Distribution and Transport of Heavy Metals in Rice Plants in the Jiujiang River Basin

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS)was used to analyze the distribution and migration of heavy metals in rice plants in the Jiujiang River Basin,to evaluate the distribution of heavy metals in rice plants and to analyze their migration.The results showed that the distribution of different heavy metal elements in various tissues of rice plants varied greatly.The heavy metal migration factor of rice plant stems and leaves was significantly higher than that of rice husk and brown rice.The distribution of heavy metal content in rice in the Jiujiang River can provide a certain theoretical basis and reference value for the safety and quality of rice in the Jiujiang River Basin.

Analysis of longitudinal forces of coupler devices in emergency braking process for heavy haul trains

To reduce the longitudinal coupler forces of heavy haul trains and improve the running safety, the velocity method and New-mark method were used for the coupler simulation and numerical integration, and a numerical model on the longitudinal dynamics of heavy haul trains was established. Validation was performed against the experimental data. Using this model, the emergency braking process for a combined marshalling heavy haul train was investigated to obtain the distributions of the longitudinal compressive forces and strokes of coupler devices. Then, the influences of the initial braking velocity, the synchronization time of master and slave locomotives, the coupler stiffness and the vibrator mass on the longitudinal forces and strokes were analyzed. The results show that it should be avoided that the emergency braking starts at a low initial speed. Keeping synchronism between master locomotive and slave locomotives effectively helps to reduce the longitudinal forces. Reducing the coupler stiffness appropriately and adding rigid arm connections, the longitudinal vibration frequency can be brought down and the longitudinal forces will be decreased, which improves the running safety of heavy haul trains. All of these research results can provide a reference for the operation and development of heavy haul trains.

A Study on Water Vapor Transport and Budget of Heavy Rain in Northeast China

The characteristics of moisture transport and budget of widespread heavy rain and local heavy rain events in Northeast China are studied using the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis 6-hourly and daily data and daily precipitation data of 200 stations in Northeast China from 1961-2005. The results demonstrate that during periods with widespread heavy rain in Northeast China, the Asian monsoon is very active and the monsoonal northward moisture transport is strengthened significantly. The widespread heavy rainfall obtains enhanced water vapor supply from large regions where the water vapor mainly originates from the Asian monsoon areas, which include the East Asian subtropical monsoon area, the South China Sea, and the southeast and southwest tropical monsoon regions. There are several branches of monsoonal moisture current converging on East China and its coastal areas, where they are strengthened and then continue northward into Northeast China. Thus, the enhanced northward monsoonal moisture transport is the key to the widespread heavy rain in Northeast China. In contrast, local heavy rainfall in Northeast China derives water vapor from limited areas, transported by the westerlies. Local evaporation also plays an important role in the water vapor supply and local recycling process of moisture. In short, the widespread heavy rains of Northeast China are mainly caused by water vapor advection brought by the Asian monsoon, whereas local heavy rainfall is mainly caused by the convergence of the westerly wind field.

Longitudinal dynamics and energy analysis for heavy haul trains

Whole trip longitudinal dynamics and energy analysis of heavy haul trains are required by operators and manufacturers to enable optimisation of train controls and rolling stock components. A new technology named train dynamics and energy analyser/train simulator （TDEAS） has been developed by the State Key Laboratory of Traction Power in China to perform detailed whole trip longitudinal train dynamics and energy analyses. Facilitated by a controller user interface and a graphic user interface, the TDEAS can also be used as a train driving simulator. This paper elaborates the modelling of three primary parts in the TDEAS, namely wagon connection systems, air brake systems and train energy components. TDEAS uses advanced wedge-spring draft gear models that can simulate a wider spectrum of friction draft gear behaviour. An effective and efficient air brake model that can simulate air brake systems in various train configurations has been integrated. In addition, TDEAS simulates the train energy on the basis of a detailed longitudinal train dynamics simulation, which enables a further perspective of the train energy composition and the overall energy consumption. To demonstrate the validity of the TDEAS, a case study was carried out on a 120-km-long Chinese railway. The results show that the employment of electric locomotives with regenerative braking could bring considerable energy benefits. Nearly 40 % of the locomotive energy usage could be collected from the dynamic brake system. Most of tractive energy was dissipated by propulsion resistance that accounted for 42.48 % of the total energy. Only a small amount of tractive energy was dissipated by curving resistance, air brake and draft gear systems.

