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GaN grown via oxide vapor phase epitaxy (OVPE-GaN) can produce free-standing substrates with ultra-low resistivity because of the high doping concentration of oxygen. The bulk growth of OVPE-GaN is hindered by polycrystals generated during long-term growth. We have previously reported that thicker films can be grown by reducing the partial pressure of water vapor in the growth atmosphere with CH4. However, as CH4 is a dopant of carbon, a compensating acceptor, its addition may increase electrical resistance. In this study, we further investigated the effect of reducing water vapor partial pressure on polycrystals by combining Ga2O production (reaction of Ga and water vapor: a Ga–H2O system), which can reduce water vapor, with CH4 addition. However, CH4 addition to the Ga–H2O system increased polycrystal generation, possibly owing to the thermal decomposition of excess CH4. The properties of OVPE-GaN with CH4 addition were also evaluated. Although the CH4 addition resulted in high carbon doping, the carbon-doped OVPE-GaN maintained low resistivity. This is because the OVPE method involves three-dimensional growth with growth pits, and the growth pits leave behind low-resistivity high-oxygen-concentration regions. As the resistivity remains low even when CH4 is added in the OVPE method, both polycrystallization suppression and low resistivity can be achieved by selecting an appropriate CH4 flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed classical molecular dynamics simulations using the fully polarizable Atomic Multipole Optimized Energetics for Biomolecular Applications (AMOEBA) forcefield implemented within the Tinker package to determine whether a more adequate treatment of electrostatics is sufficient to correctly describe the mixing of methane with water under high pressure conditions. We found a significant difference between the ability of AMOEBA and other classical, computationally cheaper forcefields, such as TIP3P, simple point charge–extended, TIP4P, and optimized potentials for liquid simulations–all atom. While the latter models fail to detect any effect of pressure on the miscibility of methane in water, AMOEBA qualitatively captures the experimental observation of the increased solubility of methane in water with pressure. At higher temperatures, the solubility of water in methane also increases; this seems to be associated with the breakdown of the fourfold hydrogen-bonded water network structure: bonding in water is weaker, so the energy cost of solution is lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of TIP4P/Ice water in solution with trehalose for 3.65 and 18.57 wt. % concentrations and of bulk TIP4P/Ice water at ambient pressure, to characterize the structure and dynamics of water in a sugar aqueous solution in the supercooled region. We find here that TIP4P/Ice water in solution with trehalose molecules follows the Mode Coupling Theory and undergoes a fragile to strong transition up to the highest concentration investigated, similar to the bulk. Moreover, we perform a Mode Coupling Theory test, showing that the Time Temperature Superposition principle holds for both bulk TIP4P/Ice water and for TIP4P/Ice water in the solutions and we calculate the exponents of the theory. The direct comparison of the dynamical results for bulk water and water in the solutions shows upon cooling along the isobar a fastening of water dynamics for lower temperatures, T < 240 K. We found that the counter-intuitive behavior for the low temperature solutions can be explained with the diffusion anomaly of water leading us to the conclusion that the fastening observed below T = 240 K in water dynamics is only fictitious, due to the fact that the density of water molecules in the solutions is higher than the density of the bulk at the same temperature and pressure. This result should be taken into account in experimental investigations which are often carried out at constant pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report measurements of the shear viscosity η in water up to 150 MPa and down to 229.5 K. This corresponds to more than 30 K supercooling below the melting line. The temperature dependence is non-Arrhenius at all pressures, but its functional form at 0.1 MPa is qualitatively different from that at all pressures above 20 MPa. The pressure dependence is non-monotonic, with a pressure-induced decrease of viscosity by more than 50% at low temperature. Combining our data with literature data on the self-diffusion coefficient Ds of water, we check the Stokes-Einstein relation which, based on hydrodynamics, predicts constancy of Dsη/T, where T is the temperature. The observed temperature and pressure dependence of Dsη/T is analogous to that obtained in simulations of a realistic water model. This analogy suggests that our data are compatible with the existence of a liquid-liquid critical point at positive pressure in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the average pore water density (ρwp) measured on a Japanese bentonite, which was compacted to a dry density (ρd) range from 0·3 to 1·8 Mg/m3 and saturated under a water pressure of 2·7 MPa. It was found that ρwp monotonically increased from ∼1·0 Mg/m3 at ρd of 0·3 Mg/m3 to ∼1·23 Mg/m3 at ρd of 1·8 Mg/m3. A review of the available literature revealed that the methodology of accurately measuring ρwp in a full range of water content (w) is not available. An upper boundary of ρwp for montmorillonite was drawn, and proportions of water at different swelling states were estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beneficiation of rare earth elements is a crucial process in unlocking the potential of these valuable resources. This study investigates the utilization of response surface methodology in optimizing rare earth beneficiation using a laboratory Knelson concentrator. The experimental design employed response surface methodology to analyze and predict the effects of various parameters, such as feed rate, water pressure, and particle size, on the efficiency of rare earth recovery. Through systematic experimentation and statistical analysis, this research establishes optimal conditions for the Knelson concentrator operation, enhancing the recovery of rare earth elements. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of individual factors and their interactions on the beneficiation process. The results showed that for −0.5 + 0.074 mm fraction the main influencing factors were in the order of relative centrifugal force > fluidization water flow rate > feeding rate, and the factors acting on −0.074 + 0.02 mm fraction were fluidization water flow rate > relative centrifugal force > feeding rate. The beneficiation performance by Knelson concentrator for −0.074 + 0.02 mm fraction was better than that of −0.5 + 0.074 mm fraction. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of response surface methodology as a tool for optimizing the Knelson concentrator's performance in rare earth beneficiation. This approach offers insights into process optimization and provides a framework for improving the efficiency of rare earth recovery methods, contributing to the sustainable utilization of these critical elements in various industrial applications. Highlights: Employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize rare earth element recovery using a laboratory Knelson concentrator. Analyzed multiple parameters, including feed rate, water pressure, and particle size, to enhance recovery efficiency. Addressed the intricate interplay of operational factors to establish optimal conditions for maximizing recovery. Offers practical insights for industrial applications, enabling improved rare earth element recovery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents nonlinear and linear controls ensuring the global stability of a pressure-reducing valve. The global property using both nonlinear and linear controls is very important to guarantee stability even though the pressure-reducing valve operates far from its nominal working point. To this goal, this work develops the mathematical description of a pressure-reducing valve. It is a second-order model, nonlinear, and nonaffine in control implemented with two secondary (solenoid) valves. Due to the nonlinear nature of the system, the Lyapunov theory allows developing the control, which ensures the global stability of the system using one input. In addition, the second control input is modified to enlarge the operating range of the pressure-reducing valve. To implement the control in (nowadays) industrial controllers, a linear proportional-integral (PI) control, ensuring all the stabilizing properties of the nonlinear control, is included as a subset of the nonlinear law. Experimental results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed PI. Practical Applications: The importance of controlling pressures in water distribution systems is widely recognized. This study delves into the analysis of a pressure-reducing valve, beginning with its mathematical model and culminating in its control mechanism. Two secondary (solenoid) valves serve to operate the pressure-reducing valve, acting as the system's control inputs. The research showcases that the achieved control operates effectively across a broader range of operating conditions, a notable distinction from other pressure-reducing valve controls. Furthermore, it demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing only one control input while keeping the other fixed. Additionally, a strategy is proposed to maximize the operational range of the pressure-reducing valve within the constraints of the inputs. Finally, considering implementation in the field using validated hardware, and acknowledging the complexity of the obtained control, this study substitutes the original control with a well-established (PI) control, ensuring the desired properties. