Formation Of Zone Research Articles

Effect of coastal hypoxia on bacterial diversity as elucidated through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

The formation of oxygen-depleted zones in the bottom waters is one of the most widespread phenomena in coastal areas. Upwelling episodes along India’s west coast due to the southwest monsoon increase biological productivity, further lowering the dissolved oxygen in the upwelled waters, which intensifies annually between June and October. Here, we have determined the changes in the microbial community in response to the varying oxygen levels and other physicochemical parameters at the Candolim Time Series Station using high-throughput sequencing. Amplicon Sequence Variants across all the samples collected in different seasons were mostly affiliated to the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, with the most dominant being Proteobacteria (21-41%). Statistical analysis revealed that microbial diversity differed significantly with changing DO, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite concentrations during different seasons. The microbial community shift due to seasonal hypoxia results in the differential biogeochemical cycling of essential nutrients, with certain years seeing redox conditions up to sulphate reduction while certain years seeing only nitrogen loss. Future global warming scenarios will serve as a big challenge for understanding the role of microbial diversity and its implications in the cycling of natural elements.

Failure mechanisms for Gd2O3–Yb2O3 co-doped YSZ thermal barrier coatings under high-temperature gradient

In this study, Gd2O3–Yb2O3 co-doped YSZ thermal barrier coatings with a top coat thickness of 400 μm were prepared on a nickel-based superalloy by atmospheric plasma spraying. The samples underwent multiple short-term and single long-term thermal exposures through burner rig tests under high-temperature gradients. The short-term thermal exposure duration of the coating was 25 s and the long-term thermal exposure duration was 1200 s. The microstructures and phase compositions of the samples were characterized, and their failure mechanism was discussed. The results demonstrate that during the burner rig tests, the coating surface temperature reached 2600K, resulting in coating sintering and sintered zone formation comprising coarse equiaxed grains. The short-term thermal exposure life of the coating is 3 cycles, and the long-term life is more than 1200s. After the single 1200s thermal exposure, the coating exhibited a stable cubic phase. However, under multiple 25s thermal exposures, the depth of the sintered zone increased with increasing number of cycles, leading to the formation of various vertical and transverse cracks within the coating. Coating failure was due to a combination of sintering and thermal-mismatch-induced stress.The early-stage coating delamination was attributed to sintering-induced transverse cracks, while the overall spallation was primarily ascribed to thermal-mismatch-induced transverse cracks.

Rare-earth element (REE) remobilization and fractionation in bauxite zones from sedimentary kaolin deposits, western Georgia (USA), Upper Coastal Plain

Rare-earth elements (REE) are critical minerals that are indispensable for high-tech products and technologies. Significant efforts have been focused on the exploration and identification of new and domestic reserves of REE. This study reports geochemical and mineralogical occurrences of accumulated REE with significant fractions of ion-adsorption clays (IAC) within bauxite-kaolin ore, hosted within sedimentary strata. This deposit type can be found throughout portions of Georgia and eastern Alabama (USA) in the Southeast Upper Coastal Plain. These deposits were developed by high degrees of chemical weathering of older, kaolinite-rich sedimentary strata. Several major changes in whole rock mineralogy and geochemistry occurred, leading to the development of zones of REE depletion, fractionation, and accumulation. Depletions of REE in the bauxite zone were significant, with whole rock contents of ∼50% ΣREE relative to average upper continental crust (UCC). Fractionated REE were observed by low La/YbN values (La/YbN = 0.2) due to depletion in LREE (<40% UCC) with concomitant HREE retention (∼1.1–1.3 times UCC). Strongly positive Ce/Ce* anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 1.3), very low ion-exchangeable Ce contents (Ce/LREE = 0.1), and low solubility of Ce (0.9–1.2%) under reducing conditions compared to all other LREE (4.5–9.9%) were further observed. These characteristics were strong indications of REE fractionation that occurred during formation of the bauxite zone. Underlying the bauxite zone, accumulations of the remobilized REE were substantial. At the base of the lower kaolin zone, elevated ion-exchangeable REE contents were notable (11–33% for total REE), and more specifically 11–12% for LREE, ∼28% for ΣTb-Lu, and ∼ 33% for Y. The elevated ion-exchangeable contents coincided with whole rock contents that were ∼ 250% ΣREE relative to UCC. These REE accumulations occurred within organic-rich strata at the base of the section. This setting represents a significant difference relative to the REE accumulations in profiles for the granite-regolith deposit type. These findings highlighted the movement of dissolved REE, accumulation as sorbed species, as well as the potential role that organic ligands play during REE precipitation and sorption processes. These results permit consideration for further research into REE occurrences in clay deposits of sedimentary origin, which have been underexplored compared to granite-regolith REE deposits.

