Changes in some mechanical properties of a loamy soil under the influence of mechanized forest exploitation in a beech forest of central Belgium

Modification of some soil mechanical properties (penetration resistance and consolidation pressure) induced by vehicle compaction during mechanized forest exploitation was studied in an acid and loamy leached forest soil of the loessic belt of central Belgium. In situ penetration tests and laboratory Bishop–Wesley cell tests were undertaken for the two main soil horizons of a beech high-forest, i.e. the eluvial E horizon (5–30 cm depth) and the underlying clay-enriched B_t horizon (30–60 cm depth). Both undisturbed and wheel-rutted soil areas were studied (E and B_t horizons vs. E_g and B_tg horizons).

Results show that: The experimental overconsolidation pressure of the eluvial reference horizon (E) is about 50 kPa higher than the value calculated from soil overburden pressure; this probably results from suction action during dry periods. The clay-enriched reference horizon (B_t) shows the same trends. In wheel-rutted areas, seven years after logging operations, the E_g horizon memorizes only 14.5% of the wheel induced stress due to forest machinery.

In the compacted B_tg horizon, the experimental overconsolidation pressure represents 96% of the exerted theoretical stresses due to harvesting actions. The good recording of the exerted stresses, after seven years, can be explained by: (1) The B_tg depth which keeps it from seasonal variations i.e. from desiccation–moistening or freeze–thaw cycling; (2) amorphous and free iron accumulation inducing a “glue” effect of the B_tg soil matrix, which could stabilize the soil structure and prevent recovery to initial conditions. These results provide clear evidence that on loessic materials, soil compaction due to logging operations leads to modifications in both physical (bulk density, total porosity) and mechanical (penetration resistance and consolidation pressure) soil properties.     

Kinetics of ultrafine coating of SiO2 nanoparticles, suspended in non-thermal CH4/C2H6 plasma

Capacitively coupled RF discharges in methane and ethane (1000–3000 Pa, 5–15 W/cm³) were used for the in-flight coating of SiO₂ nanopowders (NP) with an a-C:H layer [A. Kouprine, F. Gitzhofer, M. Boulos, A. Fridman, Polymer-like C:H thin film coating of nanopowders in capacitively coupled RF discharge, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing 24 (2) (2004) 189–215]. In this present work a model of the chemical kinetics of this plasma processing has been developed, based on the GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism [G.P. Smith, D.M. Golden, M. Frenklach, Gas Research Institute, Detailed chemical reaction mechanism. Available from: ], and calculations are performed, using the Chemkin-II code. The model includes the formation of two solid phases: an amorphous C:H coating, deposited on the suspended NP, and soot, incepted in the gas phase. Non-equilibrium plasma effects are taken into account by the rates of radical species’ production, using the reference data on the “G-value”. The CH₃ and H species appear to have key roles in surface activation and the nanofilm growth. The results demonstrate the competitive character of the formation of the two solid phases: the C:H coating is dominant under T_gas < 1400–1600 K, depending on the conditions, and soot commencing to dominate at higher temperatures. This division corresponds to the passage from non-thermal plasma conditions, with the dominance of single-valent radicals and solid phase growth on the substrate only, to the plasma thermalisation with the formation of two-valent radicals and v. inception of the solid phase. The results are validated experimentally by the observation of soot formation as a function of the gas temperature, by the mass spectrograph data on the gas composition after plasma reforming, and by the reference data on coating growth rates and induction times for soot formation.     

Propagation characteristics of pressure disturbances originated by gas jets in fluidized beds

An experimental investigation has been carried out on velocities and amplitudes of pressure disturbances in fluidized beds made of 100–200 μm glass ballotini. Disturbances were originated by gas jetting in a 0.35 m i.d. fluidized bed. A fluidization tube 0.10 m i.d. has also been used. Different types of disturbances have been induced in the bed contained in this tube: injection of a freely rising bubble and of a captive bubble; injection of a bubble chain; and compression of the bed free surface. The dynamic wave character of the disturbances has been shown. Velocities and amplitudes of waves moving through the beds have been measured. In particular, wave velocities have been compared with theoretical results obtained by the application of “pseudo-homogeneous” and “separated phase flow” models.     

A tensorial description of the transformation kinetics of the martensitic phase transformation

Based on a local examination of the phase transition front, a macroscopic second order tensor describing the thermodynamic force for the phase transformation is proposed. Consequently, an associated thermodynamic flux is introduced. These tensorial variables are embedded into a material law which describes the behavior of steels during the austenite–martensite phase transformation. The material law is implemented into a finite element formulation. Homogeneous tests in pure tension/compression and torsion are performed to verify the behavior of the material law. Due to the independent modeling of the behavior of the phases, the influence of the yield stress of the austenite on the transformation kinetics can be verified. A classical example is presented to show the ability of the model to calculate large structural problems.     