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of the sprayed-in-place pipe (SIPP) technology for concrete pipe repair, with a focus on a dual-component, high-strength spray lining material enhanced with an epoxy resin sealing layer. The research was conducted using a simulated experiment rig, tailored to specific environmental characteristics and the specifications of BONNA pipe, a type of precast reinforced concrete pressure pipe. This setup allowed for a detailed feasibility study of an automated spray process under simulated working conditions. The experimental process involved applying the lining material to concrete substrates, achieving a smooth, pinhole-free surface, with quality control managed using a high-voltage spark tester. The lining demonstrated exceptional impermeability, showing no penetration under 3 MPa water pressure, and maintained strong adhesive strength with the substrate, exceeding 6 MPa as indicated by substrate concrete failure during testing. Furthermore, the technique's applicability in complex scenarios was tested, including automatic spraying inside 90° elbows, with lining thickness variations staying within acceptable limits. These findings suggest that the process is highly suitable for on-site pipeline conditions, offering a robust and reliable solution for enhancing the durability and integrity of pipeline infrastructures. This study provides practical engineering references for the SIPP repair method, demonstrating its potential as a significant advancement in pipeline repair and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recurrent manifestation of anomalies in water supply network systems exerts a profound influence on individuals' daily lives. Despite this impact, contemporary research on urban water supply networks reveals a conspicuous lack in the thorough examination of spatiotemporal patterns and the relevance of these anomalies. This investigation meticulously scrutinizes anomalies within a specified segment of the water supply pipe network located in a county in southwest China. Clustering algorithms [ K -means and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN)] and statistical methods (standard deviation) identify anomalous water pressure. Subsequently, the Apriori algorithm is utilized to extract association rules for different types of anomalies, and these rules are compared with user similarity, quantified through standard Euclidean distance. The key findings are as follows. First, anomalies in water pressure are predominantly concentrated in May, September, and November. On a 24-h scale, the highest incidence of anomalies occurs between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Areas with the highest anomaly occurrence are primarily situated near the city center and the railway station. Second, correlation rules exist among occurrences of anomalous values at various monitoring sites within the study area. In concrete terms, identical water pressure abnormal types frequently co-occur (confidence level >50% , support level >3%) at diverse monitoring sites, with this correlation linked to the types of users around the monitoring sites. Finally, the categorization of anomalies results in significantly enhanced accuracy in correlation rule outcomes, surpassing the comprehensive analysis of anomalies overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses this issue by exploring the effectiveness of abrasive water jet drilling (AWJD) as an unconventional machining approach for UHMWPE. The research employs a full factorial analysis to examine various hole characteristics, including machining time (MT), surface roughness (Ra), taper angle (TA), material removal rate (MRR), and taper ratio (TR). The study aims to understand the effect of the process features, namely abrasive water jet pressures (p), traverse rates (v), and abrasive mass flow rates (ma), on the geometry and position of the drilled holes. The results show that (v) and (p) affect the drilled hole characteristics of surface morphology, roughness, MT, MRR, TA, and TR. The microstructural characteristics of the drilled-hole surfaces are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It revealed that the smooth surface is attained at the lower v of 150 mm/min and ma of 250 g/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase separation was observed in silica glass following low‐temperature heat treatment in high water vapor pressure through the formation of bubbles. Although the 6 day diffusion treatment in saturated water vapor pressure at 250°C does not normally cause phase separation, the reactive fracture surface and subsurface damage caused by polishing with cerium oxide (CeO2) allowed for an increase in water absorption during treatment and heterogeneous nucleation of the bubbles at damaged sites. The sub‐surface damage, characteristic of blunt contact damage, was only revealed when the polished sample was etched. The formation of bubbles and polishing damage were observed in two silica glasses—one containing chlorine impurities and the other containing OH impurities. Raman spectra collected after fracture or polishing and water diffusion treatment demonstrated an increase in the abundance of –OH species including silanol (SiOH) groups and an evolution in the glass structure in the bubble regions compared with the bubble‐free regions. These results indicate an increase in the reactivity between water and glass fracture surfaces relative to the bulk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-conventional machining processes are capable of achieving higher performance compared to conventional ones due to their inherent characteristics and higher amount of parameters which can be favorably regulated. Although the correlation between the most important process parameters and process outcome has been already established for a wide range of conditions and workpiece materials, the introduction of new considerations related to the three pillars of sustainability require further investigation on new means for the enhancement of AWJ milling process. As one of the most important parameters in AWJ milling is the abrasive material, the introduction of new materials may offer considerable advantages from different perspectives. Thus, in the present work, a comprehensive investigation on the efficiency of using eco-friendly, mixed abrasives is carried out under various conditions such as different traverse feed rate, abrasive mass flow rate, water jet pressure, jet impingement angle, and mixing ratio. The feasibility of using mixed abrasives is evaluated in terms of achievable depth of penetration, kerf width, kerf taper angle as well as material removal rate (MRR), and cutting efficiency. The findings indicate that among other factors, the mixing ratio plays a noticeable role especially regarding MRR and cutting efficiency and can offer an additional effective means to achieve the desired kerf characteristics in conjunction with other significant parameters such as water jet pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr 2 CeO 4 possesses structural characteristic of one-dimensional (1D) edge-sharing CeO 6 octahedral chains, exhibits superior phase and chemical stability compared to the perovskite SrCeO 3. There have been previous attempts to improve electrical conductivity through proton conduction by acceptor-doping of Yb on the Ce site. However, its electrical conductivity remained low, for instance, at 500 °C, the reported value was 3.16 × 10−7 S/cm, hence limiting its practical applications. In this paper, we synthesized four new rare earth doped Sr 2 Ce 0.95 M 0.05 O 3.975 (where M = Y, Dy, Er, Tb) by the solid state reaction method. We thoroughly investigated their phases, electrical properties, and stability. Additionally, for the first time, we investigated the proton and oxide ion conduction mechanisms in Sr 2 CeO 4 -based materials using a bond-valence-based method. This analysis revealed a clear 1D conduction along the c -axis within the CeO 6 tetrahedral chains and 2D conduction within the a-c plane, respectively. The findings revealed that all doped materials showed obvious proton conduction, alongside partial oxide ion conduction. Notably, the Er-, Dy-, and Y-doped samples demonstrated significantly improved conductivity under wet condition (with a water partial pressure of ∼0.03 atm) at 500 °C, reaching approximately ∼ 10−4 S/cm. This is nearly three orders of magnitude higher than the previously reported Yb-doped Sr 2 CeO 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transpiration cooling have gradually become the lead candidate for thermal protection technology of hypersonic vehicle also due to its excellent cooling performance. The porous medium with exceptional properties can further improve thermal protection capability and reliability of transpiration cooling. This paper investigates the preparation and properties of C f /SiC porous ceramic composite with low density and remarkable permeability, and probes the transpiration cooling performances of ceramic composites (mass ratio of silicon carbide particles and short chopped carbon fibers of 1:1) in the various heat flux conditions. The research results show that C f /SiC porous ceramic composites prepared by adding short chopped carbon fibers have uniform pore size distributions (3～20 μm) and low densities (1.074 g/cm3 ～ 1.377 g/cm3), as well as outstanding wettability and permeability (6.07 × 10−8 mm2 ～ 12.22 × 10−8 mm2). Besides, The C f /SiC porous ceramic composites (mass ratio of 1:1) display excellent transpiration cooling performance, meanwhile a new interesting phenomenon that the water pressure difference increases with the rising of heat flow is discovered. Such studies can provide an essential reference for developing porous medium in transpiration cooling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the dynamic mechanical characteristics of coal in the area affected by mining in front of the mining face under different mining methods, an improved split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used to apply different static loads to different positions. Then, dynamic mechanical tests were conducted on coal at different positions on the mining face, analyzing the dynamic response under strong dynamic load disturbances, under three different mining layouts. Within the range of static water pressure to the peak support pressure, the dynamic strength of coal gradually increases with increasing distance from the mining face. The dynamic strength is the smallest at the peak support pressure stress, and under strong external disturbances, instability and failure are increasingly likely to occur at the peak stress. Under the same loading rate conditions, the dynamic strength of the peak stress in coal is as follows: Protective coal-seam mining (PCM) > Top-coal caving mining (TCM) > Nonpillar mining (NM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If you ever forget to water your houseplant, you may find its leaves getting soft and droopy — if you water it again in time, the leaves may stiffen, spring back up, and resist gravity. During this recovery, plant cells absorb water and build up an intracellular pressure, called turgor pressure, similar to inflating a balloon. Turgor pressure is an intrinsic component of plant physiology, and its biomechanical role as the 'hydroskeleton' is generally appreciated either statically in structural stability, like leaves resisting gravity, or dynamically in rapid motions, like Venus flytrap snapping, Mimosa closing, or stomatal opening. Slow but non-static processes like plant cell expansion also rely on turgor pressure, and it has been increasingly realized that turgor pressure and water fluxes in plant tissues play active roles in plant growth and morphogenesis. But where does turgor pressure come from, and how does it interact with other biomechanical properties of a plant cell? This primer aims to answer these questions by taking a brief tour from osmosis, to pressure vessel theory, then plant cell rheology. Although this primer is centered around intracellular pressure in plant cells, the biomechanical concepts are generally applicable to other organisms like bacteria and fungi, and even animal cells, which do not have cell walls, but are either embedded in stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) or are contracting (see the following section). To explain some of these concepts, we included a few equations, most of which are not hard to derive at all. We encourage readers to check the included examples, try for themselves, and look up derivations in suggested further reading materials. Zhang et al. introduce intracellular pressure in plant cells and discuss how it affects and is affected by plant physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brine‐seawater interface (BSI) is a unique type of groundwater‐seawater interface (GSI) characterized by the higher density of underground brine compared to seawater. This study focuses on characterizing the bay‐scale BSI morphology and identifying submarine‐groundwater discharge windows using a comprehensive in‐situ geophysical detection on the south bank of Laizhou Bay. Our findings reveal that the BSI forms an extensive mixing zone (15–20 km) without distinct contours between waters of varying salinities. The discharge windows for underground brine are located in nearshore areas with fine sand distribution and offshore pockmark areas. Hydraulic and salinity gradients drive the underground brine discharge through these windows. The aquitard window is the primary area for shallow and deep brine exchange, likely evolved from paleochannels, ancient tidal creeks, or ancient underwater barriers. These findings provide crucial modeling support for analyzing environmental evolution mechanisms and theoretical basis for planning the underground brine mining in similar coastal regions. Plain Language Summary: This study investigates a unique interface where underground brine meets seawater, known as the brine‐seawater interface (BSI). Unlike regular groundwater‐seawater interfaces, the BSI features brine that is denser than seawater. The research focused on characterizing the BSI's morphology and identifying locations where brine discharges into the sea along the south bank of Laizhou Bay. By using advanced detection methods and analyzing samples, the study found that the BSI forms a broad mixing zone of about 15–20 km. There are no clear boundaries between water of different salinities within this zone. The study also identified specific areas near the shore with fine sand and offshore pockmarks where brine discharges occur. These areas are recognized by the presence of suspended fine sediment on the seabed. The movement of brine through these discharge areas is driven by differences in water pressure and salinity. The study suggests that ancient channels and barriers underwater play a significant role in these discharge processes. Understanding these dynamics can help us manage coastal environments and predict how changes in sea and land interactions may affect them. Key Points: The bay‐scale brine‐seawater interface (BSI) is a long mixing zone with underground water salinity ranging from high to low from land to seaThe nearshore seabed fine sand area and offshore pockmarked area are the main windows for underground brine dischargeThe BSI morphology and submarine groundwater discharge/exchange windows can be identified by comprehensive geophysical detection results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use digital elevation models (DEMs) and ICESat‐2 data to study the filling and outflow from a large subglacial lake under Manson Icefield in the Canadian Arctic. When full, the lake is ∼17 × 3 km with an area of 52 km2. Early in 2021 the ice surface over the center of the lake sank by >140 m implying a subglacial outburst flood of ∼4 km3. Rapid outflow occurred over ∼30 days at an average rate of ∼1,500 m3s−1 resulting in the formation of a single ∼15 km subglacial outflow path detectable from post‐outflow surface depression. The shape of the surface depression, 600–800 m wide by 2–4 m deep, reflects the shape of the subglacial channel prior to closure. Downstream ice movement appears unaffected by the outflow. After outflow ends the surface depression persisted over weeks, apparently dependent on the difference between water and overburden pressures. Plain Language Summary: Using satellite observations, we discovered a large lake under the Manson Icefield in the Canadian Arctic. Early in 2021 the ice surface over the center of the lake sank by around 140 m implying a total subglacial water outflow of around 4 km3, the largest reported outside of Iceland and Antarctica. Most of this water drained from the subglacial lake within 30 days melting some of the ice along the outflow path. For the first time we map the position and size of the subglacial output channel between the downstream end of the lake and the ocean using post‐outflow surface depression as the ice sank downward to close the channel after the water outflow. These results help in understanding the ways in which the presence, movement, and volume of water beneath glaciers influence ice movement and climate related glacial ice loss. Key Points: Using satellite height change data we document the discovery of a 52 km2 subglacial lake under the Manson Icefield, Nunavut, CanadaThe lake filled for around 14 years until early 2021 when the level in the center of the lake dropped by 130 m over 30 daysThe outflow volume was around 4 cubic kilometers and created a wide and shallow subglacial channel that could be tracked for over 15 km [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of zeolites from natural aluminosilicate minerals has drawn extensive attention due to its significant utility in greening the zeolite manufacturing process. In this study, pure-phase NaX zeolite was synthesized via a low-temperature hydrothermal method, utilizing natural, low-quality attapulgite clay as the raw material. Acidified clay was fully activated through alkali fusion at 200 °C, and the impact of alkali fusion temperature, H2O/Na2O ratio, aging temperature, and crystallization time on the resulting crystalline NaX zeolite was investigated. The optimal conditions for obtaining pure NaX zeolite were