Three dimensional simulation of fluid flow in X‐ray CT images of porous media

A numerical scheme is developed in order to simulate fluid flow in three dimensional (3‐D) microstructures. The governing equations for steady incompressible flow are solved using the semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations (SIMPLE) finite difference scheme within a non‐staggered grid system that represents the 3‐D microstructure. This system allows solving the governing equations using only one computational cell. The numerical scheme is verified through simulating fluid flow in idealized 3‐D microstructures with known closed form solutions for permeability. The numerical factors affecting the solution in terms of convergence and accuracy are also discussed. These factors include the resolution of the analysed microstructure and the truncation criterion. Fluid flow in 2‐D X‐ray computed tomography (CT) images of real porous media microstructure is also simulated using this numerical model. These real microstructures include field cores of asphalt mixes, laboratory linear kneading compactor (LKC) specimens, and laboratory Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) specimens. The numerical results for the permeability of the real microstructures are compared with the results from closed form solutions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wavelet Analysis of Space Solar Telescope Images

The scientific satellite SST (Space Solar Telescope) is an important research project strongly supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Every day, SST acquires 50 GB of data (after processing) but only 10GB can be transmitted to the ground because of limited time of satellite passage and limited channel volume. Therefore, the data must be compressed before transmission. Wavelets analysis is a new technique developed over the last 10 years, with great potential of application. We start with a brief introduction to the essential principles of wavelet analysis, and then describe the main idea of embedded zerotree wavelet coding, used for compressing the SST images. The results show that this coding is adequate for the job.     

SAMPLING REMOTELY SENSED IMAGERY FOR STORAGE,RETRIEVAL, AND RECONSTRUCTION*

A major difficulty in remote sensing is handling the many data from sensors aboard aircraft and satellites. In this paper we identify an optimal procedure for sampling remotely sensed data before their storage or on their retrieval. The procedure depends on spatial correlation in the scene and uses kriging to estimate values that have been lost. An example in which data from an airborne multispectral scanner could be diminished to only about one tenth without serious loss of precision illustrates the method.     

Surface Photometry of Comet Hale-Bopp Carbon Images

A very long series of photographic observations of the comet Hale-Bopp has been made during January–April 1997 at the double astrograph (400/2000) of the Main Astronomical Observatory (Kyiv, Ukraine). Some of the cometary photos were obtained with two wide-band filter combinations. One of these combinations isolates C₂ emission, another — the nearby dust continuum. The images were digitized by means of AMDPH-XY machine and then calibrated following the standard procedure. After subtraction of the dust continuum the distribution of surface brightness in the C₂ emission coma of comet Hale-Bopp was studied. We found an asymmetric brightness distribution both pre- and post-perihelion. On 21.77 April 1997 a secondary brightness peak is found at the distance of 1.03 × 10⁵ km from the nucleus. It is possible that this peak is related to the extended source of the C₂ molecules. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Direct mid-IR images of Gl 2591,W51-IRS2 and S140

We present the results of direct mid-IR images of the luminous young stellar objects GL 2591, S140-IRS1, and W51-IRS2. The sources show an extended mid-IR emission at the limit of our spatial resolution indicating the presence of dense circumstellar dust disks.     

Numerical estimation of REV and permeability tensor for fractured rock masses by composite element method

The Monte Carlo method is used to generate parent stochastic discrete fracture network, from which a series of fractured rock samples of different sizes and orientations are extracted. The fracture network combined with a regular grid forms composite element mesh of the fractured rock sample, in which each composite element is composed of sub‐elements incised by fracture segments. The composite element method (CEM) for the seepage is implemented to obtain the nodal hydraulic potential as well as the seepage flow rates through the fractured rock samples. The application of CEM enables a large quantity of stochastic tests for the fractured rock samples because the pre‐process is facilitated greatly. By changing the sizes and orientations of the samples, the analysis of the seepage characteristics is realized to evaluate the variation of the permeability components, the existence of the permeability tensor and the representative element volume. The feasibility and effectiveness are illustrated in a numerical example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

