Depositional model of the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex of the Dengying Formation in the southwestern Sichuan Basin, SW China: Implications for the Ediacaran microbial mound construction and hydrocarbon exploration

Recent advances in hydrocarbon exploration have been made in the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex reservoirs of the Dengying Formation in the western Sichuan Basin, SW China,where the depositional process is regarded confusing. The microfacies, construction types, and depositional model of the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex have been investigated using unmanned aerial vehicle photography, outcrop section investigation, thin section identification,and seismic reflections in the southwestern Sichuan Basin. The microbialite lithologic textures in this region include thrombolite, dendrolite, stromatolite, fenestral stromatolite, spongiostromata stone,oncolite, aggregated grainstone, and botryoidal grapestone. Based on the comprehensive analysis of“depositional fabrics-lithology-microfacies”, an association between a fore mound, mound framework,and back mound subfacies has been proposed based on water depth, current direction, energy level and lithologic assemblages. The microfacies of the mound base, mound core, mound flank, mound cap, and mound flat could be recognized among the mound framework subfacies. Two construction types of marginal microbial mound-bank complex have been determined based on deposition location, mound scale, migration direction, and sedimentary facies association. Type Jinkouhe microbial mound constructions(TJMMCs) develop along the windward margin owing to their proximity to the seaward subfacies fore mound, with a northeastwardly migrated microbial mound on top of the mud mound,exhibiting the characteristics of large-sized mounds and small-sized banks in the surrounding area. Type E'bian microbial mound constructions(TEMMCs) primarily occur on the leeward margin, resulting from the presence of onshore back mound subfacies, with the smaller southwestward migrated microbial mounds existing on a thicker microbial flat. The platform margin microbial mound depositional model can be correlated with certain lateral comparison profile and seismic reflection structures in the 2D seismic section, which can provide references for future worldwide exploration. Microbial mounds with larger buildups and thicker vertical reservoirs are typically targeted on the windward margin, while small-sized microbial mounds and flats with better lateral connections are typically focused on the leeward margin.

Experimental Research on the Fabrication of Modular Devices for Drilling Using PLA for Model Parts

The objective of the work is to determine the influence of the PLA melting temperature during 3D printing on the dimensional accuracy of the model parts. Two modular drilling devices were also made using PLA model parts. The model parts were 3D printed using FDM technology and the ZMorph 2.0 hybrid 3D printer. The accuracy of 3D printing of the model part influences the realization of modular devices. In recent years, technology has evolved a lot, and the need to have the most efficient manufacturing equipment has increased. This is the reason for the development of 3D printers using FDM technology for plastic parts. The software used by these 3D printers used in FDM technology is very sophisticated, as they allow the manufacture of very precise 3D prototypes, identical to the designed 3D model, through modern additive manufacturing techniques. The quality and mechanical strength of the prototypes obtained using 3D printers is very good. The materials used by the 3D printers manufactured by FDM are cheap and accessible. These 3D printers are used to make three-dimensional objects (gears, flanges, bearings, covers, casings, mechanisms, figurines, interior and exterior design elements, architectural models, medical models).

Numerical simulation and printability analysis of fused deposition modeling with dual-temperature control

Ideal tissue engineering scaffolds need interconnected pores and high porosity to enable cell survival,migration,proliferation,and differentiation.However,obtaining a high-resolution structure is difficult with traditional one-temperature control fused deposition modeling(FDM).In this study,we propose a dual-temperature control method to improve printability.A numerical model is developed in which the viscosity is a function of temperature and shear rate to study the influence of two different temperature control modes.Quantitative tests are used to assess filament formation and shape fidelity,including one-dimensional filament printing,deposition at corners,fusion,and collapse.By using dual-temperature control,the width of the deposited poly(ε-caprolactone)filament is reduced to 50μm.The comparative results of both the experimental method and numerical simulation suggest that the dual-temperature control FDM can manufacture spatially arranged constructs and presents a promising application in tissue engineering。