Emulsification of Indian heavy crude oil using a novel surfactant for pipeline transportation

The most economical way to overcome flow assurance problems associated with transportation of heavy crude oil through offshore pipelines is by emulsifying it with water in the presence of a suitable surfactant.In this research,a novel surfactant,tri-triethanolamine monosunflower ester,was synthesized in the laboratory by extracting fatty acids present in sunflower（Helianthus annuus）oil.Synthesized surfactant was used to prepare oil-in-water emulsions of a heavy crude oil from the western oil field of India.After emulsification,a dramatic decrease in pour point as well as viscosity was observed.All the prepared emulsions were found to be flowing even at 1°C.The emulsion developed with 60%oil content and 2wt%surfactant showed a decrease in viscosity of 96%.The stability of the emulsion was investigated at different temperatures,and it was found to be highly stable.The effectiveness of surfactant in emulsifying the heavy oil in water was investigated by measuring the equilibrium interfacial tension（IFT）between the crude oil（diluted）and the aqueous phase along with zeta potential of emulsions.2wt%surfactant decreased IFT by almost nine times that of no surfactant.These results suggested that the synthesized surfactant may be used to prepare a stable oil-in-water emulsion for its transportation through offshore pipelines efficiently.

Stabilizing Mechanism and Running Behavior of Couplers on Heavy Haul Trains

Published studies in regard to coupler systems have been mainly focused on the manufacturing process or coupler strength issues. With the ever increasing of tonnage and length of heavy haul trains, lateral in-train forces generated by longitudinal in-train forces and coupler rotations have become a more and more significant safety issue for heavy haul train operations. Derailments caused by excessive lateral in-train forces are frequently reported. This article studies two typical coupler systems used on heavy haul locomotives. Their structures and stabilizing mechanism are analyzed before the corresponding models are developed. Coupler systems models are featured by two distinct stabilizing mechanism models and draft gear models with hysteresis considered. A model set which consists of four locomotives and three coupler systems is developed to study the rotational behavior of different coupler systems and their implications for locomotive dynamics. Simulated results indicate that when the locomotives are equipped with the type B coupler system, locomotives can meet the dynamics standard on tangent tracks; while the dynamics performance on curved tracks is very poor. The maximum longitudinal in-train force for locomotives equipped with the type B coupler system is 2000 kN. Simulations revealed a distinct trend for the type A coupler system. Locomotive dynamics are poorer for the type A case when locomotives are running on tangent tracks, while the dynamics are better for the type A case when locomotives are running on curved tracks. Theoretical studies and simulations carried out in this article suggest that a combination of the two types of stabilizing mechanism can result in a good design which can significantly decrease the relevant derailments.

Transport patterns and numerical simulation of heavy metal pollutants in soils of lead–zinc ore mines

Exploring transport patterns of soil contaminants is essential for solving the problem of heavy metal contamination in mine soils.In this study,contamination of Pb,Zn,and Cd in the mountain soils of the lead–zinc ore mines in Ganxi Township,Hengdong County,Hunan Province,China was investigated,and their transport patterns were further explored using a soil-column model and numerical simulation techniques.In total,111 mine soil samples were collected and placed into six experimental soil columns.By controlling the water flow,a control soil column group(CK),two mixed soil columns X1 with daily water flows of 1 and 5 L,and three mixed soil columns X3 with daily water flows of 2,3,and 4 L were evaluated.The results showed that the residual fraction of Pb accounted for 71.93%of the content on average,whereas the exchangeable fractions of Zn,Cd,and Fe-Mn oxide-bound fractions of Zn and Cd accounted for 28.60%,31.07%,and 43.2%and 53.54%of the content,respectively.Pb,Zn,and Cd in the soils of the CK,X1,and X3 groups mainly were accumulated at a depth from approximately 0 to 20 cm,and the content at this depth accounted for 60.09%of that at a 0~40 cm depth.The soil at a depth range of 0~10 cm was most seriously contaminated,and the proportion of content was 32.39%of that at a 0~40 cm depth.Numerical simulation showed that on the 5 th day,the pollutant transport range was 0~24 cm,and on the 9 th day,the pollutant transport range exceeded 40 cm.On the 15 th day,the transport capacity of pollutants at depths of 0~40 cm was close to the stable state,but the soil at a depth of 0~10 cm was still heavily polluted.These results reflect the transport pattern of heavy metal pollutants in the soil of lead–zinc ore mines and may provide a reliable scientific support for the prevention of heavy metal contamination in mine environments.

