Numerical Study of Flow Features Around Submerged Circular and Square Piles at Flat and Scoured Beds Using OpenFOAM

Elucidating the flow features around piles in local scouring processes is crucial for studies of local scouring mechanisms and scour depth estimates.This study details the flow turbulence characteristics of two submerged piles that are determined by solving the Navier-Stokes equations with the improved delayed detached eddy simulation model.This model is verified by comparing experimental and numerical results for hydrodynamic parameters with the literature for both square-crossing piles(SCPs)and circular-crossing piles(CCPs).Original topographies of flat and scoured beds(i.e.,the initial and equilibrium scouring stages)are based on experimental results obtained by the authors in the present paper.SCP and CCP flow features in the scouring process are discussed.The results indicate that during the scouring process,the time-averaged drag coefficient and root mean square(rms)of the lift coefficient increase linearly in the CCP test,while the rms of the lift coefficient in the SCP test decreases linearly.Moreover,the minimum pressure coefficient is always located in the upstream corners in the SCP case but moves from 72.5°to 79.5°when the scour hole is completely developed in the CCP case.Downward flow behind the pile,which is generated by separated boundary layers above the top face of the pile,can reach the sand bed and turn the separated shear layers into patches of small vortices in the near-wake regions.Thus,the high shear stress zones are mainly at the scour edges under scoured-bed conditions.

Experimental observation of Fermi-level flat band in novel kagome metal CeNi_(5)

Kagome materials are a class of material with a lattice structure composed of corner-sharing triangles that produce various exotic electronic phenomena,such as Dirac fermions,van Hove singularities,and flat bands.However,most of the known kagome materials have a flat band detached from the Fermi energy,which limits the investigation of the emergent flat band physics.In this work,by combining soft x-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy(ARPES)and the first-principles calculations,the electronic structure is investigated of a novel kagome metal CeNi_(5) with a clear dispersion along the kz direction and a Fermi level flat band in theΓ–K–M–Γplane.Besides,resonant ARPES experimental results indicate that the valence state of Ce ions is close to 4^(+),which is consistent with the transport measurement result.Our results demonstrate the unique electronic properties of CeNi_(5) as a new kagome metal and provide an ideal platform for exploring the flat band physics and the interactions between different types of flat bands by tuning the valence state of Ce ions.

Observation of flat-band localized state in a one-dimensional diamond momentum lattice of ultracold atoms

We investigated the one-dimensional diamond ladder in the momentum lattice platform. By inducing multiple twoand four-photon Bragg scatterings among specific momentum states, we achieved a flat band system based on the diamond model, precisely controlling the coupling strength and phase between individual lattice sites. Utilizing two lattice sites couplings, we generated a compact localized state associated with the flat band, which remained localized throughout the entire time evolution. We successfully realized the continuous shift of flat bands by adjusting the corresponding nearest neighbor hopping strength, enabling us to observe the complete localization process. This opens avenues for further exploration of more complex properties within flat-band systems, including investigating the robustness of flat-band localized states in disordered flat-band systems and exploring many-body localization in interacting flat-band systems.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a method for millimeter-scale inspection of surface flatness

A non-contact method for millimeter-scale inspection of material surface flatness via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy(LIBS)is investigated experimentally.The experiment is performed using a planished surface of an alloy steel sample to simulate its various flatness,ranging from 0 to 4.4 mm,by adjusting the laser focal plane to the surface distance with a step length of 0.2 mm.It is found that LIBS measurements are successful in inspecting the flatness differences among these simulated cases,implying that the method investigated here is feasible.It is also found that,for achieving the inspection of surface flatness within such a wide range,when univariate analysis is applied,a piecewise calibration model must be constructed.This is due to the complex dependence of plasma formation conditions on the surface flatness,which inevitably complicates the inspection procedure.To solve the problem,a multivariate analysis with the help of Back-Propagation Neural Network(BPNN)algorithms is applied to further construct the calibration model.By detailed analysis of the model performance,we demonstrate that a unified calibration model can be well established based on BPNN algorithms for unambiguous millimeter-scale range inspection of surface flatness with a resolution of about 0.2 mm.