Correlations predicting frictional pressure drop and liquid holdup during horizontal gas-liquid pipe flow with a small liquid holdup

Experimental data and correlations available in the literature for the liquid holdup ε_L and the pressure gradient ΔP_TP/L for gas-liquid pipe flow, generally, do not cover the domain 0 < ε_L < 0.06. Reliable pressure-drop correlations for this holdup range are important for calculating flow rates of natural gas, containing traces of condensate. In the present paper attention is focused on reliable measurements of ε_L and ΔP_TPIL values and on the development of a phenomenological model for the liquid-holdup range 0 < ε_L < 0.06. This model is called the “apparent rough surface” model and is referred to as the ARS model. The experimental results presented in this paper refer to air-water and air-water + ethyleneglycol systems with varying transport properties in horizontal straight smooth glass tubes under steady-state conditions. The holdup and pressure gradient values predicted with the ARS model agree satisfactorily with both our experimental results and data obtained from the literature referring to small liquid-holdup values 0 < ε_L < 0.06. Further, it has been shown that in the domain 38 < < 72 mPa m the interfacial tension of the gas-liquid system has no significant effect on the liquid holdup. The pressure gradient, however, increases slightly with decreasing surface tension values.     

Pressure spectra in homogeneous low Reynolds number turbulent shear flow subjected to weak rotation

In this paper, pressure spectra have been derived from the authors’ model (Eur. J. Mech., B/Fluids 12 (1) (1993) 31–42) developed by means of rapid distortion theory (RDT) of homogeneous low Reynolds number turbulent shear flow subjected to weak rotation. The combined effects of uniform shear dU₁/dx₂ and weak rotation Ω₃ on the evolution of pressure spectra have been examined in terms of the rotation number 2Ω₃/(dU₁/dx₂). It is found that the system rotation exhibits the opposite effect on the pressure field as compared with the influence of rotation on the velocity fluctuations.     

Further consideration of the shape-factor relationship for turbulent boundary layers

The lag-entrainment predictive scheme developed by Green et al. has been modified to include the pressure-gradient parameter Π₁. In the original model suggested by Green et al. the mass-flow shape factor H₁ is related to the common shape factor H, H₁ = f(H). In the present model H₁ is related to H, Reynolds number based on the local momentum thickness θ, and Π₁; thus H₁ = f(H, R_eθ, Π₁). The modified formula for H₁, is introduced into the original lag-entrainment integral model. Calculations are made to examine the present model for the predictions of the development of boundary layers approaching separation studied experimentally by the authors. Slightly improved predictions are obtained using the model developed by El Telbany et al. However, the present model proved to give an improved representation of the development of wall shear stress in cases the two-equation turbulence model proved to be unsuccessful.     

A study of properties of vortex stretching and enstrophy generation in numerical and laboratory turbulence

Dynamically relevant alignments are used in order to show that regions with weak vorticity are not structureless, non-Gaussian and dynamically not passive. for example, the structure of vorticity in quasi-homogeneous/isotropic turbulent flows is associated with strong alignment between vorticity ω and the eigenvectors of the rate of strain tensor λ_i (especially — but not only — between ω and λ₂) rather than with intense vorticity only. Consequently, much larger regions of turbulent flow than just those with intense vorticity are spatially structured. The whole flow field — even with the weakest measurable enstrophy — is strongly non-Gaussian, which among other things is manifested in strong alignment between vorticity and the vortex stretching vector W_i ≡ ω_jS_ij. It is shown that the quasi-two-dimensional regions corresponding to large cos(ω, λ₂) are qualitatively different from purely two-dimensional ones, e.g. in that they possess essentially nonvanishing enstrophy generation, which is larger than its mean for the whole field.     

Counter current gas-liquid vertical flow, model for flow pattern and pressure drop

Counter-current flow pattern transition and pressure drop are modeled. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the transition mechanisms from a mechanistic point of view.

Unlike the case of co-current flow, in counter-current flow, the situations of “no solution” as well as “multiple solutions” for the flow pattern and pressure drop exist. These possibilities are discussed and criteria for the actual flow pattern that will take place are suggested.

Some of the results are supported by data (from the literature), others are somewhat tentative suggesting future experimental verification is needed.     

Stress state of compound polygonal plate

The constructions made of bars and plates with holes, openings and bulges of various forms are widely used in modern industry. By loading these structural elements with different efforts, there appears concentration (accumulation) of stress whose values sometimes exceeds the admissible one. The durability of the given element is defined according to the quantity of these stresses. Since the failure of details and construction itself begins from the place where the stress concentration has the greatest value.

Therefore the exact determination of stress distribution in details (bars, plates, beams) is of great scientific and practical interest and is one of the important problems of the solid fracture.