Very high cycle fatigue of a notched Ni-based single crystal superalloy at high temperature

A new notched geometry has been developed for ultrasonic fatigue testing of CMSX-4 single crystal Ni-based superalloy specimens at 1000 °C. Ultrasonic fatigue tests were carried out at 1000 °C, R = -1 and 20 kHz using this new geometry. Two competing crack initiation mechanisms were identified for the studied range of fatigue lives: internal crack initiation from a casting pore associated to a rough zone (RZ) formation and surface crack initiation assisted by oxidation. Failure modes associated to the identified fatigue crack initiation mechanisms are discussed. Comparing fresh fractographic evidence with available results from the literature, it is shown that fatigue crack nucleation and first stages of crack propagation seem to govern VHCF fatigue life.

Atomistic modeling of nucleation kinetics of Guinier–Preston zones in Al–Cu alloys: Two formation scenarios and prediction of the time-temperature-transformation diagram

Metastable precipitates of solute atoms, known as Guinier–Preston (GP) zones, play a significant role in the age hardening of Al–Cu alloys. In this study, we utilized the classical nucleation theory (CNT) to obtain time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams for steady-state nucleation over a wide temperature range. The CNT model, which is based on atomistic simulations using artificial neural network potentials, was constructed to predict the nucleation kinetics of GP zones in the Al–Cu system with solute concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 2.5 at% (3.0 to 5.7 wt%). The nose temperature at which the steady-state nucleation time for GP zone formation is the shortest was calculated. The nose temperature increased and the minimum nucleation time decreased as the solute concentration increased. These predictions are comparable to previous theoretical results and are in good qualitative agreement with experimental observations. Furthermore, two formation scenarios of double-layer GP (GP2) zones, considering synchronous and asynchronous attachments of solute atoms to clusters, were compared in terms of nucleation efficiency. This provides new insights into the nucleation pathways of the GP2 zone in Al–Cu alloys.

Formation of flight zones of UAV according to the degree of stability in order to increase the reliability of the command radio control line in the conditions of the use of air defense and electronic suppression

The combat use of small and medium-class unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in recent local military conflicts, as well as the experience of using UAVs in the operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and Ukraine, has shown that they are mainly assigned the tasks of aerial reconnaissance in those areas of the theater of operations (Theater of Operations) where The use of manned aircraft is unjustified or impractical due to the high probability of damage to manned aircraft. The main threats to UAVs in modern theater are the possibility of hitting them with anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs) of air defense (air defense), as well as the suppression of the command radio control line (CRU) of the UAV by means of electronic suppression (RAP) of the enemy. The purpose of the work is to develop theoretical solutions aimed at the formalized formation of air defense and RAP zones in the theater based on clustering theory methods for subsequent consideration of these zones in the automated formation of UAV flight routes. The paper proposes a methodology for the formalized formation of air defense and RAP zones based on the methods of clustering theory. In the future, the air defense and RAP zones are taken into account in the automated route control of the UAV by forming the flight route of the UAV bypassing these zones. The novelty of this solution, which distinguishes it from well–known works in the field of formation of UAV flight routes, is the consideration of two types of destabilizing factors as obstacles to UAV flight - the impact of air defense and REP means. These factors are formalized in the form of an integral metric of nodes in the graph of the geotopological model of the theater flight zone. At the same time, the Lance-Williams mathematical algorithm of hierarchical clustering is used to form «closed for flights» zones in which the probability of UAV damage is high, and areas of control violation due to the impact of RAP means. The connectivity check of the route network is based on the method of determining the strongly connected areas of the graph. The resulting solution makes it possible to increase the stability of UAV control during their combat use in theater equipped with air defense and RAP systems.

