Massive Units Research Articles

Study on Deformation Behavior of Glass in High-temperature Molding for Massive Unit Microlens Arrays.

Microlens arrays (MLAs) with a large number of units, known as massive unit microlens arrays (MUMLAs), are increasingly sought after for their ability to achieve high-power conversion in infrared optical systems. Precision glass molding (PGM) is considered the ideal manufacturing method for MUMLAs. However, the stress distribution and deformation behavior during molding lack detailed understanding, resulting in poor filling consistency and forming accuracy. Consequently, this leads to inconsistent diffuse spot size and irradiance in MUMLAs. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the glass filling behavior during the molding process of MUMLAs using both simulation and experimental approaches. It explains the impact of glass filling behavior and consistency on the optical performance of MUMLAs. Additionally, the effects of molding parameters on the filling consistency of the lenses are investigated. By optimizing these parameters, a high-consistency 128 × 128 MUMLA is fabricated.

Air Conditioning Heat load Analysis of a Cabin

Abstract: Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C (US), AC (US), or air con (UK), is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as "comfort cooling") and in some cases also strictly controlling the humidity of internal air. Air conditioning can be achieved using a mechanical 'air conditioner' or alternatively a variety of other methods, including passive cooling or ventilative cooling. Air conditioning is a member of a family of systems and techniques that provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Heat pumps are similar in many ways to air conditioners, but use a reversing valve to allow them to heat and also cool an enclosed space. Air conditioners, which typically use vapor-compression refrigeration, range in size from small units used within vehicles or single rooms to massive units that can cool large buildings. Air source heat pumps, which can be used for heating as well as cooling, are becoming increasingly common in cooler climates. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), as of 2018, 1.6 billion air conditioning units were installed, which accounted for an estimated 20% of electricity usage in buildings globally with the number expected to grow to 5.6 billion by 2050. The United Nations called for the technology to be made more sustainable to mitigate climate change and for the use of alternatives, like passive cooling, evaporative cooling, selective shading, windcatchers, and better thermal insulation. CFC and HCFC refrigerants such as R-12 and R-22, respectively, used within air conditioners have caused damage to the ozone layer, and HFC refrigerants such as R-410a and R-404a, which were designed to replace CFCs and HCFCs, are instead exacerbating climate change. Both issues happen due to the venting of refrigerant to the atmosphere, such as during repairs. HFO refrigerants, used in some if not most new equipment, solve both issues with an ozone damage potential (ODP) of zero and a much lower global warming potential (GWP) in the single or double digits vs. the three or four digits of HFCs.

Shallow subsurface basalt layer along Cerberus Fossae, Mars: Insights from SHARAD, HiRISE, and CRISM analysis

We surveyed the subsurface structure along Cerberus Fossae using data from SHAllow RADar (SHARAD), High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), and Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). The subsurface structure along the Cerberus Fossae is fundamental to understanding the depositional history of the region. We identified meter-scale stratigraphy using HiRISE images and digital terrain models (DTMs) and found three distinct vertical units 1) ∼3 to 5 m thick regolith cover, 2) ∼30 m thickly layered unit, and 3) ∼260 m thick massive unit dominated by boulders. Using SHARAD radargrams, we identified a subsurface reflector at the interface between units 2 and 3, located ∼34 m deep. Our analysis suggests a real dielectric permittivity of 9.34 ± 1.01 (1σ), and a mean loss tangent of 0.027 ± 0.01 for the shallow subsurface material, thus indicating thick, dense shergottite-type basaltic material along the Cerberus Fossae. Using the dielectric permittivity mixing law, we found that the porosity of the shergottite-type basalt is ∼4%. CRISM analysis aids in further constraining the nature of the shergottite-type basalt and suggests the presence of Fe-rich olivine along the Cerberus Fossae, thus, referred as olivine-bearing shergottite-type basalt in this study. We derived the age of subsurface material using the crater size-frequency distribution and estimated the crater retention age of ∼4 Ma. Overall, this study suggests a ∼ 30 m thick dense and layered olivine-bearing shergottite-type basalt along the Cerberus Fossae, which is older than 4 Ma. The results of this study are incompatible with the hypothesis of a sea of frozen water in the shallow subsurface (up to 35 m) along the Cerberus Fossae.

