Dynamics of steel offshore platforms under ship impact

This paper deals with the prediction of the dynamic response of steel offshore platforms to high energy impacts from typical supply vessels. The contribution of the high modes of a cantilever beam type structure with a concentrated top mass subjected to transverse impact from rigid and deformable strikers is analysed. A procedure to develop simplified equivalent systems for efficient structural response analysis is presented and its reliability tested by comparing the results from the explicit non-linear FE simulations. Effects such as the overall rotation of the installation, plastic deformations in the contact area, different impact locations and different hinge mechanisms are taken into account. It is shown that the use of the proposed equivalent systems with a reduced number of DOF's can provide accurate results at significantly less computational efforts as compared to the FE simulations. The derivation of some parameters of the equivalent dynamic elastic–plastic SDOF/2SDOF systems, however, needs to consider the complexity of the analysed steel frames and perform preliminary non-linear static analyses. Therefore, further studies of different impact scenarios on platforms with different configurations are recommended to augment the results presented here.     

Lithospheric gravitational instability beneath the Southeast Carpathians

The Southeast corner of the Carpathians, known as the Vrancea region, is characterised by a cluster of strong seismicity to depths of about 200 km. The peculiar features of this seismicity make it a region of high geophysical interest. In this study we calculate the seismic strain-rate tensors for the period 1967–2007, and describe the variation of strain-rate with depth. The observed results are compared with strain-rates predicted by numerical experiments. We explore a new dynamical model for this region based on the idea of viscous flow of the lithospheric mantle permitting the development of local continental mantle downwelling beneath Vrancea, due to a Rayleigh–Taylor instability that has developed since the cessation of subduction at 11 Ma. The model simulations use a Lagrangean frame 3D finite-element algorithm solving the equations of conservation of mass and momentum for a spatially varying viscous creeping flow. The finite deformation calculations of the gravitational instability of the continental lithosphere demonstrate that the Rayleigh–Taylor mechanism can explain the present distribution of deformation within the downwelling lithosphere, both in terms of stress localisation and amplitude of strain-rates. The spatial extent of the high stress zone that corresponds to the seismically active zone is realistically represented when we assume that viscosity decreases by at least an order of magnitude across the lithosphere. The mantle downwelling is balanced by lithospheric thinning in an adjacent area which would correspond to the Transylvanian Basin. Crustal thickening is predicted above the downwelling structure and thinning beneath the basin.     

Fully coupled modeling of seabed subsidence and reservoir compaction of North Sea oil fields

This paper focuses on the aspects of fully coupled continuum modeling of multiphase poroelasticity applied to the three-dimensional numerical simulations of the Ekofisk oil reservoir in the North Sea (56°29′–34′N, 03°10′–14′E). A systematic presentation is chosen to present the methodology behind fully coupled, continuum modeling. First, a historical review of the subsidence phenomena above an oil and gas reservoir is given. This will serve as a background against which the relevance of the present approach to compaction and subsidence modeling will be demonstrated. Following this, the governing equations for a multiphase poroelasticity model are briefly presented. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the pore-compressibility term usually used in an uncoupled approach for characterising the host-rock deformation. A comparative numerical analysis is carried out to contrast and highlight the difference between coupled and uncoupled reservoir simulators. Finally, a finite-element numerical model of the Ekofisk field is presented and a significant result is a contour map of seabed subsidence which is in general agreement with the shape of the subsidence contours based on past bathymetric surveys. Analysis of the simulation reveals that, due to the downward movement of the overburden, oil migration occurs from the crest of the anticline in which the field is situated, towards the flank. The pore-pressure depletion in the reservoir is significantly delayed due to the replenishment of the reservoir energy via the formational compaction. Horizontal movement in the reservoir, which is neglected in traditional modeling, can be significant and comparable in magnitude to the vertical subsidence. Electronic Publication     

2D finite-element elastic models of transtensional pull-apart basins

A set of two-dimensional finite-element elastic models are presented to provide insights on the evolution of transtensional pull-apart basins between two right-stepping, right-lateral fault segments. Three representative fault segment interaction geometries are modelled, showing underlapping, neutral and overlapping segments. Despite the simplifications of the 2D model, overall results are obtained that might help understanding the formation of pull-apart basins. Firstly, the orientations of the local σ₁ and σ₃ tensional stress directions markedly depend on the segment's position. Secondly, the mean normal stress is extensional in a transtensional basin between segments, while the region outside the step is characterized by more compressive mean normal stresses. Thirdly, the angle of offset between the fault segments is one of the most important parameters controlling the geometries of the transtensional pull-apart basins: connected depocenters with basin high and lozenge shape in the case of underlapping steps, spindle shape or lazy S or Z shape in the case of neutral steps, and broadly elongate rhomboidal to sigmoidal basins in the case of overlapping steps. Generally, en-échelon basin margin system, dual opposing asymmetric depocenter, intrabasin relative structural high, and wide basin width can be used as indicators that a pull-apart basin is developing in transtension zones.     

