Spatial and Temporal Cusp Structures Observed by Multiple Spacecraft and Ground Based Observations

Downward precipitating ions in the cusp regularly exhibit sudden changes in ion energy distributions, forming distinctive structures that can be used to study the temporal/spatial nature of reconnection at the magnetopause. When observed simultaneously with the Polar, FAST, and Interball satellites, such cusp structures revealed remarkably similar features. These similar features could be observed for up to several hours during stable solar wind conditions. Their similarities led to the conclusion that large-scale cusp structures are spatial structures related to global ionospheric convection patterns created by magnetic merging and not the result of temporal variations in reconnection parameters. The launch of the Cluster fleet allows cusp structures to be studied in great detail and during changing solar wind conditions using three spacecraft with identical plasma and field instrumentation. In addition, Cluster cusp measurements are linked with ionospheric convection cells by combining the satellite observations with SuperDARN radar observations that are used to derive the convection patterns in the ionosphere. The combination of satellite observations with ground-based observations during variable solar wind conditions shows that large-scale cusp structures can be either spatial or temporal. Cusp structures can be described as spatial features observed by satellites crossing into spatially separated flux tubes. Cusp structures can also be observed as poleward-traveling (temporal) features within the same convection cell, most probably caused by variations in the reconnection rate at the magnetopause.     

Pseudo‐dynamic seismic response of reinforced concrete frames infilled with non‐structural brick masonry

This paper presents pseudo‐dynamic test results on the in‐plane seismic behaviour of infilled frames. Thirteen single‐storey, single‐bay, half‐size‐scale, reinforced concrete‐frame specimens, most of which infilled with non‐structural masonry made of perforated bricks and cement mortar are tested. The infills are in contact with frames, without any connector; openings are not covered. The frames are different in their strength and details, reinforcement grade, and aspect ratio. Seismic input is the 1976 Tolmezzo (Friuli, Italy) ground acceleration, to which specimens are subjected two times: virgin and damaged by the previous test. The global seismic response of initially virgin infilled specimens considerably differs from that of bare specimens. This follows a dramatic change of properties: compared to a bare frame, the initial stiffness increases by one order of magnitude, and the peak strength more than doubles. The peak drift lessens; however, the displacement ductility demand does not. The energy demand is greater. Nevertheless, the influence of infill decreases as damage proceeds. Displacement time histories of damaged specimens are quite similar. At the local level, infill causes asymmetry and concentration of the frame deformation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

植物加固路堤边坡浅层土体分析及工程应用

在总结植物加固黄土路堤边坡浅层土体的机理之后,结合宝中铁路实际工程,对紫穗槐和柠条两种植物的加固效果进行了详细的分析。     

云南省祥(云)-临(沧)公路红土坡隧道变形原因及加固方案

云南省祥(云)-临(沧)公路红土坡隧道，在施工过程中变形严重，洞内数次冒顶、产生地面陷落，并诱发滑坡，严重影响了施工进度并造成较大经济损失。文章根据现场勘查及变形监控量测资料，详细论述了隧道变形特点，从地层岩性、构造、地应力条件、地下水作用、施工工艺、滑坡影响等方面综合分析了隧道变形原因。红土坡隧道变形是软弱的地层岩性、地应力条件改变、地下水作用、施工工艺以及滑坡偏压等各种因素共同作用的结果。且隧道变形诱发滑坡，滑坡又促使隧道进一步变形。基于此，文章提出了首先对滑坡进行支挡，再对隧道围岩进行加固的整治思路，并提出具体工程方案。整治工程实施后，红土坡隧道变形已得到完全控制，取得良好的治理效果。     

The dynamic characteristics and migration of a pyramid dune

The results of wind tunnel experiments and field observations show that when the intersection angle between airflow direction and dune crest (ridge) line is > 30°, a reverse vortex is formed. Because of the convergence of sand streams from the windward and lee slopes at the crest, sand accumulates in the crestal region, causing vertical growth. Nevertheless, studies also show that the common asymmetry of the two slopes of a dune may significantly influence the evolution of arms of a pyramid dune. The migration rates of pyramid dunes are mediated by the interplay of their arms moving transversely and the vertical growth in response to the variations in wind regimes. Comparing the effects of airflow transverse to a given arm with longitudinal airflow, it is indicated that the transverse airflow is more significant in controlling the arms of pyramid dunes. The whole body of the studied pyramid dune, particularly the upper quarter section, migrated SE direction during the monitoring period. The patterns of wind erosion and deposition change alternately with seasonal variations in wind directions. The W, NE and SE sides undergo constant erosion, deposition and both erosion and deposition, respectively. The results of long-term monitoring of a pyramid dune show that southerly winds, resulting from a local circulation, markedly affect the transverse migration of the whole pyramid dune.     