Compound details (when the nucleus of different material is soldered to the hole) are often used to decrease the stress concentration.

In the present paper, we study a stress–strain state of polygonal plate weakened by a central elliptic hole with two linear cracks info which a rigid nucleus (elliptic cylinder with two linear bulges) of different material was put in (soldered) without preload.

The problem is solved by a complex variable functions theory stated in papers [Theory of Elasticity, Higher School, Moscow, 1976, p. 276; Plane Problem of Elasticity Theory of Plates with Holes, Cuts and Inclusions, Publishing House Highest School, Kiev, 1975, p. 228; Bidimensional Problem of Elasticity Theory, Stroyizdat, Moscow, 1991, p. 352; Science, Moscow (1996) 708; MSB AH USSR OTH 9 (1948) 1371].

Kolosov–Mushkelishvili complex potential (z) and ψ(z) satisfying the definite boundary conditions are sought in the form of sums of functional series.

After making several strict mathematical transformations, the problem is reduced to the solution of a system of linear algebraic equations with respect to the coefficients of expansions of functions (z) and ψ(z).

Determining the values of (z) and ψ(z), we can find the stress components σ_r, σ_θ and τ_rθ at any point of cross-section of the plate and nucleus on the basis of the known formulae. The obtained solution is illustrated by numerical example.

Changing the parameters A₁, m₁, e, A₂, and m₂ we can get the various contour plates.

For example, if we assume m₁=0, A₁=r, then the internal contour of L₁ becomes the circle of radius r with two rectilinear cracks (for the nucleus––a rectilinear bulges).

Further, if we assume a small semi-axis of the ellipse b₁ to be equal to zero (b₁=0), then a linear crack becomes the internal contour of L₁ (and the nucleus becomes the linear rigid inclusion made of other material). For m₂=0; A₂=R, the external contour L₂ turns into the circle of radius R.

The obtained method of solution may be applied and in other similar problems of elasticity theory; tension of compound polygonal plate, torsion and bending of compound prismatic beams, etc.     

Weakly nonlocal envelope solitary waves: numerical calculations for the Klein-Gordon (φ) equation

“Weakly nonlocal” solitary waves differ from ordinary solitary waves by possessing small amplitude, oscillatory “wings” that extend indefinitely from the large amplitude “core”. Such generalized solitary waves have been discovered in capillarygravity water waves, particle physics models, and geophysical Rossby waves. In this work, we present explicit calculations of weakly nonlocal envelope solitary waves. Each is a sine wave modulated by a slowly-varying “envelope” that itself propagates at the group velocity. Our example is the cubically nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation, which is a model in particle physics (φ⁴ theory) and in electrical engineering (with a different sign). Both cases have weakly nonlocal“breather” solitons. Via the Lorentz invariance, each breather generates a one-parameter family of nonlocal envelope solitary waves. The φ⁴ breather was described and calculated in earlier work. This generates envelope solitons which have “wings” that are (mostly) proportional to the second harmonic of the sinusoidal factor. In this article, we calculate breathers and envelope solitary waves for the second, electrical engineering case. Since these, unlike the φ⁴ waves, contain only odd harmonics, the envelope solitary waves are nonlocal only via the third harmonic.     

Effect of tube diameter on Preston tube calibration curves for the measurement of wall shear stress

The effect of tube diameter (d) on Preston tube calibration curves for the measurement of wall shear stress (τ_w) in a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer has been investigated. Five different outside diameter tubes of 1.46, 1.82, 3.23, 4.76 and 5.54 mm, corresponding to (d/δ) of 0.022, 0.027, 0.048, 0.071 and 0.082 were used to measure τ_w at Reynolds numbers based on momentum thickness (R_θ) of 2800–4100. The calibration curves of Patel (V.C. Patel, J. Fluid Mech. 23 (part I) (1965) 185–208) and Bechert (D.W. Bechert, AIAA J. 34 (1) (1995) 205–206) are both dependent on the tube diameter. The maximum difference in the τ_w measurements from the different tubes using Patel's calibration is about 8%, while Bechert's calibration gives a maximum difference of approximately 18%.     

