Discontinuous Model Research Articles

Mandatory activation of welfare recipients: Less time, less crime?

This paper investigates the effect of a mandatory activation program on crime. Although the effects of ALMPs on labor market outcomes are often assessed, theorized effects on crime are seldom analyzed. We exploit age-based policy variation and estimate a regression discontinuity model, using individual-level administrative data on the entire Dutch population around a 27-year-old age threshold. The results show a 12% reduction in crime among non-natives, a relatively vulnerable group. Our findings suggest that crime is mainly reduced on weekdays, which points towards incapacitation as the underlying causal mechanism. Due to program participation, individuals have less time to commit crime.

Using the Discontinuous Bi-viscosity model to analyze the three-dimensional flow field and local scour behavior around the Claviaster libycus

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that irregular echinoids exhibit higher survival rates than regular echinoids following mass extinctions. This study focuses on the irregular echinoid Claviaster libycus, investigating its flow field and scour behavior under extreme water flow conditions through numerical simulations and experiments. The numerical model Splash3D used in this study was modified from the open-source code Truchas developed by the U.S. National Laboratory. Splash3D solves the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes Eqs.. The fluid volume method describes the water surface kinematics and sand surface kinematics. Since Claviaster libycus is semi-submerged in the sand, a discontinuous bi-viscosity model describes the rheological behavior of the bed material. The research findings indicate that when the gonopore of Claviaster libycus faces downstream, there is no evident horseshoe vortex flow, which contributes to reducing the occurrence of localized scour. This also validates the hypothesis of this study: the transition of echinoids from pentaradial symmetry to bilateral symmetry assists in stabilizing bottom sediments and reducing localized scour.

Tailoring data assimilation to discontinuous Galerkin models

AbstractIn recent years discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods have received increased interest from the geophysical community. In these methods the solution in each grid cell is approximated as a linear combination of basis functions. Ensemble data assimilation (DA) aims to approximate the true state by combining model outputs with observations using error statistics estimated from an ensemble of model runs. Ensemble data assimilation in geophysical models faces several well‐documented issues. In this work we exploit the expansion of the solution in DG basis functions to address some of these issues. Specifically, it is investigated whether a DA–DG combination (a) mitigates the need for observation thinning, (b) reduces errors in the field's gradients, and (c) can be used to set up scale‐dependent localisation. Numerical experiments are carried out using stochastically generated ensembles of model states, with different noise properties, and with Legendre polynomials as basis functions. It is found that strong reduction in the analysis error is achieved by using DA–DG and that the benefit increases with increasing DG order. This is especially the case when small scales dominate the background error. The DA improvement in the first derivative is, on the other hand, marginal. We think this to be a counter‐effect of the power of DG to fit the observations closely, which can deteriorate the estimates of the derivatives. Applying optimal localisation to the different polynomial orders, thus exploiting their different spatial length, is beneficial: it results in a covariance matrix closer to the true covariance than the matrix obtained using traditional optimal localisation in state space.

Longitudinal structural behavior of shield tunnel with large diameter and small curvature

The structural mechanism of a large-diameter curved tunnel is introduced in detail because no relevant calculation method is available. A longitudinal discontinuous contact model is established based on the newly built North Highway Tunnel in Shanghai, China. First, the load-spreading mechanism of circumferential joints was considered. Second, the distribution laws of the longitudinal internal force, settlement, and joint deformation of curved and straight tunnels under the same load were analyzed and compared. Finally, a model test is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the discontinuous contact model. The results indicated that with an increase in the radius of curvature, the maximum internal force and deformation decreased. The internal forces and deformations of straight and curved tunnels are quite different; therefore, the design method for a straight tunnel cannot be used in the design of curved tunnels. The overall and local deformations of the curved tunnel were affected by end displacement.

Rock mass substitute geometry theory (SGT) and 3D centroid sliding pyramid (CSP) method

Discontinuous analysis methods are typically used for the stability analysis of fractured rock masses with multiple sets of joints. Among various discontinuous methods, the key block theory (KBT) requires less data input, has a higher computational efficiency, and is suitable for wide-ranging engineering applications. Classical discontinuous numerical methods typically require complete boundary information for rock block units. However, current information-gathering methods can only capture information on rock surfaces. The proposed rock mass substitute geometry theory (SGT) overcomes this limitation by using local geometric information to equivalently represent the original geometric body simplifying subsequent analyses. A 3D centroid sliding pyramid (CSP) method is introduced for motion state analysis of a rock block that uses only the collinear faces of a block’s free surfaces. A comparison of CSP with KBT proves that CSP not only addresses the issue of collecting only surface information of rock masses but it significantly minimizes the computation scale. Additionally, a 3D discontinuous analysis program was developed, encompassing the entire process of rock mass information gathering, 3D discontinuous modeling, and 3D CSP analysis. The effectiveness and efficiency of the method were validated using stochastically generated models, while its practical engineering applicability was demonstrated at an engineering site.

