Slab Geometry Research Articles

Advancing band structure simulations of complex systems of C, Si and SiC: a machine learning driven density functional tight-binding approach.

We present a machine learning (ML) workflow for optimizing electronic band structures using density functional tight binding (DFTB) to replicate the results of costly hybrid functional calculations. The workflow is trained on carbon, silicon, and silicon carbide systems, encompassing bulk, slab, and defect geometries. Our method accurately reproduces hybrid functional results by applying a DFTB-ML scheme to train and predict the scaling parameters of two-center integrals and on-site energies, which is particularly accurate for electronic band structures near the Fermi energy. The DFTB-ML model demonstrates excellent scaling transferability, enabling training on smaller systems while maintaining hybrid functional-level accuracy when predicting larger systems. The high accuracy and adaptability of our model highlight its potential for precise band structure predictions across diverse chemical environments.

FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

This article examines the various factors influencing the performance of concrete pavements, drawing primarily from experiences in Florida. The discussion begins with the observation that concrete pavements which do not exhibit distress within the first few years typically perform well throughout their intended lifespan. This generalization is explored through an examination of Florida's jointed concrete pavements, which range in age and exhibit varying degrees of performance. The research suggests that pavement distress often arises from a combination of factors rather than fatigue failure alone. Key areas of focus include the effects of temperature-induced displacements on slab warping and curling, and the consequent impact on pavement distress. The study details the role of initial slab warping during construction and its permanent deformation, further complicated by daily temperature cycles. It also addresses the significant issue of water intrusion through joints and its damaging effects, such as pumping and joint faulting, which compromise pavement integrity. The investigation extends to pavement design considerations, emphasizing the importance of doweled joints, slab geometry, and base stiffness in mitigating distress. Additionally, the composition of the concrete mixture, particularly the use of high early strength concrete, is scrutinized for its tendency to induce microcracks, leading to premature pavement failure. The article concludes with recommendations for improving pavement performance, including considerations for design, mixture composition, and construction practices, underlining the necessity for a multifaceted approach to address the complex nature of concrete pavement performance. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)

3D radiative MHD simulations of starspots

We computed realistic 3D radiative magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) near-surface models of starspots with substantial penumbrae on cool main sequence stars using the MURaM simulation code. This work is an improvement on the previous starspot models in a slab geometry. The umbra, penumbra, and the quiet star for all starspots are distinct, not only in intensity and temperature, but also in thermodynamic and velocity structure. These models represent a significant step towards modeling the starspot contribution to stellar light curves.

Modified orthogonal collocation for accurate flux-based material balance calculations in slab, cylindrical, and spherical geometries

Modified orthogonal collocation for accurate flux-based material balance calculations in slab, cylindrical, and spherical geometries

Modelling combined diffusion and surface resistances in adsorbent particles: zero length column for spherical and slab geometries

Mass transport in nanoporous materials is a key property that allows to improve the performance of many gas separation processes and design more efficient heterogeneous catalytic reactors. In many instances a combination of surface resistance and internal diffusion are present. The combined model for surface barrier and diffusion in a ZLC system is discussed in detail and the analytical solutions valid for the traditional and the partial loading experiments have been derived for the spherical and slab geometries. The model reduces to the limiting forms of pure diffusion when 100$$\\end{document}]]>, and pure surface barrier when . This study has shown that most literature studies have analysed ZLC responses incorrectly based on an effective combined dimensionless parameter. Two methods are described to obtain the parameters from the long-time asymptotic behaviour of the response curves. Both approaches have been demonstrated on curves generated from the full model solution and experimental data on an etched sample of Y zeolite. Both the analysis of the model and of the experimental results confirm that to characterize combined surface barriers and diffusion one should perform at least experiments at two different flowrates where the system is kinetically controlled, and crucially a partial loading experiment with a time to the switch which should be at least an order of magnitude smaller than the smallest of the diffusion and surface barrier times.

