Contour Maps Research Articles

Molecular dynamics study of the thermal radiatively pressure-driven flow of two immiscible hybrid nanofluids through a curved pipe with viscous dissipation

Hybrid nanomaterials significantly enhance thermal systems through improved thermal conductivity, efficient energy storage, and customized thermomechanical properties. Due to their superior thermophysical characteristics, hybrid nanofluids are crucial in fields such as industry, biomedicine, transportation, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the current article scrutinizes the characteristics of heat transfer on the thermally radiative flow of two immiscible hybrid nanofluids through a curved pipe induced due to a pressure gradient in an axial direction. The pipe is divided into two distinct regions: namely, (i) Region 1 (core) is filled with base fluid kerosene oil containing copper (Cu) and carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoparticles, while (ii) Region 2 (peripheral) is filled with base fluid water containing zinc oxide (ZnO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles. The complex curvilinear coordinates called toroidal coordinates are used to form a mathematical model for the present problem. The fluid in the core region is assumed to be more viscous than that of the peripheral region as such types of flows are observed in real life (viz. blood flow through arteries). Equations governing the flow are considered without ignoring any curvature ratio terms and are solved analytically by considering the perturbation series. The continuity of velocities and shear stresses at the fluid-fluid interface is taken into account along with no-slip, symmetric, and regularity conditions while solving the two-fluid flow problem under consideration. The effect of various fluid parameters such as curvature ratio, Reynolds number, viscosity ratio, and density ratio on the axial velocity and temperature is studied through 2-dimensional graphs, contour plots, and streamlines. The results show that the axial velocity of immiscible fluids flow decreases with an increase in the concentration of nanomaterials. Heat transport characteristics of nanofluid are increased by the addition of nanomaterials.

Design of experiments with the support of machine learning for process parameter optimization of all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells

AbstractTraditionally, squaraine dyes have been studied and employed in biomedical research due to their excellent optical properties, and the molecules are being adopted in different research fields such as organic solar cells. In this study, we investigate correlations between solar cell performance and processing parameters of all‐small‐molecule bulk heterojunction solar cells comprising squaraine (SQ) as electron donor (D) and non‐fullerene small molecules (e.g., ITIC) as electron acceptor (A) with the help of machine learning (ML) and design of experiment (DoE) methods. Among the five predictive ML models tested with the selected parameters, the eXtreme gradient boosting model shows the satisfactory results with quite high coefficient of determination of 0.999 and 0.997 in training and testing sets, respectively. By measuring the contribution of each input variable to solar cell efficiency, four process parameters, that is, the total concentration, the ratio of D/A, the rotational speed of spin coating, and the annealing temperature, are found to be the key features strongly correlated to solar cell efficiency. From contour plots in DoE, the highest solar cell efficiency of approximately 5% can be predicted under the conditions of 15 mg mL−1 in solution concentration, a 1:2 mix ratio of D and A, rotational speeds ranging from 800 to 900 rpm, and annealing temperatures within 100–110°C. Using the suggested parameter conditions, we fabricated solar cells, achieving a quite high efficiency of approximately 4%. Besides the global optimization conditions, we also employ the solvent vapor annealing combination to the thermal annealing to facilitate further mobilization of molecules and more optimized microstructure of bulk heterojunction films, resulting in a further enhancement in solar cell efficiency of more than 20%.

An insight into PANI-TiO2 photocatalysis of refractory organic matter through molecular size fractionation.