Depositional Setting of Khurmala Formation (Paleocene-Early Eocene) in Nerwa section, Berat Anticline, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq

The depositional environment of the Khurmala Formation (Paleocene-Early Eocene) has been investigated in the Nerwa section, the southern limb of the Berat anticline in the High Folded Zone of Iraq. The thickness of the formation in the studied section was about 113m and can be divided into three units; fossiliferous bedded limestone unit (Unit A), massive dolomitic limestone unit (Unit B) and bedded marly dolomitic limestone unit (Unit C). The petrographic study of the 81 thin sections of the Khurmala carbonates revealed that the majority of skeletal grains are shallow marine derivative faunas and non-skeletal grains include peloids, cortoids and intraclasts. Depending on detailed field observations and petrographic study of the carbonate rocks, five main microfacies were recorded, these are; lime mudstone, lime wackestone, lime packstone, grainstone and boundstone in addition to one lithofacies which is an intraformational conglomerate. Based on the integration of the recognized microfacies and the field criteria of the Khurmala Formation, two facies associations were identified which elucidate deposition in a lagoonal environment including reef patches. Accompanying facies indicate that the formation's sedimentary model is a ramp carbonate platform.

Contained-Reflected Megaturbidites of the Marnoso-arenacea Formation (Contessa Key Bed) and Helminthoid Flysches (Northern Apennines, Italy) and Hecho Group (South-Western Pyrenees)

Contained-reflected beds deposited by fully-ponded or partially-reflected turbidity currents are important because their correct evaluation can give important indications on the degree of basin confinement and on the type, size and orientation of the morphological obstacle. Through a detailed facies analysis of various significant megabeds in the Marnoso-arenacea Formation, including the Contessa key bed, in the helminthoid flysches in the northern Apennines (Italy) and in the Pyrenees (megaturbidite MT5), this work proposes a depositional model that is well consistent with the recent experimental data available in the literature, discussing their strengths and limits. The Contessa and flysch megabeds fit very well with the experimental conditions because they are deposited in narrow and elongated confined basins characterized by axial flows. Indeed, in the proposed model, it is possible to recognize facies deposited by: 1) a basal underflow directed towards the bounding slope (Facies A), 2) an intermediate part of the flow characterized by lateral deflections (facies B1), 3) an upper well-developed reversing flow (facies B2) and 4) an uppermost residual reversing flow recording the final collapse of the fine-grained suspended load forming a poorly-sorted slurry facies C and a very thick mudstone unit D. Facies A, B1 and B2 are usually separated by very thin fine-grained muddy drapes rich in carbonaceous matter, which can be traced throughout the basin. These drapes - very common in contained and confined beds in these settings - can be related to internal density surfaces, along which decoupling processes, separating underflows from reversing overflows, can easily occur. Conversely, as the MT5 is characterized by a source transversal to an elongated narrow basin, the large flow volume versus basin capacity hinders the generation of reversing flows and rebound layers favoring the formation of fully-ponded pulsating overflows able to deposit alternations of laminated and massive units. This facies type can be observed in the basins that are characterized by axial flows only near the basin margins where the pulsating collapse of the reversing flow can dominate. This study shows that the integration of detailed field studies are essential to validate experimental data from an applicative point of view.

On the volcanic architecture, petrology and geodynamic setting of the 3.48 Ga Barberton komatiite suite, South Africa

Abstract This study presents new field and petrological observations combined with geochemical data on a range of komatiitic to tholeiitic volcanic rocks from the ca. 3.48 Ga mid-lower Komati Formation type-section of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. A range of mafic-ultramafic rocks is identified across a 1.44 km profile, leading to the proposition of a new preliminary volcanic architecture for the mid-lower Komati Formation type-section. Major, trace and rare earth element (REE) data in conjunction with Lu-Hf isotopic constraints indicate that the tholeiites, newly recognized high-magnesium basalts, basaltic komatiites and komatiites in the volcanic sequence have a primitive mantle signature with no geochemical affinity to Archaean or modern-day supra-subduction zone boninites. The whole rock initial εHf values of spinifex and massive komatiite flows in the lowermost part of the Komati type-section are negative, ranging between -1.9 and -3.1, whereas the second overlying spinifex and massive flow unit records positive initial εHf values between +0.5 and +4.7. A new geodynamic model involving crustal contamination of the mafic-ultramafic lavas is proposed for the Barberton mid-lower Komati Formation type-section, involving mantle plume-crust interaction. The new observations and data indicate that the komatiites erupted as a result of a mantle plume from a hot (>1 600oC) mid-Archaean mantle, in which the earliest volcanic flows were variably affected by crustal contamination during their ascent and eruption. The possibility of incorporation of lower crustal material and/or recycled crust residing in the mantle source region cannot be excluded. This indicates that modern-style plate tectonic processes, such as subduction, may not have been a requirement for the formation of the 3.48 Ga Barberton komatiite suite, with implications for the hydration state, geodynamic processes and secular thermal evolution of the Archaean mantle.

