Granular element method for three‐dimensional discrete element calculations

This paper endows the recently‐proposed granular element method (GEM) with the ability to perform 3D discrete element calculations. By using non‐uniform rational B‐Splines to accurately represent complex grain geometries, we proposed an alternative approach to clustering‐based and polyhedra‐based discrete element methods whereby the need for complicated and ad hoc approaches to construct 3D grain geometries is entirely bypassed. We demonstrate the ability of GEM in capturing arbitrary‐shaped 3D grains with great ease, flexibility, and without excessive geometric information. Furthermore, the applicability of GEM is enhanced by its tight integration with existing non‐uniform rational B‐Splines modeling tools and ability to provide a seamless transition from binary images of real grain shapes (e.g., from 3D X‐ray CT) to modeling and discrete mechanics computations.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An original semi‐discrete approach to assess gas conductivity of concrete structures

For civil engineering structures with a tightness role, structural permeability is a key issue. In this context, this paper presents a new proposition of a numerical modelling of leakage rate through a cracked concrete structure undergoing mode I cracking. The mechanical state of the material, considered in the framework of continuum mechanics based on finite element modelling, is described by means of the stress‐based nonlocal damage model which takes into account the stress state and provides realistic local mechanical fields. A semi‐discrete method based on the strong discontinuity approach to estimate crack opening is then considered in the post‐treatment phase. Using a Poiseuille's like relation, the coupling between the mechanical state of the material and its dry gas conductivity is performed. For validation purposes, an original experimental campaign is conducted on a dry concrete disc loaded in a splitting setup. During the loading, gas conductivity and digital image correlation analysis are performed. The comparison with the 3D experimental mechanical global response highlights the performance of the mechanical model. The comparison between crack openings measured by digital image correlation and estimated by the strong discontinuity method shows a good agreement. Finally, the results of the semi‐discrete approach coupled with the gas conductivity compared with experimental data show a good estimation of the structural conductivity. Consequently, if the mechanical problem is well modelled at the global scale, then the proposed approach provides good estimation of gas conductivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Review and enhancement of 3D concrete models for large‐scale numerical simulations of concrete structures

The present paper focuses on selected plasticity and damage‐plasticity models for describing the 3D material behavior of concrete. In particular, a plasticity model and a damage‐plasticity model are reviewed and evaluated. Based on the results of the evaluation, enhancements are proposed, aiming at improving the correspondence between predicted and observed material behavior and aiming at implementing a robust and efficient stress update algorithm in a finite element program for performing large‐scale 3D numerical simulations of concrete structures. The capabilities of the concrete models are demonstrated by 3D numerical simulations of benchmark tests with combined bending and torsional loading and combined compression and shear loading and by a large‐scale 3D finite element analysis of a model test of a concrete arch dam. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fault geometry and mechanics of marly carbonate multilayers: An integrated field and laboratory study from the Northern Apennines,Italy

Sealing layers are often represented by sedimentary sequences characterized by alternating strong and weak lithologies. When involved in faulting processes, these mechanically heterogeneous multilayers develop complex fault geometries. Here we investigate fault initiation and evolution within a mechanical multilayer by integrating field observations and rock deformation experiments. Faults initiate with a staircase trajectory that partially reflects the mechanical properties of the involved lithologies, as suggested by our deformation experiments. However, some faults initiating at low angles in calcite-rich layers (θ_i = 5°–20°) and at high angles in clay-rich layers (θ_i = 45°–86°) indicate the important role of structural inheritance at the onset of faulting. With increasing displacement, faults develop well-organized fault cores characterized by a marly, foliated matrix embedding fragments of limestone. The angles of fault reactivation, which concentrate between 30° and 60°, are consistent with the low friction coefficient measured during our experiments on marls (μ_s = 0.39), indicating that clay minerals exert a main control on fault mechanics. Moreover, our integrated analysis suggests that fracturing and faulting are the main mechanisms allowing fluid circulation within the low-permeability multilayer, and that its sealing integrity can be compromised only by the activity of larger faults cutting across its entire thickness.     