determined to be alkali melting at 200 °C for 4 h, an H2O/Na2O ratio of 50, aging at 40 °C, and a crystallization period of 11 h at 90 °C. With a large BET surface area of 328.43 m2/g, the obtained NaX zeolite was used to adsorb Pb2+ from wastewater with a removal rate of 95%. This research provides a valuable method for the extensive and efficient utilization of low-grade natural attapulgite clay. Moreover, this is the first report on the synthesis of pure-phase NaX zeolite using only low-quality natural attapulgite clay as raw material through an atmospheric pressure water bath method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylem tracheary elements (TEs) synthesize patterned secondary cell walls (SCWs) to reinforce against the negative pressure of water transport. VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN 7 (VND7) induces differentiation, accompanied by cellulose, xylan, and lignin deposition into banded domains. To investigate the effect of polymer biosynthesis mutations on SCW patterning, we developed a method to induce tracheary element transdifferentiation of isolated protoplasts, by transient transformation with VND7. Our data showed that proper xylan elongation is necessary for distinct cellulose bands, cellulose–xylan interactions are essential for coincident polymer patterns, and cellulose deposition is needed to override the intracellular organization that yields unique xylan patterns. These data indicate that a properly assembled cell wall network acts as a scaffold to direct polymer deposition into distinctly banded domains. We describe the transdifferentiation of protoplasts into TEs, providing an avenue to study patterned SCW biosynthesis in a tissue-free environment and in various mutant backgrounds. Transient transformation of protoplasts induces tracheary element transdifferentiation, providing a method to study the effect of cell wall biosynthesis mutations on xylem vessel-type wall patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarlet fever (SF) is an acute respiratory transmitted disease that primarily affects children. The influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on SF in children has been proved, but the relevant evidence in Northwest China is still lacking. Based on the weekly reported cases of SF in children in Lanzhou, northwest China, from 2014 to 2018, we used geographical detectors, distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM), and bivariate response models to explore the influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants with SF. It was found that ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), temperature, pressure, water vapor pressure and wind speed were significantly correlated with SF based on geographical detectors. With the median as reference, the influence of high temperature, low pressure and high pressure on SF has a risk effect (relative risk (RR) > 1), and under extreme conditions, the dangerous effect was still significant. High O3 had the strongest effect at a 6-week delay, with an RR of 5.43 (95%CI: 1.74,16.96). The risk effect of high SO2 was strongest in the week of exposure, and the maximum risk effect was 1.37 (95%CI: 1.08,1.73). The interactions showed synergistic effects between high temperatures and O3, high pressure and high SO2, high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and high particulate matter with diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10), respectively. In conclusion, high temperature, pressure, high O3 and SO2 were the most important factors affecting the occurrence of SF in children, which will provide theoretical support for follow-up research and disease prevention policy formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total dissolved gas supersaturation (TDGS) occurs when air mixes with water under pressure, which can be caused by features such as hydroelectric dams and waterfalls. Total dissolved gas supersaturation can cause harmful bubbles to grow in the tissues of aquatic animals, a condition known as gas bubble trauma (GBT). As gills are the primary gas exchange surface for most fish, it is through the gills that elevated total dissolved gases enter the blood and tissues of a fish. We describe the role of the gills in admitting TDGS into the body and discuss potential effects of bubbles in the gills on blood oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion, blood ion and pH homeostasis, and nitrogenous waste excretion, as well as downstream effects on aerobic swimming performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow resources are becoming increasingly depleted, deep resource exploration has become a global strategy. The design and testing of deep in-situ core samples are prerequisites for exploring deep resources; however, no in-situ condition-preserved coring and testing techniques and tools have been reported yet. Here, the first deep in-situ conditionpreserved coring system (with the preservation of pressure, temperature, substance, light, and moisture) was developed that considers the effects of high water pressure and formation dynamic loads, along with an in-situ condition-preserved testing system. A pressurepreserved controller was designed, achieving the ultimate capacity of 140 MPa and 150 ℃. A temperature-preserved coring system combining active heating and passive insulation was constructed, realizing temperature preservation from room temperature to 150 ℃. Three generations of film-formation principles and methods were designed, achieving an excellent quality preserved rate, moisture preserved rate, and visible light barrier rate. Moreover, a deep in-situ condition-preserved coring system, and a simulated coring platform for large cores under in-situ environments was fabricated. A non-contact testing system was derived to cut and prepare specimens under in-situ environment and to perform non-contact non-destructive testing and true triaxial testing. The research findings can be successfully applied to deep coal and gas development, deep oil and gas resources assessment, and deep-sea sediment prospecting, achieving excellent application outcomes. This study provides important theoretical, technical and hardware support for deep in-situ rock physics and mechanics research and deep resource exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An immersion based Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) is modelled and investigated. Analysis on the displacement and output pressure is done using Finite Element Method (FEM) for different parameters of membrane thickness, gap thickness, width of the membrane, liquid material and bias voltage applied. With effectively optimizing the device parameters and the bias a satisfactory pulse shape has been achieved. From our observation it can be seen, bias potential applied must be kept high in order to get a better displacement on the membrane that will result in more output pressure in water immersion medium than air as the coupling medium. The coupling medium has profound effect on the propagation of acoustic pressure as is evident for different immersion environment analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the utilisation rate and productivity of saline-alkali land is critical in ensuring sufficient cultivated land resources and food security. Although drip irrigation technology maintains the crop yield in saline-alkali land, the irrigation water amount must be higher than the crop demand. To address this, the present study develops a novel variable discharge emitter (VDE), which consists of an upper cover, a bottom cover, and a diaphragm with a linear incision. The experimental results showed that the VDE achieved two rated discharge levels of 4.1 L h−1 and 9.7 L h−1 when the working water pressure was at 0.10 MPa and 0.16 MPa and when the length of the incision, the thickness of the diaphragm, and the hardness of diaphragm inside the VDE were 3.5 mm, 1.5 mm, and 55.0 HA, respectively. It suggests that VDE has two rated discharges for irrigation and salt-leaching based on two working water pressure ranges. • A variable discharge emitter (VDE) for irrigation and salt-leaching is developed. • Linear incision on diaphragm inside the emitter can achieve two discharge levels. • VDEs spacing in lateral of drip irrigation system should be no less than 1.0 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of glaciers and ice sheets is largely influenced by friction at the ice‐bed interface that can trigger rapid changes in glacier motion ranging from seasonal velocity variations to cyclic surge instabilities or even devastating glacier collapse. This wide range of transient glacier dynamics is currently not captured by models, and its implications for long‐term glacier evolution are uncertain. This highlights the need of developing improved descriptions for processes that occur at the glacier bed. Here, we present a model that describes the evolution of basal friction inspired by a "rate and state" approach, coupled to models of subglacial drainage and glacier flow, and investigate how these couplings affect the dynamics of glaciers. We show that a wide range of sliding behavior results from a feedback loop between subglacial drainage efficiency and friction which depends on the evolution of a frictional state that can be interpreted as the degree of cavitation or till porosity for hard and soft beds, respectively. In our