An abrupt regime shift of bacterioplankton community from weak to strong thermal pollution in a subtropical bay.

Thermal pollution from the cooling system of the nuclear power plants greatly changes the environmental and the ecological conditions of the receiving marine water body, but we know little about their impact on the steady-state transition of marine bacterioplankton communities. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing based on the 16S rRNA gene to investigate the impact of the thermal pollution on the bacterioplankton communities in a subtropical bay (the Daya Bay). We observed that thermal pollution from the cooling system of the nuclear power plant caused a pronounced thermal gradient ranging from 19.6°C to 24.12°C over the whole Daya Bay. A temperature difference of 4.5°C between the northern and southern parts of the bay led to a regime shift in the bacterioplankton community structure. In the three typical scenarios of regime shifts, the steady-state transition of bacterioplankton community structure in response to temperature increasing was more likely consistent with an abrupt regime shift rather than a smooth regime or a discontinuous regime model. Water temperature was a decisive factor on the regime shift of bacterioplankton community structure. High temperature significantly decreased bacterioplankton diversity and shifted its community compositions. Cyanobium and Synechococcus of Cyanobacteria, NS5 marine group of Bacteroidota, and Vibrio of Gammaproteobacteria were found that favored high temperature environments. Furthermore, the increased water temperature significantly altered the community assembly of bacterioplankton in Daya Bay, with a substantial decrease in the proportion of drift and others, and a marked increase in the proportion of homogeneous selection. In summary, we proposed that seawater temperature increasing induced by the thermal pollution resulted in an abrupt regime shift of bacterioplankton community in winter subtropical bay. Our research might broad our understanding of marine microbial ecology under future conditions of global warming.

Impact of Ship Emission Control Area Policies on Port Air Quality—A Case Study of Ningbo Port, China

The implementation effectiveness of ship emission control area (ECA) policies can be effectively evaluated using econometric models. However, existing studies mainly focus on changes in SO2 concentrations in the air. In order to comprehensively assess the impact of ECA policies on air quality, this study takes Ningbo Port in China as an example and uses a regression discontinuity (RD) model to analyze the influence of ship emissions around the wharf on concentrations of SO2, NO2, and particulate matter (PM) in the air. The results indicate that individual ships’ activities within the monitoring area (within 300 m) make a relatively small contribution to the concentration of SO2 in the air and do not form a significant breakpoint. However, there is a noticeable breakpoint in the concentration of NO2 around the monitoring point as the ship approaches. At the same time, the variation range of PM2.5 is significantly greater than that of PM10, which aligns with the characteristics of PM emitted by ships. The experimental results have passed three robustness tests, demonstrating that the current policy on ship ECAs has a positive limiting effect on SO2 emissions and, to some extent, reduces PM emissions. However, further reductions in ship emissions may require more restrictions in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Evaluating hydrodynamics and implications to sediment transport for tidal restoration at Swan Cove Pool, Virginia

Coastal restoration projects are significantly important in coastal ecosystems as wetland losses accelerate. This study investigates tidal hydrodynamics and the potential impacts of a waterway opening on an existing roadway to restore and revitalise salt marshes in a small estuarine system in Virginia, USA. A depth-integrated, discontinuous Galerkin shallow-water equations model (DG-SWEM) is applied for astronomic tide simulation. The model employs a high-resolution unstructured mesh with a minimum element size of less than one meter and resolves complex tidal flows in the entire barrier island system, including the existing culvert gate and canal system. Compared to the existing system, the water exchange increased dramatically (flushing time also dramatically decreased) under the opened scenarios regardless of the opening width (22.9-, 30.5-, and 38.1-m width). By increasing the opening width, peak velocity through the proposed opening decreased 30–40%, and the maximum shear stress was reduced by more than half. The high-resolution model represented complex tidal flows, including eddies, and assisted in striking a balance of water-exchange capability, opening stability, and minimising their potential erosions for the opening design. Besides, erosion and sediment transport potentials for suspended sediments were estimated using bed shear stress and a Lagrangian particle tracking module. Such proxy modelling approach allows for the impact assessment of civil engineering and ecological waterworks in complex and highly damped tidal flow areas and is readily transferrable to other like systems (e.g. causeway construction, causeway cutting, biota passageways, and inlet modification).