The distributed economic dispatch of smart grid based on deep reinforcement learning

In order to solve the problems of inefficient, inflexible and insecure for traditional centralized algorithm in the process of optimization dispatch, and with the application of artificial intelligence technology to smart grids, the novel distributed solution is proposed by using the deep reinforcement learning and the consensus theory to optimize the economic dispatch. Firstly, the optimal commitment sequence of massive units is realized through constructing deep reinforcement learning model. Secondly, the optimal unit output and efficient economic dispatch can be obtained by utilizing the improved consensus algorithm together with Adam's algorithm. Finally, simulation results of IEEE-14 and IEEE-162 node systems may demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution for the smart grids with complex network structures, which can not only solve the problem of massive data processing, but also it may reduce the dependence on the exact objective function when dealing with extremely complex load distribution scenes and distributed powers.

Lithological and stress anisotropy control large-scale seismic velocity variations in tight carbonates

Our knowledge of subsurface structures often derives from seismic velocities that are measured during seismic acquisition surveys. These velocities can greatly change due to lithological, fracture frequencies and/or effective pressure/temperature variations. However, the influence of such intrinsic lithological properties and environmental conditions at the large scale is poorly understood due to the lack of comprehensive datasets. Here, we analyze 43 borehole-derived velocity datasets of 3 end-member tight carbonate sequences from Central Italy, including massive pure limestone (Calcare Massiccio, CM), thick-layered (20–50 cm) pure limestone (Maiolica, MA), and thin-layered (2–20 cm) marly limestone (Calcareous Scaglia, CS). Our results show that the main rock parameters and environmental conditions driving large scale velocity variations are bedding and paleostresses, while mineralogical composition and current tectonic stress also play a role. For each of the 3 end-members, measured VP values vary differently with depth, as the thin-layered CS units show a clear increase in Vp, while velocity slightly increases and remains constant for the thick-layered MA and massive CM units, respectively. Such observations show that velocities are affected by specific characteristics of lithological discontinuities, such as the thickness of bedding. Counterintuitively, larger Vp values were recorded in the deformed mountain range than in the undeformed foreland suggesting that higher paleo-stresses increase velocity values by enhancing diagenesis and healing of discontinuities. Our results thus demonstrate that large scale velocity variations are strictly related to variation of lithological properties and to the geological and tectonic history of an area. We suggest that such lithological and environmental controls should be taken into account when developing velocity and mechanical models for tectonically active regions of the Mediterranean Area, where earthquakes mostly nucleate and propagate through carbonate formations, and for resource exploration in fractured carbonate reservoirs.

A Process Mineralogical Evaluation of Chromite at the Nkomati Nickel Mine, Uitkomst Complex, South Africa

A process mineralogical study based on three texturally and mineralogically different chromite-bearing ore types at the Nkomati nickel mine was undertaken, with focus on chromite. Chromite is a by-product of the Ni-Cu-Co-PGE ore at Nkomati Nickel mine. These being the PCMZ_MG (medium-grade Ni-Cu sulphide silicate ore with disseminated chromite), PCMZ_HG (high-grade Ni-Cu sulphide silicate ore containing disseminated chromite) and MCHR (massive chromite unit) ore types. These were processed using benchtop flotation followed by gravity concentration using a shaking table at different grind sizes. Quantitative mineralogical data was obtained using a 600F Mineral Liberation Analyser for the unprocessed and processed ores at three selected target grinds. The Mineral Liberation Analyser data indicated that increased milling does not relate to increased chromite grades and recoveries, particularly for the disseminated PCMZ type ores based on laboratory-scale gravity concentration. The recovery is controlled largely by the chromite chemistry. The results also showed that the MCHR samples that underwent a pre-flotation stage before gravity separation had better Cr2O3 grades (45% to 47%) and recoveries (52% to 61%) than MCHR ore that did not undergo a pre-flotation stage, which recorded grades ranging from 44% to 46% and recoveries ranging from 43% to 60%. This holds promise for the blending of MCHR ores with the PCMZ ores. The PCMZ ores also displayed better Cr2O3 grades and recoveries at coarser grinds. The optimal target grind to process all three ore types is a P80 of 75 μm, which is the current grind size employed at Nkomati Nickel mine. Due to the low nickel price and grade the Nkomati Nickel mine is currently under care and maintenance.