simulations, we find that glaciers are susceptible to surging if they exhibit a transition to velocity weakening friction associated with a poor sensitivity of the drainage capacity to the frictional state. This potential materializes if the local topography and mass balance create the conditions for high water pressure to build up in an area sufficiently large to exceed a critical length. We advocate accounting for feedback loops between friction and drainage as a promising avenue for better understanding dynamical instabilities of glaciers and ice sheets. Plain Language Summary: Glaciers move through a combination of basal sliding and viscous deformation of the ice. Observed velocities range widely from glaciers creeping at a few meters per year, to continuously fast‐flowing ice‐streams at velocities of kilometers per year, all the way to devastating ice avalanches. Some glaciers can alter their velocity in quasi‐periodic intervals, known as surge‐type glaciers. These glaciers can move steadily for decades, then speed up for a short period of time by up to two orders of magnitude or more, before returning to quiescence. In this study, we show that a wide range of glacier behavior can be understood from the interaction between friction and the subglacial drainage system. Glacier surges are possible if the efficiency of the drainage system is not high enough to drain the water that enters and is produced at the glacier base. This allows water pressure to increase over time, which can potentially trigger a frictional instability. Depending on the configuration of the subglacial drainage and how it evolves in response to sliding, glaciers can be stable or surge‐type, in addition to exhibiting several different classes of velocity variations. Key Points: We present a model combining rate and state friction with subglacial hydrology processes that spontaneously generates glacier surgesA wide range of glacier behavior emerges from the model, including periodic and quasi‐periodic glacier surgesSurges arise if the drainage system is unable to sufficiently drain water from the glacier base, triggering a frictional instability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the design of tunnel linings in water-rich mountainous areas, the limited drainage method has been increasingly recognized for balancing the structural safety of the tunnels and the protection of surrounding environment. Currently, composite lining structures with waterproof boards and blind drainage systems are commonly used. However, there is still a lack of simple and practical methods for calculating the water pressure on the secondary lining, similar to the methods used for calculating surrounding rock pressure. By regarding the secondary lining and waterproof boards as water-blocking layers, and surrounding rock-grouting ring-shotcrete-blind drain as the drainage path, this paper derives that the total head drop along the drainage path is proportional to the limited drainage flow, based on the seepage theory of monolithic lining. The water pressure on the secondary lining and waterproof board was found to be the difference between the total head and the total head drop, eliminating the need to convert the drainage system flow into an assumed permeability coefficient for the secondary lining. A simple and feasible analytical method was put forward for calculating the water pressure on the secondary lining of composite-lining tunnels. This method allows for direct structural calculation of the secondary lining and surrounding rock reinforcement design based on the permissible drainage volume or secondary lining water pressure during the design stage, enabling proactive control of groundwater and ensuring the safety of the lining structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on one-dimensional water hammer theory and combined with an engineering example, the selection of the flow characteristics of the end control valve of gravity flow system with wide-range flow variation is numerically studied from three aspects: the influence of flow characteristics of control valve on its steady-state opening-degree, the determination of the most unfavorable flow conditions of valveclosing water hammer, and the influence of flow characteristics of contrive valve on valve-closing water hammer. And the flow characteristics of linear type, parabola type and equal percentage type are compared. The results show that: 1 The equal percentage flow characteristic is more conducive to the stable operation of the control valve under the low flow condition. Under this condition, the steady-state opening-degree of the equal percentage type control valve is larger, which can avoid cavitation and vibration caused by too small opening. 2 The most unfavorable flow condition of the valve-closing water hammer should consider the minimum initial flow condition, under which the water hammer pressure of the input point of the control valve is largest because of the largest initial pressure and the shortest closing time. 3 The equal percentage flow characteristic is more conducive to reducing the control valve-closing water hammer pressure. Under the same initial flow rate and valve closing rate, the control valve with equal percentage type flow characteristics has a larger initial opening-degree, a longer actual closing time, and a smaller change gradient of flow coefficient in the small opening-degree range, so the extreme value of the valve-closing water hammer pressure is smaller, which is more conducive to pipeline safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Metal Working (1674-165X) is the property of Metal Working Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Various hydrogeological problems like groundwater inflow, water table drawdown, and water pressure redistribution may be encountered in the construction of hydraulic projects. How to accurately predict the occurrence of groundwater inflow and assess the drainage effect during construction are still challenging problems for engineering designers. Taking the Jinzhai pumped storage power station (JPSPS) of China as an example, this paper aims to use different methods to calculate the water inflow rates of an underground powerhouse and evaluate the drainage effect caused by tunnel inflow during construction. The methods consist of the analytical formulas, the site groundwater rating (SGR) method, and the Signorini type variational inequality formulation. The results show that the analytical methods considering stable water table may overestimate the water inflow rates of caverns in drained conditions, whereas the SGR method with available hydro-geological parameters obtains a qualitative hazard assessment in the preliminary phase. The numerical solutions provide more precise and reliable values of groundwater inflow considering complex geological structures and seepage control measures. Moreover, the drainage effects, including a seepage-free surface, pore water pressure redistribution, and hydraulic gradient, have been accurately evaluated using various numerical synthetic cases. Specifically, the faults intersecting on underground caverns and drainage structures significantly change the groundwater flow regime around caverns. This comparative study can not only exactly identify the capabilities of the methods for cavern inflow in drained conditions, but also can comprehensively evaluate the drainage effect during cavern construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal seam water injection is the most basic and effective dust control technology used on the coal mining face. Numerical simulations are helpful for predicting the humidity range of coal seam water injection. The results can provide guidance for the field design of coal seam water injection process parameters. In order to understand the influence of coal seam water injection pressure and water injection time on the coal seam wetting effect, this paper uses the Fluent 17.0 software system to study the process parameters of the coal seam water injection seepage process under different conditions. It is found that in the process of coal seam water injection, with the increase in water injection pressure and the prolongation of water injection time, there is a specific threshold value for the change in coal seam permeability. Only when the water injection pressure and time increase to the threshold value will the permeability of the coal seam be significantly enhanced and the wetting effect improved. The pressure threshold of the mine is 15 MPa–20 MPa, and the time threshold is the first 42 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter from coal and stone operations is a primary air pollution source. The traditional nozzle requires high-pressure conditions, and the atomization droplets are large and uneven. This paper aims to study a linear Laval nozzle and investigate the impact of water pressure on atomization performance. The volume of fluid (VOF) model and discrete phase model (DPM) of Fluent are used to simulate the internal and external fields of the nozzle and analyze the velocity, droplet size, and atomization angle. The results show that the optimized water pressure parameters are 0.1 MPa with an air pressure of 0.5 MPa. Droplets in the middle are smaller, while those on the sides are larger. Compared to traditional nozzles, the water pressure is reduced by over 90%, and