Correction of the spring-dashpot-slider model

AbstractThe spring-dashpot-slider is a common way to include solid friction for discrete element method simulations of granular matter. However, the most popular model that is currently in use has a number of problems, including the spontaneous creation of energy. The main cause for these problems is the discontinuous evolution of the spring displacement. In this paper, we derive a differential equation for the displacement that yields a continuous time evolution, that fixes the problems of the discontinuous model and is simpler to implement.

A Longitudinal Investigation of the Association Between Stroke and Loneliness.

The present research examined associations between stroke and long-term trajectories of loneliness. We conducted secondary analyses in 3 large representative panel studies of adults 50 years and older in the United States, Europe, and Israel: the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA; analytic N = 14,992); the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; analytic N = 103,782); and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; analytic N = 22,179). Within each sample, we used discontinuous growth curve modeling to estimate loneliness trajectories across adulthood and the impact of stroke on loneliness trajectories. Across all 3samples, participants who experienced stroke reported higher levels of loneliness relative to participants who did not experience stroke. In ELSA and HRS (but not SHARE), loneliness levels were higher after stroke onset relative to before stroke onset. This research adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating elevated loneliness among stroke survivors and highlights the need for interventions to increase social connectedness after stroke.

From Intent to Impact: A Proactive Event Approach for Amplifying Sustainability Across Time

We extend event system theory (EST) to conceptualize proactive events and examine how event duration, timing, criticality, and disruption are related to two phases of change associated with an organizationally initiated event. Specifically, we explore the impact of a new sustainability monitoring system on energy consumption using longitudinal archival data from 87 manufacturing units of a Fortune 200 multinational firm. We use a variant of mixed-effects discontinuous growth modeling (DGM) to test EST propositions related to initial and longer-term changes associated with implementing the monitoring system. Results indicate that while the new sustainability monitoring system is effective in reducing within-unit energy consumption on average, there are significant differences in change magnitude between units. The magnitude of change during the pre-post phase was related to between-unit differences in event duration, timing, criticality, and disruption. Longer-term change patterns were related to between-unit differences in managerial criticality behaviors. The results empirically validate several of EST’s core propositions and provide an illustration of how DGM can be modified to study events that vary in onset and duration across entities.

Geographic isolation and learning: Evidence from rural schools in Colombia

Rural schools are usually behind in terms of learning, and this could be partly related to geographical isolation. We explore this hypothesis, assessing the causal effect of the distance between schools, towns, and State capitals on elementary school test scores. We use granular administrative records from Colombia and estimate spatial regression discontinuity models. Results indicate that the distance to both towns and State capitals negatively affect students test scores. The differences in educational inputs, such as teachers education attainment and contract stability, partly explain these gaps. A program providing monetary incentives to teachers in difficult access areas fails to attenuate the isolation effect.

New method to identify optimal discontinuity set number of rock tunnel excavation face orientation based on Fisher mixed evaluation

Discontinuity is critical for strength, deformability, and permeability of rock mass. Set information is one of the essential discontinuity characteristics and is usually accessed by orientation grouping. Traditional methods of identifying optimal discontinuity set numbers are usually achieved by clustering validity indexes, which mainly relies on the aggregation and dispersion of clusters and leads to the inaccuracy and instability of evaluation. This paper proposes a new method of Fisher mixed evaluation (FME) to identify optimal group numbers of rock mass discontinuity orientation. In FME, orientation distribution is regarded as the superposition of Fisher mixed distributions. Optimal grouping results are identified by considering the fitting accuracy of Fisher mixed distributions, the probability monopoly and central location significance of independent Fisher centers. A Halley-Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm is derived to achieve an automatic fitting of Fisher mixed distribution. Three real rock discontinuity models combined with three orientation clustering algorithms are adopted for discontinuity grouping. Four clustering validity indexes are used to automatically identify optimal group numbers for comparison. The results show that FME is more accurate and robust than the other clustering validity indexes in optimal discontinuity group number identification for different rock models and orientation clustering algorithms.