Volcanogenic mass flow deposits and seafloor diapirism following the largest insular Quaternary eruption of the eastern Mediterranean at Nisyros island, Aegean volcanic arc

Nisyros volcanic island, at the eastern end of the Aegean Volcanic Arc, was mainly constructed after the ultra-Plinian Kos Plateau Tuff (KPT) eruption at 161 ka. The surrounding submarine area consists mostly of marginal mass-transport deposits that commonly characterize insular stratovolcanoes. This study aims at providing insights into the deposition and volume of such deposits by elucidating the products of a mega-eruption and subsequent paroxysmal volcanicity, typical of subduction zone-island arc systems. Seismic reflection and multibeam bathymetry around Nisyros identify pyroclastic and debris flow deposits covering areas several orders of magnitude greater than the island. The entire seabed between the basins of East Kos and Tilos is underlain by a ~7 km3 volcaniclastic unit that defines a ubiquitous basal unconformity at an average depth of 30 m below the seafloor. Southwest of Nisyros, two groups of avalanche deposits from the same unit are bathymetrically identified on the slopes of the northernmost Karpathos basin apron. Seismic stratigraphic markers that trace the unit on the shelf of Tilos suggest it is concomitant with the KPT eruption. This formerly unknown submarine expansion of the KPT deposits into three neighboring basins, when added to the volume of this massive unit to the rest of the Nisyros surroundings, gives it an explosivity index (VEI) >6. As such, it represents the largest Quaternary subaqueous volcanogenic mass flow deposit of the eastern Mediterranean. From this dataset, it can be inferred that the submarine advance of the erupted material occurred mainly through erosive gravity flows, envisioned as the main dispersion mechanism of large-scale subaqueous pyroclastic deposits of Plinian eruptions. East of Nisyros, unique small-scale diapiric domes and seafloor mounds are attributed to loading by the KPT in combination with regional faulting. Subsequent Nisyros effusive activity produced pyroclastic units around the northeast as well as debris avalanche and lava flows south of the island. These have been correlated to known onshore formations. The present study documents the intensity and impacts of a volcanic island mega-eruption and paroxysmal epilogue over a cycle of 100 kyr.

The study on the architecture of crowd system supporting platform

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to better understand and study the architecture and system characteristics of the underlying support platform for crowd system, by recognizing the characteristics of service internet is similar to the coordination characteristics between the massive units in the underlying platform of crowd system and studying the form, nature and guidelines of the service internet. Design/methodology/approach This paper points out the connection between the underlying support platform of crowd system and service internet, describes the framework and ideas for researching service internet and then proposes key technologies and solutions for service internet architecture and system characteristics. Findings The research unit in the underlying support platform of crowd system can be regarded as a service unit. Therefore, the platform can also be regarded as service internet to some extent. The ideas and technical approaches for the study of service internet’s form, criteria and characteristics are also provided. Originality/value According to this paper, relevant staff can be guided to better build the underlying support platform of crowd system. And it can provide a highly robust and sustainable platform for research studies of crowd science and engineering in the future.

Testing emplacement models for the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld Complex with numerical heat flow models and plagioclase geospeedometry