Refractory organic matter (RfOM) is ubiquitous in aquatic environment and plays various roles in regulating the fate, transport, toxicity, and bioavailability of chemical species, such as metals, emerging organic contaminants, and nanomaterials. RfOM is mainly represented by humic acids (HA) as the acid insoluble fraction of organic matrix. Considering the complex and multicomponent characteristic of HA, a detailed study was designed to elucidate the fate of molecular size fractions (MSFrs) of humic under solar irradiation in the presence of polyaniline (PANI)-modified TiO2 composites. Humic acid as a consortium of diverse molecular size fractions with different tendencies towards oxidation requires further assessment by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic parameters complementary to previous studies on the photocatalytic degradation of RfOM by using TiO2 and PANI-TiO2 composites. Absorbance-based removal efficiencies under initial and post-photocatalytic conditions showed a re-formation trend during photocatalysis in the presence of PANI and TiO2 where higher MSFrs were transformed to lower MSFrs that was apparent for < 3kDa fraction. Completely different profiles were observed for PT-41 and PT-81 indicating similar degradation pathways independent of PANI ratio in the composite. As confirmed by the investigated parameters, formation of both 450kDa and 220kDa MSFrs were evident under all conditions indicating in situ generation of higher MSFrs. The eligibility of coupled absorbance-fluorescence measurements to discern molecular size distribution of humic acid via oxidative degradation was also investigated. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) contour plots emphasized the ratio dependency of PANI modification of TiO2 and revealed sample specific variations that were more pronounced in terms of the emergence of tyrosine- and tryptophan-like aromatic proteins.

Damage-free hole making using microwave drilling in flax/PP composite

ABSTRACT The current study focused on the examination of hole quality in microwave drilling of microwave cured natural flax and polypropylene composites. The effect of two input parameters, i.e. microwave power and feed rate of the concentrator were investigated to evaluate HAZ, circularity error, and overcut of the hole. Stereomicroscopic images were used for examination of the response parameters. The full factorial design of the experiments was carried out with two factors and four levels. It was found that flax/PP composite drilled at 180 W of microwave power and 130 mm/min of feed rate resulted in a minimum overcut and circularity error of 9 µm and 138.5 µm, respectively. Also, 360 W of microwave power and 130 mm/min of feed rate showed a reduced HAZ of 67.5 mm2. There was no fiber delamination observed during hole formation. Regression analysis was done in order to establish a relationship among responses and process parameters. Additionally, an ANOVA was undertaken to determine the significance of the model. Over 95% of the correlation between the experimental data and the projected model outcomes was observed. Combined interaction of both the input parameters was shown through surface and contour plots.

Diverse soliton wave profile analysis in ion-acoustic wave through an improved analytical approach

In engineering and applied sciences, several physical phenomena can be more precisely characterized by employing nonlinear fractional partial differential equations. The primary goal of this research is to examine the traveling wave solution in closed form for the nonlinear acoustic wave propagation model known as the time fractional simplified modified Camassa–Holm equation, which is used to explain the unidirectional propagation of shallow-water waves with non-hydrostatic pressure and explains the dispersion properties of numerous phenomena like fluid flow, control theory, liquid drop patterning in plasma, acoustics, fusion, and fission processes, etc. The utmost potential approach, namely the new auxiliary equation technique, is applied for analyzing the time nonlinear fractional simplified modified Camassa-Holm equation in the logic of the newest established truncated M-fractional derivative. The fractional partial differential equations have been transformed to the ordinary differential equation using the complex wave transformation in the sense of truncated M-fractional derivative. A variety of soliton solutions, including anti-kink, single soliton, anti-bell, bell, kink, multiple soliton, double soliton, singular-kink, compacton shape, periodic shape, and so many, are displayed in the diagram of 3D and contour plots by taking into account a number of various parameters. It is essential to point out that all derived outcomes are directly compared to the original solutions to certify their exactness. Results show that the used scheme is capable, simple, and straightforward and can be useful to a variety of complex phenomena. The acquired results are unique for the model equation and could be applied to the analysis of several nonlinear study fields.

Analysis of conduction mode in cold energy storage using a tank filled with nanomaterial

The intensification of freezing rates through the incorporation of nano-sized powders and fins through a cold storage unit was examined. The Galerkin method with special meshing was utilized to solve equations, which were based on the supposition of conduction mode dominance. Additives of varying diameters (dp) and three different concentration levels (ϕ) were implemented. The findings are presented through ice front visualization, contour plots, and scalar curves. The computational code demonstrated high accuracy during the validation phase. The results reveal that as the dp increases, the solidification time initially drops by approximately 20 %, then subsequently increases by about 49.45 %. The optimal solidification time of 2951.17 s was achieved with medium-sized powders. Furthermore, an intensification in (ϕ) leads to a significant decrement in freezing time by about 41.43 %, with the most pronounced effect observed for nano-powders with dp = 40 nm.