A method for analyzing discontinuities characterization using the integration of underground drift point cloud with 3DEC software

The geometric statistical characteristics of rock mass discontinuities, such as mean trace length and intensity, cannot be measured directly and require the use of statistical tools (such as sampling lines, sampling windows, and drilling) for analysis. In this paper, we propose a method for extracting discontinuity characteristics using the 3DEC software in three-dimensional (3D) drift models (3DM). Specifically, we introduce the Surface Disk Discontinuity Model (SDDM) as a representation model for planar and linear discontinuities identified in point clouds. By importing the 3DM and SDDM into 3DEC and utilizing a multi-circular window, we calculate the mean trace lengths and two-dimensional (2D) intensity (P21). Additionally, we propose a method to estimate the three-dimensional (3D) intensity (P32), which provides a more comprehensive reflection of the discontinuous characteristics in different spatial orientations. To validate the proposed method, we apply it to the underground drift of the Jiapigou gold mine in Jilin Province to extract the geometric statistical characteristics of discontinuities. The results demonstrate that our method successfully captures the orientation, trace length, and P32 characteristics of four dominant discontinuity groups in the study area. This approach proves to be an effective technique for utilizing 3D laser scanning to obtain accurate discontinuity characteristics of rock mass.

Dynamic Response of PCCP under the Rockfall Impact Based on the Continuous–Discontinuous Method: A Case Study

Rockfalls are major geological hazards threatening prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCPs) in water diversion projects. To accurately assess the impact of large deformation movements of rockfalls on PCCPs, this study utilized the continuous–discontinuous method to investigate the dynamic response of a PCCP under a rockfall. The impact mode of rockfalls, the mechanical characteristics of PCCP, and the nonlinear-contact characteristics between soil and PCCP were considered in this study. The advantages of continuous and discontinuous numerical simulation methods were utilized to establish a continuous and discontinuous coupling model of “tube-soil-rock” considering the interaction of soil and structure. The impact mechanism and process of PCCP under the rockfall were investigated by simulating the rockfall process and analyzing its spatiotemporal evolution. The influence of PCCP under rockfalls with different heights and radii was studied to clarify the effects of these two parameters on the PCCP. Combined with a practical application example of large-scale water transfer projects, there is a tendency of center flattening under static load and dynamic impact load, and the PCCP part directly below the impact point is the most dangerous. This investigation provided a comprehensive understanding of the impact mechanism of the PCCPs under rockfall. The findings of this study have significant implications for the design of the protection engineering of PCCPs and ensuring the safe operation of water diversion projects.

Improvement of photogrammetric joint roughness coefficient value by integrating automatic shooting parameter selection and composite error model

In order to improve the accuracy of the photogrammetric joint roughness coefficient (JRC) value, the present study proposed a novel method combining an autonomous shooting parameter selection algorithm with a composite error model. Firstly, according to the depth map-based photogrammetric theory, the estimation of JRC from a three-dimensional (3D) digital surface model of rock discontinuities was presented. Secondly, an automatic shooting parameter selection algorithm was novelly proposed to establish the 3D model dataset of rock discontinuities with varying shooting parameters and target sizes. Meanwhile, the photogrammetric tests were performed with custom-built equipment capable of adjusting baseline lengths, and a total of 36 sets of JRC data was gathered via a combination of laboratory and field tests. Then, by combining the theory of point cloud coordinate computation error with the equation of JRC calculation, a composite error model controlled by the shooting parameters was proposed. This newly proposed model was validated via the 3D model dataset, demonstrating the capability to correct initially obtained JRC values solely based on shooting parameters. Furthermore, the implementation of this correction can significantly reduce errors in JRC values obtained via photographic measurement. Subsequently, our proposed error model was integrated into the shooting parameter selection algorithm, thus improving the rationality and convenience of selecting suitable shooting parameter combinations when dealing with target rock masses with different sizes. Moreover, the optimal combination of three shooting parameters was offered. JRC values resulting from various combinations of shooting parameters were verified by comparing them with 3D laser scan data. Finally, the application scope and limitations of the newly proposed approach were further addressed.

An extended isogeometric boundary element formulation for three-dimensional linear elastic fracture mechanics

This paper presents a novel extended isogeometric boundary element formulation (XIGABEM) for three-dimensional linear elastic fracture mechanics. The formulation utilises the Dual BEM to accommodate coincident geometries for opposing crack surfaces, and inherits the well-known advantages of the NURBS basis as other isogeometric implementations. The originality herein involves the extension of the above-mentioned scheme to 3D using enrichment functions derived from asymptotic solutions for near-field crack tip displacements, in which Williams’ expansions are used on the crack surfaces and on the boundaries crossed by the crack front. Besides, Heaviside functions enrich external boundaries and allow the displacement discontinuity modelling. As with most enriched formulations, additional degrees of freedom are introduced; novel strategies are presented for the generation of auxiliary equations to recover a square system.Another key element of the proposed scheme is that the stress intensity factors are recovered directly from the solution vector and no post processing is required. Four applications demonstrate the formulation robustness, with results of models having comparatively few degrees of freedom comparing well against classical and other published results.