the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) decreases by over 50%. Moreover, the theoretical spray angle increases by approximately 150%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The violent eruption of the Hunga (Tonga) submarine volcano on 15 January 2022 caused a 58 km‐heigh ash plume, catastrophic tsunami, and significant global seismic and infrasound waves. However, the physical mechanism underpinning its multiple‐explosive events remains unclear, and its resolvability relies on the seismic waveform source inversion. The studies of two different point‐source models, the seismic moment tensor (MT) and the single force (SF), have been performed separately for this eruption, which, interestingly, can explain the seismic data adequately. Here, we use a joint inversion of MT and SF to unravel a composite source of an explosion‐like MT and a significant upward force for the first major explosive event. Regarding the direction and magnitude, we propose that the upward force is likely a rebound force in response to the pressure drop on the seafloor because the water body above the volcano was abruptly uplifted by the shallow underwater explosion. Plain Language Summary: The physical process of the violent eruption of the Hunga (Tonga) submarine volcano on 15 January 2022 remains unclear. To date, the common source model for volcano eruptions—a single force (SF) and the common source model for earthquakes and explosions—a moment tensor (MT), have been inferred individually for this eruption. Interestingly, both can explain the recorded seismic signals reasonably well. A question arises whether a combination of sources is a better physical model. Therefore, we combine the MT and SF to represent the eruption process in this study. The source analysis for the first major event of this eruption reveals a possible composite process of a shallow underwater explosion and a significant upward force. The upward force is opposite the common downward‐reaction force to the material jetting. It is likely caused by the abrupt displacement of the water above the volcano resulting from the shallow underwater explosion. When the downward water pressure on the seafloor vanishes, the seafloor responds by an upward‐rebound force. Key Points: We perform probabilistic inversion of seismic waveform data to study the force equivalent system of the 2022 Hunga (Tonga) eruptionThe first major explosive event of the shallow eruption sequences may consist of an explosion‐like moment tensor and a large upward forceA possible mechanism of the accompanying upward force is the rebound force responding to the sudden pressure drop of uplifted water body [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation abstract Analysis of Flow Rates in Cracked Reinforced ConcreteCracks in reinforced concrete structures are part of the construction principle and acceptable as long as they do not exceed certain limits. According to Eurocode 2, part 3, (as well as the guideline of the German Committee for Structural Concrete (DAfStb)) the autogenous healing of separation cracks with a width ≤ 0.20 mm can be considered under certain hydraulic conditions. However, practical experience shows that self‐healing does not always reliably occur even when this crack width is maintained. This study examines the flow rates of centrally cracked and water‐permeated concrete using Edvardsen's method. Based on the experimental results, an analytical approach following Hagen‐Poiseuille is developed to estimate the flow rate immediately after the start of the water flow, which is particularly relevant for tightness class TC0. This flow rate also serves as an indicator for evaluating the efficiency of autogenous self‐healing in structures of tightness class TC1. The initial flow rate Q0 through cracked concrete is mainly influenced by the crack width distribution across the cross‐section, the water pressure, the roughness of the crack flanks, and the tortuosity of the crack path. Therefore, a reliable estimation of the flow rate necessitates the introduction of a correction factor ξ, which is proposed with 0.52 due to the high variability of the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to cost-effectively produce large surface area microfluidic devices would bring many smallscale technologies such as microfluidic artificial lungs (μALs) from the realm of research to clinical and commercial applications. However, efforts to scale up these devices, such as by stacking multiple flat μALs have been labor intensive and resulted in bulky devices. Here, we report an automated manufacturing system, and a series of cylindrical multi-layer lungs manufactured with the system and tested for fluidic fidelity and function. A roll-to-roll (R2R) system to engrave multiple-layer devices was assembled. Unlike typical applications of R2R, the rolling process is synchronized to achieve consistent radial positioning. This allows the fluidics in the final device to be accessed without being unwrapped. To demonstrate the capabilities of the R2R manufacturing system, this method was used to manufacture multi-layer μALs. Gas and blood are engraved in alternating layers and routed orthogonally to each other. The proximity of gas and blood separated by gas permeable PDMS permits CO2 and O2 exchange via diffusion. After manufacturing, they were evaluated using water for pressure drop and CO2 gas exchange. The best performing device was tested with fresh whole bovine blood for O2 exchange. Three μALs were successfully manufactured and passed leak testing. The top performing device had 15 alternating blood and gas layers. It oxygenated blood from 70% saturation to 95% saturation at a blood flow of 3 mL min−1 and blood side pressure drop of 234 mmHg. This new roll-to-roll manufacturing system is suitable for the automated construction of multi-layer microfluidic devices that are difficult to manufacture by conventional means. With some upgrades and improvements, this technology should allow for the automatic creation of large surface area microfluidic devices that can be employed for various applications including large-scale membrane gas exchange such as clinical-scale microfluidic artificial lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the actual situation of water pressure stabilization during underground and tunnel water inrush disasters, the team independently developed a stable water pressure test system and conducted fracture and failure tests on fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of 1MPa stable water pressure and stress and without water pressure. Combined with data collected by acoustic emission instruments, the mechanical characteristics of fracture and failure, crack propagation mechanism, and acoustic emission response mechanism of fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of stable hydraulic pressure and stress were studied. The results showed that throughout the entire experimental process, the hydraulic pressure remained continuously stable, with a decrease of only 0.14%; The variation pattern of peak strength of fissured rock mass with increasing crack inclination angle under stable hydraulic pressure changes from a decrease and then an increase in the absence of hydraulic pressure to an increasing trend; The crack propagation length of low angle fissured rock mass is generally higher than that of high angle fissured specimens. The longer propagation path increases the range and effect of hydraulic pressure, and the initial crack propagation length of fissured rock mass under hydraulic pressure is also significantly longer than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure; During the loading process, both the acoustic emission ringing count and damage variable can be divided into four stages. From the cumulative total number of acoustic emission ringing counts, it can be seen that during the loading process, the total number of acoustic emission ringing in fissured rock masses subjected to hydraulic pressure is significantly lower than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure, and the trend is also relatively stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water can be dynamically over-compressed well into the stability field of ice VII. Whether water then transforms into ice VII, vitreous ice or a metastable novel crystalline phase remained uncertain. We report here the freezing of over-compressed water to ice VII by time-resolved X-ray diffraction. Quasi-isothermal dynamic compression paths are achieved using a dynamic-piezo-Diamond-Anvil-Cell, with programmable pressure rise time from 0.1 ms to 100 ms. By combining the present data set with those obtained on various ns-dynamical platforms, a complete evolution of the solidification pressure of metastable water versus the compression rate is rationalized within the classical nucleation theory framework. Also, when crystallization into ice VII occurs in between 1.6 GPa and 2.0 GPa, that is in the stability field of ice VI, a structural evolution over few ms is then observed into a mixture of ice VI and ice VII that seems to resolve apparent contradictions between previous results. Metastable water, when dynamically over-compressed, freezes into ice VII. Here the authors present a dynamic diamond anvil cell (d-DAC) study that unifies data acquired across multiple platforms, explaining the solidification pressure evolution under varying compression rates using classical