Conventional models of the genesis of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) of the Bushveld Complex postulate that it is the product of a single multiply-replenished magma chamber that cooled as a single massive unit, i.e., a monolithic magma chamber. This concept has been challenged by alternative hypotheses involving out-of-sequence emplacement of some of its major layers as sills. Both scenarios have partial support from high-precision U-Pb geochronological data. To test these contradictory hypotheses, new zircon geothermometric data and compositional data for plagioclase from the Upper Critical Zone are presented and the available geochronological data are tested against the predictions of the thermal evolution of the entire RLS for both emplacement and cooling scenarios. Crystallization temperatures of zircon within units of the Upper Critical Zone were estimated using Ti-in-zircon thermometry and range between 799±45°C and 865±64°C. The data are used in conjunction with a detailed numerical model of heat flow in the Bushveld Complex that is used to approximate the duration and extent of thermal perturbations felt throughout the system and delimit the time intervals during which zircon crystals could have grown at the measured crystallization temperatures. The results show that prolonged cooling histories (>1 Myr), that would be experienced near the centre of a large, slowly cooled, plutonic magma chamber, would erase signs of plagioclase zoning at 4 kbar and moderate fH2O; however, plagioclase crystals with zoning profiles spanning at least 10 mole% An are common in the Upper Critical Zone. In contrast, emplacement of the major units of the RLS at widely separated intervals, as recorded by the existing high-precision U-Pb dataset, would impose transient thermal effects on the system against a backdrop of generally much lower ambient temperatures throughout its evolution. In this scenario, apparent ages of zircon crystals would record the time of cooling through temperatures near the water-saturated biotite granite solidus, corresponding to the final intercumulus mineral assemblage in both mafic and ultramafic macrolayers. Subsequent reheating of these rocks would be unable to reset primary zircon crystallization dates but might, in some examples, result in some amount of remelting or regrowth of zircon. Comparison of the evolving temperature fields of the two types of emplacement and cooling histories shows that the existing geochronological data and preservation of plagioclase zoning are consistent with out-of-sequence emplacement and rapid cooling of individual ultramafic sills into previously solidified lithologies of the RLS but not with the conventional view of a single monolithic magma body.

Emplacement of massive deposits by sheet flow

AbstractTurbidity current and coastal storm deposits are commonly characterized by a basal sandy massive (structureless) unit overlying an erosional surface and underlying a parallel or cross‐laminated unit. Similar sequences have been recently identified in fluvial settings as well. Notwithstanding field, laboratory and numerical studies, the mechanisms for emplacement of these massive basal units are still under debate. It is well accepted that the sequence considered here can be deposited by waning‐energy flows, and that the parallel‐laminated units are deposited under transport conditions corresponding to upper plane bed at the dune–antidune transition. Thus, transport conditions that are more intense than those at the dune–antidune transition should deposit massive units. This study presents experimental, open‐channel flow results showing that sandy massive units can be the result of gradual deposition from a thick bedload layer of colliding grains called sheet flow layer. When this layer forms with relatively coarse sand, the non‐dimensional bed shear stress associated with skin friction, the Shields number, is larger than a threshold value approximately equal to 0·4. For values of the Shields number smaller than 0·4 the sheet flow layer disappeared, sediment was transported by a standard bedload layer one or two grain diameters thick, and the bed configuration was characterized by downstream migrating antidunes and washed out dunes. Parallel laminae were found in deposits emplaced with standard bedload transport demonstrating that the same dilute flow can gradually deposit the basal and the parallel‐laminated unit in presence of traction at the depositional boundary. Further, the experiments suggested that two different types of upper plane bed conditions can be defined, one associated with standard bedload transport at the dune–antidune transition, and the other associated with bedload transport in sheet flow mode at the transition between upstream and downstream migrating antidunes.

Designing a Large-Scale Lake Cooling System for an Ultra-Deep Mine: A Canadian Case Study

Subsurface mining operations are continuously getting deeper and more complex due to depletion of shallow deposits. This fact inevitably brings more expensive, high-tech oriented and most importantly energy intensive subsurface mining operations to come alive. Accordingly, while big mining companies are developing sensible extraction methods to exploit orebodies located at great depths, they are also seeking to cut down their costs and carbon footprint. A large percentage of the energy needed by a subsurface mine is due to the mine ventilation and air conditioning reasons. In fact, for mines deeper than 2 km, mine air conditioning becomes a must. Yet, as there are not many alternatives developed, most of the modern mines are subjected to deploy tens of megawatts worth of cooling plants using massive refrigeration units. This does not only create a large financial burden during the project stage but also results in heavy energy demands during the operation. This paper aims to investigate a natural, alternative deep-mine lake cooling system by providing a detailed ‘front-end-loading’ design conducted for a real-life, Canadian example.

