iCompare: A Package for Automated Comparison of Solar System Integrators*

We present a tool for the comparison and validation of the integration packages suitable for Solar System dynamics. iCompare, written in Python, compares the ephemeris prediction accuracy of a suite of commonly-used integration packages (JPL/HORIZONS, OpenOrb, OrbFit at present). It integrates a set of test particles with orbits picked to explore both usual and unusual regions in Solar System phase space and compares the computed to reference ephemerides. The results are visualized in an intuitive dashboard. This allows for the assessment of integrator suitability as a function of population, as well as monitoring their performance from version to version (a capability needed for the Rubin Observatory’s software pipeline construction efforts). We provide the code on GitHub with a readily runnable version in Binder (https://github.com/dirac-institute/iCompare).

Design peculiarities of pipeline support on landslide slopes

The pipeline construction in complex engineering-geological conditions requires a thorough initial data analysis, as well as complex slope modeling using modern software systems. The article discusses the features of the foundation construction for stand-alone supports for power lines and pipelines on landslide slopes composed of clay soils. Relevant Russian regulations documents administer above-ground pipelining, which significantly complicates the design process. However, above-ground pipelining allows monitoring the slope condition (formation road edge breakaway), foundations (deviation from the design location), as well as the pipeline (displacement of the route axis, the state of welds). Timely detected deviations allow avoiding an emergency situation. The author considers possible options for constructive solutions for support foundations, as well as protective structures exemplified by a real Krasnodar Krai object. The pipeline construction in active landslide displacements conditions, as well as the presence of seismic effects, requires not only ensuring the construction's economic feasibility, but also the work safety. In the developing process of optimal design solutions, slope computer modeling was executed both in two-dimensional and three-dimensional formulations based on the finite element method using the Plaxis 2D and Plaxis 3D programs. The considered design situations made it possible to take into account the worst load combinations possible during pipeline operation. According to the calculation results and a comprehensive engineering and geological conditions study at the site, as well as the construction organization peculiarities, a block diagram has been developed that makes it possible to determine the optimal design solutions for protective structures in relation to any landslide construction site.

Construction of an underground pipeline in permafrost conditions, taking into account the minimization of thermal effect on the soil and increasing energy efficiency during operation

Совершенствование технологий строительства подземных трубопроводов в условиях многолетнемерзлых грунтов, предусматривающее минимизацию теплового воздействия трубопровода на грунт во время эксплуатации, является актуальной научно-технической задачей. Авторами разработан способ прокладки подземного трубопровода, снижающий до минимума его тепловое воздействие на вмещающий мерзлый грунт и позволяющий в процессе дальнейшей эксплуатации поддерживать температуру перекачиваемой нефти без дополнительного подогрева. Конструктивной схемой предусмотрена укладка трубопровода в изолированную траншею с использованием торфа в качестве грунта-изоляции. В рамках исследования разработана модель прокладки трубопровода (в программном комплексе SolidWorks), произведены расчеты его напряженно-деформированного состояния (в программном комплексе ANSYS) и теплового воздействия на мерзлый грунт (в программном комплексе FROST 3D Universal). Установлено, что напряжения и перемещения, возникающие во время эксплуатации трубопровода, уложенного по предложенной конструктивной схеме, находятся в диапазоне допустимых значений, а его тепловое воздействие вызывает незначительное протаивание грунта и минимальные изменения температуры перекачки нефти. The improvement of technologies of underground pipeline construction in conditions of permafrost soils, providing for the minimization of the thermal effect of the pipeline on the soil during operation is an urgent scientific and technical task. The authors have developed a method for laying an underground pipeline that minimizes its thermal effect on the enclosing frozen soil and allows maintaining the temperature of the pumped oil during further operation without additional heating. The structural layout provides for laying the pipeline in an isolated trench using peat as insulation soil. As part of the study, a pipeline-laying model was developed (using the SolidWorks software package), calculations of its stress-strain state (in the ANSYS software package) and thermal effect on frozen soil (in the FROST 3D Universal software package) were performed. It has been determined that the stresses and displacements arising during the operation of the pipeline laid in accordance with the proposed structural layout are in the range of allowable values, and its thermal effect causes insignificant soil thawing and minimal changes in the oil pumping temperature.