Abstract: Accurate descriptions of matrix diffusion across the fracture/matrix interface are critical to assessing contaminant migration in fractured media. The classical transfer probability method is only applicable for relatively large diffusion coefficients and small fracture spacings, due to an intrinsic assumption of an equilibrium concentration profile in the matrix blocks. Motivated and required by practical applications, we propose a direct numerical simulation (DNS) approach without any empirical assumptions. A three-step Lagrangian algorithm was developed and validated to directly track the particle dynamics across the fracture/matrix interface, where particle’s diffusive displacement across the discontinuity is controlled by an analytical, one-side reflection probability. Numerical experiments show that the DNS approach is especially efficient for small diffusion coefficients and large fracture spacings, alleviating limitations of the classical modeling approach.
Abstract: In order to describe the importance of uncertainty analysis in seawater intrusion forecasting and identify the main factors that might cause great differences in prediction results, we analyzed the influence of sea level rise, tidal effect, the seasonal variance of influx, and the annual variance of the pumping rate, as well as combinations of different parameters. The results show that the most important factors that might cause great differences in seawater intrusion distance are the variance of pumping rate and combinations of different parameters. The influence of sea level rise can be neglected in a short-time simulation (ten years, for instance). Retardation of seawater intrusion caused by tidal effects is obviously important in aquifers near the coastline, but the influence decreases with distance away from the coastline and depth away from the seabed. The intrusion distance can reach a dynamic equilibrium with the application of the sine function for seasonal effects of influx. As a conclusion, we suggest that uncertainty analysis should be considered in seawater intrusion forecasting, if possible.
Abstract: As an optimization method that has experienced rapid development over the past 20 years, the genetic algorithm has been successfully applied in many fields, but it requires repeated searches based on the characteristics of high-speed computer calculation and conditions of the known relationship between the objective function and independent variables. There are several hundred generations of evolvement, but the functional relationship is unknown in pollution source searches. Therefore, the genetic algorithm cannot be used directly. Certain improvements need to be made based on the actual situation, so that the genetic algorithm can adapt to the actual conditions of environmental problems, and can be used in environmental monitoring and environmental quality assessment. Therefore, a series of methods are proposed for the improvement of the genetic algorithm: (1) the initial generation of individual groups should be artificially set and move from lightly polluted areas to heavily polluted areas; (2) intervention measures should be introduced in the competition between individuals; (3) guide individuals should be added; and (4) specific improvement programs should be put forward. Finally, the scientific rigor and rationality of the improved genetic algorithm are proven through an example.
Abstract: Restraining algal growth by algaecide has been studied by many researchers, but the dosing time has not yet been studied. In this study, we examined the appropriate dosing time of algaecide through a series of experiments. In the experiments, the pH value of water is significantly affected by Microcystis aeruginosa, and the variation of the pH value is in favor of the growth of the alga. Therefore, using acid algaecide in the period with maximum pH values, i.e., the stable phase, would change the acidity-alkalinity of the water significantly, and would negatively affect algal growth. Acid algaecide does not eliminate the alga effectively if the acid algaecide is dosed in the logarithmic growth phase. Using acid algaecide in the decline phase after algal bloom not only is unfavorable for eliminating the alga, but also prolongs the decline phase, and even brings about next larger algal bloom.
Abstract: This paper aims at exploring the effects of anti-seismic reinforcement with the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) material bonded to the dam surface in dam engineering. Time-history analysis was performed to simulate the seismic failure process of a gravity dam that was assumed to be reinforced at the locations of slope discontinuity at the downstream surface, part of the upstream face, and the dam heel. A damage model considering the influence of concrete heterogeneity was used to model the nonlinearity of concrete. A bond-slip model was applied to the interface between FRP and concrete, and the reinforcement mechanism was analyzed through the bond stress and the stress in FRP. The results of the crack pattern, displacement, and acceleration of the reinforced dam were compared with those of the original one. It is shown that FRP, as a reinforcement material, postpones the occurrence of cracks and slows the crack propagation, and that cracks emanating from the upstream surface and downstream surface are not connected, meaning that the reinforced dam can retain water-impounding function when subjected to the earthquake. Anti-seismic reinforcement with FRP is therefore beneficial to improving the seismic resistant capability of concrete dams.
