The assessment of rockfall hazard at the base of talus slopes

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.G. Evans ◽  
O. Hungr
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Physical Modelling ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Geological Evidence ◽  
Rockfall Hazard ◽  
Rock Face ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
Talus Slopes

Fragmental rockfall is characterized by the independent movement of individual rock fragments after detachment from a rock face. The continued operation of the process leads to the accumulation of talus slopes. On talus slopes the rockfall shadow extends beyond the base of the talus and consists of scattered boulders that have run out beyond the base of the slope. The landing probability of boulders in the shadow is examined; return periods of the order of 1000 years relative to a house site are typical. Rockfall behaviour particularly with respect to run out into the shadow can be assessed using geological evidence, empirical methods, physical modelling, and computer-based analytical models. An empirical minimum shadow angle of 27.5° (i.e., the angle between the distal limit of the shadow and the top of the talus slope) is suggested and would be useful in rockfall vulnerability studies at the base of talus slopes as a first approximation to shadow limits. It is preferable to the use of the rockfall fahrböschung as proposed by several authors. A random collision lumped mass model (ROCKFALL) is outlined, ROCKFALL uses two restitution coefficients and a transition to rolling criterion, ROCKFALL is used to analyse two fatal rockfall accidents in southern British Columbia, at Hedley in 1939 and Sunnybrae in 1983, which are documented in detail. An additional nonfatal incident is also analysed (Barnhartvale in 1974). Results based on an initial calibration were encouraging. Documentation of the three rockfall incidents shows that, in each case, rockfall fragments impacted on homes at equivalent shadow angles of 30° or more. This would suggest that a review of existing development within rockfall shadow areas at the base of talus slopes may be in order. Key words : rockfall, dynamics, talus slopes, landslides, British Columbia

scholarly journals Locomotive Crash Energy Management Coupling Tests

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Llana ◽  
Karina Jacobsen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Management ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Research to develop new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and crew in rail equipment is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. Crash energy management (CEM) components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. These components are designed to inhibit override in the event of a collision. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. These components are designed to improve crashworthiness for equipped locomotives in a wide range of potential collisions, including collisions with conventional locomotives, conventional cab cars, and freight equipment. Concerns have been raised in discussions with industry that push-back couplers may trigger prematurely, and may require replacement due to unintentional activation as a result of service loads. Push-back couplers (PBCs) are designed with trigger loads meant to exceed the expected maximum service loads experienced by conventional couplers. Analytical models are typically used to determine these required trigger loads. Two sets of coupling tests have been conducted to demonstrate this, one with a conventional locomotive equipped with conventional draft gear and coupler, and another with a conventional locomotive retrofit with a push-back coupler. These tests will allow a performance comparison of a conventional locomotive with a CEM-equipped locomotive during coupling. In addition to the two sets of coupling tests, car-to-car compatibility tests of CEM-equipped locomotives, as well as a train-to-train test are also planned. This arrangement of tests allows for evaluation of the CEM-equipped locomotive performance, as well as comparison of measured with simulated locomotive performance in the car-to-car and train-to-train tests. The coupling tests of a conventional locomotive have been conducted, the results of which compared favorably with pre-test predictions. This paper describes the results of the CEM-equipped locomotive coupling tests. In this set of tests, a moving CEM locomotive was coupled to a standing cab car. The primary objective was to demonstrate the robustness of the PBC design and determine the impact speed at which PBC triggering occurs. The coupling speed was increased for each subsequent test until the PBC triggered. The coupling speeds targeted for the test were 2 mph, 4 mph, 6 mph, 7 mph, 8 mph, and 9 mph. The coupling speed at which the PBC triggered was 9 mph. The damage observed resulting from the coupling tests is described. Prior to the tests, a lumped-mass model was developed for predicting the longitudinal forces acting on the equipment and couplers. The test results are compared to the model predictions. Next steps in the research program, including future full-scale dynamic tests, are discussed.

