Volume-averaged modeling of multiphase solidification with equiaxed crystal sedimentation in a steel ingot

Macrosegregation is a critical factor that limits the mechanical properties of materials.The impact of equiaxed crystal sedimentation on macrosegregation has been extensively studied,as it plays a significant role in determining the distribution of alloying elements and impurities within a material.To improve macrosegregation in steel connecting shafts,a multiphase solidification model that couples melt flow,heat transfer,microstructure evolution,and solute transport was established based on the volume-averaged Eulerian-Eulerian approach.In this model,the effects of liquid phase,equiaxed crystals,columnar dendrites,and columnar-to-equiaxed transition(CET)during solidification and evolution of microstructure can be considered simultaneously.The sedimentation of equiaxed crystals contributes to negative macrosegregation,where regions between columnar dendrites and equiaxed crystals undergo significant A-type positive macrosegregation due to the CET.Additionally,noticeable positive macrosegregation occurs in the area of final solidification in the ingot.The improvement in macrosegregation is beneficial for enhancing the mechanical properties of connecting shafts.To mitigate the thermal convection of molten steel resulting from excessive superheating,reducing the superheating during casting without employing external fields or altering the design of the ingot mold is indeed an effective approach to control macrosegregation.

Numerical simulation on sand sedimentation and erosion characteristics around HDPE sheet sand barrier under different wind angles

For the safety of railroad operations,sand barriers are utilized to mitigate wind-sand disaster effects.These disasters,characterized by multi-directional wind patterns,result in diverse angles among the barriers.In this study,using numerical simulations,we examined the behavior of High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)sheet sand barriers under different wind angles,focusing on flow field distribution,windproof efficiency,and sedimentation erosion dynamics.This study discovered that at a steady wind speed,airflow velocity varies as the angle between the airflow and the HDPE barrier changes.Specifically,a 90°angle results in the widest low-speed airflow area on the barrier’s downwind side.If the airflow is not perpendicular to the barrier,it prompts a lateral airflow movement which decreases as the angle expands.The windproof efficiency correlates directly with this angle but inversely with the wind’s speed.Notably,with a wind angle of 90°,wind speed drops by 81%.The minimum wind speed is found at 5.1H(the sand barrier height)on the barrier’s downwind side.As the angle grows,the barrier’s windproof efficiency improves,extending its protective reach.Sedimentation is most prominent on the barrier’s downwind side,as the wind angle shifts from 30°to 90°,the sand sedimentation area on the barrier’s downwind side enlarges by 14.8H.As the angle grows,sedimentation intensifies,eventually overtakes the forward erosion and enlarges the sedimentation area.

Gravity-Driven Listric Growth Fault and Sedimentation in the Lagoa do Peixe, Rio Grande do Sul Coastal Plain, Brazil

High frequency, high resolution GPR surveys are successfully applied to investigate near-surface stratification architecture of sedimentary units in coastal plains and to define their depositional conditions. However, low frequency GPR surveys to investigate fault-related depositional systems at greater depths are scarce. This survey was designed investigate a > 100 km long linear escarpment that controls the northwest margin of the Lagoa do Peixe, an important lagoon in Rio Grande do Sul Coastal Plain (RGSCP, Brazil). The traditional approach points that RGSCP was developed by juxtaposition of four lagoons/barrier systems as consequence of sea level changes;no deformational structure is admitted to exist before. The low frequency GPR (50 MHz, RTA antenna) and geological surveys carried out in the RGSCP showed the existence of a large, gravity-driven listric growth fault controlling the Lagoa do Peixe escarpment and hangingwall sedimentation. The radargrams in four subareas along the Lagoa do Peixe Growth Fault could be interpreted following the seismic expression of rift-related depositional systems. The radargrams enabled to distinguish three main lagoonal deposition radarfacies. The lower lagoonal radarfacies is a convex upward unit, thicker close to growth fault;the radarfacies geometry indicates that fault displacement rate surpasses the sedimentation rate, and its upper stratum is aged ~3500 l4C years BP. The second lagoonal radarfacies is a triangular wedge restricted to the lagoon depocenter, whose geometry indicates that fault displacement and the sedimentation rates kept pace. The upper lagoonal radarfacies is being deposited since 1060 ± 70 l4C years BP, under sedimentation rate higher than fault displacement rate. The results indicate that low frequency GPR surveys can help in investigating fault-related depositional systems in coastal zones. They also point to a new approach in dealing with RGSCP stratigraphy.

