Negative Dilatation Research Articles

The analysis of crustal deformation patterns in the Tashkent region, Uzbekistan, derived from GNSS data over the period 2018–2023

The Tashkent region is one of the most tectonically and seismically active areas in Uzbekistan. Although it is highly significant, the understanding and quantification of current deformation processes are still incomplete, especially concerning space-based geodetic techniques like the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Using velocity field data from 16 permanent GNSS sites during 2018–2023, this paper analyzes the strain rate field and its spatial characteristics using an improved least squares collocation method. The results indicate a northeastward motion consistent with India-Eurasian convergence, with velocities ranging from 24.7 to 30.1 mm/yr and increasing from northwest to southeast. The region displays substantial positive dilation at a rate of 14.7 nanostrain/yr, while the neighboring areas demonstrate negative dilation ranging from −10 to −30 nanostrain/yr. The second strain rate invariant with an average value of 20 nanostrain/yr primarily occurs along the Karzhantau fault. The spatial features of strain rate fields delineate the extensional and compressional strain zones, bounded in the west by the Tien Shan orogenic belt. Therefore, these zones warrant increased attention due to their relatively higher seismic risk in the Tashkent region.

Large eddy simulation of cavitating flow around a pitching hydrofoil

This numerical investigation employs advanced computational fluid dynamics techniques to examine the intricate physics of cavitating flows around a pitching NACA 66 hydrofoil. Unsteady simulations are conducted using both large eddy simulation (LES) and K-Omega SST turbulence models. The pitching motions range from 0 to 15°, encompassing four cavitation numbers (3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4) and a Reynolds number of 750,000. The study comprehensively analyzes various flow field characteristics, including pressure distribution, velocity, vorticity, shear stress, vapor volume fraction, and turbulence kinetic energy. The kinematics of pitching significantly influence hydrodynamic loads and the surrounding flow structures in cavitating conditions. Flow visualizations illustrate the evolution of sheet/cloud cavitation, reentrant jet, and vortex dynamics throughout a pitching cycle. Notable findings demonstrate the impact of cavitation number on cavity shape and the relationship between angle of attack, reentrant jet location, and vortex size. Additionally, negative vorticity dilatation is observed to be correlated with cavity size.

Present-day movement characteristics of the Qinghai Nanshan fault and its surrounding area from GPS observation

The Qinghai Nanshan fault is a larger fault in the Northeastern Xizang Plateau. In previous studies, its movement characteristics are mainly investigated with geological and seismic observations, and the tectonic transformation role of the fault on its east is not yet clear. This study uses data fusion to obtain denser GPS observations near the Qinghai Nanshan fault. Based on tectonic characteristics, we establish a block model to investigate the fault slip rate, locking degree, and slip deficit. The results show that the Qinghai Nanshan fault slip rate is characterized by sinistral and convergent movement. Both the sinistral and convergent rates display a decreasing trend from west to east. The locking degree and slip deficit are higher in the western segment (with an average of about 0.74 and 1.1 mm/a) and lower in the eastern segment. Then, we construct a strain rate field using GPS observations to analyze the regional strain characteristics. The results indicate that along the fault, the western segment shows a larger shear strain rate and negative dilation rate. Regional earthquake records show that the frequency of earthquakes is lower near the fault. The joint results suggest that the western segment may have a higher earthquake risk. In addition, the insignificant fault slip rate in the eastern segment may indicate that it does not participate in the tectonic transformation among the Riyueshan, Lajishan, and West Qinling faults.

Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Horizontal Crustal Deformation in the Sichuan–Yunnan Region Using GPS Data

Based on various velocity fields from Global Positioning System (GPS) data over nearly 20 years in the Sichuan–Yunnan region, this paper calculated the strain rate field and its spatiotemporal characteristics by using an improved least squares collocation method. We evaluated the calculated strain field by extensively discussing the impact of non-tectonic factors on the calculation. Subsequently, we described the present-day strain rate features and their spatiotemporal variations. The results indicate the necessity of considering the influence of non-tectonic factors when calculating the strain rate field by using GPS velocity data. Widespread strain accumulation is observed in the Sichuan–Yunnan region, and significant second strain rate invariant with an average value of 33.1 nanostrain/yr primarily occurs along the eastern boundary faults of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhomboid block, specifically the Xianshuihe–Anninghe–Zemuhe–Xiaojiang fault systems. These fault systems also demarcate the zones with negative and positive dilation strain. According to the spatiotemporal variations of strain rate fields, the northern and southern segments of the Xianshuihe Fault, the Anninghe Fault and its eastern adjacent faults, and the Xiaojiang Fault are undergoing intensifying strain. Consequently, these zones should be paid more attention due to their relatively higher seismic risk in the Sichuan–Yunnan region.