A time-reversal method for an acoustical pulse propagating in randomly layered media

In the recent years a considerable amount of mathematical work has been devoted to the study of reflected signals obtained by the propagation of pulses in randomly layered media. We refer to [M. Asch, W. Kohler, G. Papanicolaou, M. Postel and B. White, “Frequency content of randomly scattered signals”, SIAM Review 33 (4), 519–625 (1991)] for an extensive survey and applications to inverse problems. The analysis is based on separation of scales between the correlation scale of the inhomogeneities present in the medium, the typical wavelengths of the pulse and the macroscopic variations of the medium. On the other hand, in the context of ultrasounds, time-reversal mirrors have been developed and their effects have been studied experimentally by Mathias Fink and his team at the Laboratoire Ondes et Acoustique (ESPCI-Paris). We refer to: [M. Fink, “Time reversal mirrors”, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 26, 1333–1350 (1993)]. Our goal is to present a mathematical analysis of a time-reversal method for analyzing reflected signals in the model described in [M. Asch, W. Kohler, G. Papanicolaou, M. Postel and B. White, “Frequency content of randomly scattered signals”, SIAM Review 33(4), 519–625 (1991)]. We restrict our analysis to the one-dimensional case, the three-dimensional layered case being the content of a forthcoming paper. It is noticeable that we do not introduce new mathematics in the problem but simply put together an already existing mathematical theory and a new device, the time-reversal mirror.     

Reconstruction of a quasi-instantaneous image of coherent structures from hotwire signals obtained by a multi-point simultaneous measurement system

The turbulent velocity components (u, v) at 11 points in a reciprocating oscillatory turbulent flow have been measured simultaneously by a set of eleven X-type hotwire probes located in a plane perpendicular to the mean flow. Using a conditional sampling technique and a new method of data analysis for the inverse estimation of flow fields called the “virtual plate/load and MASCON model”, a quasi-instantaneous three-dimensional image of coherent structures of turbulence was first reconstructed directly from the experimental velocity data. The quasi-instantaneous image was expressed in terms of the velocity components u, v, w and the vorticity components ω_x ω_y, ω_z and we found that the large-scale coherent structure was composed of a pair of counter-rotating fluid motions with asymmetry which was quite different from that of the ensemble-averaged one. Flow patterns induced by the large-scale structure have been clarified by perspective representations visualized by computer simulations that produce timelines and streaklines of fluid particle traces. Results showed that the new experimental method was applicable for investigating the three-dimensional feature of coherent structures including asymmetry.     

Mathematical modelling of transformation plasticity in steels II: Coupling with strain hardening phenomena

The models for the plastic behaviour of steels during phase transformations proposed in Part I and in a previous paper ( et al. [1986b]) for the case of ideal-plastic phases are extended to include strain-hardening effects (isotropic or kinematic hardening). An expression for the transformation plastic strain rate is obtained by modifying the treatment of Part I in a suitable manner. The classical plastic strain rate is also studied in a similar way. Complementary evolution equations for the hardening parameters are finally given, taking into account the possible “recovery” of strain hardening during transformations (i.e., the fact that the newly formed phase can “forget,” partially or totally, the previous hardening).     

A geometric approach for establishing dynamic buckling loads of autonomous potential N-degree-of-freedom systems

Non-linear dynamic buckling of autonomous non-dissipative N-degree-of-freedom systems whose static instability is governed either by a limit point or by an unstable symmetric bifurcation is thoroughly discussed using energy and geometric considerations. Characteristic distances associated with the geometry of the zero level total potential energy “hypersurface” in connection with total energy-balance equation lead to dynamic (global) instability criteria. These criteria allow the determination of “exact” dynamic buckling loads without solving the non-linear initial-value problem. The reliability and efficiency of the proposed geometric approach is demonstrated via several dynamic buckling analyses of 3-degree-of-freedom systems which subsequently are compared with corresponding numerical analyses based on the Verner–Runge–Kutta scheme.     

Endochronic analysis for finite elasto-plastic deformation and application to metal tube under torsion and metal rectangular block under biaxial compression

The ordinary differential constitutive equations of endochronic theory are extended to simulate elasto-plastic deformation in the range of finite strain using the concept of corotational rate. Different corotational stress rates (Jaumann, Cotter-Rivlin, Truesdell, Dienes and Mandel) are incorporated into the theory. In addition, a new formulation of the plastic spin, which can be used in the Mandel stress rate, is derived. Theoretical simulations of the axial effects for various materials subjected to simple and pure torsional loading cases are discussed in this study. It is shown that the endochronic theory incorporated with the Mandel stress rate yields the most satisfactory result, as indicated from comparison with the experimental data found in literature.

Finally, theoretical investigation of the deformation subjected to finite proportional and non-proportional biaxial compression is presented. The true relationship between stress and strain can be converted to a nominal stress-strain relationship for biaxial loading through the explicit transformation equations derived in this paper. Experimental data tested by Khan and Wang [1990] (“An Experimental study of Large finite Plastic Deformation in Annealed 1100 Aluminum During Proportional and Non-proportional Biaxial Compression” Int. J. Plasticity, 6, 485) are suitably described by the theory demonstrated from a comparison with the theoretical prediction according to rigid-plastic and elastic-plastic models employed by Huang and Khan [1991]. “An Analysis of Finite Elastic-Plastic Deformation under Biaxial Compression”, Int. J. Plasticity, 7, 219).