Getters Reactants. I. Thermo-Sedimentational Activation

A new method for chemical pumping of gases has been developed using reactive alloys of Li with IIA metals in the liquid state. It is an answer to the need for ultra-high and extremely high vacuum without loose solid particles. Another application of this development is the production of high- and ultra-pure noble gases in a one-step process. Both of these solutions are unprecedented;they are based on a new gas/melt sorption interface that raises the overall bar of technical advances in the field to a higher level, simplifying sorption equipment and leading to cost savings.

Investigation of the Clinical Diagnostic Significance of the T-Cell Test for Tuberculosis combined with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Test in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnostic significance of peripheral blood T-cell test(T-spot test)for tuberculosis(TB)infection combined with erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)in pulmonary TB.Methods:41 patients with a clinical diagnosis of TB during hospitalization from January 2020 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected as the experimental group,and 45 patients without TB(bronchopneumonia patients)were selected as the control group.The diagnostic specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy of the T-spot TB test,ESR test,and the combined test of the two were calculated respectively.Results:The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the T-spot TB test combined with ESR for the diagnosis of TB in the experimental group were significantly higher than the individual results of the T-spot TB test and ESR test alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:The T-spot TB test combined with the ESR test for TB diagnosis has greater clinical value than carrying out the tests individually.

Evaluating the Amount of Erodability and Sedimentation by Comparing Sediment Weight Model and PSIAC Experimental Model (Case Study: Lali Water Catchment, Khuzestan, Iran)

The upstream water catchments are the main source providing sediments in rivers and sedimentary basins. The balance between the erosion phenomenon and the amount of sediment entering into the basin relies on the geometrical specifications and the morphology of the river along the water catchment direction and the amount and type of the sediments. The sedimentary feed of rivers and basins are changed for the sake of natural factors or human disturbances. The river and basin react against this change in that their shape, morphology, plan and profile get changed due to the increase or decrease of the input sediment into the basin. It is essential to know the sediment amount produced by erodability and sedimentation of upstream basins and effects of projects and also to evaluate the amount of sedimentary load in base studies, civil projects, optimizing rivers and dam construction studies specially calculating the amount of sediment amount entering into the dams’ reservoirs in order to take engineering decisions and related alternatives. Sediment Weight Model and PSIAC Experimental Model are recognized as two common methods calculating the amount of the produced sediment caused by erosion applied in this research. Holistically, these methods have been used and compared. Although the results are almost close to one another, more sediment load has been produced in PSIAC method. As more affective parameters are used to cause erosion and produce sediment in PSIAC experimental model, it is recommended to refer to the results of this method because they are closer to reality.

Effects of sand sedimentation and wind erosion around sand barrier:Numerical simulation and wind tunnel test studies

Based on numerical simulations,this study highlights the sedimentation and erosion problems around a sand barrier through the relationship between the shear stress of the surface around the sand barrier and the critical shear stress of sand grains.The numerical simulation results were verified using data measured by the wind tunnel test.The results showed that when the porosity was the same,the size and position of the vortex on the leeward side of the sand barrier were related to the inlet wind speed.As the wind speed increased,the vortex volume increased and the positions of the separation and reattachment points moved toward the leeward side.When the porosity of the sand barrier was 30%,the strength of the acceleration zone above the sand barrier was the highest,and the strength of the acceleration zone was negatively correlated with the porosity.Sand erosion and sedimentation distance were related to wind speed.With an increase in wind speed,the sand grain forward erosion or reverse erosion areas on the leeward side of the sand barrier gradually replaced the sedimentation area.With an increase in porosity,the sand sedimentation distance on the leeward side of the sand barrier gradually shortened,and the sand erosion area gradually disappeared.The sand sedimentation distance on the leeward side of the sand barrier with 30%porosity was the longest.The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the wind tunnel test results.Based on the sand erosion and sedimentation results of the numerical simulation and wind tunnel test,when the porosity was 30%,the protection effect of the High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)board sand barrier was best.