Evaluation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete structures with flat slab-column gravity frame and shear walls through nonlinear analysis methods

This paper presents an investigation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete(RC)structures in which shear walls are the main lateral load-resisting elements and the participation of flat slab floor systems is not considered in the seismic design procedure.In this regard,the behavior of six prototype structures(with different heights and plan layouts)is investigated through nonlinear static and time history analyses,implemented in the OpenSees platform.The results of the analyses are presented in terms of the behavior of the slab-column connections and their mode of failure at different loading stages.Moreover,the global response of the buildings is discussed in terms of some parameters,such as lateral overstrength due to the gravity flat slab-column frames.According to the nonlinear static analyses,in structures in which the slab-column connections were designed only for gravity loads,the slab-column connections exhibited a punching mode of failure even in the early stages of loading.However,the punching failure was eliminated in structures in which a minimum transverse reinforcement recommended in ACI 318(2019)was provided in the slabs at joint regions.Furthermore,despite neglecting the contribution of gravity flat slab-column frames in the lateral load resistance of the structures,a relatively significant overstrength was imposed on the structures by the gravity frames.

Changes of coastline and tidal flat and its implication for ecological protection under human activities: Take China’s Bohai Bay as an example

The change processes and trends of shoreline and tidal flat forced by human activities are essential issues for the sustainability of coastal area,which is also of great significance for understanding coastal ecological environment changes and even global changes.Based on field measurements,combined with Linear Regression(LR)model and Inverse Distance Weighing(IDW)method,this paper presents detailed analysis on the change history and trend of the shoreline and tidal flat in Bohai Bay.The shoreline faces a high erosion chance under the action of natural factors,while the tidal flat faces a different erosion and deposition patterns in Bohai Bay due to the impact of human activities.The implication of change rule for ecological protection and recovery is also discussed.Measures should be taken to protect the coastal ecological environment.The models used in this paper show a high correlation coefficient between observed and modeling data,which means that this method can be used to predict the changing trend of shoreline and tidal flat.The research results of present study can provide scientific supports for future coastal protection and management.

Layered kagome compound Na_(2)Ni_(3)S_(4)with topological flat band

We report structural and electronic properties of Na_(2)Ni_(3)S_(4),a quasi-two-dimensional compound composed of alternating layers of[Ni_(3)S_(4)]^(2-)and Na^(+).The compound features a remarkable Ni-based kagome lattice with a square planar configuration of four surrounding S atoms for each Ni atom.Magnetization and electrical measurements reveal a weak paramagnetic insulator with a gap of about 0.5 eV.Our band structure calculation highlights a set of topological flat bands of the kagome lattice derived from the rotated dxz-orbital with C_(3)+T symmetry in the presence of crystal-field splitting.

Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of Flat Plate Solar Collector Using TiO_(2)/Water Nanofluid

To research solar energy's efficiency and environmental benefits,the thermal efficiency,exergy,and entropy of solar collectors were calculated.The experiment involved two glass-topped collectors,fluid transfer tubes,and aluminum heat-absorbing plates.Glass wool insulation minimized heat loss.A 0.5% TiO_(2)/Water nanofluid was created using a mechanical and ultrasonic stirrer.Results showed that solar radiation increased thermal efficiency until midday,reaching 48.48% for water and 51.23% for the nanofluid.With increasing mass flow rates from 0.0045 kg/s to 0.02 kg/s,thermal efficiency improved from 16.26% to 47.37% for water and from 20.65% to 48.76% for the nanofluid.Filtered water provided 380 W and 395 W of energy in March and April,while the nanofluid increased it to 395 W and 415 W during these months.Mass flow generated energy,and the Reynolds number raised entropy.The noon exergy efficiency for nanofluids was 50%-55%,compared to 30% for water.At noon,the broken exergy measured 877.53 W for the nanofluid and 880.12 W for water.In Kirkuk,Iraq,the 0.5% TiO_(2)/Water nanofluid outperformed water in solar collectors.