Direct prediction of saturated neoclassical tearing modes in slab using an equilibrium approach

Abstract We demonstrate for the first time that the nonlinear saturation of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) can be found directly using a variational principle based on Taylor relaxation, without needing to simulate the intermediate, resistivity-dependent dynamics. As in previous investigations of classical tearing mode saturation (Loizu et al 2020 Phys. Plasmas 27 070701; Loizu and Bonfiglio 2023 J. Plasma Phys. 89 905890507), we make use of Stepped Pressure Equilibrium Code (SPEC) (Hudson et al 2012 Phys. Plasmas 19 112502), an equilibrium solver based on the variational principle of the multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics (MHDs), featuring stepped pressure profiles and arbitrary magnetic topology. We work in slab geometry and employ a simple bootstrap current model J bs = C ∇ p to study the bootstrap-driven tearing modes, scanning over the asymptotic matching parameter Δ ′ and bootstrap current strength. Saturated island widths produced by SPEC agree well with the predictions of an initial value resistive MHDs code (Huang and Bhattacharjee 2016 Astrophys. J. 818 20) while being orders of magnitude faster to calculate. Additionally, we observe good agreement with a simple analytical modified Rutherford equation, without requiring any fitting coefficients. The match is obtained for both linearly unstable classical tearing modes in the presence of bootstrap current, and NTMs, which are linearly stable but nonlinear-unstable due to the effects of the bootstrap current.

Drift kinetic electrostatic simulations of the edge localized mode heat pulse

In the present work, electrostatic drift kinetic simulations of parallel plasma transport within the tokamak scrape-off layer (SOL) are conducted using the COGENT code. The SOL configuration is represented in one-dimensional slab geometry, incorporating a heat source localized in the midplane. The heat source parameters correspond to those characterizing edge-localized modes observed in the Joint European Torus (JET) tokamak. The numerical model includes kinetic treatment of both ions and electrons, a simplified model for the gyrokinetic Poisson equation that allows one to step over short time scales associated with fast electrostatic shear Alfvèn waves, and the logical sheath boundary condition (LSBC) that enforces global system quasineutrality. A third-order accurate LSBC is derived to be consistent with the third-order accurate upwind advection scheme utilized in the code, and it was shown to noticeably impact the simulation results, especially parallel heat flux at the target plate. The findings of this study are in agreement with results from preceding fluid and kinetic simulations.

Numerical investigation of soil arching and integral abutment bridge in a pile-supported railway embankment

ABSTRACT Rail transport plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable mobility and tackling environmental challenges. However, the construction of a railway track on soft soil poses significant challenges due to the inherent instability and potential for excessive settlement. To address these issues, this study numerically assessed a pile-supported embankment and an integral abutment bridge. Two different numerical models are simulated in two-dimensional (2D) plane strain conditions. Findings from numerical analyses of the pile-supported embankment revealed that soil arching is significantly influenced by embankment height and pile spacing. The maximum settlement of the embankment decreases with an increase in embankment modulus and friction angle. Furthermore, a correlation among soil arching indicators was established. Conversely, the analysis of integral abutment railway bridges (IARBs) indicates that the performance of the transition zone is significantly influenced by factors such as approach slab geometry and multiple axle passages.

Punching shear behavior of steel fiber‐reinforced slabs with Filigran® punching shear reinforcement

AbstractFor strengthening punching shear endangered areas, both (1) punching shear reinforcement such as stirrups, headed studs or lattice girders and (2) the use of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete (SFRC) have been investigated and applied for many years. In contrast, the combination of both of these strengthening methods is way less investigated and there are mainly studies on slabs with stirrups or headed studs in combination with SFRC which show a high potential for increasing the load‐bearing capacity for the same slab geometry. Relevant investigations with other types of punching shear reinforcement in combination with SFRC are not known. In order to fill this gap, four full‐scale tests were performed on slabs made of SFRC combined with a high‐performance punching shear reinforcement (Filigran FDB). These tests are based on a plain concrete benchmark test with FDB punching shear reinforcement from the literature. The present paper describes and discusses the design, execution, key results and lessons learnt from these experimental tests. The addition of steel fibers strengthens the punching shear reinforcement, leads to smaller crack widths, and increases the ductility of the compression zone around the column. This results in significantly higher punching shear resistance. While the tested punching shear reinforcement (FDB) increases the resistance of the plain concrete benchmark test to 2.16 times the resistance of plain concrete without shear reinforcement (VRk,c), the addition of steel fibers in the tests shows resistances up to 2.79 · VRk,c. Thus, the additional increase due to the fibers was up to 30%.

Juxtaposed slab dehydration, decarbonation and seismotectonic variation beneath the Philippine subduction zone based on 3-D modeling.

