The reference shrinkage curve of clay soil

The objective of this work is to develop and validate a model that predicts the reference soil shrinkage curve, that is one without crack volume contribution, as a necessary preliminary step in future estimation of soil crack volume from soil shrinkage data. Current soil shrinkage models are based on the approximation of soil shrinkage data by some a priori taken mathematical expressions and justified by the fitting of their parameters to the data. However, the crack volume entering the data is not single valued and depends on shrinkage conditions. Unlike that the reference shrinkage curve is single valued. For soils with sufficiently high clay content when there are no large pores (lacunar pores) inside the intra-aggregate clay, the reference shrinkage curve is derived from the assumption of the rigid superficial (interface) layer of aggregates with changed pore-size range and distribution compared with the intra-aggregate matrix. This consideration is based on accounting for contributions of the interface aggregate layer and intra-aggregate matrix to the soil volume and water content during shrinkage. The reference shrinkage curve is predicted by eight fundamental physical immediately measured parameters of (i) the intra-aggregate matrix (including clay content); (ii) the aggregate structure; and (iii) the mean silt-sand grain size or mean interface layer thickness. The model was validated using the data for eight soils. In addition to the major potential application for estimating a soil crack volume, the model explains differences between the observed shrinkage curves of soil and pure clay, and it can have other numerous applications.     

Shrinking–swelling phenomenon of clay soils attributed to capillary-crack network

The shrinking and swelling behavior of clay soil is modeled by considering a capillary-crack network, the hydraulic conductivity of which is accounted for by the network tortuosity and specific crack length tracing a horizontal cross-section. Retention curve is determined by the total crack volume and volume of water filled cracks. Available data on hydraulic conductivity for two clay soils are compared with predictions and the agreements is good.     

Asymptotic infiltration into a soil which contains cracks or holes but whose surface is otherwise impermeable

An asymptotic, one-dimensional Green-Ampt model is derived for infiltration into a soil whose surface is impermeable except for regularly spaced vertical cracks, and infiltration into a cylindrical soil column whose top surface is also impermeable except for a central hole. The model is valid at times when the wetting front has become horizontal and corresponds to one-dimensional infiltration initiated from a plane lying above or below the soil surface, depending on the crack spacing/depth ratio (or column radius/hole depth ratio). When applicable, asymptotic Green-Ampt solutions are shown to agree well, in selected cases, with corresponding finite difference solutions of the saturated-unsaturated flow equations.     

水泥聚苯模壳格构式混凝土墙体的抗侧性能试验及分析

论文介绍6片不同高宽比的水泥聚苯模壳格构式混凝土墙体在轴压力和水平往复侧推力作用下的试验,分析这种墙体的抗侧强度、刚度和延性等力学性能.试验表明,高宽比大于1的墙体破坏时表现为墙体跟部的单一水平裂缝,其他部位完好;高宽比3∶4的墙体破坏时存在多条通过格构梁柱的斜向裂缝,墙体裂缝分布密集,变形能力好.     

A computational study of local stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks near spot welds in lap-shear specimens

In this paper, the local stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks near spot welds in lap-shear specimens are investigated by finite element analyses. Based on the experimental observations of kinked crack growth mechanisms in lap-shear specimens under cyclic loading conditions, three-dimensional and two-dimensional plane-strain finite element models are established to investigate the local stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks emanating from the main crack. Semi-elliptical cracks with various kink depths are assumed in the three-dimensional finite element analysis. The local stress intensity factor solutions at the critical locations or at the maximum depths of the kinked cracks are obtained. The computational local stress intensity factor solutions at the critical locations of the kinked cracks of finite depths are expressed in terms of those for vanishing kink depth based on the global stress intensity factor solutions and the analytical kinked crack solutions for vanishing kink depth. The three-dimensional finite element computational results show that the critical local mode I stress intensity factor solution increases and then decreases as the kink depth increases. When the kink depth approaches to 0, the critical local mode I stress intensity factor solution appears to approach to that for vanishing kink depth based on the global stress intensity factor solutions and the analytical kinked crack solutions for vanishing kink depth. The two-dimensional plane-strain computational results indicate that the critical local mode I stress intensity factor solution increases monotonically and increases substantially more than that based on the three-dimensional computational results as the kink depth increases. The local stress intensity factor solutions of the kinked cracks of finite depths are also presented in terms of those for vanishing kink depth based on the global stress intensity factor solutions and the analytical kinked crack solutions for vanishing kink depth. Finally, the implications of the local stress intensity factor solutions for kinked cracks on fatigue life prediction are discussed.     