An efficient flux-reconstructed lattice boltzmann flux solver for flow interaction of multi-structure with curved boundary

Recently, the escalating computational capability provided by advanced GPU technology for numerical simulations is well-suited for tackling large-scale engineering challenges. The lattice Boltzmann flux solver (LBFS), as a relatively new fluid-solving method, combines the parallelization characteristics of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with the ability to handle non-uniform grids. Building upon these advantages, this study aligns its flux computational steps with the demands of the GPU parallel computing environment, thus developing an efficient flux-reconstructed lattice Boltzmann flux solver (FRLBFS), the improved algorithm not only ensures precision but also achieves a significant enhancement in efficiency, reaching up to a remarkable 500-fold improvement. Additionally, this work combines the immersed boundary method, significantly improving the efficiency of addressing hydrodynamic problems with multiple structures. Through numerical validation, under identical GPU hardware conditions, the proposed method in this paper outperform LBM in terms of computational efficiency. Lastly, simulations of flow past an array of eight cylinders at different Reynolds numbers are conducted, instantaneous contour plots at various dimensionless time points and time-dependent curves of drag and lift coefficients for different cylinders are provided, to demonstrate the complex vortex shedding surrounding multiple cylinders and its extraordinary computational efficiency.

Numerical simulation and analysis on melting characteristics of a solid-liquid phase change process based on hot air riveting

To improve welding efficiency, a hot air riveting technology applicable to simultaneous welding at multiple stations is proposed, with the challenge lying in clarifying the melting state of the weldment. A numerical simulation method is proposed to investigate the melting state of the tag, using the Audi airbag tag as an example. The effects of various process parameters, including the exhaust duct distance, hot air temperature, hot air velocity, and the diameter ratio β, on the melting state of the tag are discussed. The melting mass, internal contour plots of the weldment and the melting rates are compared among the different parameter settings. The results indicate that under a heating temperature of 240 °C, the increase in hot air velocity has the most significant promotional effect on the melting of the weldment. Moreover, regardless of the velocity level, an increase in hot air temperature consistently enhances the melting of the weldment. Concurrently, an increase in the exhaust duct distance has an adverse impact on melting, yet this effect diminishes as the heating temperature rises. Finally, it is observed that at lower temperatures (200 ℃), diameter ratio β = 2.0 is more conducive to melting, whereas at higher heating temperatures (240, 280 ℃), β = 2.5 is more favorable for the melting of the weldment. This method effectively grasps the melting behavior of the weldment, enabling the selection of appropriate process parameters for hot air welding in actual production based on specific requirements.

Thin-film dielectric characterization by bound state in the continuum in high contrast grating

Subwavelength high contrast grating (HCG) is renowned for its remarkable ability to produce sharp optical resonance, known as the bound state in the continuum (BIC). Due to the strong surface field enhancement, the resonant wavelength and quality factor (Q factor) are highly sensitive to the dielectric properties of the surrounding medium. We propose utilizing this extraordinary phenomenon for thin-film dielectric characterization based on a film-substrate-grating configuration. By optimizing the geometrical parameters to control the cross-interference between guided modes in the grating and self-interference of propagating wave in the substrate slab, an accidental BIC with a Q factor reaching 104 is excited. Using this BIC, two retrieval methods based on contour mapping of resonant wavelength and Q factor are proposed to extract the complex permittivity (εf) of the film under test. It has been demonstrated that with a film thickness as thin as 10−5 times the grating period, the error in the retrieved Re[εf] is below 2%, and that of Im[εf] is below 10%. The proposed design is a strong candidate for non-destructive dielectric characterization of thin films with thicknesses below one-thousandth of the operating wavelength. This characterization technique can facilitate the development of high-frequency devices for the 6 G high-speed communication.