Largescale volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are occurring frequently in the Philippines, and research has shown that slab metamorphism and diversity alter the impacts of subducted oceanic plates by changing water‒carbon productivity and interplate stability. Within the framework of the thermal evolution history of subducting slabs, the relationships between subduction zone seismicity characterized by both regular megathrust earthquakes and slow slip events of various magnitudes and long-term slab dehydration-decarbonation evolution in the Philippines remain poorly understood. Here, we constructed a comprehensive thermal model incorporating 3-D slab geometric data for the incoming plate and a 3-D subduction velocity field based on the MORVEL plate motion dataset for the Philippine subduction zone with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Our findings reveal that subduction seismicity and arc volcanism are prominent in belt-shaped regions with high thermal gradients (> 5°C/km) and large-scale slab dehydration (> 0.05wt%/km). Dehydration of serpentinite in ultramafic rocks in the subducting slab and decarbonation of carbonate minerals preferentially contribute to the generation and transport of fluids and carbonate melts, thus facilitating seismicity and carbon-rich magmatism. Our results suggest that slab geometry diversity-induced juxtaposed slab dehydration-decarbonation processes play a vital role in the generation of megathrust earthquakes below the forearc.

Some Numerical Results of the Albedo Problem in Spherical Geometry with Linearly Anisotropic Scattering

We examine the effect of linear anisotropic scattering on the solution of spherical geometry transport problems. We consider the albedo problem of a solid homogeneous sphere with linearly anisotropic scattering and write two matrix equations to solve the albedo problem with the H N and SVD methods in pseudo slab geometry. These methods are based on Case method of singular eigenfunctions. The numerical results of both methods are in agreement with each other.

Seismic Image of the Central to Southern Andean Subduction Zone Through Finite‐Frequency Tomography

AbstractThis study presents new seismic imaging of the Andean subduction zone through P‐wave hybrid finite‐frequency and ray‐theoretical tomography. We measured both differential and absolute traveltimes using broadband seismic waveforms from stations in an array of ocean‐bottom seismographs near the Chile Triple Junction (CTJ) and stations within 30° of the array. These data were combined with the global traveltime data set to obtain a global P‐wave velocity structure with a focus on central to southern South America. The new tomographic image showed the Nazca slab geometry as a continuous fast anomaly, which is consistent with seismic activity and prior slab models. Furthermore, two notable structures were observed: a broad extension of the fast anomaly beneath the Nazca slab at 26–35°S and a slow anomaly east of the CTJ. The checkerboard resolution and recovery tests confirmed the reliability of these large‐scale features. The fast anomaly, isolated from the Nazca slab, was interpreted as a relic Nazca slab segment based on its strong amplitude and spatial coincidence with the current Pampean and past Payenia flat slab segments. The slow anomaly near the CTJ was consistent with the previously inferred extent of the Patagonian slab window. Moreover, the active adakitic volcanoes are aligned with the southern edge of the anomaly, and the plateau basalts are located within the anomaly. Our model showed that the slow anomaly extended to a depth of up to 250 km, suggesting a depth limit that the asthenospheric window can influence.

Dynamic Rupture Modeling of Large Earthquake Scenarios at the Hellenic Arc Toward Physics‐Based Seismic and Tsunami Hazard Assessment

AbstractThe Mediterranean Hellenic Arc subduction zone (HASZ) has generated several 8 earthquakes and tsunamis. Seismic‐probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment typically utilizes uniform or stochastic earthquake models, which may not represent dynamic rupture and tsunami generation complexity. We present an ensemble of ten 3D dynamic rupture earthquake scenarios for the HASZ, utilizing a realistic slab geometry. Our simplest models use uniform along‐arc pre‐stresses or a single circular initial stress asperity. We then introduce progressively more complex models varying initial shear stress along‐arc, multiple asperities based on scale‐dependent critical slip weakening distance, and a most complex model blending all aforementioned heterogeneities. Thereby, regional initial conditions are constrained without relying on detailed geodetic locking models. Varying epicentral locations in the simplest, homogeneous model leads to different rupture speeds and moment magnitudes. We observe dynamic fault slip penetrating the shallow slip‐strengthening region and affecting seafloor uplift. Off‐fault plastic deformation can double vertical seafloor uplift. A single‐asperity model generates a 8 scenario resembling the 1303 Crete earthquake. Using along‐strike varying initial stresses results in 8.0–8.5 dynamic rupture scenarios with diverse slip rates and uplift patterns. The model with the most heterogeneous initial conditions yields a 7.5 scenario. Dynamic rupture complexity in prestress and fracture energy tends to lower earthquake magnitude but enhances tsunamigenic displacements. Our results offer insights into the dynamics of potential large Hellenic Arc megathrust earthquakes and may inform future physics‐based joint seismic and tsunami hazard assessments.