An Insight into the Analytical Models of Granular Particle Damping

2013 ◽  
Vol 819 ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
D.Q. Wang ◽  
C.J. Wu ◽  
R.C. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Models ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Complex Particle ◽  
Granular Particle ◽  
Particle Damping ◽  
Particle Dampers ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Improved Model ◽  
The Impact

Granular particle damping technique is a means for achieving high structural damping by the use of metal particles filled into an enclosure which is attached to the structure in a region of high vibration levels. The particle dampers are now preferred over traditional dampers due to the stability, robustness, cost effectiveness and the lower noise level than the impact damper. Such a promising technique has been used successfully in many fields over the past 20 years. In this paper, a state-of-art review on the development of modeling for particle damping is presented. The fundamentals and individual features of three main mathematical models of the granular particle damping are briefly summarized, i.e. the lumped mass model, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the approach based on the multiphase flow (MPF) theory of gas-particle. It is worth noting that an improved analytical model of the particle damping based on MPF theory is also introduced. The co-simulation of the COMSOL Multiphysics live link for MATLAB is conducted using this improved model. It can be shown that this model makes the complicated modeling problem more simply and offers the possibility to analyze the more complex particle-damping vibrating system.

scholarly journals Conventional Locomotive Coupling Tests

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Llana ◽  
Karina Jacobsen ◽  
David Tyrell
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Vehicle To Vehicle ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Draft Gear ◽  
Lumped Mass Model

Research to develop new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and crew in rail equipment is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. Crash energy management (CEM) components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. These components are designed to inhibit override in the event of a collision. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. These components are designed to improve crashworthiness for equipped locomotives in a wide range of potential collisions, including collisions with conventional locomotives, conventional cab cars, and freight equipment. Concerns have been raised in discussions with industry that push-back couplers may trigger prematurely, and may require replacement due to unintentional activation as a result of service loads. Push-back couplers are designed with trigger loads meant to exceed the expected maximum service loads experienced by conventional couplers. Analytical models are typically used to determine these required trigger loads. Two sets of coupling tests are planned to demonstrate this, one with a conventional locomotive equipped with conventional draft gear and coupler, and another with a conventional locomotive equipped with a push-back coupler. These tests will allow a performance comparison of a conventional locomotive with a CEM-equipped locomotive during coupling. In addition to the two sets of coupling tests, car-to-car compatibility tests of CEM-equipped locomotives, as well as a train-to-train test are also planned. This arrangement of tests allows for evaluation of the CEM-equipped locomotive performance, as well as comparison of measured with simulated locomotive performance in the car-to-car and train-to-train tests. This paper describes the results of the coupling tests of conventional equipment. In this set of tests, a moving locomotive was coupled to a standing cab car. The coupling speed for the first test was 2 mph, the second test 4 mph, and the tests continued with the speed incrementing by 2 mph until the last test was conducted at 12 mph. The damage observed resulting from the coupling tests is described. The lowest coupling speed at which damage occurred was 6 mph. Prior to the tests, a one-dimensional lumped-mass model was developed for predicting the longitudinal forces acting on the equipment and couplers. The model predicted that damage would occur for coupling speeds between 6 and 8 mph. The results of these conventional coupling tests compare favorably with pre-test predictions. Next steps in the research program, including future full-scale dynamic tests, are discussed.

Analysis of Mistuned Blade Vibrations Based on Normally Distributed Blade Individual Natural Frequencies

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Figaschewsky ◽  
Arnold Kühhorn
Keyword(s):  
Probability Distribution ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Influence Coefficients ◽  
Random Mistuning ◽  
Rotor Assembly

With increasing demands for reliability of modern turbomachinery blades the quantification of uncertainty and its impact on the designed product has become an important part of the development process. This paper aims to contribute to an improved approximation of expected vibration amplitudes of a mistuned rotor assembly under certain assumptions on the probability distribution of the blade’s natural frequencies. A previously widely used lumped mass model is employed to represent the vibrational behavior of a cyclic symmetric structure. Aerodynamic coupling of the blades is considered based on the concept of influence coefficients leading to individual damping of the traveling wave modes. The natural frequencies of individual rotor blades are assumed to be normal distributed and the required variance could be estimated due to experiences with the applied manufacturing process. Under these conditions it is possible to derive the probability distribution of the off-diagonal terms in the mistuned equations of motions, that are responsible for the coupling of different circumferential modes. Knowing these distributions recent limits on the maximum attainable mistuned vibration amplitude are improved. The improvement is achieved due to the fact, that the maximum amplification depends on the mistuning strength. This improved limit can be used in the development process, as it could partly replace probabilistic studies with surrogate models of reduced order. The obtained results are verified with numerical simulations of the underlying structural model with random mistuning patterns based on a normal distribution of individual blade frequencies.