DETERMINATION OF EQUIVALENT QUANTITIES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD IN MASSIVE FERROUS DETAILS OF ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT UNDER STRONGLY VARYING LOADS

Purpose. To derive the relationships for calculating determination of equivalent quantities for electromagnetic field in massive ferrous bodies at strongly varying loads.Methodology. We have applied methodological fundamentals of skin-effect theory for massive ferrous bodies combined with methods of mathematical physics as well as physical and computer simulation.Findings. We have found the mathematical expressions for the equivalence ratios allowing calculate basic electromagnetic field quantities, such as magnetic flux and losses, in massive ferrous bodies under strongly varying loads. Their adequacy is confirmed by research on physical and computer models, as well as existing computational procedures of the additional losses in the massive units of energy-intensive electrical equipment for special purposes.Originality. For the first time, we have established mathematical dependencies between skin losses and magnetic flux in massive ferrous body and total and individual harmonic distortion of periodically varying magnetic and electric fields. Found dependences are the basis for the development of refined computational procedures for determining the parameters of the electromagnetic field in massive ferromagnetic elements of electrical equipment under strongly-varying loads.Practical value. The use of derived expressions for the equivalence ratios enable successfully solve the problems aimed to optimize constructive components when designing electrical equipment for supplying consumers with strongly-varying behavior of the load.

Activation of gas bubble emissions indicated by the upward decreasing Lead-210 activity at a submarine mud volcano (TY1) offshore southwestern Taiwan

A submarine mud volcano (MV) known as TY1 is one of the largest conical structures found offshore southwestern Taiwan. Active gas bubble emissions at the flat crest of the mud volcano disperse sediment particles into the water column. Changes in the mud volcanism of TY1 were revealed by radiograph and grain size analysis of the sediment cores. 210Pb geochronology was applied to the near-seafloor sediments to reveal the detailed mud volcanism from the deposition rate. In a 58-cm long sediment core taken from the northern margin of the crest, known as TY1-N.170, the size and frequency of the mud clasts decrease upward. The clasts are smaller than 8mm above a sediment depth of 34cm below the sea floor (cmbsf). Sediments between 0 and 19 cmbsf are massive, and particles larger than 2mm are absent. An enrichment of coarse, silt-sized particles in the massive sediment unit and the restricted distribution of the unit suggest that the massive unit was generated by re-deposition of sediment particles that were dispersed into the water column by gas bubble emission. These characteristics suggest that during the last mud volcanism of TY1, there was a decrease in mud eruption energy, and gas bubble emission became the main activity. In core TY1-S.440, taken from the southern slope, a massive sediment unit enriched with coarse, silt-sized particles, is intercalated between mud breccia structures. This suggests repeated mud breccia flows caused by TY1. The excess 210Pb activity present in the massive sediment unit of TY1-N.170 suggests activation of gas bubble emission. In the massive unit, a decrease in excess 210Pb activity appears upward toward the seafloor. The highest value is 3.1dpm/g at 19.8cmbsf (26.4g/cm2 in cumulative mass); values lower than 1.0dpm/g are distributed 2.8–6.8 cmbsf (3.6–8.8g/cm2). The upwardly decreasing trend is opposite that of the reference core from which a reasonable areal sedimentation rate was obtained using a constant-flux constant-sedimentation model. The anomalous depth profile at the massive unit indicates an increasing rate of sediment deposition, which originated from the activation of gas bubble emission.

A NEW APPROACH TO BREAKWATER DESIGN - 2B BLOCK

Breakwaters are one of the oldest and important marine structures. Rubble mound breakwater is a very common type in all around the world. If the heavier rock is necessary for the design, concrete armor units are used. Each unit has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example cube and antifer blocks are massive units and their interlocking is weak. Dolos and tribar units have good interlocking but rocking stresses in these units are extraordinarily high. The placement method is very important and requires special equipment and experienced staff for the later developed single-layered units like accropod and core-loc. Moreover, continuous touching of blocks to each other and fatigue of the material may cause the breakdown of legs and serious damage of armor layer. And in case of damage, it is necessary to remove the units in a wide area on the breakwater and then relocate them, so it is very difficult to repair. A new type concrete armor unit is developed considering all these problems. It is called 2B Blocks.

Reorientation and faulting of Pluto due to volatile loading within Sputnik Planitia.