PRACTICAL AND PREDICTIVE MODELLING OF ORE DEPOSITS IN HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS

Over the pastfive years,we have been making efforts to develop a practical and predic- tive tool to exploreforgiantore deposits in hydrothermal systems. Towards this goal,a sig- nificant progress has been made towards a better understanding of the basic physical and chemical processes behind ore body formation and mineralization in hydrothermal systems. On the scientific developmentside,we have developed analytical solutions to answerthe fol- lowing scientific questions:(1) Can thepore- fluid pressure gradientbemaintained atthe val- ue of the lithostaticpressure gradientin the uppercrustof the Earth?and(2 ) Can convective pore- fluid flow take place in the uppercrustof the Earth ifthere is a fluid/mass leakage from the mantle to the upper crustof the Earth?On the modelling developmentside,we have developed numerical methods to model the following problems:(1) convective pore- fluid flow in two- dimensional hydrothermal systems;(2 ) coupled reactive pore- fluid flow and multiple species transport in porous media;(3) precipitation and dissolution of minerals and rock al- teration in the upper crust of the Earth;(4 ) double diffusion driven reactive flow transport in deformable fluid- saturated porous media with particular consideration of temperature- de- pendentchemical reaction rates;(5 ) pore- fluid flow patterns neargeological lenses in hydro- dynamic and hydrothermal systems;(6 ) dissipative structures for nonequilibrium chemical reactions in fluid- saturated porousmedia;(7) convectivepore- fluid flow and the related min- eralization in three- dimensional hydrothermal systems;(8) fluid- rock interaction problems associated with the rock alteration and metamorphic process in fluid- saturated hydrothermal/ sedimentary basins;and (9) various aspects of the fully coupled problem involving material deformation,pore- fluid flow,heattransferand species transport/ chemical reactionsin pore- fluid saturated porous rock masses. The above- mentioned work has significantly enriched our knowledge about the physical and chemical processes related to ore body formation and mineralization in the upper crustof the

Minerogenic Model of Chrysotile Deposits in Ultramafic Rocks

Most chrysotile deposits occur in ultramafic rocks of the ophiolite suite. The chrysotile deposits dis-cussed in the present paper were formed through metasomatism and infilling-crystallization in a continentalserpentinization environment after plate convergence, where ultramafic rocks were replaced byhydrothermal solutions consisting mainly of deep-circulating heated water derived from atmospheric precip-itation. The critical state for the formation of asbestos in ultramafic rock bodies might be reached bysuperposition of multiple stages of serpentinization. Favourable fracture systems and relatively stable geo-logical environment are important conditions for forming chrysotile deposits. Three subtypes of chrysotiledeposits could be formed in different tectonic settings and under different minerogenic geochemical condi-tions.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Fused Deposition Modeling for Mechanical Properties of Biopolymer Parts Using the Grey-Taguchi Method

The urgent need to develop customized functional products only possible by 3D printing had realized when faced with the unavailability of medical devices like surgical instruments during the coronavirus-19 disease and the ondemand necessity to perform surgery during space missions.Biopolymers have recently been the most appropriate option for fabricating surgical instruments via 3D printing in terms of cheaper and faster processing.Among all 3D printing techniques,fused deposition modelling(FDM)is a low-cost and more rapid printing technique.This article proposes the fabrication of surgical instruments,namely,forceps and hemostat using the fused deposition modeling(FDM)process.Excellent mechanical properties are the only indicator to judge the quality of the functional parts.The mechanical properties of FDM-processed parts depend on various process parameters.These parameters are layer height,infill pattern,top/bottom pattern,number of top/bottom layers,infill density,flow,number of shells,printing temperature,build plate temperature,printing speed,and fan speed.Tensile strength and modulus of elasticity are chosen as evaluation indexes to ascertain the mechanical properties of polylactic acid(PLA)parts printed by FDM.The experiments have performed through Taguchi’s L27orthogonal array(OA).Variance analysis(ANOVA)ascertains the significance of the process parameters and their percent contributions to the evaluation indexes.Finally,as a multiobjective optimization technique,grey relational analysis(GRA)obtains an optimal set of FDM process parameters to fabricate the best parts with comprehensive mechanical properties.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)examines the types of defects and strong bonding between rasters.The proposed research ensures the successful fabrication of functional surgical tools with substantial ultimate tensile strength(42.6 MPa)and modulus of elasticity(3274 MPa).