Ferroelectric frontiers: Navigating phase portraits, chaos, multistability and sensitivity in thin-film dynamics

This research includes the study of the non-linear dynamics of thin-film ferroelectric materials governed by an equation of wave dynamics within the material. This equation plays a key role in both physics and the study of aqueous flow. The work is planned as examining the symmetries group analysis drops, studying the dynamical system features through bifurcation phase portraits, and carrying dynamic phenomena in chaos theory. Diverse techniques are taken, such as Lyapunov exponent, 2D, and 3D phase portraits, Poincaré maps, time series analysis, and sensitivity to multistability under the different conditions of the initial state. In addition, the study involves using the extended hyperbolic function method to obtain the general analytical solutions via which various kinds of solitary wave solutions are produced including trigonometric and hyperbolic functions and periodic, bright, and singular soliton solutions. These solutions are followed by a list of constraint conditions in the form of equations. Visual data of 2D, 3D, and contour plots are presented, with parameters carefully set to reflect various scenarios. Sensitivity analysis is performed using alternative initial conditions, and stability analysis is demonstrated graphically. To fully grasp the dynamic features of these systems and accurately predict outcomes, it is essential to advance new technologies and methodologies that can further enhance our understanding and predictive capabilities in complex systems.

Digital 3D Hologram Generation Using Spatial and Elevation Information

The evolution of cartography poses challenges in representing three-dimensional terrain accurately on traditional two-dimensional maps. Providing an accurate 3D view of the area, coupled with essential geographic information, is vital for rapid and accurate decision-making in emergency management and response. Holography offers a promising solution by providing immersive three-dimensional visualizations. The field of hologram mapping, although novel, is still developing. Given its nascent stage, several limitations are evident. This study addresses one such limitation—inaccuracies in distance measurement—by presenting a hologram map that integrates two-dimensional and three-dimensional information. Accurate distance information on maps is critical for operational success. We aimed to improve hologram maps by integrating contour lines. Our approach allows users to measure distances from near-perpendicular angles while viewing 3D features from other perspectives. We review current advancements in hologram mapping, highlight existing limitations, and introduce our innovative solution designed to enhance both accuracy and usability. Our experiment resulted in a hologram map that accurately depicts a 3D environment, integrates contour lines, and allows for distance and slope angle measurements. The hologram map fills the research gap by providing accurate 3D visualization and distance measurement, signifying a major advancement in hologram mapping.

Explicit solutions of the generalized Kudryashov’s equation with truncated M-fractional derivative

The main purpose of this article is to study the generalized Kudryashov’s equation with truncated M-fractional derivative, which is commonly used to describe the propagation of wide pulses in nonlinear optical fibers. By employing the complete discriminant system of fourth-order polynomials, various types of explicit solutions are systematically classified, which include periodic solutions, the trigonometric functions, the double-period solutions, and the elliptic function solutions. Additionally, a series of 2D, 3D, and contour plots are generated to visually depict the spatial distribution and evolution of various solutions. This not only advances the development of nonlinear equations in theory but also provides valuable guidance in practical applications.

Investigating multi-soliton patterns and dynamical characteristics of the (3+1)-dimensional equation via phase portraits

In this study, we investigate the deeper characteristics of the modified Ito equation, which can be applied across various scientific domains to represent systems influenced by noise and randomness. Multi-solitons, including 1-wave, 2-wave, and 3-wave solitons, have been successfully generated using a multiple exponential-function approach. For visual representation, the outcomes are displayed through 3D, 2D, density, and contour plots. The wave transformation is then applied to convert the studied model into an ordinary differential equation. Following this, the dynamic nature of the model is examined from various viewpoints, including bifurcation, chaotic phenomena, multistability, and sensitivity analysis. Bifurcation shows how the solution of a planar system depends on equilibrium points, and when an outward periodic force is implemented to the unperturbed planar system, it reveals chaotic characteristics. These are analyzed using tools such as 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional plots, time scale plots, and Poincaré maps. Additionally, the model’s sensitivity is assessed with varying initial values. The results underscore the effectiveness and relevance of the proposed approaches for examining solitons within a broad spectrum of nonlinear systems.