页岩气基础地质调查皖南地1井钻探施工技术

皖南地1井是部署在安徽省南陵县烟墩镇的一口页岩气基础地质调查井。文章详细介绍了该井的钻探施工工艺技术以及遇到复杂问题的处理方法,并对钻效进行了分析,提出了实现优质高效钻探的措施。项目的顺利实施,梳理了皖南地区地层层序,为页岩气储层理论推测提供了有力的实物数据支撑和验证。     

深孔纳米复合水泥基护壁堵漏材料研究

本文围绕深部钻探技术中护壁堵漏材料性能的实际需要,研制了一种深孔纳米复合水泥基护壁堵漏新材料。首先,通过分析100 ℃条件下2种水泥材料的基本性能,确定了G级油井水泥为胶凝材料;然后,基于深孔钻探护壁堵漏材料的性能缺陷,采用特种纤维、纳米材料针对性改善水泥基浆液的力学性能,并优选早强剂（ZQ）、减水剂（GB）作为外加剂进行正交实验,进而研制出纳米复合水泥基护壁堵漏材料优化配方;最后,对其主要性能进行分析评价。结果表明该材料在深孔钻探中浆液流动性好,力学性能优异,综合性能满足深孔钻探护壁堵漏需求。     

提高机采水平的配套技术及应用

随着濮城油田的持续性高速开发,油田综合含水逐渐上升,油水井井况进一步恶化,作为油田生产主体的机械采油井躺井频繁、管杆泵使用寿命缩短。近几年中原油田采油二厂濮城油田年平均躺井数达560井次之多,导致机械采油井维护费用增加,管杆泵投入增大,严重制约着油田的生产和经营。通过加缓蚀剂在油管内壁形成保护油膜,起到润滑作用;应用特殊抽油杆防腐止磨;应用尼龙扶正器对抽油杆体扶正,避免了钢体与钢体的硬磨;应用旋转井口通过地面人力转动改变油管与抽油杆的偏磨面;配合合理生产参数;各种配套技术的合理应用,使濮城油田躺井减少,避免了频繁作业,增加长寿井,管杆泵投入节约了19.3%。     

A new method to determine the gravity field of small bodies from line-of-sight acceleration data

We present a new method to derive line-of-sight acceleration observables from spacecraft radio tracking data. The observables can be used to estimate the mass and gravity of a natural satellite as a spacecraft flyby. The corresponding observation model adapts to one-way and two/three-way tracking modes. As a test case for method validation and application, we estimated the mass and degree two gravity field for the Martian moon Phobos using simulated tracking data when the spacecraft Mars Express flew by Phobos on 2013 December 29. We have a few real tracking data during flyby and they will be used to confirm raw data simulation. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the method of line-of-sight acceleration reduction from raw tracking data and the feasibility to estimate mass and gravity of a natural satellite using this type of observable. This novel method is potentially applicable to planet and asteroid gravity field studies combined with Doppler tracking data.     

The Characteristics and Related Problems of the Orbits Around the Earth-Moon Libration Points

Due to the specific dynamics, the probes located at the halo orbits or Lissajous orbits around the Earth-Moon collinear libration point L₁ or L₂ are always studied in the synodic system to understand their trajectories. In fact, they are also orbiting the Earth in a distant Keplerian ellipse. Because of their intrinsic orbital instability, in the orbit prediction the initial errors propagate more prominently than those of the normal orbiting satellites, this requires special attention in the orbit design, maneuver, and control. Despite of all this, they are similar to the normal orbiting satellites in orbit determination and hardly require other special attentions. In this paper, the quantitative results of error propagation under the unstable dynamics, together with the theoretical analysis are presented. The results of precise orbit determination and short-arc orbit predictions are also shown, and compared with the results from the Beijing Aerospace Control Center.     

Photo—gravitational effects in the two—body problem

The effect of the radiation-pressure in the problem of the two bodies is analysed. It is found that such an effect is the same as that of reducing the stellar mass, m, by the factor p (0 ≤ p ≤ 1). The case p < 0 leads to stellar instability and, consequently, it is not considered here. The problem of the mass determination from spectroscopic observations is reviewed and an iterative method is recommended.