

Application of a BEM time stepping algorithm in understanding complex unsteady propulsion hydrodynamic phenomena

We solve the problem of unsteady potential flow around a system of arbitrarily moving rigid or flexible, lifting or non-lifting bodies, in an infinite fluid free of distributed vorticity. For the solution we use a time stepping algorithm and a potential based formulation of the corresponding free BVP. Nonlinear free shear layer dynamics are included in our modeling. This is a major innovation in treating complex unsteady propulsion problems since no simplifying assumptions (like that of a helicoidal wake) are used regarding the wake model. Bilinear quadrilateral elements are used to describe body and shear layer geometry at each time t. Three types of Kutta conditions can be alternatively applied for the determination of the shed vorticity from lifting bodies. The theoretical and numerical aspects of the method are presented followed by a number of applications, elucidating the qualitative and quantitative physical characteristics of a number of complex unsteady propulsion problems.     

山区高速公路路堑高边坡稳定性分析评价

山区地形地质条件复杂,深路堑高边坡多,切坡引发工程滑坡对公路工程的安全稳定影响巨大。结合铜汤路工程实践,阐述山区高速公路高边坡稳定性勘察评价方法,并建议采取综合防护措施,特别是以植物防护为主,结合工程防护的设计理念,确保边坡安全稳定,还大大改善了山区公路景观。     

层间氧化带砂岩型铀矿矿物晕的非常规探测方法

本文以层间氧化带砂岩型铀矿矿物晕的一般特征为依托，介绍几种层间氧化带砂岩型铀矿矿物晕的非常规探测方法。     

Simulating the response of a closed‐basin lake to recent climate changes in tropical West Africa (Lake Bosumtwi,Ghana)

Historical changes in the level of Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana, have been simulated using a catchment‐scale hydrological model in order to assess the importance of changes in climate and land use on lake water balance on a monthly basis for the period 1939–2004. Several commonly used models for computing evaporation in data‐sparse regions are compared, including the Penman, the energy budget, and the Priestley–Taylor methods. Based on a comparison with recorded lake level variations, the model with the energy‐budget evaporation model subcomponent is most effective at reproducing observed lake level variations using regional climate records. A sensitivity analysis using this model indicates that Lake Bosumtwi is highly sensitive to changes in precipitation, cloudiness and temperature. However, the model is also sensitive to changes in runoff related to vegetation, and this factor needs to be considered in simulating lake level variations. Both interannual and longer‐term changes in lake level over the last 65 years appear to have been caused primarily by changes in precipitation, though the model also suggests that the drop in lake level over the last few decades has been moderated by changes in cloudiness and temperature over that time. Based on its effectiveness at simulating the magnitude and rate of lake level response to changing climate over the historical record, this model offers a potential future opportunity to examine the palaeoclimatic factors causing past lake level fluctuations preserved in the geological record at Lake Bosumtwi. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multiscale approach to geo‐composite cellular structures subjected to rock impacts

Geo‐composite cellular structures are an efficient technological solution for various applications in civil engineering. This type of structure is particularly well adapted to resisting rockfalls and can act as a defensive structure. However, the design of such structures is for the most part empirically based; this lack of research‐based design stagnates optimization and advanced development. In this paper, the mechanical behaviour of a geo‐composite cellular structure is investigated using a multi‐scale approach, from the individual cell made up of an assembly of rocky particles contained in a wire netting cage to the entire structure composed of a regular array of cells. Based on discrete modelling of both the cell and structure scales, a computational tool has been developed for design purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Elastic waves at a corrugated interface between two dissimilar fibre‐reinforced elastic half‐spaces

The reflection and transmission phenomena of elastic waves incident at a corrugated interface between two dissimilar fibre‐reinforced elastic half‐spaces have been analysed. Using Rayleigh method of approximation, the expressions of the reflection and transmission coefficients are obtained in closed form for the plane interface as well as for the first order approximation of the periodic interface ζ = d cos px. All these reflection and transmission coefficients of regular and irregular waves are found to be the functions of angle of incidence and elastic parameters of the media. Moreover, the coefficients of irregularly reflected and transmitted waves are found to be proportional to the amplitude of the corrugated interface and are functions of the frequency of the incident wave. Numerical computations have been performed for a specific model to compute these coefficients and results obtained are shown graphically. The results of Singh and Singh (Sadhana 2004; 29 :249–257) and Ben‐Menahem and Singh (Seismic Waves and Sources. Springer: New York) have been derived from our analysis as particular cases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Autochthonous block fields in southern Norway: Implications for the geometry,thickness, and isostatic loading of the Late Weichselian Scandinavian ice sheet

The consistent geographical and altitudinal distribution of autochthonous block fields (mantle of bedrock weathered in situ) and trimlines in southern Norway suggests a multi-domed and asymmetric Late Weichselian ice sheet. Low-gradient ice-sheet profiles in the southern Baltic region, in the North Sea, and along the outer fjord areas of southern Norway, are best explained by movement of ice on a bed of deforming sediment, although water lubricated sliding or a combination of the two, may not be excluded. The ice-thickness distribution of the Late Weichselian Scandinavian ice sheet is not in correspondence with the modern uplift pattern of Fennoscandia. Early Holocene crustal rebound was apparently determined by an exponential, glacio-isostatic rise. Later, however, crustal movements appear to have been dominated by large-scale tectonic uplift of the Fennoscandian Shield, centred on the Gulf of Bothnia, the region of maximum lithosphere thickness.