A More Accurate Determination of the Magnitude of Cosmic Inflation in the Big Bang Model

According to our hypothesis, at the very beginning of the Big Bang, a hyperenergetic spherical wave was created. We described its characteristics in our previous work, and the present work is based on them. Logically, we saw that in cosmic inflation the frequency of such a wave would decrease sharply. Based on the temperature that prevailed immediately after inflation according to the hot Big Bang model, we determined a measure of the size of the inflation in this model, in accordance with our hypothesis.

How the Flat Space Cosmology Model Correlates the Recombination CMB Temperature of 3000 K with a Redshift of 1100

This paper shows how the Flat Space Cosmology model correlates the recom-bination epoch CMB temperature of 3000 K with a cosmological redshift of 1100. This proof is given in support of the recent publication that the Tatum and Seshavatharam Hubble temperature formulae can be derived using the Stephan-Boltzmann dispersion law. Thus, as explained herein, the era of high precision Planck scale quantum cosmology has arrived.

Product Development of High Strength and Toughness Spring Flat Steel

With the continuous development of mechanical industry,higher requirements are put forward for the comprehensive properties of spring steel.The chemical composition and production process of spring flat steel are designed to meet the requirements of high strength and high toughness of spring flat steel,through the test,the product surface quality and internal quality all meet the national standards,the performance indicators to meet user requirements.

Flat soliton microcomb source

Mode-locked microcombs with flat spectral profiles provide the high signal-to-noise ratio and are in high demand for wavelength division multiplexing(WDM)-based applications,particularly in future high-capacity communication and parallel optical computing.Here,we present two solutions to generate local relatively flat spectral profiles.One microcavity with ultra-flat integrated dispersion is pumped to generate one relatively flat single soliton source spanning over 150 nm.Besides,one extraordinary soliton crystal with single vacancy demonstrates the local relatively flat microcomb lines when the inner soliton spacings are slightly irregular.Our work paves a new way for soliton-based applications owing to the relatively flat spectral characteristics.

Distribution of benthic macrofaunal communities in intertidal flat under hydrodynamic influence:a case study of Jiangsu coast,East China

To identify the distribution pattern of macrofaunal assemblages of the Dafeng intertidal flats in response to hydrodynamic and sediment dynamic processes in the northern Jiangsu coast,East China,macrofauna sampling and hydrodynamic observations were carried out simultaneously across the mud flat,mixed mud-sand flat,and silt-sand flat of the intertidal zone in June 2018.Results show that there was a clear zonal distribution pattern of the macrofaunal communities,as is controlled by local hydrological and sedimentary environments.Principal component analysis(PCA)revealed three types of intertidal area in terms of hydrological and surficial sediment parameters.Similarly,three distinct groups of the macrofaunal communities,i.e.,mud flat,mix mud-sand,and silt-sand groups,were recognized at similarity level of 24%based on the CLUSTER analysis in similarity profile(SIMPROF)test.Correlation analysis upon best variables stepwise search(BVSTEP)indicated the importance of the hydrodynamics(e.g.,water temperature and salinity,tidal duration,flow speed,suspended sediment concentration,and wave height)in the differentiation of macrofaunal communities with different taxonomic classes over the intertidal zone.Therefore,macrofaunal assemblages,similar to hydrology and surficial sediment,have a unique zonation pattern.Small-sized deposit feeders adapt better to low energy environments,thus dominated the upper part of the intertidal flat,whilst the heavy and large-sized filter feeders and deposit feeders were dominant over the middle and lower parts.The hydrodynamic and sediment processes cause biota-niche separation,which affected the biological processes across the intertidal flat.

Differential flatness-based distributed control of underactuated robot swarms

This paper proposes a distributed control method based on the differential flatness(DF) property of robot swarms. The swarm DF mapping is established for underactuated differentially flat dynamics, according to the control objective. The DF mapping refers to the fact that the system state and input of each robot can be derived algebraically from the flat outputs of the leaders and the cooperative errors and their finite order derivatives. Based on the proposed swarm DF mapping, a distributed controller is designed. The distributed implementation of swarm DF mapping is achieved through observer design. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a numerical simulation of quadrotor swarm synchronization.