Investigating the influence of discontinuity parameters on blast-induced fragmentation

ABSTRACT Fragmentation by blasting is a critical process in hard rock mining. The interaction between the rock mass and blast energy influences the outcomes, specifically on the rock mass response to higher stresses and loading rates, and the properties of structures. In this study, LS-DYNA is used to model the nonlinear dynamic fracturing of the rock to understand the effects of rock mass properties on the blast outcomes. The results are verified and compared with the case study, and they show that the formation of damage zones around the charge is highly influenced by rock mass strength and discontinuity properties.

Melting mode driven tuning of local microstructure and hardness in laser powder bed fusion of 18Ni-300 maraging steel

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of 18Ni-300 maraging steel has attracted abundant popularity in both academia and industry due to its superior mechanical properties and printability. Several studies showcased the optimization of process parameters based on relative density, but there is little exploration on tailoring the as-built microstructure. In this study, fully dense maraging steel samples are fabricated with three different melting modes, and they are examined for the cellular solidification microstructure, retained austenite, and the effect of cyclic reheating, the three characteristics that are unique to additively manufactured maraging steel. Microstructural discrepancies among the samples are traced back to the different cooling rate and residual heat, both of which are ultimately determined by the energy input. The findings suggest that a reasonably low energy input yields a microstructure containing fine cell size and little retained austenite, leading to higher hardness. Nanoindentation mapping reveals that the main bodies of all samples are strengthened around 13 %, likely because of the formation of precipitation zone due to four to five layers of subsequent cyclic reheating. This study demonstrates the important opportunity for microstructural tailoring, and consequently, engineering the mechanical properties of maraging steel via LPBF by controlling the solidification and subsequent cyclic reheating, which are both attributed to the printing parameters deployed.

Investigating Salt Precipitation in Continuous Supercritical Water Gasification of Biomass

The formation of solid deposits in the process of supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is one of the main problems hindering the commercial application of the process. Seven experiments were conducted with the grass Reed Canary Grass with different preheating temperatures, but all ended early due to the formation of solid deposits (maximum operation of 3.8 h). The position of solid deposits in the lab plant changed with the variation in the temperature profile. Since the formation of solid deposits consisting of salts, coke, and corrosion products is a severe issue that needs to be resolved in order to enable long-time operation, inner temperature measurements were conducted to determine the temperature range that corresponds with the zone of solid formation. The temperature range was found to be 400 to 440 °C. Wherever this temperature was first reached solid deposits occurred in the system that led to blockage of the flow. Additional to the influence of the temperature, the influence of the flow direction (up-flow or down-flow) on the operation of the continuous SCWG plant was examined. If salts are not separated from the system sufficiently, up-flow reactors should be avoided because they amplify the accumulation of solid deposits leading to a shortened operation time. The heating concept coupled with the salt separation needs to be redesigned in order to separate the salts before entering the gasification reactors. Outside of the determined temperature zone no deposition was visible. Thus, even though the gasification efficiency was low it could be shown that the operation was limited to the deposits forming in the heating section and not by incomplete gasification in the reactor where T &gt; 600 °C.