Plotting the Clarifying Curves and Determination of the Specific Amount of Settled Material during the Initial Period to Sedimentation in Stationary Column of Aqueous Suspensions of Solids

The present paper presents an algorithm and a program for plotting the clarifying curves and for determination of the specific amount of settled material during the initial period based on data obtained from sedimentation experiments in stationary column of aqueous suspensions of solids particles with different concentrations. The algorithm and program have been developed for an interactive, rapid and convenient processing of the data obtained from sedimentation experiments in stationary column of aqueous suspensions of solids particles and allow obtaining with accuracy of precise and expressive graphs which characterize the behaviour of aqueous suspensions to sedimentation in stationary column. Sedimentation study of different aqueous suspensions of solids particles in stationary column is of great importance for experimentally determining the important parameters required to design and exploitation clarifiers and sludge thickeners from waste water treatment plants.

The control of astronomical cycles on lacustrine fine-grained event Sedimentation——A case study of the Chunshang sub-member of the upper Es_(4) in the Dongying Sag

Fine-grained lacustrine sedimentation controlled by astronomical cycles remains a research weakness in sedimentology studies,as most studies have concentrated on how astronomical cycles affect the normal lacustrine fine-grained sedimentation,but how they affect the lacustrine fine-grained event sedimen-tation has been rarely studied.Therefore,this work researched the characteristics of event sedimentation by systematically observing the cores from 30 cored wells in the Shahejie Formation of the Dongying Sag at a depth of over 1800 m,with more than 4000 thin sections being authenticated and over 1000 whole rocks being analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD).The research object was the Chunshang Sub-member of Upper Es_(4) in the Fanye 1 well,as it had the most comprehensive analysis data and underwent the most continuous coring.We divided astronomical cycles into different orders and made corresponding curves using the gamma-ray(GR)curve,spectral analysis,power spectrum estimation,and module extreme values,there were 6 long eccentricity periods,22 short eccentricity periods,65.5 obliquity cycles,and 110.5 precession cycles in this sub-member.On this basis,this study analyzed the control of astronomical cycles on the lacustrine fine-grained event sedimentation,and the research shows deposits were developed by slide-slump,turbidities,hyperpycnites,and tempestites in the Chunshang Sub-member of the Upper Es_(4),with higher long eccentricity,the monsoon climate contributes to the formation of storm currents,while with lower long eccentricity,the surface deposits are severely eroded by rivers and rainfalls,thus developing the slide-slump,turbidities,and hyperpycnites.The relationship between the lacustrine fine-grained event sedimentation and astronomical cycles was studied in this case study,which can promote research on fine-grained sedimentary rocks in genetic dynamics and boost the theoretical and disciplinary development in fine-grained sedimentology.

Cycles of fine-grained sedimentation and their influences on organic matter distribution in the second member of Paleogene Kongdian Formation in Cangdong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,East China

According to the theory of sequence stratigraphy based on continental transgressive-regressive(T-R)cycles,a 500 m continuous core taken from the second member of Kongdian Formation(Kong 2 Member)of Paleogene in Well G108-8 in the Cangdong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,was tested and analyzed to clarify the high-frequency cycles of deep-water fine-grained sedimentary rocks in lacustrine basins.A logging vectorgraph in red pattern was plotted,and then a sequence stratigraphic framework with five-order high-frequency cycles was formed for the fine-grained sedimentary rocks in the Kong 2 Member.The high-frequency cycles of fine-grained sedimentary rocks were characterized by using different methods and at different scales.It is found that the fifth-order T cycles record a high content of terrigenous clastic minerals,a low paleosalinity,a relatively humid paleoclimate and a high density of laminae,while the fifth-order R cycles display a high content of carbonate minerals,a high paleosalinity,a dry paleoclimate and a low density of laminae.The changes in high-frequency cycles controlled the abundance and type of organic matter.The T cycles exhibit relatively high TOC and abundant endogenous organic matters in water in addition to terrigenous organic matters,implying a high primary productivity of lake for the generation and enrichment of shale oil.