nucleation theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In water‐assisted injection molding processes, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms governing the formation of hollow structures and identify the key factors influencing their morphology and dimensional accuracy. This work combined experimental analysis and numerical simulation to investigate the influence of different mold cavities and main processing parameters on hollow structures in overflow water‐assisted injection molded parts of short‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene, that is, hollow shape and hollow ratio. The results show that the hollow shape and hollow ratio depended not only on the cross‐sectional location but also on the cross‐sectional shape of the mold cavity. For the circular parts, the hollow shape resembled the cross‐sectional shape of the mold cavity, with a relatively small and uniform hollow ratio across cross‐sectional locations. For the noncircular parts, the hollow shape varied considerably with increasing distance from the water inlet. Moreover, the results also show that except for the influence of water‐injection delay time on the uniformity of the hollow ratio, higher melt temperature (250°C), shorter water‐injection delay time (0 s), and higher water pressure (10 MPa) contributed to the hollow shape being closer to the cross‐sectional shape of mold cavities and made hollow ratios relatively larger and more uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of abrasive water jet (AWJ) kinematic parameters, such as jet traverse speed and water pressure, abrasive mass flow rate, and standoff distance on the surface of BK7. Nozzle A reinforced with a 100 nm particle-sized coating of titanium alloy has more wear resistance compared to Nozzle B coated with nothing. Through analysis of variance and measurement of BK7 surface quality, it is concluded that the grooving and plowing caused by abrasive particles and irregularities in the abrasive water jet machined surface with respect to traverse speed (3, 7.2, 7.8, and 9 mm/min), abrasive flow rate (7 L/min and 10 L/min, 80 mesh) and water pressure (2 and 3 MPa) were investigated using surface topography measurements. The surface roughness (15.734 nm) of BK7 results show that a nozzle coated with titanium alloy has more hardness, which protects BK7 undamaged and super-smooth. The values of selected surface roughness profile parameters—average roughness (Ra) and maximum height of PV (maximum depth of peak and valleys)—reveal a comparatively smooth BK7 surface in composites reinforced with 2% titanium alloy in the nozzle weight at a traverse speed of 7.8 mm/min. Moreover, abrasive water jet machining at high water pressure (3 MPa) produced better surface quality due to material removal and effective cleaning of lens fragmentation and abrasive particles from the polishing zone compared to a lower water pressure (2 MPa), low traverse speed (5 mm/min), and low abrasive mass flow rate (200 g/min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the safety of the tunnel approaching the fault and prevent water inrush disasters, and then take reasonable protective measures, a fault-tunnel-surrounding rock is established by using a three-dimensional (3D) discrete element numerical analysis method, which takes into account the fluid-structure coupling effect. Based on the method of control variables, the catastrophe information characteristics of displacement and water pressure of the surrounding rock of the tunnel face and the corresponding characteristics of changes before the occurrence of water inrush disasters were studied under different fault water pressures during the excavation of the tunnel approaching the water-rich fault. The results show that, during excavation at the same step, displacement and its magnitude in the surrounding rock escalate as fault water pressure increases. The maximum pressure of the water in the surrounding rock is also constantly increasing. As tunnel excavation progresses, at constant fault water pressure, longer excavation distances result in greater axial displacement of the surrounding rock mass and increased water pressure at corresponding positions within the surrounding rock, leading to higher magnitude increases. As excavation proceeds, the displacement and water pressure in the surrounding rock and the increase of its amplitude continue to increase. Pre-reinforcement grouting techniques and pipe umbrella support systems that are very effective protective measures can be determined by a comprehensive approach integrating advanced geological forecasting methods, real-time water pressure detection, and the analysis of stress-strain and seepage pressure field variations in the surrounding rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concrete lining of high-pressure water conveyance tunnels permeates under high-pressure water. Dense and hydrophobic coating can effectively improve the impermeability of concrete. However, the coating exhibits varying impermeability in different high-pressure environments, which can even lead to coating detachment or damage. The objectives of this study are to improve the high-pressure impermeability of concrete by using a polymer coating, and to study the varying impermeability through experiments. This study applied a polymer coating called SCU-SD-SP-II (SSS) to concrete surfaces, and it formed a composite protective layer with an epoxy-modified silicone (EMS) coating. A series of high-pressure impermeability tests were conducted to study the seepage regulation of the coated concrete and the failure mechanism of the SSS coating under cracks in the concrete. The results indicate that the SSS coating has excellent impermeability. Pressurized water of 3 MPa could not permeate the SSS coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm within 24 h. Under both external and internal water pressure conditions, the SSS coatings improved concrete impermeability. Additionally, the average seepage height and relative permeability coefficient of the latter decreased by 49.6% and 71.2%, respectively, compared with the former. After concrete cracking, the SSS coating could withstand 3 MPa pressure on crack surfaces smaller than 1 mm. When the crack width was greater than 2 mm, the SSS coating deformed under 1 MPa pressure. As the pressure increased to 2 MPa or even 3 MPa, the SSS coating was punctured or torn due to stress concentration. This study provides new insights into the impermeability of concrete under high water pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water supply pipeline is regarded as the "lifeline" of the city. In recent years, pipeline accidents caused by aging and other factors are common and have caused large economic losses. Therefore, in order to avoid large economic losses, it is necessary to analyze the failure prediction of pipelines so that the pipelines that are going to fail can be replaced in a timely manner. In this paper, we propose a method for predicting the failure pressure of pipelines, i.e., a genetic algorithm was used to optimize the weights and thresholds of a BP neural network. The first step was to determine the topology of the neural network and the number of input and output variables. The second step was to optimize the weights and thresholds initially set for the back propagation neural network using a genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimized back-propagation neural network was used to simulate and predict pipeline failures. It was proved by examples that compared with the separate back propagation neural network model and the optimized and trained genetic algorithm-back propagation neural network, the model performed better in simulation prediction, and the prediction accuracy could reach up to 91%, whereas the unoptimized back propagation neural network model could only reach 85%. It is feasible to apply this model for fault prediction of pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately gauging the risk of water inrush from underlying aquifers is paramount for ensuring safety in coal mine production. This paper presents an Improved Vulnerability Index Model for water-inrush (IVIM), a risk evaluation system built upon eight factors influencing coal-floor water inrush events. Firstly, the Combined Weight Method (CWM) was utilized to establish static comprehensive weights. Then, the Dynamic Weight Theory (DWT) facilitated the construction of a zoning variable weight model to determine the dynamic weights of controlling factors. Finally, the Uncertainty Analysis Model (UAM) was employed to create a linear uncertainty measure function for determining risk levels. The model was applied to the Qipanjing Mine in Inner Mongolia and compared against the Traditional Vulnerability Index Model (TVIM). Results indicated higher inrush risks in the southern and western parts of the study area compared to the eastern and northern sections, with geological structural regions exhibiting significantly greater risks. Monitoring water pressure and detecting fracture structures represent critical priorities. Compared to TVIM, IVIM yielded a 28% proportion of relative danger and danger zones, surpassing the 19% identified by TVIM. The model's effectiveness was validated utilizing the Fitting Rate of Water-inrush Points (FRWP), with IVIM achieving a 100% FRWP—significantly exceeding TVIM's 66.67%. IVIM