Morphodynamic signatures derived from daily surface elevation dynamics can explain the morphodynamic development of tidal flats

Understanding the sensitivity of tidal flats to environmental changes is challenging.Currently,most studies rely on process-based models to systematically explain the morphodynamic evolution of tidal flats.In this study,we proposed an alternative empirical approach to explore tidal flat dynamics using statistical indices based on long-term time series of daily surface elevation development.Surface elevation dynamic(SED)indices focus on the magnitude and period of surface elevation changes,while morphodynamic signature(MDS)indices relate sediment dynamics to environmental drivers.The statistical analyses were applied to an intervention site in the Netherlands to determine the effect of recently constructed groynes on the tidal flat.Using these analyses,we were able to(1)detect a reduction in the daily SED and(2)determine that the changes in the daily SED were predominantly caused by the reduction in wave impact between the groynes rather than the reduction in tidal currents.Overall,the presented results showed that the combination of novel statistical indices provides new insights into the trajectories of tidal flats,ecosystem functioning,and sensitivity to physical drivers(wind and tides).Finally,we suggested how the SED and MDS indices may help to explore the future trajectories and climate resilience of intertidal habitats.

Aseismic ridge subduction and flat subduction:Insights from three-dimensional numerical models

Flat subduction can significantly influence the distribution of volcanism,stress state,and surface topography of the overriding plate.However,the mechanisms for inducing flat subduction remain controversial.Previous two-dimensional(2-D)numerical models and laboratory analogue models suggested that a buoyant impactor(aseismic ridge,oceanic plateau,or the like)may induce flat subduction.However,three-dimensional(3-D)systematic studies on the relationship between flat subduction and buoyant blocks are still lacking.Here,we use a 3-D numerical model to investigate the influence of the aseismic ridge,especially its width(which is difficult to consider in 2-D numerical models),on the formation of flat subduction.Our model results suggest that the aseismic ridge needs to be wide and thick enough to induce flat subduction,a condition that is difficult to satisfy on the Earth.We also find that the subduction of an aseismic ridge parallel to the trench or a double aseismic ridge normal to the trench has a similar effect on super-wide aseismic ridge subduction in terms of causing flat subduction,which can explain the flat subduction observed beneath regions such as Chile and Peru.

Study on Licker-In and Flat Speeds of Carding Machine and Its Effects on Quality of Cotton Spinning Process

Spinning has a significant influence on all textile processes. Combinations of all the capital equipment display the process’ critical condition. By transforming unprocessed fibers into carded sliver and yarn, the carding machine serves a critical role in the textile industry. The carding machine’s licker-in and flat speeds are crucial operational factors that have a big influence on the finished goods’ quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the link between licker-in and flat speeds and how they affect the yarn and carded sliver quality. A thorough experimental examination on a carding machine was carried out to accomplish this. The carded sliver and yarn produced after experimenting with different licker-in and flat speed combinations were assessed for important quality factors including evenness, strength, and flaws. To account for changes in material qualities and machine settings, the study also took into consideration the impact of various fiber kinds and processing circumstances. The findings of the investigation showed a direct relationship between the quality of the carded sliver and yarn and the licker-in and flat speeds. Within a limited range, greater licker-in speeds were shown to increase carding efficiency and decrease fiber tangling. On the other hand, extremely high speeds led to more fiber breakage and neps. Higher flat speeds, on the other hand, helped to enhance fiber alignment, which increased the evenness and strength of the carded sliver and yarn. Additionally, it was discovered that the ideal blend of licker-in and flat rates varied based on the fiber type and processing circumstances. When being carded, various fibers displayed distinctive behaviors that necessitated adjusting the operating settings in order to provide the necessary quality results. The study also determined the crucial speed ratios between the licker-in and flat speeds that reduced fiber breakage and increased the caliber of the finished goods. The results of this study offer useful information for textile producers and process engineers to improve the quality of carded sliver and yarn while maximizing the performance of carding machines. Operators may choose machine settings and parameter adjustments wisely by knowing the impacts of licker-in and flat speeds, which will increase textile industry efficiency, productivity, and product quality.