Double inclined cracks overlapping effect on mixed stress intensity factors using XFEM object-oriented implementation

The object of research is the Mixed Mode Stress Intensity Factor (MMSIF) of a two-dimensional (2D) plate. With the emergence of modern technologies and advanced innovations which contribute to the development and improvement of the design, implementation and management of construction projects, it has become easier. However, it is very difficult to manufacture components free from unavoidable defects, such as cracks, which lead to material deterioration and ultimately shorten its service life. Based on the process of local enrichment region using partition of unity concept, the extended finite element method (XFEM) has overcome the limitations of the standard FEM method in terms of modeling and numerical simulation of discontinuities (cracks) while gaining its general advantages. This makes XFEM a powerful and widely used digital tool in recent years. One of the most frequently raised problems in the discontinuities field (cracks) is the phenomenon of juxtaposition of multiple cracks in a cracked isotropic plate, which must be studied to determine the extent of its effect on the crack stress intensity factor in order to obtain higher safety reliability. On this basis, an improved object-oriented programming (OOP) with extended finite elements was used because of its great importance and well-known benefits. In this paper, the MMSIF of a 2D plate is determined to show the effect of the out-of-phase orientation of the angle, as well as the effect of the juxtaposition of two inclined cracks. As a result of the research, it is shown that, the convergence between the results obtained in this study with those reported in the literature, and to theoretical values is remarkable, and their close agreement was noted. In the future, based on the object-oriented approach characteristics represented by flexibility, scalability, and modularity, which were explained in this research, this proposed approach can be enriched to include heterogeneous materials modeling, whether linear or nonlinear, crack propagation in dynamics, in addition to Complex 3D industrial problems.

Enhancing the fiber-based modeling approach for flexure-shear behavior in seismic evaluation of long-span railway masonry arch bridges

Masonry arch bridges are considered a significant part of the rail and road transportation infrastructures in many countries, and seismic assessment of these structures is of great importance for increasing their resilience. Despite some shortcomings in comparison to more complicated modeling techniques, i.e. continuous and discrete techniques, one-dimensional continuous modeling approaches such as the fiber beam approach are more practical for engineering purposes. Although the fiber models can acceptably predict the axial and flexural behavior of structural members, shear or flexure-shear failure behavior, which could be one of the dominant failure modes in masonry structures, cannot be predicted appropriately in this approach. The purpose of this article is to enhance fiber-based modeling approach to consider these brittle failure modes for the seismic assessments of long-span masonry arch bridges. Using the existing analytical-empirical prediction equations reported on the results of stone masonry walls, an iterative approach is proposed to enhance fiber-based model to include flexure-shear interaction. the proposed method is verified with a series of arch samples with different geometric properties with results from discontinuous models of the sample arches. Following that, different models of a span of a case-study masonry arch bridge is created, verified with health monitoring field observation, and analyzed to compare from different aspects and validate the application of the fiber beam method along with its enhancements. The results of the proposed method for fiber models show promising conformity with the results of more precise numerical models, and it can be used for the seismic evaluation of long-span stone masonry bridges.

A Wetting and Drying Approach for a Mode-Nonsplit Discontinuous Galerkin Hydrodynamic Model with Application to Laizhou Bay

A wetting and drying treatment for a three-dimensional discontinuous Galerkin hydrodynamic model without mode splitting (external and internal modes) was developed. In this approach, computing elements are classified into wet, dry, and semidry elements, which are treated differently. In a Runge–Kutta time step, the reconstruction of the semidry elements and the combined utilization of two- and three-dimensional limiters help the model maintain stability. Numerical results show that the wetting and drying method can achieve a well-balanced property under the condition of still-water equilibrium and can reasonably describe the variation process of wetting and drying regions during a long wave run-up on a uniform slope and a tidal cycle in a basin with a variable slope. Analysis of the role of the limiters in the model indicated that the robustness of the three-dimensional hydrodynamic model can be effectively maintained when the two- and three-dimensional limiters are jointly applied for wetting and drying process simulation. A three-dimensional discontinuous Galerkin hydrodynamic model was applied with the presented wetting and drying method to simulate the tidal current evolution of a spring tidal cycle in southwestern Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea, in November 2003, and the simulated results of the water surface elevation and vertical layered current velocities agreed well with the measured data.