Numerical simulation of wheel wear evolution for heavy haul railway

The prediction of the wheel wear is a fundamental problem in heavy haul railway. A numerical methodology is introduced to simulate the wheel wear evolution of heavy haul freight car. The methodology includes the spatial coupling dynamics of vehicle and track, the three-dimensional rolling contact analysis of wheel-rail, the Specht's material wear model, and the strategy for reproducing the actual operation conditions of railway. The freight vehicle is treated as a full 3D rigid multi-body model. Every component is built detailedly and various contact interactions between parts are accurately simulated, taking into account the real clearances. The wheel-rail rolling contact calculation is carried out based on Hertz's theory and Kalker's FASTSIM algorithm. The track model is built based on field measurements. The material loss due to wear is evaluated according to the Specht's model in which the wear coefficient varies with the wear intensity. In order to exactly reproduce the actual operating conditions of railway,dynamic simulations are performed separately for all possible track conditions and running velocities in each iterative step.Dimensionless weight coefficients are introduced that determine the ratios of different cases and are obtained through site survey. For the wheel profile updating, an adaptive step strategy based on the wear depth is introduced, which can effectively improve the reliability and stability of numerical calculation. At last, the wear evolution laws are studied by the numerical model for different wheels of heavy haul freight vehicle running in curves. The results show that the wear of the front wheelset is more serious than that of the rear wheelset for one bogie, and the difference is more obvious for the outer wheels. The wear of the outer wheels is severer than that of the inner wheels. The wear of outer wheels mainly distributes near the flange and the root; while the wear of inner wheels mainly distributes around the nominal rolling circle. For the outer wheel of front wheelset of each bogie, the development of wear is gradually concentrated on the flange and the developing speed increases continually with the increase of traveled distance.

ROLE OF A WARM AND WET TRANSPORT CONVEYOR OF ASIAN SUMMER MONSOON IN A BEIJING HEAVY RAINSTORM ON JULY 21,2012

A heavy rainstorm named Beijing "7.21"heavy rainstorm hit Beijing on 21 to 22 July 2012, which is recorded as the most severe rainstorm since 1951. The daily precipitation amount in many stations in Beijing has broken the history record. Based on the NCAR/NCEP reanalysis data and precipitation observation,the large-scale conditions which caused the "7.21"heavy rainstorm are investigated, with the emphasis on the relationship between it and an equatorial convergence zone, Asian summer monsoon as well as the tropical cyclone over the ocean from the Philippines to the South China Sea(SCS). The results indicated that a great deal of southerly warm and wet moisture carried by northward migrating Asian summer monsoon provided plenty of moisture supplying for the "7.21"heavy rainstorm. When the warm and wet moisture met with the strong cold temperature advection induced by cold troughs or vortexes, an obviously unstable stratification formed, thus leading to the occurrence of heavy precipitation. Without this kind of intense moisture transport, the rainstorm only relying on the role of the cold air from mid-and higher-latitudes could not reach the record-breaking intensity. Further research suggested that the northward movement of an Asian monsoonal warm and wet moisture transport conveyor(MWWTC) was closely related with the active phase of a 30-60 day intra-seasonal oscillation of the Asian summer monsoon. During this time, the monsoon surge triggered and maintained the northward movement of the MWWTC. In addition, compared with another heavy rainstorm named"63.8"heavy rainstorm, which occurred over the Huaihe River Basin in the mid-August 1963 and seriously affected North China, a similar MWWTC was also observed. It was just the intense interaction of the MWWTC with strong cold air from the north that caused this severe rainstorm.