Development of structural modeling techniques for evaluating HDPE plastic net pens used in marine aquaculture

Finite-element modeling (FEM) techniques are developed to determine the structural capabilities of net pen flotation structures made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The modeling approach uses shell elements and localized failure criteria to predict critical loading conditions. Finite element modeling simulations were performed using values for the modulus of elasticity for weathered HDPE determined from a series of tensile tests. Poisson's ratio and yield stress used with the approach were obtained from standard manufacturers values. To investigate the method, a series of experiments were performed in the laboratory by testing circular sections of HDPE pipe to localized failure (“kinking”). The same test was replicated with the FEM using localized failure techniques. Laboratory and model results were within 16%. A FEM was then built to represent the complex geometry of a net pen flotation structure deployed at an operational fish farm located in Eastport, ME, USA. Simulations were performed using attachment line tension values measured at the site. The goal was to assess flotation pipe stress levels for typical operational conditions. Simulations were also performed to investigate the maximum capabilities of the net pen structure with different attachment line configurations. Quantifying the operational limits will become more important as these systems are considered for more exposed, energetic environments.     

Mechanics and fluid transport in a degradable discontinuity

This paper briefly examines the mechanical and hydraulic response of discontinuity in a geologic medium that can experience degradation of its contacting regions due to shear and normal stresses acting on it. The paper discusses the methodologies that can be adopted to describe the mechanics and fluid transport behaviour of such a joint. The calibration capabilities of the model are illustrated by appeal to a comparison of experimental results with computational predictions.     

三维时间域航空电磁有理Krylov正演研究

常规的三维时间域航空电磁模拟通常采用隐式步长方法进行时间离散,需要几次矩阵分解和上百次右端源项回带,计算效率较低.为了提高正演计算效率,本文提出使用有理Krylov方法求解时间域电场扩散方程.首先使用非结构四面体网格进行空间离散,采用Nédélec矢量基函数近似四面体单元内的电场;然后基于有限元离散给出矩阵指数和矢量乘积表示的电场显式解;最后采用有理Arnoldi算法构造Krylov子空间内的正交基函数并进一步求解矩阵指数与矢量的乘积,直接得到任意时刻的电场解向量,避免步长离散过程.此外,本文还提出一种指数加权偏移参数优化方法,使得有理Arnoldi近似在瞬变衰减晚期具备更高的精度,从而降低Krylov子空间阶数并提高计算效率.通过和层状模型解析解的对比验证了有理Krylov方法的精度.针对三维异常体模型使用全局网格和局部网格剖分并和其他数值方法比较,进一步说明了有理Krylov方法的有效性.

     

星载粒子探测器中的偏转磁铁设计研究

在对空间带电粒子进行探测时,大量电子的混入会减少半导体探测器的寿命和工作效率,同时电子的噪声本底也是影响测量精度的重要因素.为了减少电子的影响,需要在离子探测器的探头中加上合适的偏转磁铁用来屏蔽电子的干扰.本文中,磁铁的结构设计借鉴了国外的成功经验,并通过有限元的方法来计算磁场的强度,选择合适的方案消除漏磁的影响以及模拟电子在磁场的轨迹来估计磁场对电子的偏转能力.并用理论计算的数据与实验结果进行了比对,得到了比较好的结果.最后针对空间粒子探测中的偏转磁铁设计提出了一些建议.加偏转磁场的技术也是我国在星载粒子探测器中的首次应用.     

马尼拉海沟俯冲带热结构的模拟研究

俯冲带热结构的数值模拟研究是对地表观测研究的重要补充,也是验证地球动力学模型的重要方法.本文沿马尼拉海沟俯冲带东火山链(EVC)和西火山链(WVC)各取一条剖面,依据地质、地球物理条件,进行了有限元热模拟计算.计算过程中,分析了摩擦和剪切热对俯冲带热结构的影响,模拟了EVC和WVC两条测线下俯冲带的热结构,并结合岩石学实验结果预测了俯冲板块发生脱水和部分熔融的位置.模拟结果表明,在100 km深度处,考虑摩擦和剪切热时,俯冲板块表面的温度约为865 ℃;而不考虑摩擦和剪切时,俯冲板块表面的温度仅为770 ℃,二者温差可达95 ℃.在相同深度处,考虑摩擦和剪切热时,在EVC和WVC测线下俯冲板块表面的温度分别为865 ℃和895 ℃,俯冲洋壳底部温度分别为560 ℃和605 ℃.俯冲板块表面少量矿物开始脱水的深度小于50 km,但大量脱水和部分熔融主要发生在深度100 km左右,这与地表观测的火山活动位置一致.