Removal Effect of Coagulating Sedimentation Method on Polyethylene Microplastics in Water

Microplastic is a new kind of pollutant.It exists widely in the aquatic environment and seriously endangers the aquatic ecosystem.In this study,the coagulating sedimentation method was used to remove microplastics in water.Polyethylene(PE)was selected as the representative of microplastics,polyferric sulfate(PFS),polyaluminum chloride(PAC)and aluminum sulfate(AS)were used as coagulant,and polyacrylamide(PAM)was used as coagulant aid to study the effects of pH,coagulant concentration and sedimentation time on the removal of PE by single and composite coagulant.The results showed that when the dosage of PFS was 0.5 g/L and pH was 5.0,the removal rate could reach 82.14%,which was better than PAC and AS,indicating that PFS had better coagulation and sedimentation performance for PE;the composite coagulant of PFS+PAC+AS(1 g/L+0.2 g/L+0.2 g/L,pH was 5.0)had the highest removal rate of PE,reaching 96.06%;the removal rate of PE increased with the increase in sedimentation time,but considering that the longer sedimentation time has less contribution to the improvement of removal rate,it is recommended that 4 h is appropriate.

Effects of Different Cations on the Flocculation and Sedimentation of Static Fine-Grained

Natural water bodies mostly contain cations,and the type and content of these cations are the main factors affecting the flocculation of fine-grained cohesive sediments and the floc sedimentation rate at the interface between clear and turbid water.From the microscopic aspect,this study examined the changing patterns of porosity and the fractal dimension of the flocs of fine-grained cohesive sediments.Sedimentation experiments under different sediment contents and electrolyte conditions were conducted,and microscopic images of the flocs were analysed using Image-Pro Plus(IPP)and MATLAB based on the fractal theory.From the macroscopic aspect,this study experimentally investigated the flocculation and sedimentation of fine-grained cohesive sediments and proposed a sedimentation rate equation by introducing an ion concentration-related parameter into an existing sedimentation rate equation(stagnation zone)based on the adsorption isotherm equation.The equation proposed in this study was validated with measured data.The calculated values were in good agreement with the measured values,with a relative error of 16%.The findings of this study provide a reference for further research on the flocculation and sedimentation of fine-grained cohesive sediments in different water bodies.

Dynamic experiments on flocculation and sedimentation of argillized ultrafine tailings using fly-ash-based magnetic coagulant

In order to accelerate the sedimentation of super-large-scale argillized ultrafine tailings with bad features such as low settling velocity, muddy overflow water, and large flocculant dosage, a fly-ash-based magnetic coagulant （FAMC） was used in a dynamic experimental device. To obtain the best possible combination of the impact factors （magnetic intensity, FAMC dosage, flocculant dosage, and feed speed） for minimum overflow turbidity, a response surface methodology test coupled with a four-factor five-level central composite design was conducted. The synergy mechanism of FAMC and flocculant was analyzed based on the potential measurement and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the flocculant dosage, overflow turbidity, and solid content can be reduced by 50%, 90%, and 80%, while the handling capacity per unit and efficiency of backfill and dry stacking can be promoted by 20%, 17%, and 13%, respectively, with a magnetic intensity of 0.3 T, FAMC dosage of 200 mL/t, flocculant dosage of 30 g/t, and feed speed of 0.6 t/（m^2·h）. Therefore, synergy of FAMC and flocculant has obvious efficiency in saving energy and protecting the environment by allowing 70×10^6 t/a of argillized ultrafine tailings slurry to be disposed safely and efficiently with a cost saving of more than 53×106 Yuan/a, which gives it great promise for use in domestic and foreign mines.