Strike‐slip fault zone architecture and its effect on fluid migration in deep‐seated strata: Insights from the Central Tarim Basin

AbstractThe internal fault architecture is crucial in assessing the significance of faults in fluid migration. The development of overlapping zones between segments and subsidiary structures is characteristic of a strike–slip faults. However, their internal architectures and roles in fluid migration are still poorly understood. The Tarim Basin's recently identified strike–slip faults imply that the petroleum resource is hosted in caves that were formed by subsequent dissolution after the formation of the fault zones in carbonate rocks, indicating that the internal fault architecture may be closely linked to the accumulation of petroleum. We investigated the architecture of the strike–slip fault zone using field, geochemical, seismic and well‐logging data. The results revealed that the strike–slip faults contain flower‐like structures in their vertical profiles and an en échelon and ‘X’ conjugate pattern in their horizontal slices. The fault core may become more complex because of the flower structure as fault breccia, slip surfaces, hydrothermal veins, dissolved pores and caves develop, and the damage zone contains multiple stages of fractures with high dip angles. Compared with ‘X’ pattern conjugate faults, NE‐trending strike–slip faults have a more developed and connected fault zone. The fault core acts as a fast conduit for fluid transport and experiences significant elemental losses, and the elemental variations in the damage zone may relate in long‐term and relatively lower‐level fluid–rock interactions. Three fault zone architecture models were created, namely, a releasing bend, a restraining bend and a single segment, and their controlling impacts on fluid migration were addressed accordingly. Our findings imply that fluid migration and accumulation are more favourable at the releasing bend than at the restraining bend and single segment.

Analysis of deformation mechanism of rainfall-induced landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area: Piansongshu landslide

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) is characterized by unique geological features that increase its susceptibility to landslides. These slopes are especially prone to destabilization when influenced by external triggers like rainfall. This research focuses on the Piansongshu landslide within the TGRA, aiming at unraveling the complex internal deformation mechanisms of landslides triggered by rainfall and providing critical insights for their prevention and mitigation. The study begins with on-site geological surveys to meticulously examine the macroscopic signs and mechanisms of deformation. It then utilizes the GeoStudio numerical simulation software to assess the landslide's stability, focusing on the changes in internal seepage fields and stability under various rainfall scenarios. Results indicate that continuous rainfall leads to the formation of a temporary saturation zone on the slope, which gradually deepens. In regions with more pronounced deformation, the infiltration line at the leading edge of accumulation notably protrudes towards the surface. Notably, the stability coefficient of the secondary shear surface of the landslide fluctuates more significantly than that of the primary sliding surface. Higher rainfall intensity and longer duration are positively correlated with a more pronounced decrease in stability coefficients. The impact on stability also varies across different rainfall patterns. As rainfall infiltrates over time, the slope's safety factor gradually decreases. This reduction continues even post-rainfall, indicating a delayed restoration period before stability returns to a safe level. These results yield valuable data for forecasting and mitigating landslides.

Genomic signatures of hybridization between Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in natural populations.

Identifying hybridization between common pathogen vectors is essential due to the major public health implications through risks associated with hybrid's enhanced pathogen transmission potential. The hard-ticks Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus are the two most common vectors of tick-borne pathogens that affect human and animal health in Europe. Ixodes ricinus is a known native species in Finland with a well-known distribution, whereas I. persulcatus has expanded in range and abundance over the past 60 years, and currently it appears the most common tick species in certain areas in Finland. Here we used double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing on 186 ticks (morphologically identified as 92 I. ricinus, and 94 I. persulcatus) collected across Finland to investigate whether RAD generated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can discriminate tick species and identify potential hybridization events. Two different clustering methods were used to assign specific species based on how they clustered and identified hybrids among them. We were able to discriminate between the two tick species and identified 11 putative hybrids with admixed genomic proportions ranging from approximately 24 to 76 percent. Four of these hybrids were morphologically identified as I. ricinus while the remaining seven were identified as I. persulcatus. Our results thus indicate that RAD SNPs are robust in identifying both species of the ticks as well as putative hybrids. These results further suggest ongoing hybridization between I. ricinus and I. persulcatus in their natural populations in Finland. The unique ability of RAD markers to discriminate between tick species and hybrids adds a useful aspect to tick evolutionary studies. Our findings align with previous studies and suggest a shared evolutionary history between the species, with instances of individuals possessing a considerable proportion of the other species' genome. This study is a significant step in understanding the formation of hybridization zones due to range expansion potentially associated with climate change.