Abstract: In order to enhance external hardness and strength, a large-scale hydraulic gate track should go through heat treatment. The current design method of hydraulic gate wheels and tracks is based on Hertz contact linear elastic theory, and does not take into account the changes in mechanical properties of materials caused by heat treatment. In this study, the heat treatment parameters were designed and analyzed according to the bearing mechanisms of the wheel and track. The quenching process of the track was simulated by the ANSYS program, and the temperature variation, residual stress, and deformation were obtained and analyzed. The metallurgical structure field after heat treatment was predicted by the method based on time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves. The results show that the analysis method and designed track heat treatment process are feasible, and can provide a reference for practical projects.
Abstract: The flow past two tandem circular cylinders of different diameters was simulated using the ?nite volume method. The diameter of the downstream main cylinder (D) was kept constant, and the diameter of the upstream control cylinder (d) varied from 0.1D to D. The studied Reynolds numbers based on the diameter of the downstream main cylinder were 100 and 150. The gap between the control cylinder and the main cylinder (G) ranged from 0.1D to 4D. It is concluded that the gap-to-diameter ratio (G/D) and the diameter ratio between the two cylinders (d/D) have important effects on the drag and lift coef?cients, pressure distributions around the cylinders, vortex shedding frequencies from the two cylinders, and ?ow characteristics.
Abstract: The motion of pore water directly influences mechanical properties of soils, which are variable during creep. Accurate description of the evolution of mechanical properties of soils can help to reveal the internal behavior of pore water. Based on the idea of using the fractional order to reflect mechanical properties of soils, a fractional creep model is proposed by introducing a variable-order fractional operator, and realized on a series of creep responses in soft soils. A comparative analysis illustrates that the evolution of mechanical properties, shown through the simulated results, exactly corresponds to the motion of pore water and the solid skeleton. This demonstrates that the proposed variable-order fractional model can be employed to characterize the evolution of mechanical properties of and the pore water motion in soft soils during creep. It is observed that the fractional order from the proposed model is related to the dissipation rate of pore water pressure.
Abstract: Inherently anisotropic soil fabric has a considerable influence on soil strength. To model this kind of inherent anisotropy, a three-dimensional anisotropic failure criterion was proposed, employing a scalar-valued anisotropic variable and a modified general three- dimensional isotropic failure criterion. The scalar-valued anisotropic variable in all sectors of the deviatoric plane was defined by correlating a normalized stress tensor with a normalized fabric tensor. Detailed comparison between the available experimental data and the corresponding model predictions in the deviatoric plane was conducted. The proposed failure criterion was shown to well predict the failure behavior in all sectors, especially in sector II with the Lode angle ranging between 60º and 120º, where the prediction was almost in accordance with test data. However, it was also observed that the proposed criterion overestimated the strength of dense Santa Monica Beach sand in sector III where the intermediate principal stress ratio b varied from approximately 0.2 to 0.8, and slightly underestimated the strength when b was between approximately 0.8 and 1. The difference between the model predictions and experimental data was due to the occurrence of shear bending, which might reduce the measured strength. Therefore, the proposed anisotropic failure criterion has a strong ability to characterize the failure behavior of various soils and potentially allows a better description of the influence of the loading direction with respect to the soil fabric.
Abstract: The modernization of water conservancy project management is a complicated engineering system involving a management system, a management method, management personnel, the exertion of social, economic, and ecological effects, and so on. However, indices for evaluating the modernization of water conservancy project management are usually unobtainable in practical applications. Conducting appropriate extension of the classical rough set theory and then applying it to an incomplete information system are the key to the application of the rough set theory. Based on analysis of some extended rough set models in incomplete information systems, a rough set model based on the θ-improved limited tolerance relation is put forward. At the same time, upper approximation and lower approximation are defined under this improved relation. According to the evaluation index system and management practices, the threshold for θ is defined. An example study indicates the practicability and maneuverability of the model.