A Comparison of Inverse Models for the Estimation of Ice-Induced Propeller Moments on a Polar Vessel

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendon M. Nickerson ◽  
Anriëtte Bekker
Keyword(s):  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Continuous Model ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Inverse Models ◽  
Lumped Mass Model ◽  
Ill Posed ◽  
Shaft Torque ◽  
Measurement Location

Abstract Full-scale measurements were conducted on the port side propulsion shaft the S.A. Agulhas II during the 2019 SCALE Spring Cruise. The measurements included the shaft torque captured at two separate measurement locations, and the shaft rotational speed at one measurement location. The ice-induced propeller moments are estimated from the full-scale shaft responses using two inverse models. The first is a published discrete lumped mass model that relies on regularization due to the inverse problem being ill-posed. This model is only able to make use of the propulsion shaft torque as inputs. The second model is new and employs modal superposition to represent the propulsion shaft as a combination of continuous modes, resulting in a well-posed problem. This new model requires the additional measurement of the shaft rotational speed for the inverse solution. The continuous model is shown to be more consistent and efficient, which allows its use in real-time monitoring of propeller moments.

Experimental and Numerical Modal Analysis of Composite Laminated Shells

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (A1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Mass Matrix ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Free Vibration Analysis ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Radius Of Curvature ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Auxiliary Equipment ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Laminated Shells

The presence of cut outs at different positions of laminated shell component in marine and aeronautical structures facilitate heat dissipation, undertaking maintenance, fitting auxiliary equipment, access ports for mechanical and electrical systems, damage inspection and also influences the dynamic behaviour of the structures. The aim of the present study is to establish a comprehensive perspective of dynamic behavior of laminated deep shells (length to radius of curvature ratio less than one) with cut-out by experiments and numerical simulation. The glass epoxy laminated composite shell has been prepared in the laboratory by resin infusion. The experimental free vibration analysis is carried out on laminated shells with and without cut-out. The mass matrix is developed by considering rotary inertia in a lumped mass model in the numerical modeling. The results obtained from numerical and experimental studies are compared for verification and the consistency between mode shapes is established by applying modal assurance criteria.

Coupled Torsional Vibration and Fatigue Damage of Turbine Generator Due to Grid Disturbance

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Liu ◽  
Dongxiang Jiang ◽  
Jingming Chen
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Torsional Vibration ◽  
Coupled System ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Turbine Generator ◽  
Failure Prevention ◽  
Lumped Mass Model ◽  
Continuous Mass ◽  
Fatigue Evaluation

Crack failures continually occur in shafts of turbine generator, where grid disturbance is an important cause. To estimate influences of grid disturbance, coupled torsional vibration and fatigue damage of turbine generator shafts are analyzed in this work, with a case study in a 600MW steam unit in China. The analysis is the following: (i) coupled system is established with generator model and finite element method (FEM)-based shafts model, where the grid disturbance is signified by fluctuation of generator outputs and the shafts model is formed with lumped mass model (LMM) and continuous mass model (CMM), respectively; (ii) fatigue damage is evaluated in the weak location of the shafts through local torque response computation, stress calculation, and fatigue accumulation; and (iii) failure-prevention approach is formed by solving the inverse problem in fatigue evaluation. The results indicate that the proposed scheme with continuous mass model can acquire more detailed and accurate local responses throughout the shafts compared with the scheme without coupled effects or the scheme using lumped mass model. Using the coupled torsional vibration scheme, fatigue damage caused by grid disturbance is evaluated and failure prevention rule is formed.

Combining Physics-Based and Data-Driven Models for Estimation of WOB During Ultra-Deep Ocean Drilling

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Kaneko ◽  
Ryota Wada ◽  
Masahiko Ozaki ◽  
Tomoya Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Model ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Drill String ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
High Frequency Oscillation ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Unknown Parameters ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Time Operation