A new method of oil and water well completion involving the implosion effect

Features of colmatation zones of a productive formation in terms of rotary drilling by drilling muds are considered. A brief analysis of the most popular decolmatation methods is performed. Special attention is paid to the decolmatation method involving implosion effect. An example of one of the existing installations is represented with following consideration of its application features. A new principally different installation, free from the disadvantages found in the available one, is considered; a patent for the installation is obtained in Kazakhstan. It does not involve tubing with its packer and wellhead sealing. It also does not require a compressor and its manifold. Characteristic features of the newly developed installation for creating implosion effect are represented; its operation at producing both single and any number of repeated implosion acts is examined. A mathematical analysis is performed to calculate the empty space limits required for the implosion effect by a criterion to prevent casing string collapse by hydrostatic pressure of the drilling mud remained in the annular space. An example of dependency of the maximum permitted length of empty space in the casing string on its mechanical strength and its wall thickness, calculated by means of a computer program, is represented.

Achieving high strength-ductility synergy via Guinier-Preston zone formation in a new Mg–Zn–Al–Ca–Mn–Ce sheet alloy

ZAXME11100 (Mg–1Zn–1Al-0.5Ca-0.4Mn-0.2Ce, wt.%) is a recently developed sheet alloy with excellent formability at room temperature. The yield strength of this alloy is significantly improved by a short 1-h aging treatment at 210 °C (T6), from 159 MPa in solution-treated state (T4) to 270 MPa in the T6 condition, with a slight reduction in tensile elongation (from 31 % in T4 to 26 % in T6). In this work, precipitation microstructure was characterized to explain the aging hardening and high strength-ductility synergy of the new alloy. A high density (8 × 1023/m3) of ordered monolayer Guinier-Preston (GP) zones enriched in Al, Ca and Zn uniformly form on the Mg basal planes after T6 treatment. Grain boundary segregation of Al, Ca and Zn is also observed. Deformation microstructure of T4 and T6 samples tested to various strain levels was examined. At small strain levels, basal and non-basal <a> dislocation slip dominates the deformation process, and cross slip of <a> dislocations between basal and non-basal planes is observed in T6 samples. The GP zones are gradually destroyed by plastic deformation. Based on those results, the strengthening contribution of ordered GP zones was modeled to be 116 MPa. Therefore, formation of GP zones is an effective way to achieve high strength-ductility synergy in wrought Mg alloys.

Evaluation and associated mechanism of mitigating Cr depletion by vanadium in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel: Experiment and phase-field modelling

The 9Cr-1Mo steel is extensively utilized in nuclear heat exchangers due to its exceptional corrosion resistance properties. The Chromium (Cr) element plays a pivotal role in enhancing the corrosion resistance. The Cr accumulates at grain boundaries (GBs) where defects and mismatches are located during long-term usage, leading to the depletion of Cr within the grain interior. This results in the Cr-rich carbide precipitates form along GBs, with a corresponding the depletion zone residing in the adjacent regions. In this study, we employed aberration-corrected high-resolution electron microscopy in high-angle annular dark field microscopy (HAADF) mode, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), to analyse carbides formation along GBs and obtain elemental distribution information. Our investigation reveals that the Cr-rich carbide promotes the formation of chromium-depletion zone (CDZ) by consuming the surrounding Cr in the matrix, and the presence of vanadium-rich carbide inhibits the formation of (CDZ) from atomic scale.A phase-field modelling approach is employed to investigate the diffusive formation process in a polycrystalline system. Our modelling results are consistent with experimental observations. Cr preferentially diffuses towards grain boundaries (GBs) and accumulates, facilitating the formation of Cr-rich phases by consuming adjacent Cr in the surrounding region. The bilateral region of GBs serves as a source for supplying Cr to these newly formed phases while depleting Cr content, ultimately leading to the development of CDZ.By employing experimental techniques and phase-field method, this research provides valuable insights into the role of Cr, carbide precipitates, influence of vanadium, and CDZ formation.