INVESTIGATIONS ON THE MACHINABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF Al–Zn(5.4)–Mg(2.4)–Cu(1.4) ALLOY COMPOSITE USING TOPSIS APPROACH

In this research, stir casting was used to create the aluminium alloy (AA7075) composite filled with 10[Formula: see text]wt.% zirconia (ZrO2) particles as reinforcement. Die sinking electric discharge machining (EDM) was used to examine the machining characteristics of the proposed composite. The machining experiments were executed in accordance with the [Formula: see text] orthogonal layout. Here, the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) were taken into account as the output responses, and the discharge current ([Formula: see text]), pulse on-time ([Formula: see text]), and pulse off-time ([Formula: see text]) were taken as the machining parameters. To determine the optimal parameter conditions for the output responses, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach was applied. According to the experimental findings, the optimum settings of the parameters are determined at 15[Formula: see text]amps of ‘[Formula: see text]’, 750[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s of ‘[Formula: see text]’ and 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s of ‘[Formula: see text]’. ANOVA results stated that ‘[Formula: see text]’ has the most notable factor with a contribution of 90.85%. The interaction effect of parameters on the responses was shown by the contour plots. The confirmatory experiment was finally conducted at the optimum machining parameter settings, and it was found that the error only occurred in 8.4%.

Enhanced slit methodology for characterization of x‐ray focal properties

AbstractThe measurement of focal spot sizes in industrial x‐ray tubes using conventional edge and slit methods typically requires complex slit diaphragms and auxiliary testing equipment. Additionally, stringent spatial‐positioning requirements are imposed on the x‐ray tube, auxiliary testing equipment, and detector, making the machining of auxiliary testing equipment and meeting test conditions challenging. This study optimized and improved the auxiliary testing equipment and computations in the slit method based on the principles of the edge method. An experimental setup capable of self‐calibrating the spatial positions was designed, avoiding measurement errors during focal‐spot‐size measurements. We derived a formula for the focal spot size for this experimental setup, allowing measurements using slits of various sizes. Furthermore, we proposed a method for determining the focal spot size through linear fitting of multiple sets of slit dimensions and projected widths of the focal spot on the detector. This approach filters out random noise and errors during data collection, significantly enhancing measurement precision. By adjusting the slit and detector angles, we could measure the focal spot sizes at various angles and draw contour maps of the focal spot shape. This method was applied to measure the focal spot size and shape of a side‐window x‐ray tube under different voltage conditions. The overall measurement error was less than 6%, reflecting the reliability, accuracy, and consistency of the results obtained using the proposed method. Thus, the proposed method supports the inspection, verification, and maintenance of x‐ray sources.

Optimization of Machining Parameters for Product Quality and Productivity in CNC Machining of Aluminium Alloy

This study focused on optimizing the process of CNC machining to enhance productivity and product quality of surface finish Ra via the process parameters of the cutting speed (vc), feed rate (vf), and cutting depth (doc). Experimentation was performed on workpieces of AA-6061 to investigate the response Ra through variation of the process parameters to analyze their best fit using RSM with 23 full factorial designs L-8 of DOE. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then used to find the major contributors among them that were responsible for the Ra. Based on the result, better Ra was obtained at 0.103 μm using the best fit of vf (150 mm/min), vc (220 m/min), and doc (0.1 mm). ANOVA shows vf contributed better Ra followed by vc and doc respectively. In addition, the level of Ra’s was analyzed through contour plots represented by different colours. It continued to analyze the effect of the process parameters via the main effects plot, Pareto chart, and the contour plot in the predictive desirability model, which indicated that the plots and chart confirmed the vf had more influence compared to others. The studyconfirmed that the low-level parameters provided better Ra to be used for polishing.

Novel therapeutic agents for H5N1 influenza virus through 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and DFT based global reactivity descriptors

Avian influenza is a severe respiratory disease that can cause catastrophic outbreaks in domestic poultry and wild birds as well as significant risks to people. This has motivated many researchers to develop new, effective neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors to treat this serious infection. In this context, this study aims to develop new potential NA inhibitors using five computational methods. A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) was performed on a set of N-substituted Oseltamivir derivatives as anti-influenza agents. As a result, the best CoMSIA model was robust and predictive (R2 = 0.966, Q2 = 0.772, and Rpred2 = 0.721). Based on the contour map analysis, 17 new NA inhibitors with high-predicted inhibitory activity were developed. Molecular docking was used to discover the binding modes and interactions between the 17 newly designed NA compounds and the corresponding NA protein. Based on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, the compounds C10, C11, C12, C15, C16, and C17 have good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics properties and could be new promising anti-influenza drugs. The six leading compounds further went through biological activity spectra prediction and quantum method density functional theory (DFT) study, which confirmed the trends and the utility of 3D-QSAR CoMSIA and molecular docking in developing new NA inhibitors.