Bearing capacity of shallow foundations on Florida limestone: A study of single layer and rock-over-sand subsurface

This study investigated the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on Florida limestone using 3D finite element modeling (FEM) with a bilinear strength envelope based on rock formations and bulk dry unit weights. Most Florida limestones at shallow depths are highly porous and have a low density and strength, thereby resulting in a ductile stress–strain response and contractive volumetric behavior under service loads, both of which are not well characterized by conventional bearing capacity methodologies.In this study, a bilinear Mohr–Coulomb elastoplastic model with a non-associated flow rule (negative dilation angle) was integrated into a 3D FEM code from a series of laboratory triaxial strength test results. Numerical simulations were performed for different footing sizes, shapes, and embedment depths using homogeneous rock and rock-over-sand subsurface. Beginning with the numerical results from a strip footing on a homogeneous rock deposit, a bearing capacity equation was developed for bilinear strength conditions. Further, the width, shape, and embedment factors were developed, and a reduction factor was developed based on the rock layer thickness and moduli of rock and sand for the rock-over-sand condition often encountered in South Florida. The study concludes with a comparison between developed equations and conventional bearing capacity methodologies.

A direct numerical simulation study on the structures and turbulence–flame interactions of a laboratory-scale lean premixed jet flame in cross-flow

In the present work, direct numerical simulation of a laboratory-scale lean premixed reacting jet in cross-flow was performed to explore the flow–flame structures and turbulence–flame interactions. A jet of lean premixed ethylene–air mixtures (equivalence ratio $\phi = 0.6$ ) was injected into a hot vitiated cross-flow. Both non-reacting and reacting cases were simulated. It was found that the reacting jet penetrates deeper in the cross-flow with a weaker shear layer compared with the non-reacting one. The wake of the non-reacting and reacting jet is characterized by vertical vortices and recirculation zones, respectively. As for the flame structure of the reacting case, the reaction intensity varies considerably in different flame zones. The heat release rate on the leeward side is higher than that on the windward side, but lower than that of the corresponding laminar flame. The analysis of the turbulence–flame interactions of the reacting case showed that the large local Damköhler number ( $Da$ ) related to reaction-induced dilatations results in an increased tendency of the scalar gradient to align with the most extensive strain rate, which is more evident in the regions with high heat release rate on the leeward side. Negative dilatation regions with positive tangential strain rate and negative normal strain rate are observed on the windward side. High positive dilatations appear on the flame front of the leeward side. The tangential strain rate is negatively correlated with the normal strain rate and curvature. Regions with a high local $Da$ on the windward side correspond with high positive curvature regions.

Present-day crustal strain and major fault slip rates in North China determined using GNSS observations

• A strain model and an elastic block model of North China were established. • The western Ordos and the northern North China exhibited larger strain rates. • The NNE- and NWW-trending faults showed dextral and sinistral slip respectively. • The fault deformation in North China was controlled by neighboring blocks. North China is characterized by numerous faults, where many earthquakes were recorded. However, the fault slip and crustal deformation mechanism underlying the effects of neighboring block motions remain poorly understood. In this study, we first constructed a strain model using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) velocities to analyze the relationship between seismicity and strain. We then constructed a block model based on the fault distribution and GNSS observations to obtain fault slip. The strain and fault slip rates were then used to determine the crustal deformation mechanism in North China. The strain model suggests the western border of the Ordos Block and the northern North China Plain had larger maximum shear strain rates. These areas are located in a transition between positive and negative dilatation rates, which indicate intense crustal deformation. Based on the block model, we found the NNE-trending faults were dominated by dextral slip. The northern and southern borders of the Ordos Block indicate left-lateral motion (0.4–2.5 mm/a), while its western and eastern margins exhibited right-lateral slip (1.0–3.0 mm/a). The periphery of the Ordos Block exhibited normal slip (0.2–3.2 mm/a), except at the southwestern tip. These results suggest that the eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau caused left-lateral shear in North China, which led to sinistral slip of NNE-trending faults. The northward expansion of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau also contributes to sinistral slip along the northern and southern margins of the Ordos Block, as well as dextral slip along its western and eastern margins.