A multiphase approach for evaluating the horizontal and rocking impedances of pile group foundations

This paper advocates the use of a multiphase model, already developed for static or quasi‐static geotechnical engineering problems, for simulating the behaviour of piled raft foundations subject to horizontal as well as rocking dynamic solicitations. It is shown that such a model, implemented in a FEM code, yields appropriate predictions for the foundation impedance characteristics, provided that shear and bending effects in the piles are taken into account, thus corroborating the findings of the asymptotic homogenization theory. Besides, it is notably pointed out that such a multiphase‐based computational tool makes it possible to assess the dynamic behaviour of pile groups in a much quicker way than when using direct numerical simulations, which may face oversized problems when large pile groups are concerned. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Material selection for the gas containment system of a compressed natural gas carrier fleet

In this work, the possible exploitation of fiber-reinforced composites in the context of maritime transportation of compressed natural gas (CNG) is investigated. In addition to a more conventional steel configuration, two different fiber materials, carbon and glass, are considered as construction materials for pressure vessels (PVs) to be stored on board ships, with thickness optimized by FEM analysis.The considered scenario is represented by the transportation of CNG from an offshore well to a terminal on shore. Fleets of ships carrying CNG in pressure vessels manufactured with the investigated materials are generated by means of a ship synthesis model (SSM) software and compared on the basis of technical and economical indicators.The choice of the construction material influences considerably the weight of the PVs, which represent a major item of total ship weight and reflects directly on the general transport performances in terms of resistance, seakeeping and reliability in the service. On the other hand, capital as well as operating expenditures are considerably affected by the choice. When exploring the design space, the ship synthesis model is able, at a preliminary stage of the design, to account for the various technical and economical aspects, their implications and relationships. Results are presented of computations carried out in a specific case, identified by the annual gas production and other characteristics of the well terminal and a cruising route for the ships. The comparison is carried out on the basis of the cost per transported unit of gas and of the percentage of success in the transportation process. The computations show that the choice of the PV material has a key influence on the results in terms of optimal number, dimensions and speed of the ships.     

Numerical simulation of the response of a reinforced wall to a high speed train passage

The dynamic response of a mechanically stabilized earth wall to the passing of a high‐speed train is modelled using the finite element method. A three‐dimensional analysis is carried out, using a specific framework that allows performing the analysis with a moderate computational effort. In the first place, a so‐called multiphase approach is used to take into account the reinforcing strips. The moving load is taken into account by performing the calculation in a mobile referential using the properties of symmetry of the train cars and a simplifying assumption of periodicity for the whole train. We also assume a steady state. A partial validation of the approach is obtained by means of a comparison with an analytical solution. The quick increase in displacements induced by the train passing when the speed comes close to the celerity of Rayleigh waves clearly appears in the results. The vertical displacements, vertical stresses in the backfill, tensile forces in the strips and the influence of the stiffness of the soil are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling the flow of self‐compacting concrete

A Lagrangian particle‐based method, smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH), is used in this paper to model the flow of self‐compacting concretes (SCC) with or without short steel fibres. An incompressible SPH method is presented to simulate the flow of such non‐Newtonian fluids whose behaviour is described by a Bingham‐type model, in which the kink in the shear stress vs shear strain rate diagram is first appropriately smoothed out. The viscosity of the SCC is predicted from the measured viscosity of the paste using micromechanical models in which the second phase aggregates are treated as rigid spheres and the short steel fibres as slender rigid bodies. The basic equations solved in the SPH are the incompressible mass conservation and Navier–Stokes equations. The solution procedure uses prediction–correction fractional steps with the temporal velocity field integrated forward in time without enforcing incompressibility in the prediction step. The resulting temporal velocity field is then implicitly projected on to a divergence‐free space to satisfy incompressibility through a pressure Poisson equation derived from an approximate pressure projection. The results of the numerical simulation are benchmarked against actual slump tests carried out in the laboratory. The numerical results are in excellent agreement with test results, thus demonstrating the capability of SPH and a proper rheological model to predict SCC flow and mould‐filling behaviour. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

滇西兰坪盆地金顶铅锌矿盐构造发育特征及其与成矿关系

滇西兰坪中新生代盆地广泛发育盐岩层系。通过对金顶超大型铅锌矿区的露天采厂和地下采坑的最新野外调查及大量钻孔资料的综合分析,研究区盐岩层系具有多期、多阶段运动的特点,厚度分布极不均一,它们作为区域推覆构造作用的滑脱层,对盐上层构造变形起着重要控制作用,形成一系列储矿构造。研究表明,矿区盐构造主要包括盐枕、盐背斜、盐焊接、盐穿刺、盐推覆、盐岩滑脱-断层相关褶皱组合等多种盐构造变形样式。这些盐构造的形成演化及变形机制主要受到推覆挤压缩短作用、基底断层作用和塑性流动汇聚作用、盐下和盐上层断裂滑脱作用等控制,主要沿推覆断裂构造带呈串珠状分布。金项矿区盐构造分为两个阶段:古新世–始新世挤压–拗陷层内变形阶段,形成盐枕、隆升较低的盐背斜等整合型盐构造;渐新世的逆冲推覆–盐岩滑脱阶段,受强烈的挤压推覆作用而形成盐墙、盐株等盐穿刺型构造。盐构造不同阶段的变形演化对金属元素富集成矿起到关键作用,其流动变形而形成的盐构造圈闭促使了金属聚集成矿。