Исследование характера изменения твердости композиционных материалов с алюминиевой матрицей, упрочненной золой кокосовой скорлупы и красным шламом, с использованием анализа Тагучи

Introduction: in present scenario, light and high strength aluminium metal matrix composite are extensively used due to its high mechanical and tribological properties. Aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with ceramic and industrial waste can customize its mechanical-chemical behavior. The purpose of the work: to create an aluminum matrix composite material using ceramic (primary) and industrial (secondary) waste represented by red mud and coconut shell ash, respectively. The mass fraction of the strengthening phase varied from 5 to 12.5 wt. % respectively with the residual mass percentage of the aluminum alloy. Method of investigation: nine specimens of composite materials were prepared by stir casting. Stirring was carried out at a speed of 50 to 100 rpm for 20 minutes at a temperature of 800 °C. Result and Discussion: the hardness behavior of the aluminum metal matrix composite was studied at an indentation load of 10, 15 and 20 kN. Taguchi method with L27 orthogonal array was selected to conduct analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis by selecting the mass percentage of red mud and mass percentage of coconut shell ash. The indentation load was used as an input parameter, and the hardness behavior was taken as an output parameter. The signal-to-noise ratio, response rank table, contour plot, and normal probability plot are investigated and it is found that hardness values improve with the addition of both reinforcing components and indenter load. The results show that the hardness value varies from 33.34 HB to 53.44 HB, and the effect of red mud mass percentage is more significant than the indenter load and coconut shell ash mass percentage.

The fractional solitary wave profiles and dynamical insights with chaos analysis and sensitivity demonstration

This work investigates the dynamics of solitary waves in a thin-film ferroelectric material model, an essential component of optical systems. The study recognizes the limitations of the inverse scattering transform in solving the Cauchy problem for this conformable thin-film ferroelectric material model and applies a new Kudryashov approach and Bernoulli’s equation technique to ordinary differential equations. We apply these methods to the present model and obtain closed form analytical solutions. A variety of traveling wave and soliton solutions are constructed, including kink, bell, bright, and dark soliton solutions. It is acknowledged that the nonlinear evolution equation can be transformed into an ordinary differential equation by applying traveling wave transformations. Suitable physical parameters are chosen to create 2D, 3D, and contour plots that graphically depict the graphical dispersion of obtained fractional soliton solutions. The impact of the conformable fractional parameter is further demonstrated by the graphical representation of solitons propagation. Furthermore, the study develops the Hamiltonian function of the dynamical system to discuss the system’s total energy in terms of momentum and position. While a chaos analysis describes chaotic, quasi-periodic, and periodic behaviors, a sensitivity analysis demonstrates how responsive the model is to various initial conditions. Due to their dual-purpose nature as nonlinear ferroelectric and dielectric materials, thin ferroelectric films are widely used in modern electrical devices.

Automatic extraction of geological discontinuities of a tunnel surface by integrating multiple features

In water conservancy, transportation, and mining projects, the timely acquisition of geological structural information from tunnels is critical in the analysis of engineering geological problems during the investigation and construction stages. The acquisition of comprehensive and accurate geological information from a tunnel surface remains challenging. This study provides an automatic extraction method for geological discontinuities on a tunnel surface by integrating 2D textural semantic features and 3D geological semantic features. A dense point cloud is generated using multiline parallel sequence images, after which the 3D geological semantic features, including the local geological attitude, are calculated. Through a virtual projection from 3D to 2D, the red, green, and blue (RGB) images and geological semantic images based on views of the interior umbrella arch and the sidewalls of the tunnel surface are obtained. The feature mapping between the 2D textural semantic features and the 3D geological semantic features is determined accordingly. The virtual RGB images and geological semantic images serve as dual inputs for ensemble learning for pixel block segmentation, and the output is a similarity probability tensor that describes the probability that each pixel will belong to its surrounding pixel blocks. The pixel blocks are clustered on the basis of pole and contour plots of their geological attitudes to extract geological discontinuities. Experiments were conducted to confirm and evaluate the feasibility and veracity of the proposed method. The developed method automatically extracts geological discontinuities of a tunnel surface and extends the scope of surveying and mapping through geological remote sensing.