In-situ analysis and genetic investigation of Li-bearing minerals in McDermitt clay-type lithium deposit,Nevada,USA

Clay-type Li deposits are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the surging global demand for Li.The McDermitt clay-type Li deposit,located in Nevada,is the largest Li deposit in the United States,with Li hosted by a clay-rich sequence of smectite-dominated intervals and illite-dominated intervals,respectively.However,the occurrence of Li and the genesis of Li-bearing minerals within smectite-dominated intervals have not been thoroughly investigated in previous research.Here,we studied the mineralogy,the in-situ Li distribution,and the bonding environments of Li within the smectite intervals using a combination of instru-mental techniques including scanning electron microscope,transmission electron microscope,time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry,and nuclear magnetic resonance.Our results indicate that the smectite exhibits low crystallinity characteristics of lacustrine clay authigenesis and is com-monly found tofill the interstices among volcanic minerals or envelop them;Li is mainly hosted by Mg-smectite rather than the volcanic minerals.Within the tuffaceous sediment samples,the volcanic glass has undergone a transformation,resulting in its complete disappearance and alteration into clay minerals.Owing to the octahedral sites of Mg-smectite bounded in Li,it is referred to be hectorite.We interpret that the hectorite’s precipitation occurs in a high saline-alkaline water environment,a result of McDermitt tuffdissolution.This conclusion can be supported by the coexistence of spherulitic calcite and hectorite.Overall,this study confirms hectorite as the main Li-bearing mineral and increases the understanding of the genetic model of hectorite formation in intracontinental caldera basins.

Provenance and depositional setting of the Late MiocenePleistocene clastic sediments in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and western Iraq using rare earth elements geochemistry

The sandstones of the Late miocene–Pliocene Dibdibba Formation in the Najaf–Karbala Plateau and Basra were examined to determine their source rocks and origin. The rare earth elements(REE) and trace elements(Sc, Co, V, and Th) concentrations in these sandstones revealed that they likely derived from a single source. The steep light rare earth elements(LREE) and flat, heavy rare earth element(HREE) patterns, negative Eu anomaly, and high ΣREE contents in sandstones suggest its derivation from a suggests that a passive continental margin environment and originated from felsic source rocks. The average concentration of ΣREE is 93.5 ppm, which is lower than that of the average crustal compositions like Upper Continental Crust and Post Archean Australian Shale. The higher proportion of LREE compared to HREE implies that these sandstones were recycled and derived from a distal source. The Th/Co, Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, Eu/Eu*and(La/Lu)cn elemental ratios indicated that these Late Miocene–Pliocene sandstones were derived from felsic rocks located in the marginal region of the Arabian Shield.

Saturation Estimation with Complex Electrical Conductivity for Hydrate-Bearing Clayey Sediments:An Experimental Study

Clays have considerable influence on the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments.It is desirable to understand the electrical properties of hydrate-bearing clayey sediments and to build hydrate saturation(S_(h))models for reservoir evaluation and monitoring.The electrical properties of tetrahydrofuran-hydrate-bearing sediments with montmorillonite are characterized by complex conductivity at frequencies from 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz.The effects of clay and Sh on the complex conductivity were analyzed.A decrease and increase in electrical conductance result from the clay-swelling-induced blockage and ion migration in the electrical double layer(EDL),respectively.The quadrature conductivity increases with the clay content up to 10%because of the increased surface site density of counterions in EDL.Both the in-phase conductivity and quadrature conductivity decrease consistently with increasing Sh from 0.50 to 0.90.Three sets of models for Sh evaluation were developed.The model based on the Simandoux equation outperforms Archie’s formula,with a root-mean-square error(E_(RMS))of 1.8%and 3.9%,respectively,highlighting the clay effects on the in-phase conductivity.The fre-quency effect correlations based on in-phase and quadrature conductivities exhibit inferior performance(E_(RMS)=11.6%and 13.2%,re-spectively)due to the challenge of choosing an appropriate pair of frequencies and intrinsic uncertainties from two measurements.The second-order Cole-Cole formula can be used to fit the complex-conductivity spectra.One pair of inverted Cole-Cole parameters,i.e.,characteristic time and chargeability,is employed to predict S_(h) with an E_(RMS) of 5.05%and 9.05%,respectively.

Development of a Thermal Fogger-specific Sedimentation Stabilizer

In order to solve the drifting away of thermal fog droplets during thermal spraying and the incompatibility between fog droplet carrier and conventional com- mercial agro-chemicals, the fog droplet carrier, surfactant, condensation nucleus ma- terial and antifreeze, dispersant, thickener and defoamer were screened and assem- bled to develop a thermal fog sedimentation stabilizer in this study, thereby provid- ing technical support for application and promotion of thermal spraying technology in pest and disease control in crops.