连铸板坯热轧中角部裂纹变化的研究

采用有限元方法对轧件角部横向和纵向裂纹在多道次立-平轧制过程中变形行为进行了模拟,分析了裂纹的闭合与扩展行为．结果表明:采用平立辊,裂纹很好闭合,但变形程度大,可能延伸和往轧件顶面移动,对角部横向裂纹,裂纹尖端节点往外扩散,对三角形横向和纵向裂纹,裂纹可能发生折叠;采用孔型立辊,立轧后,轧件裂纹很好地闭合,平轧后,横向和侧面纵向裂纹可能被拉开,顶面纵向裂纹闭合较好,只有三角形横向裂纹可能发生折叠．     

Analysis of Crack Patterns in Drying Corn Starch by in-situ Radiography and X-ray Computer Tomography

The formation of crack patterns in drying starch-water slurries is studied by means of in-situ radiography (measuring of the crack front velocity) and X-ray microtomography as an example of crack patterns driven by inhomogeneous shrinkage. The tomograms show the 3D crack networks forming columns with polygonal cross-sections. After crack initiation, the average crack spacing increases with growing depth, even if the crack front velocity is constant. A constant velocity is obtained by maintaining a constant evaporation rate using a feedback control. When the crack front has propagated at a constant evaporation rate over a distance of some millimeters, the average crack spacing approaches a stable value which depends on crack front velocity according to a power law. This relationship is compared to corresponding results of other authors and model predictions. The increase of crack spacing before stable values are achieved, is interpreted as a result of successive crack front instabilities.     

Scaling behavior of thermal shock crack patterns and tunneling cracks driven by cooling or drying

Cracks driven by shrinkage due to cooling or drying arrange themselves via mutual interaction. For parallel straight crack arrays driven by idealized transient shrinkage fields the scaling behavior in an infinite half-space is derived analytically by means of fracture mechanics bifurcation analysis with two plausible scaling assumptions. Crack spacing in thermal shock crack patterns has been found to be approximately proportional to the crack length and inversely proportional to the crack velocity. The spacing of tunneling cracks formed in a drying layer between plates scales as the 2/3rd power of layer thickness as a consequence of the specific interaction between the tunneling cracks. The difference in scaling behavior in the two cases is explained by the dimensionality of the geometrical setup determined by the boundary condition rather than by different physical processes. In either case, good agreement between theory and experiments is found.     

节理充填物厚度对运动裂纹扩展的影响

为研究冲击载荷作用下节理充填物厚度对裂纹扩展行为的影响,以石膏为有机玻璃预制裂纹充填物,利用新型数字激光动态焦散线实验系统,对3种不同节理充填物厚度的有机玻璃进行三点弯冲击实验。实验结果表明,相同冲击载荷作用下,竖向预制裂纹均竖直向上扩展,是典型的Ⅰ型裂纹,充填物越厚,竖向裂纹越容易起裂。竖直裂纹扩展至水平预制裂纹后,充填物厚度为1、3、5 mm的试件的水平预制裂纹汇聚能量的时间分别为433、2 200、2 580 μs,起裂时的应力强度因子分别为635.2、742.4、906.8 kN/m3/2,表明充填物越厚,水平裂纹越难起裂。水平预制裂纹扩展过程中共发生2次曲裂,是典型的Ⅰ-Ⅱ复合型裂纹,节理充填物越厚,其扩展轨迹越弯曲;当裂纹扩展至距离试件上边界3 mm时,扩展方向偏离第1次裂纹曲裂切线而朝向试件上边界扩展,试件最终断裂,测量发现充填物厚度为1、3、5 mm的试件的断裂点与冲击载荷作用点的距离分别为16.5、11.0、6.0 mm。     

Growth predictions of two interacting cracks

The elastic fracture behavior of a plate subjected to uniform stress surrounding two equal cracks inclined at an angle is investigated. The orientation of the crack plane with applied stress can be varied. Among the cases are: (1) two cracks inclined symmetrically with respect to the vertical and horizontal applied stress, and (2) one crack is horizontal while the other is inclined to the vertical applied stress. The strain energy density criterion is used for determining the combined crack and load arrangement that correspond to the lowest critical load at global instability. The direction of crack initiation is also determined. Quantitative results pertaining to the fracture characteristics are given in graphical forms.     