Relative importance of tidal flats and artificial habitats for two spoonbill species and related interspecific differences

Artificial/seminatural environments,such as aquacultural ponds,saltpans,and croplands,have recently been acknowledged as important habitats for coastal waterbirds.Although coastal waterbirds tend to use artificial habitats around tidal flats as roosting sites during high-tide,it remains unclear whether the importance of surrounding habitats relative to tidal flats varies among landscape types,seasons,species,or tidal conditions.The Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor)and Eurasian Spoonbill(P.leucorodia)are two closely related sympatric species in East Asia with narrow and wide distribution ranges and habitat requirements,respectively.We therefore expect that both species will use surrounding artificial habitats across seasons at high tides,but Blackfaced Spoonbills will use them less frequently than Eurasian Spoonbills.Here,we address these hypotheses in the Imazu tidal flat and its surrounding environments in southern Japan.We investigated the habitat use and behavioral patterns of both species through route and behavioral surveys during the fall migration and wintering seasons in 2021.We found that both species used surrounding habitats including artificial ones more frequently than the tidal flat regardless of the tidal condition or season,but spoonbills used these habitats more frequently in winter than in autumn.We also found that Eurasian Spoonbills foraged in surrounding artificial habitats more frequently than Black-faced Spoonbills.These results not only demonstrate how coastal waterbirds exploit surrounding habitats relative to tidal flats but also suggest that the importance of surrounding habitats varies among species and seasons.Our study thus emphasizes that valuing and managing surrounding habitats in addition to tidal flats are key to conserving globally declining waterbirds.

CONFORMALLY FLAT AFFINE HYPERSURFACES WITH SEMI-PARALLEL CUBIC FORM

In this paper,we study locally strongly convex affine hypersurfaces with the vanishing Weyl curvature tensor and semi-parallel cubic form relative to the Levi-Civita connection of the affine metric.As a main result,we classify these hypersurfaces as not being of a flat affine metric.In particular,2 and 3-dimensional locally strongly convex affine hypersurfaces with semi-parallel cubic forms are completely determined.

Dramatical hydro-sedimentary changes induced by bamboo fences over mangrove tidal flat of the largest delta in Beibu Gulf, southwestern China

Mangrove forest is one of the most important ecological and environmental resources by effectively promoting tidal flat deposition and preventing the coastal region from typhoon.However,there have been mass loss of mangrove forests due to anthropogenic activities.It is an urgent need to explore an effective way for mangrove restoration.Here,three rows of bamboo fences with hydro-sedimentary observation set over Aegiceras corniculatum mangrove tidal flat of the Nanliu Delta,the largest delta of Beibu Gulf,China,were conducted to analyze the hydro-sedimentary variations induced by bamboo fences.Results identified that the mean horizontal velocity Um per burst(20 min)decreased by as much as 71%and 40%in comparison with those without bamboo fences in March and November,respectively,when the tidal current entering the bamboo area during flood.The maximum of mean horizontal flow velocity Um-max at bamboo area was 50%–75%of that without bamboo fences during ebb tide.The suspended sediment concentration of bamboo area suggested a maximum reduction of 57%relative to bare flat during flood,and was 80%lower than bare flat at ebb peak.Moreover,the turbulent kinetic dissipationεat flood tide was significantly higher than that at ebb tide,while the bamboo fences greatly increased the turbulent kinetic dissipationεby 2 to 5 times relative to bare flat,resulting in an increase of the bed elevation by inhibiting the sediment incipient motion and intercepting suspended sediment.The siltation rate at the bamboo area was 140%and 29.3%higher than that at the bare flat and the region covered with A.corniculatum,respectively.These results highlight that bamboo fences can effectively attenuate tidal current and thus promote siltation over mangrove flat,which contribute great benefit to mangrove survival.