Effect of Fibre Size on Mechanical Properties and Surface Roughness of PLA Composites by Using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

Naturalfibre as a reinforcing agent has been widely used in many industrial applications.Nevertheless,several factors need to be considered,such as the size and weight percentage of thefibre used in binding.Using fused deposition modelling(FDM),this factor was investigated by varying the size of naturalfibre as the responding variable with afixed weight percentage of kenaffibre.The process of modifying the naturalfibre in terms of size might increase the dispersion of kenaffibre in the polymer matrix and increase the adhesion bonding between thefibre and matrix of composites,subsequently improving the interfacial bonding between these two phases.In this paper,the effect offibre size was evaluated by performing the mechanical test,Scanning Electron Micrograph(SEM)to observe the morphology of the composites,and also by surface analysis.The surface roughness was visualised using a 3D profilometer and thefigure was illustrated as colour shading in the image.The composite withfibre size≤100μm displayed better tensile andflexural strength,compared to other sizes.In conclusion,by reducing the size of thefibre,the composites could develop high strength performance for industrial applications.

Minerogenetic Model for Two Types of Fluorite Deposits in Southeastern China

On the basis of the studies of field geology, strontium, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and REEgeochemistry, coupled with the dating of mineralization, the authors suggest a minerogenetic model of circula-tion and drawing of Late Cretaceous geothermal waters for the fluorite deposits in southeastern China. Thismodel includes two types of mechanism: 1) the leaching-out and drawing through deep circulation of thegeothermal water, and 2) the leaching-out and drawing through shallow circulation of the water. The fluoritemineralization of Mesozoic volcanic rock terrain is related mainly to the former mechanism, with the mineraliz-ing material coming chiefly from the Precambrian metamorphic rocks of the basement underlying the hostrocks; while that of Yanshanian granite terrain is associated with the latter mechanism, with the mineralizingmaterial derived primarily from the host granites and sedimentary rocks.

Formation Mechanism of the Tongyu Gold Deposit,Shaanxi——A Discussion of a Model for the Formation of Syntectonic Gold Deposits

The formation of the Tongyu gold deposit, controlled by regional polyphase deformation-metamorphism.is closely related to the regional composite antiform-shear slip fracture zone. Late-stage reworking of theTaihua Group accounts for the enrichment of ore substances. It is a typical syntectonic gold deposit. The formation and evolution of the deposit involved four stages: (Ⅰ) the state of preparation of ore sub-stances, in which primary source beds originated: (Ⅱ) the stage of remobilization of ore substances, in whichregional progressive metamorphism and migmatization and thermodynamic-chemical differentiation led toremobilization of gold and its initial local concentration: (Ⅲ) the stage of gold deposit formation, in which re-gional folding produced concordant and cross shear-slip fractures and under the dynamic action gold was sepa-rated and migrated in a certain direction and concentrated to form a gold deposit: (Ⅳ) the stage ofsuperpositon, reworking and exposure of orebodies, in which the block uplifted and the deposit againunderwent reworking through faulting and mechanical differentiation.Thermodynamic mineralization played adominant role in the formation of the deposit.

DECISION-MAKING OF SLICING SCHEME IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING PROCESS BASED ON ANALYTICAL HIERARCHICAL PROCESS

Based on analyzing the influences of a slicing scheme on stair-stepping effect, supporting structure, efficiency and deformation, etc. , analytical hierarchical process （AHP） combining with fuzzy synthetic evaluation is introduced to make decision in slicing schemes for a processing part. The application in determining the slicing scheme for a computer mouse during prototyping shows that the method increases the rationality during decision- making and improves quality and efficiency for the prototyping part.