Numerical simulation of flow field deposition and erosion characteristics around bridge-road transition section

Wind-sand flow generates erosion and deposition around obstacles such as bridges and roadbeds, resulting in sand damage and endangering railway systems in sandy regions. Previous studies have mainly focused on the flow field around roadbeds, overlooking detailed examinations of sand particle erosion and deposition patterns near bridges and roadbeds. This study employs numerical simulations to analyze the influence of varying heights and wind speeds on sand deposition and erosion characteristics at different locations: the bridge-road transition section(side piers), middle piers, and roadbeds. The results show that the side piers, experience greater accumulation than the middle piers. Similarly, the leeward side of the roadbed witnesses more deposition compared to the windward side. Another finding reveals a reduced sand deposition length as the vertical profile, in alignment with the wind direction, moves further from the bridge abutments at the same clearance height. As wind speeds rise, there’s a decline in sand deposition and a marked increase in erosion around the side piers, middle piers and roadbeds. In conclusion, a bridge clearance that’s too low can cause intense sand damage near the side piers, while an extremely high roadbed may lead to extensive surface sand deposition. Hence, railway bridges in areas prone to sandy winds should strike a balance in clearance height. This research provides valuable guidelines for determining the most suitable bridge and roadbed heights in regions affected by wind and sand.

Effects of shore-normal coastal structure on medium-to long-term embayed shoreline evolution

Based on high-tide shoreline data extracted from 87 Landsat satellite images from 1986 to 2019 as well as using the linear regression rate and performing a Mann-Kendall(M–K)trend test,this study analyzes the linear characteristics and nonlinear behavior of the medium-to long-term shoreline evolution of Jinghai Bay,eastern Guangdong Province.In particular,shoreline rotation caused by a shore-normal coastal structure is emphasized.The results show that the overall shoreline evolution over the past 30 years is characterized by erosion on the southwest beach,with an average erosion rate of 3.1 m/a,and significant accretion on the northeast beach,with an average accretion rate of 5.6 m/a.Results of the M–K trend test indicate that significant shoreline changes occurred in early 2006,which can be attributed to shore-normal engineering.Prior to that engineering construction,the shorelines are slightly eroded,where the average erosion rate is 0.7 m/a.However,after shore-normal engineering is performed,the shoreline is characterized by significant erosion(3.2 m/a)on the southwest beach and significant accretion(8.5 m/a)on the northeast beach,thus indicating that the shore-normal engineering at the updrift headland contributes to clockwise shoreline rotation.Further analysis shows that the clockwise shoreline rotation is promoted not only by longshore sediment transport processes from southwest to northeast,but also by cross-shore sediment transport processes.These findings are crucial for beach erosion risk management,coastal disaster zoning,regional sediment budget assessments,and further observations and predictions of beach morphodynamics.

Microplastics in sediment of the Three Gorges Reservoir:abundance and characteristics under different environmental conditions

Freshwater microplastic pollution is an urgent issue of global concern,and research on the distribution in reservoirs is lacking.We investigated the microplastic pollution levels in wet sediments collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir,the largest reservoir of China.Results show that microplastics were ubiquitous in the sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir,and their abundance ranged from 59 to 276 pp/kg(plastic particles per kg,dry weight).Economic development and total population were important factors affecting the spatial heterogeneity of microplastic abundance,and the contribution of large cities along the reservoir to microplastic pollution should be paid with more attention.Fibrous microplastics were the most abundant type of microplastic particles in reservoir sediments,whereas polystyrene,polypropylene,and polyamide were the main types of polymers.The apparent spatial heterogeneity in morphology and color of microplastics is attributed to different anthropogenic or landbased pollution sources.Moreover,the accumulation of microplastics near the inlet of tributaries reflects the role of potential contributors of tributaries.More importantly,multiple bisphenols(BPs)and heavy metals detected at the microplastic surfaces indicate that microplastics can act as carriers of these pollutants in the environment in the same way as sediments did,which may alter the environmental fate and toxicity of these pollutants.Therefore,we conclude that the Three Gorges Reservoir had been contaminated with microplastics,which posed a stress risk for organisms who ingest them along with their associated pollutants(BPs,heavy metals).