Pluto is an astoundingly diverse, geologically dynamic world. The dominant feature is Sputnik Planitia-a tear-drop-shaped topographic depression approximately 1,000 kilometres in diameter possibly representing an ancient impact basin. The interior of Sputnik Planitia is characterized by a smooth, craterless plain three to four kilometres beneath the surrounding rugged uplands, and represents the surface of a massive unit of actively convecting volatile ices (N2, CH4 and CO) several kilometres thick. This large feature is very near the Pluto-Charon tidal axis. Here we report that the location of Sputnik Planitia is the natural consequence of the sequestration of volatile ices within the basin and the resulting reorientation (true polar wander) of Pluto. Loading of volatile ices within a basin the size of Sputnik Planitia can substantially alter Pluto's inertia tensor, resulting in a reorientation of the dwarf planet of around 60 degrees with respect to the rotational and tidal axes. The combination of this reorientation, loading and global expansion due to the freezing of a possible subsurface ocean generates stresses within the planet's lithosphere, resulting in a global network of extensional faults that closely replicate the observed fault networks on Pluto. Sputnik Planitia probably formed northwest of its present location, and was loaded with volatiles over million-year timescales as a result of volatile transport cycles on Pluto. Pluto's past, present and future orientation is controlled by feedbacks between volatile sublimation and condensation, changing insolation conditions and Pluto's interior structure.

All Phase Discrete Sine Biorthogonal Transform and Its Application in JPEG-like Image Coding Using GPU

Discrete cosine transform (DCT) based JPEG standard significantly improves the coding efficiency of image compression, but it is unacceptable event in serious blocking artifacts at low bit rate and low efficiency of high-definition image. In the light of all phase digital filtering theory, this paper proposes a novel transform based on discrete sine transform (DST), which is called all phase discrete sine biorthogonal transform (APDSBT). Applying APDSBT to JPEG scheme, the blocking artifacts are reduced significantly. The reconstructed image of APDSBT-JPEG is better than that of DCT-JPEG in terms of objective quality and subjective effect. For improving the efficiency of JPEG coding, the structure of JPEG is analyzed. We analyze key factors in design and evaluation of JPEG compression on the massive parallel graphics processing units (GPUs) using the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) programming model. Experimental results show that the maximum speedup ratio of parallel algorithm of APDSBT-JPEG can reach more than 100 times with a very low version GPU. Some new parallel strategies are illustrated in this paper for improving the performance of parallel algorithm. With the optimal strategy, the efficiency can be improved over 10%.

Termination of BIF deposition in the Paleoproterozoic: the Tongwane Formation, South Africa

The Tongwane Formation (~2.4 Ga) conformably overlies banded iron formations (BIF; Penge Iron Formation) on the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. As such, it provides a unique window into depositional processes and environmental conditions in the aftermath of major Archean-Paleoproterozoic BIF deposition, and on the eve of irreversible environmental oxygenation in the Great Oxidation Event (GOE, ~2.35 Ga). This study presents the first sedimentological and bulk-rock geochemical characterization of the Tongwane Formation to provide a sedimentological and stratigraphic framework for further studies of early Paleoproterozoic environments. The Tongwane Formation is 220m thick and consists from the base up of shales, siliceous mudstones with local BIF facies, interbedded mudstones and dolomites, and a massive dolomite unit at the top. Strata record the progressive shallowing of depositional environments from deep shelf (BIF) to a wave-swept carbonate ramp. Intervening slope environments record increased detrital sedimentary input in the form of shales and distal turbidites. The carbonate ramp had a distally steepened margin as documented by an important margin collapse breccia. Extension due to seismic forces and/or slope steepening caused progressive deformation of slope deposits, from slumping and fracturing through sedimentary boudinage, to brecciation, and mass wasting. Termination of BIF deposition could have been related to (a) shutdown of Fe-precipitating processes, (b) shutdown of the hydrothermal Fe source, (c) shallowing of environments to restrict BIF deposition to deeper parts of the basin, (d) masking of Fe deposition by increased detritus, or a combination of these. Although a partial or complete shutdown of the Fe source or of Fe precipitating processes cannot be excluded, the weight of evidence from the Tongwane Formation favors external factors such as relative sea level fall and Fe dilution by increased detrital input as the main drivers for the BIF-carbonate transition. All samples fall on a mixing curve between hydrothermal and detrital end members, and despite metamorphic overprint, a weak hydrothermal signature is observed up to below platform deposits. These results stress the importance of understanding sedimentary factors in studies of Archean-Paleoproterozoic environments.