A comparative study on cryogenic formability and paint baking property of AA7075 alloy sheets tempered at fast retrogressed and pre-aged conditions

Forming at cryogenic temperatures provides a new approach to the formability improvement of 7000-series high-strength aluminum alloys. However, the cryogenic forming process based on solution-treated (W) or peak artificial aged (T6) alloys cannot meet the demands of autobody manufacturing for good formability, high post-formed strength and high efficiency simultaneously. The fast retrogression (FR) treatment of AA7075-T6 and pre-aging (PA) treatment of AA7075-W are elaborately designed to tailor a pre-hardened AA7075 alloy, which has good cryogenic formability and relatively high initial strength, and can be further strengthened by paint baking in high efficiency. The results show the optimum fast retrogression temperature for AA7075-FR is 400 °C, at which the sample can acquire a cryogenic elongation of 29.2% and obtain 90% of initial T6 sheet tensile strength by the combined effect of cryogenic pre-deformation and subsequent paint baking treatment. The optimum pre-aging temperature for AA7075-PA is 120 °C, at which the sample can acquire a cryogenic elongation of 31.0% and exceed 96% of tensile strength of AA7075-T6 after paint baking treatment. The comparative study demonstrates that the supersaturated solid solution matrix with an appropriate proportion of GP zones and η′ phases, but few Cr-containing dispersoids and precipitate free zones, is an ideal pre-hardened microstructure to get a good combination of cryogenic formability and final strength. The precipitation of GP zones and η′ phases is prior to the formation of precipitate free zones during pre-aging of AA7075-W, making the pre-aged hardening cryogenic forming process more suitable for automobile industry.

Blast Furnace Slag Formation Prediction Model Using Classical Thermodynamics

Blast furnace (BF) ironmaking is the most widely used technology for hot metal production. In steelmaking industry, 80% of the steel in the world is produced in the BF‐basic oxygen furnace route. It is well known that poor quality of the raw material i.e., high gangue content in the iron ore affects the BF process performance and the cohesive zone formation, which is the most critical zone in the BF operations. Increased gangue content in the iron ore causes variation in the slag formation and slag volume thus affecting the fuel rate and BF performance. Therefore, in this study, the slag formation is studied to understand the slag properties at different locations inside the BF. The model is based on classical thermodynamics and is implemented using ChemApp linked with FactSage databases. The model aids in understanding the slag formation in the BF for various burden chemistry, fuel, and flux inputs. The final hot metal and slag composition along with the exit gas volume and composition predicted from this model are compared with industrial BF plant data operating across different conditions.

RETRACTED: Structural characteristics and development model of fluid diapirs within the structural transition zone, northern South China Sea

Fluid diapirs are widespread in the northern South China Sea (SCS), are significant indicators of the existence and distribution of hydrocarbons and natural gas hydrates and are of great petroleum geological significance. Based on high‐precision 3D seismic and drilling data, this paper analyses the tectonic features and genetic mechanism of a fluid diapir zone in the northern SCS and a development model of fluid diapirs is proposed herein. Studies have revealed that the northern SCS large‐scale fluid diapir zone is located within a concealed structural transition zone, which is consistent with the spatial distribution location and direction of a concealed structural transition zone and that the formation of a fluid diapir zone is strongly influenced by the structural transition zone. Fluid diapirs are large continuously spreading bright reflection zones in shallow surface layers and are downwards converging high‐variance ribbons in middle and shallow layers, all of which are spreading in a NW–NNW orientation on the plane. The profile shows a conical or mushroom‐shaped shape that converges from shallow to deep, with a height of approximately 7 km and is characterized by a compound gas chimney fuzzy zone. The main body of the concealed structural transition zone is a slope structure and is flanked by large‐scale NW–NNW‐oriented fault systems. Minor en echelon spreading NW–NNW‐oriented faults and fractures are developed within the structural transition zone and are soft linkages that match well with the distribution direction and location of the fluid diapirs. On the profile, the overall display is a composite flower‐like structure dispersed from deep to shallow, which belongs to a large strike‐slip fault zone with a tectonic transformation effect. A comprehensive analysis suggests that the formation and development of the structural transition zone are mainly controlled by pre‐existing structures in the basement and that minor faults, fractures and slope zones within the structural transition zone serve as dominant pathways for the migration of deep overpressure fluids and gas hydrates. Consequently, the concealed structural transition zone provides favourable conditions for fluid diapirs to develop. Moreover, the stratigraphic overpressure systems mainly caused by gas generation provided the main driving force for the formation of fluid diapirs. Obviously, the development location, distribution direction, formation and evolution of the northern SCS fluid diapirs are jointly controlled by internal minor faults and fractures of the Eocene‐Miocene structural transition zone and the overpressure of the rifting period after the Pliocene. The main development period of the northern SCS large‐scale fluid diapirs was the second phase of the Dongsha Movement. During the exploration of gas hydrates and hydrocarbons in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, it is essential to consider the mutually restricting relationships between fluid diapir structures and gas hydrates and hydrocarbons.