Offshore drilling with drill string over 10,000m long has many technical challenges. Among them, the challenge to control the weight on bit (WOB) between a certain range is inevitable for the integrity of drill pipes and the efficiency of the drilling operation. Since WOB cannot be monitored directly during drilling, the tension at the top of the drill string is used as an indicator of the WOB. However, WOB and the surface measured tension are known to show different features. The deviation among the two is due to the dynamic longitudinal behavior of the drill string, which becomes stronger as the drill string gets longer and more elastic. One feature of the difference is related to the occurrence of high-frequency oscillation. We have analyzed the longitudinal behavior of drill string with lumped-mass model and captured the descriptive behavior of such phenomena. However, such physics-based models are not sufficient for real-time operation. There are many unknown parameters that need to be tuned to fit the actual operating conditions. In addition, the huge and complex drilling system will have non-linear behavior, especially near the drilling annulus. These features will only be captured in the data obtained during operation. The proposed hybrid model is a combination of physics-based models and data-driven models. The basic idea is to utilize data-driven techniques to integrate the obtained data during operation into the physics-based model. There are many options on how far we integrate the data-driven techniques to the physics-based model. For example, we have been successful in estimating the WOB from the surface measured tension and the displacement of the drill string top with only recurrent neural networks (RNNs), provided we have enough data of WOB. Lack of WOB measurement cannot be avoided, so the amount of data needs to be increased by utilizing results from physics-based numerical models. The aim of the research is to find a good combination of the two models. In this paper, we will discuss several hybrid model configurations and its performance.

Identification of firefly algorithm-based fluctuation coefficient of the exciting torque for vehicle driveline

2018 ◽  
Vol 233 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
Qiaobin Liu ◽  
Wenku Shi ◽  
Zhiyong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Torsional Vibration ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Vibration Response ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Lumped Mass ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Engine Torque ◽  
Lumped Mass Model ◽  
Vibration Performance ◽  
Engine Excitation

The unbalanced excitation force and torque generated by an engine that resonate with the natural frequency of drivetrain often causes vibration and noise problems in vehicles. This study aims to comprehensively employ theoretical modelling and experimental identification methods to obtain the fluctuation coefficients of engine excitation torque when a car is in different gear positions. The inherent characteristics of the system are studied on the basis of the four-degree-of-freedom driveline lumped mass model and the longitudinal dynamics model of vehicle. The correctness of the model is verified by torsional vibration test. The second order's engine torque fluctuation coefficients are identified by firefly algorithm according to the curves of flywheel speed in different gears under the acceleration condition of the whole open throttle. The torque obtained by parameter identification is applied to the model, and the torsional vibration response of the system is analysed. The influence of the key parameters on the torsional vibration response of the system is investigated. The study concludes that proper reduction of clutch stiffness can increase clutch damping and half-axle rigidity, which can help improve the torsional vibration performance of the system. This study can provide reference for vehicle drivetrain modelling and torsional vibration control.

A landslide-generated tsunami and outburst flood at Elliot Creek, coastal British Columbia  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marten Geertsema ◽  
Brian Menounos ◽  
Dan Shugar ◽  
Tom Millard ◽  
Brent Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Lake Basin ◽  
Outburst Flood ◽  
Coast Mountains ◽  
Rock Face ◽  
Valley Fill ◽  
Causative Relationship ◽  
Displacement Wave ◽  
Steep Slopes

<p>On 28 November 2020, about 18 Mm<sup>3</sup> of quartz diorite detached from a steep rock face at the head of Elliot Creek in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. The rock mass fragmented as it descended 1000 m and flowed across a debris-covered glacier. The rock avalanche was recorded on local and distant seismometers, with long-period amplitudes equivalent to a M 4.9 earthquake. Local seismic stations detected several earthquakes of magnitude <2.4 over the minutes and hours preceding the slide, though no causative relationship is yet suggested. More than half of the rock debris entered a 0.6 km<sup>2 </sup>lake, where it generated a huge displacement wave that overtopped the moraine at the far end of the lake. Water that left the lake was channelized along Elliot Creek, deeply scouring the valley fill over a distance of 10 km before depositing debris on a 2 km<sup>2</sup> fan in the Southgate River valley. Debris temporarily dammed the river, and turbid water continued down the Southgate River to Bute Inlet, where it produced a 70 km turbidity current and altered turbidity and water chemistry in the inlet for weeks. The landslide followed a century of rapid glacier retreat and thinning that exposed a growing lake basin. The outburst flood extended the damage of the landslide far beyond the limit of the landslide, destroying forest and impacting salmon spawning and rearing habitat. We expect more cascading impacts from landslides in the glacierized mountains of British Columbia as glaciers continue to retreat, exposing water bodies below steep slopes while simultaneously removing buttressing support.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document