FE Analysis of Longitudinal Dynamic Response of Subgrade in Bridge-Subgrade Transition of Heavy Haul Railway

With the increase of axle load and the train speed, dynamic interaction of train-track system becomes so exacerbated that the deformation and dynamic response of subgrade are more aggravated. The differential settlement will be created in bridge-embankment transition section under such dynamic action, and an adverse effect on the train operation safety can be caused. Meanwhile, differential settlement will produce additional dynamic effect when high-speed trains go through the transition between bridge-embankment. Such dynamic action will aggravate the differential settlement and subgrade damage. This paper applies the methods of field test and finite-element to systematically study the dynamic response characteristics of subgrade in bridge-embankment transition section of heavy haul railway under dynamic load for the first time. This research is focused on the analysis of influence of the different axle load, train speed, filled soil modulus, etc.. At last, the dynamic response rules are systematically summarized.

Influence of quick release valve on braking performance and coupler force of heavy haul train

We establish a simulation model based on the theory of air flow to analyze the accelerated release effect of the quick release valve inside the air brake control valve.In addition, the combined simulation system of train air brake system and longitudinal train dynamics is used to analyze how the parameters of the quick release valve in the 120/120–1 brake control valve affect the propagation characteristics of the train brake pipe pressure wave, the release action range of the accelerated brake, and the longitudinal coupler force for a 20,000-ton heavy haul train on the section of the Datong–Qinhuangdao Railway. The results show that the quick release valve can effectively accelerate the rising speed of the train brake pipe pressure during the initial release, as the accelerated release effect is evident before the train brake pipe pressure reaches582 k Pa. The quick release valve can effectively accelerate the release of the rear cars, reducing the longitudinal coupler force impact due to time delay of the release process. The quick release valve can effectively reduce the tensile coupler force in the train by as much as 20% in certain cases.

Assessment of the curving performance of heavy haul trains under braking conditions

To study the curving performance of trains, 1D and 3D dynamic models of trains were built using nu- merical methods. The 1D model was composed of 210 simple wagons, each allowed only longitudinal motion; whereas the 3D model included three complicated wagons for which longitudinal, lateral, and vertical degrees of freedom were considered. Combined with the calculated results from the 1D model under braking conditions, the behavior of draft gears and brake shoes were added to the 3D model. The assessment of the curving performance of trains was focused on making comparisons between idling and braking conditions. The results indicated the following： when a train brakes on a curved track, the wheel-rail lateral force and derailment factor are greater than under idling conditions. Because the yawing movement of the wheelset is limited by brake shoes, the zone of wheel contact along the wheel tread is wider than under idling conditions. Furthermore, as the curvature becomes tighter, the traction ratio shows a nonlinear increasing trend, whether under idling or braking conditions. By increasing the brake shoe pressure, train steering becomes more difficult.

Lateral Stability Analysis of Heavy-Haul Vehicle on Curved Track Based on Wheel/Rail Coupled Dynamics

Being viewed from the standpoint of whole system, the hunting stability of a heavy-haul railway vehicle on a curved track is investigated in this paper. First, a model to simulate dynamic performance of the heavy-haul vehicle on the elastic track is developed. Secondly, the reason of the hunting motion is analyzed, and a bifurcation diagram for the vehicle on the curved track is put forward to simulate the nonlinear critical speed. Results show that the hunting motion of the heavy-haul vehicle will appear due to the larger conicity, the initial lateral shift and the wheelset angle of attack. With the hunting motion appearing, the lateral shift and force of the wheelset are changed sharply and periodically with a wave of circa 3.6 m. There is obvious difference in the bifurcation diagram between on a curved track and on a tangent track. Relative to the centerline of the track, each vehicle body on the curved track has two stable cycles. As for the curved track with a radius of 600 m and a superelevation of 55 mm, the nonlinear critical speed of the heavy-haul vehicle is 76.4 km/h.