A second view on the X-ray polarization of NGC 4151 with IXPE

We report on the second observing program of the active galactic nucleus NGC 4151 with simultaneous Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE; 750 ks), NuSTAR (∼60 ks), XMM-Newton (∼75 ks), and NICER (∼65 ks) pointings. NGC 4151 is the first Type-1 radio-quiet Seyfert galaxy with constrained polarization properties for the X-ray corona. Despite the lower flux state in which the source was re-observed and the resulting higher contribution of the constant reflection component in the IXPE energy band, our results are in agreement with the first detection. From polarimetric analysis, a polarization degree Π = 4.7 ± 1.3% and polarization angle Ψ = 77° ± 8° east of north (68% c.l.) were derived in the 2.0–8.0 keV energy range. Combining the two observations leads to polarization properties that are more constrained than those of the individual detections, showing Π = 4.5 ± 0.9% and Ψ = 81° ± 6° (with a detection significance of ∼4.6σ). The observed polarization angle aligns very well with the radio emission in this source, supporting, together with the significant polarization degree, a slab or wedge geometry for the X-ray corona. However, a switch in the polarization angle at low energies (37° ±7° in the 2–3.5 keV bin) suggests the presence of another component. When it is included in the spectro-polarimetric fit, a high polarization degree disfavors an interpretation in terms of a leakage through the absorbers, instead pointing to scattering from some kind of mirror.

A simple model of globally magnetized accretion discs

ABSTRACT We present an analytic, quasi-local model for accretion discs threaded by net, vertical magnetic flux. In a simple slab geometry and ignoring stochastic mean-field dynamo effects, we calculate the large-scale field resulting from the balance between kinematic field amplification and turbulent diffusion. The ability of the disc to accumulate magnetic flux is sensitive to a single parameter dependent on the ratio of the vertical diffusion time to the Alfvén crossing time, and we show how the saturation levels of magnetorotational and other instabilities can govern disc structure and evolution. Under wide-ranging conditions, inflow is governed by large-scale magnetic stresses rather than internal viscous stress. We present models of such ‘magnetically boosted’ discs and show that they lack a radiation pressure-dominated zone. Our model can account for ‘magnetically elevated’ discs as well as instances of midplane outflow and field reversals with height that have been seen in some global simulations. Using the time-dependent features of our model, we find that the incorporation of global transport effects into disc structure can lead to steady or episodic ‘magnetically arrested discs’ that maximize the concentration of magnetic flux in their central regions.

Investigation of Energy Deposition by Soft X-rays into Solar Cell Materials

A high-altitude nuclear detonation releases a significant portion of energy as X-rays with a blackbody spectrum. Satellites are particularly vulnerable to prompt soft X-rays (~1 keV) absorbed within a few microns of the surface of the solar array, causing melting and evaporation of its materials. The absorption of soft X-rays in solar cell materials is studied using GEANT4 computer software. Energy deposition as a function of depth (depth-dose profile) is calculated for slab geometries of dielectric and metallic materials. The photo-absorption and Compton scattering of X-rays and the contribution of secondary radiation, such as photo-electrons, Auger-electrons, and fluorescence photons are taken into account. The effect of the production of secondary radiation on the distribution of deposited dose in the near-surface region of materials is investigated. The results presented in this work are validated against published data and provide valuable insights into X-ray absorption by solar cell materials, the redistribution of energy by secondary radiation, and the spatial scale of power density deposition that can be used as a source term for the further thermomechanical analysis of a material’s phase transformations and melting.