Crustal permeability changes inferred from seismic attenuation: Impacts on multi-mainshock sequences

We use amplitude ratios from narrowband-filtered earthquake seismograms to measure variations of seismic attenuation over time, providing unique insights into the dynamic state of stress in the Earth’s crust at depth. Our dataset from earthquakes of the 2016–2017 Central Apennines sequence allows us to obtain high-resolution time histories of seismic attenuation (frequency band: 0.5–30 Hz) characterized by strong earthquake dilatation-induced fluctuations at seismogenic depths, caused by the cumulative elastic stress drop after the sequence, as well as damage-induced ones at shallow depths caused by energetic surface waves. Cumulative stress drop causes negative dilatation, reduced permeability, and seismic attenuation, whereas strong-motion surface waves produce an increase in crack density, and so in permeability and seismic attenuation. In the aftermath of the main shocks of the sequence, we show that theM≥ 3.5 earthquake occurrence vs. time and distance is consistent with fluid diffusion: diffusion signatures are associated with changes in seismic attenuation during the first days of the Amatrice, Visso-Norcia, and Capitignano sub-sequences. We hypothesize that coseismic permeability changes create fluid diffusion pathways that are at least partly responsible for triggering multi-mainshock seismic sequences. Here we show that anelastic seismic attenuation fluctuates coherently with our hypothesis.

Influence of Modified Bio-Coals on Carbonization and Bio-Coke Reactivity

Substitution of coal in coking coal blend with bio-coal is a potential way to reduce fossil CO2 emissions from iron and steelmaking. The current study aims to explore possible means to counteract negative influence from bio-coal in cokemaking. Washing and kaolin coating of bio-coals were conducted to remove or bind part of the compounds in the bio-coal ash that catalyzes the gasification of coke with CO2. To further explore how the increase in coke reactivity is related to more reactive carbon in bio-coal or catalytic oxides in bio-coal ash, ash was produced from a corresponding amount of bio-coal and added to the coking coal blend for carbonization. The reaction behavior of coals and bio-coals under carbonization conditions was studied in a thermogravimetric analyzer equipped with a mass spectrometer during carbonization. The impact of the bio-coal addition on the fluidity of the coking coal blend was studied in optical dilatometer tests for coking coal blends with and without the addition of bio-coal or bio-coal ash. The result shows that the washing of bio-coal will result in lower or even negative dilatation. The washing of bio-coals containing a higher amount of catalytic components will reduce the negative effect on bio-coke reactivity, especially with acetic acid washing when the start of gasification temperature is less lowered. The addition of bio-coal coated with 5% kaolin do not significantly lower the dilatation-relative reference coking coal blend. The reactivity of bio-cokes containing bio-coal coated with kaolin-containing potassium oxide was higher in comparison to bio-coke containing the original bio-coal. The addition of ash from 5% of torrefied bio-coals has a moderate effect on lowering the start of gasification temperature, which indicates that the reactive carbon originating from bio-coal has a larger impact.