Transportation of Floating Structures by Using Newly Built Heavy Lifting Semi Vessel HYSY278

Transportation of floating structures for long distance has always been associated with the use of heavy semi transport vessel. The requirements of this type of vessel are always special, and its availability is limited. To prepare for the future development of the South China Sea deepwater projects, COOEC has recently built a heavy lift transport vessel - Hai Yang Shi You 278 （HYSY278）. This semi-submersible vessel has displacement capacity of 50k DWT, and a breath of 42 m. Understanding the vessel＇s applicability and preparing its use for future deepwater projects are becoming imminent need. This paper reviews the critical issues associated with the floating structure transportation and performs detailed analysis of two designed floating structures during transportation. The newly built COOEC transportation vessel HYSY278 will be used to dry transport the floating structures from COOEC fabrication yard in Qingdao to the oil field in the South China Sea. The entire process will start with load-out/float-offthe floating structures from the construction sites, offload the platform from the vessel if needed, dry transport floating structures through a long distance, and finally offload the platform. Both hydrodynamic and struc^tral analyses are performed to evaluate transport vessel and floating structures. Critical issues associated with the transportation and offloading of platform from the vessel will be studied in detail. Detailed study is performed to evaluate the response of the system during this phase and additional work needed to make the vessel feasible for use of this purpose. The results demonstrate that with proper modifications, HYSY278 can effectively be used for transporting structures with proper arrangement and well-prepared operation. The procedure and details are presented on the basis of study results. Special attentions associated with future use will also be discussed based on the results from analysis.

The role of microstructure and its stability in performance of wheels in heavy haul service

Thermal or thermo-mechanical loading is one of the major causes of wheel surface damage in Australian heavy haul operations.In addition,multi-wear wheels appear to be particularly sensitive to thermo-mechanical damage during their first service life.Such damage can incur heavy machining penalties or even premature scrapping of wheels.The combination of high contact stresses as well as substantial thermal loading(such as during prolonged periods of tread braking) can lead to severe plastic deformation,thermal fatigue and microstructural deterioration.For some high-strength wheel grades,the increased sensitivity to thermo-mechanical damage observed during the first service period may be attributed to the presence of a near-surface region in which the microstructure is more sensitive to these loading conditions than the underlying material.The standards applicable to wheels used in Australian heavy haul operations are based on the Association of American Railroads(AAR) specification M-107/M-208,which does not include any requirements for microstructure.The implementation of acceptance criteria for the microstructure,in particular that in the near-surface region of the wheel,may be necessary when new wheels are purchased.The stability of wheel microstructures during thermo-mechanical loading and the effects of alloying elements commonly used in wheel manufacturing are reviewed.A brief guide to improving thermal/mechanical stability of the microstructure is also provided.

Sediment Characteristics, Sources, and Transport Patterns in Kompong Som Bay, Cambodia: Indications from Grain Size and Heavy Minerals

In this paper, we analyzed the grain size and heavy mineral compositions of 52 surface sediment samples collected from the Kompong Som Bay of Cambodia and the adjacent rivers to depict the marine sedimentary environments and transport processes. Heavy minerals in sediments are dominated by authigenic pyrite, siderite, and tourmaline, with average percentages of 36.52%, 29.02%, and 10.94%, respectively. Two provinces can be divided according to the spatial similarity of minerals. The sediments from Province I, covered by silt grains in the northern bay, are characterized by autogenic pyrite, indicating a weakly reducing environment;whereas in Province II, covered by sand grains in the southern bay, the siderite-tourmaline-authigenic pyrite-zircon-hornblende assemblage occurs, indicating a mild reducing environment and locally oxidizing environment. Most of the sediments in the Kompong Som Bay are introduced from the Preak Piphot River and Srae Ambel River, except that some of them in the south areas come from coastal erosion. Generally, the sediments are difficult to be transported because of the low sediment loads entering the sea and weak hydrodynamic conditions. However, they are transported from the north to the south during the tide ebbing when the hydrodynamic force is much stronger. The sediment distribution and transport patterns are controlled by many factors, including submarine topography, hydrodynamic conditions, the southwest monsoon, land contours, and sediment supply.

