Neutron background in large-scale xenon detectors for dark matter searches

Simulations of the neutron background for future large-scale particle dark matter detectors are presented. Neutrons were generated in rock and detector elements via spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions, and by cosmic-ray muons. The simulation techniques and results are discussed in the context of the expected sensitivity of a generic liquid xenon dark matter detector. Methods of neutron background suppression are investigated. A sensitivity of 10⁻⁹–10⁻¹⁰ pb to WIMP-nucleon interactions can be achieved by a tonne-scale detector.     

Numerical prediction of blast‐induced stress wave from large‐scale underground explosion

This paper presents a numerical model for predicting the dynamic response of rock mass subjected to large‐scale underground explosion. The model is calibrated against data obtained from large‐scale field tests. The Hugoniot equation of state for rock mass is adopted to calculate the pressure as a function of mass density. A piecewise linear Drucker–Prager strength criterion including the strain rate effect is employed to model the rock mass behaviour subjected to blast loading. A double scalar damage model accounting for both the compression and tension damage is introduced to simulate the damage zone around the charge chamber caused by blast loading. The model is incorporated into Autodyn3D through its user subroutines. The numerical model is then used to predict the dynamic response of rock mass, in terms of the peak particle velocity (PPV) and peak particle acceleration (PPA) attenuation laws, the damage zone, the particle velocity time histories and their frequency contents for large‐scale underground explosion tests. The computed results are found in good agreement with the field measured data; hence, the proposed model is proven to be adequate for simulating the dynamic response of rock mass subjected to large‐scale underground explosion. Extended numerical analyses indicate that, apart from the charge loading density, the stress wave intensity is also affected, but to a lesser extent, by the charge weight and the charge chamber geometry for large‐scale underground explosions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Late Quaternary vegetation changes around Lake Rutundu,Mount Kenya,East Africa: evidence from grass cuticles,pollen and stable carbon isotopes

Woody, subalpine shrubs and grasses currently surround Lake Rutundu, Mount Kenya. Multiple proxies, including carbon isotopes, pollen and grass cuticles, from a 755‐cm‐long core were used to reconstruct the vegetation over the past 38 300 calendar years. Stable carbon‐isotope ratios of total organic carbon and terrestrial biomarkers from the lake sediments imply that the proportion of terrestrial plants using the C₄ photosynthetic pathway was greater during the Late Pleistocene than in the Holocene. Pollen data show that grasses were a major constituent of the vegetation throughout the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The proportion of grass pollen relative to the pollen from other plants was greatest at the last glacial maximum (LGM). Grass cuticles confirm evidence that C₄ grass taxa were present at the LGM and that the majority followed the cold‐tolerant NADP‐MEC₄ subpathway. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modeling for analyzing thermal surface anomalies induced by underground coal fires

Coal seams burning underneath the surface are recognized all over the world and have drawn increasing public attention in the past years. Frequently, such fires are analyzed by detecting anomalies like increased exhaust gas concentrations and soil temperatures at the surface. A proper analysis presumes the understanding of involved processes, which determine the spatial distribution and dynamic behavior of the anomalies.In this paper, we explain the relevance of mechanical and energy transport processes with respect to the occurrence of temperature anomalies at the surface. Two approaches are presented, aiming to obtain insight into the underground coal fire situation: In-situ temperature mapping and numerical simulation. In 2000 to 2005, annual temperature mapping in the Wuda (Inner Mongolia, PR China) coal fire area showed that most thermal anomalies on the surface are closely related to fractures, where hot exhaust gases from the coal fire are released. Those fractures develop due to rock mechanical failure after volume reduction in the seams. The measured signals at the surface are therefore strongly affected by mechanical processes.More insight into causes and effects of involved energy transport processes is obtained by numerical simulation of the dynamic behavior of coal fires. Simulations show the inter-relation between release and transport of thermal energy in and around underground coal fires. Our simulation results show a time delay between the coal fire propagation and the observed appearance of the surface temperature signal. Additionally, the overall energy flux away from the burning coal seam into the surrounding bedrock is about 30-times higher than the flux through the surface. This is of particular importance for an estimation of the energy released based on surface temperature measurements. Finally, the simulation results also prove that a fire propagation rate estimated from the interpretation of surface anomalies can differ from the actual rate in the seam.     

地下管线内损伤电视检测系统的研制

介绍了地下管线内损伤电视检测系统的基本结构、工作原理、主要技术参数及其现场试验情况。     

GIS在处置地下管线突发事件中的应用研究——以苏州市地下综合管网应急处置系统为例

随着经济社会的不断发展,城市建设步伐不断加快。近几年,各类地下管线突发事件频发。通过"苏州市地下综合管网应急处置系统"项目的开发和实践,本文试图从总体上论述地下综合管网突发事件的处置过程、应用原理及相关的技术实现,重点阐述了基于"12345"便民服务中心工作平台,在充分利用GIS的网络分析技术的基础上,实现城市地下管网突发事件应急处置的自动化和信息化。     

城市综合地下管线普查全过程监理技术方法

针对城市综合地下管线普查全过程监理的应用问题,着重探讨全过程监理的总体思路、组织架构与制度保障,进而给出地下管线普查各阶段监理的技术方法与实施要点。     

石狮市地下管线数据采集与建库

地下管线是城市生存发展的命脉,准确掌握地下各种管线的状况,是搞好城市建设和规划管理工作的基础。本文根据石狮市城市规划建设现状,探讨地下管线普查和采集的方法,提出建立地下管线信息系统等有关问题。     

冀北榆树沟煤矿区褐煤地下气化地质条件分析

通过对冀北沽源县榆树沟煤矿白芈系青石砬组含煤地层地质条件进行分析,认为仵该矿区进行煤炭地下气化是可行的。研究区构造简单,为一轴向近东西向的舒缓向斜,主要煤层厚度大,最大平均厚度为24.31m。可采煤层顶板多为泥岩、炭质泥岩,尤其是煤系上覆的“三趾马红土”层,对气体有良好的圈闭作用。由于褐煤的灰分含量高,26％～49．03％,地下气化时对煤层顶板影响小,主要煤层埋藏浅200—300m,水文地质条件简单,根据诸多因素分析认为该矿区适合进行褐煤地下气化开采。     

应用综合勘查方法分析平朔安太堡三号井工矿突水原因

平朔公司安太堡三号井工矿2007年3月在首采工作面辅运顺槽掘进时,迎头冒顶突水,初期突水量达6000～8000m^3/d,将1289．16m标高以下淹没。在分析研究区地层、构造及水文地质条件的基础上,对沙沟河道进行了渗漏观测,对地表排污水、沟水和井下突水点的水质进行了分析化验,有针对性的布置了6条物探线,最后进行了钻孔验证,综合分析认为突水水源主要为大沙沟河道的侧向补给,突水通道为NW向的强风化带。提出了加大井下排水,地表对大沙沟河进行土工膜防渗处理的综合治理措施。