On the Comparative Suitability of Strain Relaxation and Stress Relaxation Compression for Ultrasound Poroelastic Tissue Characterization

Poroelastic tissue strain imaging measures the time-varying and spatially varying deformation of a soft-tissue matrix during compression as the tissue fluid flows out of the compartmental boundaries. With the help of ultrasound, it has been carried out by observing the evolution of the images of the ultrasound echo strain over time, which shows that, in a stress-relaxation experiment (constantly applied global axial strain), a front of negative dilatation (volumetric strain) propagates slowly from the boundaries of a sample toward the center of the compressed region. The fitting of equations that predict this behavior to experimental data has earlier allowed quantitative imaging of the product of aggregate modulus and permeability of a tissue phantom, HAk, and its Poisson's ratio, ν. An ability to image and measure such novel tissue characteristics is likely to benefit biomedical research and have a wide range of clinical applications, including the assessment of lymphoedema, the diagnosis of cancer, the prediction of anticancer drug effectiveness, and monitoring of the tissue response to various treatments. This method is problematic, however, for application in vivo because the calculation of the volumetric strain requires the lateral and elevational strains, which are not easily measured accurately with conventional ultrasound strain imaging. This paper investigates for the first time whether the ultrasound observation in a strain-relaxation experiment (constantly applied uniaxial stress) could be used to observe the same mechanical behavior and provide the same information about the properties of a poroelastic sample as in a stress-relaxation experiment. The analytical theory was used to demonstrate that the propagation of dilatation shown in stress relaxation should also be observable in strain relaxation and that it should be detectable using axial strain, which is relatively easily measured in vivo. Finite element modeling (FEM) was employed to simulate all strain components within a homogeneous poroelastic material first during strain relaxation and then during stress relaxation, again demonstrating their equivalence for the observation of the propagation of a dilatation. The validity of using the strain relaxation conditions as an alternative to stress relaxation for measuring a poroelastic material's response was further confirmed by a fitting of the analytical models to the results of FEM. This allowed for an inversion of the time-varying volumetric strain, to recover the images of HAk and ν, for either loading configuration. The strain-relaxation configuration offers not only an opportunity to derive the same important quantitative poroelastic properties of the tissue as stress relaxation but also the potential to avoid the difficulties and errors associated with the estimation of strain along the axes perpendicular to the imaging axis, thus offering opportunities for easier clinical translation.

Dissipation and dilatation rates in premixed turbulent flames

Velocity dilatation and total, solenoidal, and dilatational dissipation rates of the total flow kinetic energy are extracted from three different direct numerical simulation databases obtained by three independent research groups using different numerical codes and methods (e.g., single-step chemistry and complex chemistry flames) from six different premixed turbulent flames associated with flamelet, thin reaction zone, and broken reaction zone regimes of turbulent burning. The results show that dilatational dissipation can be larger than solenoidal dissipation in the flamelet regime and is substantial in the thin reaction zone regime. Accordingly, the influence of combustion-induced thermal expansion on the dissipation rate is not reduced to an increase in the mixture viscosity by the temperature. A simple criterion for identifying conditions associated with significant dilatational dissipation is discussed, and dilatational dissipation due to the influence of turbulence on mixing in preheat zones is argued to play a role even at high Karlovitz numbers Ka. In particular, the magnitude of dilatation fluctuations and probability of finding negative local dilatation are increased by Ka, thus implying that the impact of molecular transport of species and heat on the dilatation increases with increasing Karlovitz number.

Permanent Co‐Seismic Deformation of the 2013 Mw7.7 Baluchistan, Pakistan Earthquake From High‐Resolution Surface Strain Analysis

AbstractRepeated earthquake cycles produce topography, fault damage zones, and other geologic structures along faults. These geomorphic and structural features indicate the presence of co‐seismic permanent (inelastic) surface deformation, yet a long‐standing question in earthquake research is how much of the co‐seismic deformation field is elastic versus inelastic. These questions arise in part because it is unclear what measurable co‐seismic characteristics, such as off‐fault or distributed surface deformation and cracking, represent true unrecoverable deformation. One emerging descriptor of permanent co‐seismic deformation is surface strain magnitudes inferred from imaging geodesy observations. In this study, we present the surface strain field of the 2013 Mw7.7 Baluchistan strike‐slip earthquake in southern Pakistan. We invert co‐seismic displacement fields generated from pixel‐tracking of SPOT‐5 and WorldView optical imagery for co‐seismic surface horizontal strain tensors. We observe that co‐seismic strain field is dominated by negative dilatation strains, indicating that the co‐seismic fault zone contracted during the earthquake. We show that co‐seismic inelastic failure exhibits a relatively consistent width along the rupture that is localized to a zone 100–200 m wide on the hanging wall side. The width of co‐seismic permanent deformation does not correlate with variations in off‐fault deformation or surface geology. Based on comparisons to other recent earthquakes, we posit that the permanent surface strains reflect inelastic deformation of the faults inner damage zone, and that the width of this zone reflects fault maturity.