3D Printing with a 5-Axis FDM Printer Using Bézier Techniques

In the last decade,3D printing,especially fused deposition modeling(FDM),has revolutionized manufacturing with intricate designs.Traditional 3-axis FDM printers face challenges with complex geometries,but 5-axis versions offer more design freedom.However,it requires specialized strategies.This research presents a model for 5-axis FDM printers using Bézier curves with an algorithm to enhance print quality.The result shows significant accuracy improvements,especially for curve-based tasks.In addition,this study deepens the understanding of 5-axis FDM technology,setting a solid basis for further research and potentially refining manufacturing methods.

Deposit 3D modeling and application

By the aid of the international mining software SURPAC, a geologic database for a multi-metal mine was established, 3D models of the surface, geologic fault, ore body, cavity and the underground openings were built, and the volume of the cavity of the mine based on the cavity 3D model was calculated. In order to compute the reserves, a grade block model was built and each metal element grade was estimated using Ordinary Kriging. Then, the reserve of each metal element and every sublevel of the mine was worked out. Finally, the calculated result of each metal reserve to its actual prospecting reserve was compared, and the results show that they are all almost equal to each other. The absolute errors of Sn, Pb, and Zn reserves are only 1.45%, 1.59% and 1.62%, respectively. Obviously, the built models are reliable and the calculated results of reserves are correct. They can be used to assist the geologic and mining engineers of the mine to do research work of reserves estimation, mining design, plan making and so on.

Status and Trends in Research on Deep-Water Gravity Flow Deposits

Deep-water gravity flows are one of the most important sediment transport mechanisms on Earth. After 60 years of study, significant achievements have been made in terms of classification schemes, genetic mechanisms, and depositional models of deep-water gravity flows. The research history of deep-water gravity flows can be divided into five stages： incipience of turbidity current theory; formation of turbidity current theory; development of deep-water gravity flow theory; improvement and perfection of deep-water gravity flow theory; and comprehensive development of deep-water gravity flow theory. Currently, three primary classification schemes based on the sediment support mechanism, the rheology and transportation process, and the integration of sediment support mechanisms, rheology, sedimentary characteristics, and flow state are commonly used.Different types of deep-water gravity flow events form different types of gravity flow deposits. Sediment slump retransportation mainly forms muddy debris flows, sandy debris flows, and surge-like turbidity currents. Resuspension of deposits by storms leads to quasi-steady hyperpycnal turbidity currents （hyperpycnal flows）. Sustainable sediment supplies mainly generate muddy debris flows, sandy debris flows, and hyperpycnal flows. Deep-water fans, which are commonly controlled by debris flows and hyperpycnal flows, are triggered by sustainable sediment supply; in contrast, deep-water slope sedimentary deposits consist mainly of debris flows that are triggered by the retransportation of sediment slumps and deep-water fine-grained sedimentary deposits are derived primarily from fine- grained hyperpycnal flows that are triggered by the resuspension of storm deposits. Harmonization of classification schemes, transformation between different types of gravity flow deposit, and monitoring and reproduction of the sedimentary processes of deep-water gravity flows as well as a source-to-sink approach to document the evolution and deposition of deep-water gravity flows are the most important research aspects for future studies of deep-water gravity flows study in the future.

Sedimentary characteristics and depositional model of a Paleocene-Eocene salt lake in the Jiangling Depression,China

We studied the sedimentary characteristics of a Paleocene-Eocene salt lake in the Jiangling Depression through field core observation,thin section identification,scanning electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction analysis.On the basis of sedimentary characteristics we have summarized the petrological and mineralogical characteristics of the salt lake and proposed 9 types of grade IV salt rhythms.The deposition shows a desalting to salting order of halite-argillaceous-mudstone-mud dolostonemud anhydrock-glauberite-halite.The relationship among grade IV rhythms,water salinity and climate fluctuations was analyzed.Based on the analysis of the relationship between boron content and mudstone color and by combining the mineralogy and sedimentary environment characteristics,we propose that the early and late Paleocene Shashi Formation in the Jiangling Depression was a paleolacustrine depositional environment with a high salt content,which is a representation of the shallow water salt lake depositional model.The middle Paleocene Shashi Formation and the early Eocene Xingouzui Formation were salt and brackish sedimentary environments with low salt content in a deep paleolake,which represents a deep salt lake depositional model.