延边东部五道沟岩群的单颗粒锆石SHRIMP U-Pb 年代学及其地质意义

通过对延边地区东部五道沟岩群黑云阳起石片岩的单颗粒锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄测定.获得21个单点年龄,其中包括7组谐和年龄和1组不谐和年龄.谐和年龄分别为1347.8 Ma、844.8 Ma、340.2～313.7 Ma(平均值为323±23 Ma,N=4,MSWD=0.23,置信度=0.88)、292.9～288.3 Ma(平均值=291±25 Ma,N=3,MSWD=0.031.置信度=0.86)、279.2～266.2 Ma(平均值为279±28 Ma,N=4,MSWD=0.031,置信度=0.86)、127.4～124.2 Ma(206Pb/208U年龄平均值为126.5±3.7 Ma,N=5,MSWD=0.12;置信度=O.97)、116.1～106.3 Ma(平均值为115±39 Ma,N=2,MSWD=1.2置信度=0.27),不谐和年龄的下交点年龄为(451±120)Ma、上交点年龄为(1811±400)Ma(MSWD=7.2);这一结果表明:阳起石片岩的原岩主要是来自中元古代、新元古代和早古生代的碎屑物,指示五道沟群的沉积成岩作用发生在石炭世(323±23 Ma),变质作用发生在晚二叠世(291±25 Ma),之后在279.2～266.2 Ma、126.5～106.3 Ma先后受两次岩浆用和蚀变作用的改造.     

Images of the seabed in the Faroe-Shetland Channel from commercial 3D seismic data

A large number of 3D deep seismic surveys in the Faroe-Shetland Channel gives continuous coverage over most of the region. These surveys were designed primarily to image depths in excess of 4 km, use low frequency sources and are recorded at low temporal sample rates. However, commercial 3D data can generate highly detailed images of the seabed due to the high spatial sample rate, typically 12.5 m. This is particularly true in waters below 200 m. Despite geophysical artefacts, the images reveal that there are a number of sedimentary processes at work adjacent to and within this channel. On the West Shetland Shelf, iceberg scouring and moraines reflect the impact of glaciation. On the West Shetland slope there is clear evidence for down-slope processes, such as debris flows, linear erosion channels, basal fans and (one case) slope failure. Along-slope processes are also active as indicated by the presence of sediment waves and contourite mounds. On the floor of the basin, polygonal cracking can be observed. The most spectacular feature appears to be the Judd Deeps, a system of cliffs approximately 200 m high and 40 km across. Traditionally, seabed investigation has been performed using high-resolution surveys. This study shows that deep exploration data can also provide useful images of the seafloor.     

Effect of Berm Width and Elevation on Irregular Wave Run-Up

This paper discusses the effect of berm width and elevation of composite slope on irregular wave run-up. Based on the data obtained from model tests, the formula and distribution of irregular wave run-up on composite slope are derived. The changing of wind speed, width and elevation of the berm are considered comprehensively. The wave run-up with various exceedance probability can be es-timated utilizing the distribution curves of irregular wave run-up.     

Stress Sharing Behavior and Its Mechanism during Consolidation Process in Composite Ground Improved by Sand Compaction Piles with Low Replacement Area Ratio

In order to accurately design a sand compaction pile (SCP) with low replacement area ratio, it is important to understand the mechanical interaction between the sand pile and clay ground and its mechanism during consolidation process in composite ground. In this article, therefore, a series of numerical analyses on composite ground improved by SCP with low replacement area ratio were carried out. The applicability of numerical analyses, in which an elasto-viscoplastic consolidation finite element method was applied, were confirmed by comparing the results obtained from a series of laboratory model tests with the composite ground improved by SCP. Through the results of the numerical analyses, mechanical behavior of the sand pile and clay in composite ground during consolidation is elucidated, together with a stress sharing mechanism between sand pile and clay.