Dilatational-wave-induced aerodynamic cooling in transitional hypersonic boundary layers

Abstract

Deformation analysis based on GNSS measurements in Tashkent region

This paper presents the results of the GNSS geodetic network deformation analysis in the Tashkent region, as an example of an urban area, where obtaining reliable information for assessing hazard risk is of great importance. A software package in Delphi language has been developed for the assessment of the datum differences between 2009 and 2011 by implementing the 3D Helmert transformation method. The result revealed that there is significant translation and rotation in the network, while the scale of the network remains almost constant during two years period. The area strain was estimated by the finite element method. Most of the Tashkent region can be considered to be in a high compression (negative dilatation) strain state with maximum value -230cl0-8. On the contrary, remarkable positive dilatation strain is concentrated on the coastline of the Charvak water reservoir, where large strain is about 351.l0-8.

Direct Shear Experimental Study on the Mobilized Dilation Behavior of Granite in Alxa Candidate Area for High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

Dilation behavior is of great importance for reasonable modeling of the stability of the host rock of the repository for high-level radioactive waste disposal. It is a suitable method for carrying out direct shear experiments to analyze the dilation behavior of rock with well understood physical meanings. Based on a series of direct shear experiments on granite samples from the Alxa candidate area under different normal stresses, the shear stress‒shear strain and shear stress‒normal strain relations have been studied in detail. Five typical stages have been divided associated with the fracturing process and deformation behaviors of the granite samples during the experimental process, and the method to determine the typical stress thresholds has been proposed. It has also been found that the increasing normal stress may reduce the maximum dilation angle, and when the normal stress is relatively lower, the negative dilation angle may occur during the post-peak stage. According to the data collected from the direct shear tests, an empirical model of the mobilized dilation angle dependent on normal stress and plastic shear strain is proposed. This mobilized dilation angle has clear physical meanings and can be used in plastic constitutive models of the host rock of the repository, and this analysis can also be put forward to other types of geomechanical problems, including the deformation behaviors related to landslide, earthquake, and so on.

Invariants of velocity gradient tensor in supersonic turbulent pipe, nozzle, and diffuser flows

Velocity gradient tensor (VGT) analysis of high-order accurate direct numerical simulation data of supersonic pipe, nozzle, and diffuser flows at computationally moderate Reynolds numbers is performed. Joint probability density functions of second and third invariants of the VGT conditioned on positive and negative dilatation levels are presented in the near-wall viscous layer, buffer layer, log layer, and core region of these flows. For flow regions with positive dilatation, there is a preference for unstable flow topologies, while regions with negative dilatation show a preference for stable flow topologies.

Present-day kinematics in the Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus from dense GPS observations

The Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus are located among the Eurasian, African and Arabian plates, and tectonic activities are very complex. In this paper, the kinematics and strain distribution in these regions are determined and investigated from dense GPS observations with over 1000 stations and longer observations. The elastic block model is used to constrain present-day plate motions and crustal deformation. The relative Euler vectors between the Nubian, Arabian, Caucasus, Anatolian and Central Iranian plates are estimated. The Arabian-Eurasia, Anatolian-Eurasia, Nubian-Eurasia, Caucasus-Eurasia and Central Iranian Euler vectors are 0.584±0.1Myr−1, 0.825±0.064Myr−1, 0.35±0.175Myr−1, 0.85±0.086Myr−1 and 0.126±0.016Myr−1. The strain rate in the East Mediterranean and Caucasus has been estimated from the GPS velocity field. The results show that the thrust dominated areas, the eastern Mediterranean-Middle East-Caucasus and Zagros have negative dilatation and the western Anatolia region has positive 2D dilatation rate with significant rotation. The west Anatolian shows the extension in NW-SE with about 150–199nstrain/yr in the W-E direction. The Central Anatolia shows compression rate below 50nstrain/yr and extensional strain rate adjacent to East Anatolian Fault and Dead Sea Fault is about 0–100nstrain/yr. The contraction strain rate is higher in Zagros and Caucasus between 100–150nstrain/yr and contraction orientation is along the NE-SW direction in Caucasus. The north part of Iran shows less contraction rate below 50nstrain/yr but North-East Zagros Mountains, Tabriz fault and Chalderan fault show extensional rate between 50–110nstrain/yr and principal axes rotation in the N-S direction. The maximum contraction observed in the Kopek Dag is about 100–194nstrain/yr and orientated in the NE-SW direction. East Zagros Mountain and Makran subduction zone have a large clockwise rotation with 70–85nradian and principal axes remains mostly along the N-S direction. The observed extension is along N-S by about 0–100nstrain/yr with counter clockwise rotation in Dead Sea Fault. The Sinai block shows shortening rate in the range of 0–100nstrain/yr.