Impacts of vegetation and tidal conditions on porewater and salt transport in coastal wetlands: Numerical simulations and field evidence

Coastal wetlands are crucial ecosystems with high fragility to environmental alterations. Despite early efforts, interactions of water and salt with vegetation in coastal wetlands have rarely been investigated especially with increasing anthropogenic disturbances. Here, field data and numerical simulations were utilized to understand the influences of vegetation, evapotranspiration (ETa), tide, and inundation events on porewater and salt transport in highly regulated tidal riparian wetlands. At the site, the presence of Phragmites australis significantly enhanced soil hydraulic conductivity (KS) and facilitated hydraulic connections between groundwater and surface soil, resulting in the rapid response of soil salinity to groundwater level fluctuations. Simulation results further demonstrated the combined effects of tides and ETa on the salinity distributions, revealing the formation of a high salinity zone in the middle region due to the inflow of water from the tides and ETa-driven upward movements of water and salt; however, as salinity levels increased within the high salinity zone, the growth of Phragmites australis was constrained, leading to reduced transpiration (Ta). Tidal parameters such as amplitudes and mean water levels could affect salt accumulation processes in soils and further the high-salinity zone. Finally, inundation events from extreme upstream discharge had a flushing and diluting effect on accumulated salts, alleviating salinity stress and promoting vegetation Ta and growth; however, further increases in ETa led to salt re-accumulation, potentially reinstating the salinity distribution pattern after inundation. These findings enhance our understanding of ecohydrological processes in coastal wetlands and have important implications for wetland management and restoration.

Numerical Modeling of Non-Isothermal Laminar Flow and Heat Transfer of Paraffinic Oil with Yield Stress in a Pipe

This paper presents the results of a study on the non-isothermal laminar flow and heat transfer of oil with Newtonian and viscoplastic rheologies. Heat exchange with the surrounding environment leads to the formation of a near-wall zone of viscoplastic fluid. As the flow proceeds, the transformation of a Newtonian fluid to a viscoplastic state occurs. The rheology of the Shvedoff–Bingham fluid as a function of temperature is represented by the effective molecular viscosity apparatus. A numerical solution to the system of equations of motion and heat transfer was obtained using the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm. The calculated data are obtained at Reynolds number Re from 523 to 1046, Bingham number Bn from 8.51 to 411.16, and Prandl number Pr = 45. The calculations’ novelty lies in the appearance of a “stagnation zone” in the near-wall zone and the pipe cross-section narrowing. The near-wall “stagnation zone” is along the pipe’s radius from r/R = 0.475 to r/R = 1 at Re = 523, Bn = 411.16, Pr = 45, u1 = 0.10 m/s, t1 = 25 °C, and tw = 0 °C. The influence of the heat of phase transition of paraffinic oil on the development of flow and heat transfer characteristics along the pipe length is demonstrated.