Tensile Properties of Mechanically-Defibrated Cellulose Nanofiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid Matrix Composites Fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling

Biodegradable polymers are highly attractive as potential alternatives to petroleum-based polymers in an attempt to achieve carbon neutrality whilst maintaining the mechanical properties of the structures.Among these polymers,polylactic acid(PLA)is particularly promising due to its good mechanical properties,biocompatibility and thermoplasticity.In this work,we aim to enhance the mechanical properties of PLA using mechanically-defibrated cellulose nanofibers(CNFs)that exhibit remarkable mechanical properties and biodegradability.We also employ fused deposition modeling(FDM),one of the three-dimensional printing methods for thermoplastic polymers,for the low-cost fabrication of the products.Mechanically-defibrated CNF-reinforced PLA matrix composites are fabricated by FDM.Their tensile properties are investigated in two printing directions(0°/90°and+45°/-45°).The discussion about the relationship between printing direction and tensile behavoir of mechanically-defibrated CNF-reinforced PLA matrix composite is the unique point of this study.We further discuss the microstructure and fracture surface of mechanically-defibrated CNF-reinforced PLA matrix composite by scanning electron microscope.

Depositional conditions and modeling of Triassic Oil shale in southern Ordos Basin using geochemical records

Based on the element geochemistry and biomarkers of the oil shale from the Chang 7 sub-unit in the southern Ordos Basin,the depositional conditions and organic source of the oil shale are discussed.Biomarkers analyses show that the oil shale has a homologous organic matter source,with a mix of plankton and advanced plants.U/Th and V/Ni ratios suggest that the redox condition is dominated by a reducing condition,and the degree of anoxia in the Tongchuan area is higher than that of the Xunyi area.Sr/Ba ratios illustrate that the oil shale is deposited in fresh water and the paleosalinity in the Tongchuan area is slightly higher.Fe/Ti ratios imply that the Tongchuan area underwent obvious hydrothermal fluid activities.Sr/Cu ratios show warm and humid paleoclimate in both areas.As assessed by(La/Yb)NASC,the deposition rate in the Tongchuan area is relatively lower.Fe/Co and Th/U ratios suggest that the paleo-water-depth in the Tongchuan area is deeper.The source rock could have the advance plants source,which must have close relationship with the Qinling orogeny.Comparing the paleoenvironment,the Tongchuan area has better depositional conditions,and is the key oil shale exploration area in the southern Ordos Basin.

Sedimentary system characteristics and depositional filling model of Upper Permian——Lower Triassic in South Yellow Sea Basin

In the South Yellow Sea Basin,Mesozoic–Paleozoic marine strata are generally well developed with large thickness,and no substantial breakthroughs have been made in hydrocarbon exploration.Through research,it is believed that the Upper Permian–Lower Triassic can be regarded as a long-term base-level cycle.Based on drilling data,characteristics of the lithology–electric property combination cyclicity,and the special lithology,the long-term base-level cycle was divided into five medium-term base-level cycles(MC1–MC5).On this basis,the Permian–Triassic sedimentary systems and their filling model were analyzed in accordance with the change of base-level cycle and transition of sedimentary environment,as well as characteristics of the drilling sedimentary facies and seismic facies.The results show that there were six sedimentary systems(fluvial,delta,tidal flat,open platform,restricted platform,and continental shelf)developed in the Upper Permian–Lower Triassic,the sedimentary systems were distributed such that the water was deep in the northwest and shallow in the southeast,and there were two base-level cycle filling models(a relatively stable tidal flat facies and a rapidly transgressive continental shelf facies to stable platform facies)developed in the Upper Permian–Lower Triassic.These models can provide a basis for evaluation of the Mesozoic–Paleozoic hydrocarbon geology in the South Yellow Sea Basin.