Modeling Subduction With Extremely Fast Trench Retreat

AbstractThe Tonga‐Kermadec subduction zone exhibits the fastest observed trench retreat and convergence near its northern end. However, a paradox exists: despite the rapid trench retreat, the Tonga slab maintains a relatively steep dip angle above 400 km depth. The slab turns flat around 400 km, then steepening again until encountering a stagnant segment near 670 km. Despite its significance for understanding slab dynamics, no existing numerical model has successfully demonstrated how such a distinct slab morphology can be generated under the fast convergence. Here we run subduction models that successfully reproduce the slab geometries while incorporating the observed subduction rate. We use a hybrid velocity boundary condition, imposing velocities on the arc and subducting plate while allowing the overriding plate to respond freely. This approach is crucial for achieving a good match between the modeled and observed Tonga slab. The results explain how the detailed slab structure is highly sensitive to physical parameters including the seafloor age and the mantle viscosity. Notably, a nonlinear rheology, where dislocation creep reduces upper mantle viscosity under strong mantle flow, is essential. The weakened upper mantle allows for a faster slab sinking rate, which explains the large dip angle. Our findings highlight the utilizing rheological parameters that lead to extreme viscosity variations within numerical models to achieve an accurate representation of complex subduction systems like the Tonga‐Kermadec zone. Our study opens new avenues for further study of ocean‐ocean subduction systems, advancing our understanding of their role in shaping regional and global tectonics.

Thermal Analysis of Composite Slabs Based on Experiment and Numerical Simulations

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation on the thermal response of composite slabs under fire condition, considering various slab geometries. Fire tests were conducted on six composite slabs to obtain the temperature distributions exposed to the ISO 834 standard fire curve for a duration of 210 min. The results indicated that the depth of the concrete significantly affects the temperature of the unexposed surface, while the height of the steel deck has minimal impact. During heating, water vapor and condensation occurred on all tested slabs, causing a delay in the early temperature development of the concrete. The temperature distribution across slab cross-sections was subsequently calculated using numerical simulations. The numerical models were then validated using experimental data. The challenge of precisely simulating the interface between steel deck and concrete was resolved in this numerical model.

Tracing the orogenic sulfur cycle in the Andes using stable isotope composition of dissolved sulfate in thermal springs

The cycling of sulfur (S) to the upper crust and surface via thermal springs at convergent margins has not been explored outside areas with active arc volcanism, even though subduction plays a key role in the Earth's long-term S cycle. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed stable sulfur and oxygen isotope compositions (δ34S and δ18O values) of dissolved sulfate (SO42−) in 55 thermal springs from five distinct settings in the Andean orogen. These regions are the Peruvian flat slab and backarc, transition between these two, Argentinian backarc, and Chilean forearc. Although the flat-slab settings had lower SO42− concentrations (<2000 mg/L) compared to the steep-slab settings (<12,700 mg/L), there was no significant relationship between isotope composition of SO42− and slab geometry. The δ34S and δ18O values of SO42− varied widely across the studied areas (+0.2 to +23.5 ‰ and − 3.3 to +16.0 ‰, respectively) and reflected the isotope compositions of local bedrock endmembers from dissolution of marine evaporites (+5 to +25 ‰ and + 10 to +20 ‰, respectively) and oxidation of magmatic and/or hydrothermal S and ore sulfide minerals with variable δ34S (0 to +16 ‰). The δ18O and δ2H values of thermal spring water (−18.5 to −3.3 ‰ and − 141.1 to −23.7 ‰, respectively) were consistent with meteoric precipitation, and in most cases decreased with increasing altitude following precipitation in the Andes. Generally, our isotope results do not support the direct transfer of slab-derived S/SO42− to thermal springs in the investigated settings. Rather, the δ34S and δ18O of SO42− in the thermal springs are a sensitive indicator of local water-rock interactions that remobilize bedrock S originating from a complex orogenic cycle reflecting tectonic uplift, erosion, weathering, and exhumation history across the duration of Andean Mountain building.

Teleseismic measurements of Upper Mantle Shear-Wave Anisotropy in Southern Mexico

The Mexican subduction system is an ideal region to study 3-D mantle deformation patterns in response to changes in slab geometry and the presence of tears. Shear-wave splitting measurements were made using SKS, SKKS, and PKS waves in southern Mexico, where the Cocos slab subducts beneath the North American and western Caribbean plates. For most of southern Mexico, the results are consistent with predominantly trench-normal fast polarization directions that can be interpreted as a consequence of sub-slab entrained flow and 2-D corner flow in the mantle wedge in the presence of A-type olivine fabric (or similar). This pattern of trench-perpendicular fast axes extends northward to the region southeast of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Beneath its eastern end, fast axes rotate ∼20° clockwise and are likely controlled by the absolute motion of the North American plate. In southeastern Mexico, along the coast and above the mantle wedge tip, the fast axes are trench-normal and the delay times are the shortest. They were interpreted to result from a possibly serpentinized mantle wedge tip. In the same region above the mantle wedge core, the splitting parameters appear to result from different flow patterns in the mantle wedge and the sub-slab mantle.