Stable growth of a central crack

The elastic fracture behavior of a plate subjected to uniform stress surrounding two equal cracks inclined at an angle is investigated. The orientation of the crack plane with applied stress can be varied. Among the cases are: (1) two cracks inclined symmetrically with respect to the vertical and horizontal applied stress, and (2) one crack is horizontal while the other is inclined to the vertical applied stress. The strain energy density criterion is used for determining the combined crack and load arrangement that correspond to the lowest critical load at global instability. The direction of crack initiation is also determined. Quantitative results pertaining to the fracture characteristics are given in graphical forms.     

An investigation of the bevameter soil physical measurements in the prediction of soil tool draft

The relationship between the parameters measured during soil testing using the bevameter system and the horizontal forces acting on a simple soil-cutting blade were investigated. Field experiments were conducted on untilled, compacted soil and on recently-tilled soil. On both soils, five sites were randomly chosen and bevameter and draft measurements were performed The parameters measured were modulus of soil deformation, wet and dry bulk density, soil moisture content, tool operating depth, tool operating velocity and horizontal draft. A statistical analysis of the data indicated that a mathematical model for predicting draft should contain the following variables: operating depth, dry bulk density and modulus of deformation. A linear regression analysis of draft versus modulus of deformation showed significance at the 95% confidence level on the untilled sites at all measured depths. A similar analysis of the tilled site indicated significance at the 70 mm depth only. The usefulness of the bevameter deformation modulus as an indicator of draft was found to be limited to shallow depths.     

Effects of tine rake angle and aspect ratio on soil reactions in dry loam soil

Study was conducted in a laboratory glass-sided soil bin with dry compact loam soil with 5.2% (d.b.) moisture content. The specific objective of this study was to determine the effects of flat rigid tine rake angle (forward angle between tine face and horizontal soil surface) and aspect ratio (tine width/tine depth) on soil reactions. The tine was moved in the soil in a quasi-static condition and soil reactions were recorded using L-shaped force transducers. Corresponding soil failure patterns were observed through a glass window. Tine rake angles of 50°, 90° and 130° were used. The effects of aspect ratio were studied by varying both width and depth of the tines. Individual effects of width and depth were investigated by maintaining a constant aspect ratio of 2.0 but varying width and depth. Observations indicated that soil reactions are affected by tine design parameters. For all tine rake angles and aspect ratios, soil reactions were observed to be cyclic in nature and could be matched well with corresponding soil failure patterns. The horizontal and vertical soil reactions were in phase. Investigations into the individual effects of tine width and depth revealed that the aspect ratio alone cannot account for changes in soil reactions. The effects are mainly due to the individual changes in width and depth.     

Large eddy simulation of a confined square cavity with natural convection based on compressible flow equations

Large eddy simulation of natural convection in a confined square cavity is described. The use of a complex compressible code with an artificial acoustic stiffness correction method, allows the use of higher time steps for a faster time and statistical convergence. We consider a broadly studied experimental case, consisting of a natural convective flow in a confined square cavity, with vertical walls heated at different rates (active walls), set at Ra = 1.58 × 10⁹. Turbulent boundary layers developing on the active walls and a vertical stable stratification characterize the mean flow. It is shown here that the results of this study match the experimental results reported in literature; for instance, mean velocity results. Although results for rms velocity fluctuations are barely over-predicted, the peak region is properly represented, while the greatest disagreements are found in the turbulent heat flow rate (velocity–temperature correlations). Turbulent structures were identified using different visualization methods and statistical studies. The authors found that the boundary layers on the active walls almost reach the fully turbulent regime, tending toward the laminar regime along the horizontal walls.     