Contemporary crustal movement of southeastern Tibet: Constraints from dense GPS measurements

The ongoing collision between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate brings up N-S crustal shortening and thickening of the Tibet Plateau, but its dynamic mechanisms remain controversial yet. As one of the most tectonically active regions of the world, South-Eastern Tibet (SET) has been greatly paid attention to by many geoscientists. Here we present the latest three-dimensional GPS velocity field to constrain the present-day tectonic process of SET, which may highlight the complex vertical crustal deformation. Improved data processing strategies are adopted to enhance the strain patterns throughout SET. The crustal uplifting and subsidence are dominated by regional deep tectonic dynamic processes. Results show that the Gongga Shan is uplifting with 1–1.5 mm/yr. Nevertheless, an anomalous crustal uplifting of ~8.7 mm/yr and negative horizontal dilation rates of 40–50 nstrain/yr throughout the Longmenshan structure reveal that this structure is caused by the intracontinental subduction of the Yangtze Craton. The Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault is a major active sinistral strike-slip fault which strikes essentially and consistently with the maximum shear strain rates. These observations suggest that the upper crustal deformation is closely related with the regulation and coupling of deep material.

The effect of radial fins on the uplift resistance of buried pipelines

This paper investigates the potential for increasing the uplift resistance of buried pipelines through the addition of radial fins on the pipe circumference. Experiments conducted in loose sand showed that fins extending by 20% of the pipe diameter increase the vertical peak uplift resistance by up to 25%, depending on embedment depth and fin configuration. A limit equilibrium solution – based on known values of peak friction and dilation angles – predicts the uplift resistance within 13% of the measurements. The trends of peak uplift resistance with embedment and fin configuration were also replicated in numerical analyses conducted using a non-associated Mohr–Coulomb soil model. The numerically predicted peak uplift resistances were within 10 and 21% of the experimental values for rough and smooth interfaces, respectively. Soil failure mechanisms from the numerical analyses were broadly consistent with that assumed in the limit equilibrium solution. However, the experimentally observed mechanisms differed subtly, with a limited extent of lifted soil above the pipe and circulatory flow occurring from above to beneath the pipe. This mechanism was approached in the numerical analyses for a smooth interface by specifying a small negative dilation angle, which had minimal effect on the predicted peak uplift resistance.

Flow Topology of Three-Dimensional Spherical Flame in Shock Accelerated Flows

The flow topologies of compressible large-scale distorted flames are studied by means of the analysis of the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor (VGT). The results indicate that compressibility plays a minor role in the distorted flame zone. And the joint probability density function (p.d.f.) of the Q-R diagram appears as a teardrop shape, which is a universal feature of turbulence. Therefore, the distorted flame exhibits the characteristic of large-scale turbulence combustion, especially behind the reflected shock wave, while the p.d.f. of the QS⁎-QW diagram implies that the dissipation is enhanced in the compression and expansion regions, where it is higher than that when P=0. Furthermore, we identify that the flame evolution is dominated by rotation by means of a quantitative statistical study, and the SFS topology is the predominant flow pattern. Not surprisingly, negative dilatation could suppress the unstable topologies, whereas positive dilatation could suppress the stable topologies.