Application Study on Elastomer Expansion Joint in Heavy Haul Railway

The article summarizes related research results and achievements of elastomer expansion device in railway bridge and puts forward a new idea of using polyurethane elastomer material to seal concrete bridge joints between adjacent spans in heavy haul railways. The new type expansion device is composed of polyurethane elastomer material and named TTXF （elastomer expansion joint）. In theory, researchers find out expansion joint deformation regularity between adjacent bridge spans through theoretical analysis and detection in heavy haul railways, such as Datong-Qinhuangdao Railway and Shenchi-Huanghua Port Railway. Fatigue tests prove that TTXF can adapt to permanent and dynamic deformation. On the other hand, it has been successfully applied in the test section of Central South of Shanxi Railway Passage and continuous monitoring has been conducted in extreme weather for over one year. The expansion joint has a good effect practically.

Establishment and Optimization of Status Assessment Variables for Heavy Haul Railway Line Service Performance

In order to address the issues of complex system structure and variable selection difficulty for the current heavy haul railway line status evaluation system, a three-category and three-layer heavy-haul line status evaluation variable set construction and reduction optimization method is proposed. Firstly, the status of heavy haul railway line is analyzed, and an initial set of evaluation variables affecting the line status is constructed. Then, based on the association rule and the principal component analysis method, key variables are extracted from the initial variable set to establish the evaluation system. Finally, this method is verified with actual data of a line. The results show that the service performance of heavy haul railway line can still be evaluated accurately when the evaluation variables are reduced by 60% in the proposed method.

Research on heavy-haul adaptive technology and strengthening measures for existing railway steel bridge

Purpose–This research addresses the diverse characteristics of existing railway steel bridges in China,including variations in construction age,design standards,structural types,manufacturing processes,materials and service conditions.It also focuses on prominent defects and challenges related to heavy transportation conditions,particularly low live haul reserves and severe fatigue problems.Design/methodology/approach–The study encompasses three key aspects:(1)Adaptability assessment:It begins with assessing the suitability of existing railway steel bridges for heavy-haul operations through comprehensive analyses,experiments and engineering applications.(2)Strengthening:To combat frequent crack defects in the vertical stiffener end structure of girder webs,fatigue performance tests and reinforcement scheme experiments were conducted.These experiments included the development of a hot-spot stress S-N curve for this structure,validating the effectiveness of methods like crack stop holes,ultrasonic hammering and flange angle steel.(3)Service life extension:Research on the cruciform welded joint structure(non-fusion transfer type)focused on fatigue performance over the long life cycle.This led to the establishment of a fatigue S-N curve,enhancing Chinese design codes.Findings–The research achieved several significant outcomes:(1)Successful implementation of strengthening and retrofitting measures on a 64-m single-span double-track railway steel truss girder on an existing heavy-duty line.(2)Post-reinforcement,a substantial 26%to 32%reduction in live haul stress on bridge members was achieved.(3)The strengthening and retrofitting efforts met design expectations,enabling the bridge to accommodate vehicles with a 30-ton axle haul on the railway line.Originality/value–This research systematically tackles challenges and defects associated with Chinese existing railway steel bridges,providing valuable insights into adaptability assessment,strengthening techniques and service life extension methods.Furthermore,the development of fatigue S-N curves and the successful implementation of bridge enhancements have practical implications for improving the resilience and operational capacity of railway steel bridges in China.

Study on the Impact of Heavy Transport Vehicles Braking System Requirements on Road Safety in Costa Rica

Accidents involving heavy vehicles might show high mortality rates, so it is important to study ways of reducing them. in this research, it was carried out an analysis of the regulations concerning heavy vehicle braking systems in Costa Rica. And some opportunities of improving road safety regarding heavy vehicle braking systems were identified. The analysis showed several regulatory weaknesses, among which were found： lack of regulatory controls of vehicles importation, the friction coefficient associated to maximum braking distance is not specified, the use of technologies that guarantee a stable braking is not compulsory, the measuring procedure of braking efficacy in vehicle inspection shows some deficiencies, and little controls have been established on maintenance practices of heavy vehicle fleets.