Interactive effect of multiple crack growth on fatigue

Interaction of multiple cracks are found in mud when drying and crazing, thin film varnishes or coatings of aeroengine turbine blades. A two-dimensional multiple crack interaction model is developed to simulate the growth of interacting parallel surface cracks. Density and the initial distribution of the microcracks are accounted for in analyzing the growth of a crack to a pre-determined length. Analytical predictions are discussed with reference to experimental observations of fatigue cracks on coated turbine blades. Introduction of a large density of similar cracks can enhance the fatigue life of structural components.     

Turbulence time scales in mixing box experiments

Laboratory experiments are performed to examine eddy time scales in turbulence generated by an oscillating grid in homogeneous fluid using tanks with varying depth and fixed high aspect ratio horizontal cross-section. For high ratios of depth to width, a mean circulation develops in the form of a pair of counter-rotating vortices. In a new technique, pearlescent dye is employed to measure eddy time scales and to determine their power law scaling dependence on the distance from the oscillating grid. Two scaling regimes are observed, one near the source of turbulence and one at intermediate depths. At intermediate depths, the scaling exponent is found to increase if the total fluid depth is larger. We discuss the significance of these results on the use of the law-of-the-wall scaling in the upper oceanic mixed layer.     

Turbulent free convection in a vertical converging channel

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical investigations of the problem of turbulent natural convection in a converging-plate vertical channel. The channel has two isothermally heated inclined walls and two adiabatic vertical side walls. The parameters involved in this study are the channel geometry represented by the channel width at exit, the inclination of the heated walls and the temperature difference between the heated walls and the ambient. The investigation covered modified Rayleigh numbers up to 10⁸ in the computational study and up to 9.3 × 10⁶ in the experimental work. The experimental measurements focused on the velocity field and were carried out using a PIV system and included measurements of the mean velocity profiles as well as the root-mean-square velocity and shear stress profiles. The experiments were conducted for an inclination angle of 30°, a gap width of 10 mm and two temperature differences (∆T=25.4°C and 49.8°C). The velocity profiles in the lower part of the channel indicated the presence of two distinct layers. The first layer is adjacent to the heated plate and driven by buoyancy forces while the second layer extends from the point of maximum velocity to the channel center plane and driven mainly by shear forces. The velocity profile at the upper portion of the channel has shown the merging of the two boundary layers growing over the two heated walls. The measured values of the Reynolds shear stress and root mean square of the horizontal and vertical velocity fluctuation components have reached their maximum near the wall while having smaller values in the core region. The computational results have shown that the average Nusselt number increases approximately linearly with the increase of the modified Rayleigh number when plotted on log–log scale. The variation of the local Nusselt number indicated infinite values at the channel inlet (leading edge effect) and high values at the channel exit (trailing edge effect). For a fixed value of the top channel opening, the increase of the inclination angle tended to reduce flow velocity at the inlet section while changing the flow structure near the heated plates in such a way to create boundary-layer type flow. The maximum value of the average Nusselt number occurs when θ = 0 and decreases with the increase of the inclination angle. On the other hand, the increase of the channel width at exit for the same inclination angle caused a monotonic increase in the flow velocity at the channel inlet.     

An experimental method for evaluating SIF distributions during crack turning in non-brittle materials

After briefly describing an experimental modelling method consisting of a marriage of frozen stress photoelasticity with the Griffith–Irwin equations of fracture mechanics, the method is applied to a generic motor grain model containing part through cracks emanating from the corner of a fin tip under internal pressure to determine approximate crack shapes and stress intensity factor values at maximum crack depth for various penetration depths. The role of shear modes during crack turning is described.     

Hysteresis in soil mechanical behavior

The performance of a vertical tine was investigated at various water contents during wetting and drying cycles in a clay-loam soil. Results showed that at a given water content the soil during the wetting cycle failed by fracture mode and offered relatively more draft. Soil during the drying cycle cracked, and when a tine was pushed through the soil, it failed along the cracks. This failure mode was referred to as preferential fracture. For a given water content, tine forces and soil shear strength properties were found to be greater during the wetting cycle than the drying cycle, which leads to the conclusion that there is a hysteresis effect in soil caused by drying stress induced by seasonal wetting and drying.