effectively addresses the issue of localized weight variation in the study area and risk area outline under uncertain working conditions, aspects overlooked by TVIM. This method demonstrates a significant advantage in assessing the risk of water inrush from aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining activation of hidden faults under dynamic and static loads is an important reason for the occurrence of floor water inrush disasters in deep coal seam mining. The formation and evolution mechanism of water inrush channel caused by mining on the floor of hidden faults were analyzed through numerical simulation, from the perspective of fracture mechanics, a model was constructed to explore the influence of combined dynamic and static loads on the propagation of water with cracks. A conclusion was drawn that the effects of mining stress and confined water have led to rapid expansion of hidden fault cracks and significant improvement in permeability, at the same time, the confined water in the hidden fault also has a scouring and expansion effect on the cracks, accelerating their development speed. There are spatial and temporal differences in the penetration patterns of hidden faults at different positions of floor, and the closer it is to the goaf, the more likely it is to experience activation of hidden faults and water inrush. When there are multiple hidden small faults in the floor, there is an alternating change between the water inrush growth area and the flow stable area with similar cyclic characteristics. The effect of dynamic load will increase the pore pressure in cracks, and increase the stress intensity factor at the crack tip, and more easily induce crack expansion and penetration failure. The critical water pressure calculation equation for crack propagation and failure under dynamic and static loads was derived, and the calculation method for the minimum safe thickness of the floor was further analyzed, the influence of water pressure, crack length, inclination angle, and mining depth on it was discussed. The effect of dynamic load will increase the pore pressure in cracks, and increase the stress intensity factor at the crack tip, and more easily induce crack expansion and penetration failure. Finally, the theoretical analysis results were verified by an engineering examples. The research results can provide theoretical basis for predicting and preventing water inrush from the mining floor, which is beneficial for the safe and sustainable mining of coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the mechanical properties of weak expansive soil under different moisture contents and confining pressures. Methods: The triaxial remolded soil samples with different moisture contents (14%, 16%, 18%, and 20%) were prepared for the obtained Nanyang weak expansive soil. Four groups of 16 consolidated drained triaxial shear tests with a confining pressure of 50, 100, 200, and 300 kPa were carried out to study the effects of confining pressure and water content on the deviatoric stress and pore pressure of weak expansive soil with strain. Results: The study showed that the shear strength of weak expansive soil samples gradually increased with the increase of the water content, but its increase nonlinearly decreased as the confining pressure increased. When the axial strain was small, the pore pressure significantly increased, and the pore pressure increased tended to be stable slowly and gradually as the axial strain gradually increased. Therefore, the research results could be used to avoid the diseases caused by the characteristics of weak expansive soil in engineering construction and provide theoretical references for improving engineering foundations in weak expansive soil areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogeological conditions of the Qianbei coalfield are complex, and karst water in the roof rock frequently disrupts mining operations, leading to frequent water inrush incidents. Taking the representative Longfeng Coal Mine as a case study, research was conducted on the development pattern of the water-conducting fracture zone and the water inrush mechanisms beneath karst aquifers. On the basis of key stratum theory and calculations of the stratum stretching rate, the karst aquifer in the Changxing Formation was identified as the primary key stratum. It was deduced that the water-conducting fracture zone would develop into the karst aquifer, indicating a risk of roof water inrush at the working face. Numerical simulations were used to study the stress field, displacement field, and plastic zone distribution patterns in the overlying roof strata. Combined with similar simulation tests and digital speckle experiments, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the water-conducting fracture zone were investigated. During the coal mining process, the water-conducting fracture zone will exhibit a "step-type" development characteristic, with the fracture morphology evolving from vertical to horizontal. Near the goaf boundary, the strain gradually decreases, and the instability of the primary key stratum significantly impacts the mining space below, leading to the closure of interlayer voids or the redistribution of water-conducting fissure patterns. Field measurements of the water-conducting fracture zone reveal that postmining roof fractures can be classified into tensile-shear, throughgoing, and discrete types, with decreasing water-conducting capacity in that order, the measured development height of the water-conducting fracture zone (51 m) aligns closely with the theoretical height (51.37 m) and the numerical simulation height (49.17 m). Finally, from the perspective of key stratum instability, the disaster mechanisms of dynamic water inrush and hydrostatic pressure water inrush beneath the karst aquifers in the northern Guizhou coalfield were revealed. The findings provide valuable insights for water prevention and control efforts in the Qianbei coalfield mining area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current active control waterproof and drainage system was difficult to achieve dynamic control of water inflows and pressure, which could lead to tunnel cracking and leakage, a pressure valve was installed at the circumferential drainage blind pipe in order to control the water inflow and water pressure. Additionally, the formula for calculating the tunnel water inflow was derived. Using the conformal transformation, the seepage field formula of the surrounding rock was derived from the basic differential equation of the stable seepage field. The tunnel seepage calculation model was further established, incorporating the parameters of circumferential drainage blind pipe spacing and discharge pressure. The calculation formula of tunnel drainage volume and external water pressure of the external water pressure of secondary lining and tunnel water inflow calculation formula was obtained. The decomposition and numerical simulation techniques confirmed the analytical solution's reasonableness. This served as the foundation for the establishment of a tunnel drainage design solution with a pressure valve. The findings indicated that the water pressure and flow rate were significantly impacted by the geotextile permeability coefficient and the spacing between drainage pipes. It was recommended to select a geotextile which permeability coefficient of at least 500 μm/s, and the spacing between drainage blind pipes could be adjusted based on the drainage pressure. The grouting ring thickness could be decreased by adding a pressure valve in comparison to the current active control waterproof and drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of pressure on the vertical seaward front of an ice shelf has been shown to cause downward bending of the shelf if the ice is assumed to have vertically uniform viscosity. Satellite lidar observations show that many shelf edges bend upward and that the amplitude of upward deflections depends systematically on ice shelf thickness. A simple analysis is presented showing that upward bending of shelf edges can result from vertical variations in ice viscosity that are consistent with field observations and laboratory measurements. Resultant vertical variations in horizontal stress produce an internal bending moment that can counter the bending moment due to the shelf-front water pressure. Assuming a linear profile of ice temperature with depth and an Arrhenius relation between temperature and strain rate allows derivation of an analytic expression for internal bending moments as a function of shelf surface temperatures, shelf thickness and ice rheologic parameters. The effect of a power-law relation between stress difference and strain rate can also be included analytically. The key ice rheologic parameter affecting shelf edge bending is the ratio of the activation energy, Q , and the power-law exponent, n. For cold ice surface temperatures and large values of Q/n , upward bending is expected, while for warm surface temperatures and small values of Q/n downward bending is expected. The amplitude of bending should scale with the ice shelf thickness to the power 3/2 , and this is approximately consistent with a recent analysis of shelf edge deflections for the Ross Ice Shelf. These scaling relations should help guide fully two-dimensional numerical simulations of shelf bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]