An Alternative Algorithm for Simulating Flash Flood

Most of the approaches in numerical modeling techniques are based on the Eulerian coordinate system. This approach faces difficulty in simulating flash flood front propagation. This paper shows an alternative method that implements a numerical modeling technique based on the Lagrangian coordinate system to simulate the water of debris flow. As for the interaction with the riverbed, the simulation uses an Eulerian coordinate system. The method uses the conservative and momentum equations of water and sediment mixture in the Lagrangian form. Source terms represent deposition and erosion. The riverbed in the Eulerian coordinate system interacts with the flow of the mixture. At every step, the algorithm evaluates the relative position of moving nodes of the flow part to the fixed nodes of the riverbed. Computation of advancing velocity and depth uses the riverbed elevation, slope data, and the bed elevation change computation uses the erosion or deposition data of the flow on the moving nodes. Spatial discretization is implementing the Galerkin method. Furthermore, temporal discretization is implementing the forward difference scheme. Test runs show that the algorithm can simulate downward, upward, and reflected backward 1-D flow cases. Two-D model tests and comparisons with SIMLAR software show that the algorithm works in simulating debris flow.

A Novel Shape Finding Method for the Main Cable of Suspension Bridge Using Nonlinear Finite Element Approach

The determination of the final cable shape under the self-weight of the suspension bridge enables its safe construction and operation. Most existing studies solve the cable shape segment-by-segment in the Lagrangian coordinate system. This paper develops a novel shape finding method for the main cable of suspension bridge using nonlinear finite element approach with Eulerian description. The governing differential equations for a three-dimensional spatial main cable is developed before a one-dimensional linear shape function is introduced to solve the cable shape utilizing the Newton iteration method. The proposed method can be readily reduced to solve the two-dimensional parallel cable shape. Two iteration layers are required for the proposed method. The shape finding process has no need for the information of the cable material or cross section using the present technique. The commonly used segmental catenary method is compared with the present method using three cases study, i.e., a 1666-m-main-span earth-anchored suspension bridge with 2D parallel and 3D spatial main cables as well as a 300-m-main-span self-anchored suspension bridge with 3D spatial main cables. Numerical studies and iteration results show that the proposed shape finding technique is sufficiently accurate and operationally convenient to achieve the target configuration of the main cable.

Description of the Expansion of a Two-Layer Tube: An Analytic Plane-Strain Solution for Arbitrary Pressure-Independent Yield Criterion and Hardening Law

The main objective of the present paper is to provide a simple analytical solution for describing the expansion of a two-layer tube under plane-strain conditions for its subsequent use in the preliminary design of hydroforming processes. Each layer’s constitutive equations are an arbitrary pressure-independent yield criterion, its associated plastic flow rule, and an arbitrary hardening law. The elastic portion of strain is neglected. The method of solution is based on two transformations of space variables. Firstly, a Lagrangian coordinate is introduced instead of the Eulerian radial coordinate. Then, the Lagrangian coordinate is replaced with the equivalent strain. The solution reduces to ordinary integrals that, in general, should be evaluated numerically. However, for two hardening laws of practical importance, these integrals are expressed in terms of special functions. Three geometric parameters for the initial configuration, a constitutive parameter, and two arbitrary functions classify the boundary value problem. Therefore, a detailed parametric analysis of the solution is not feasible. The illustrative example demonstrates the effect of the outer layer’s thickness on the pressure applied to the inner radius of the tube.

A Theory of Elastic/Plastic Plane Strain Pure Bending of FGM Sheets at Large Strain

An efficient analytical/numerical method has been developed and programmed to predict the distribution of residual stresses and springback in plane strain pure bending of functionally graded sheets at large strain, followed by unloading. The solution is facilitated by using a Lagrangian coordinate system. The study is concentrated on a power law through thickness distribution of material properties. However, the general method can be used in conjunction with any other through thickness distributions assuming that plastic yielding initiates at one of the surfaces of the sheet. Effects of material properties on the distribution of residual stresses are investigated.

Global Riemann solvers for several 3 × 3 systems of conservation laws with degeneracies

We study several [Formula: see text] systems of conservation laws, arising in the modeling of two-phase flow with rough porous media and traffic flow with rough road condition. These systems share several features. The systems are of mixed type, with various degeneracies. Some families are linearly degenerate, while others are not genuinely nonlinear. Furthermore, along certain curves in the domain, the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of different families coincide. Most interestingly, in some suitable Lagrangian coordinate, the systems are partially decoupled, where some unknowns can be solved independently of the others. Finally, in special cases, the systems reduce to some [Formula: see text] models, which have been studied in the literature. Utilizing the insights gained from these features, we construct global Riemann solvers for all these models. Possible treatments on the Cauchy problems are also discussed.

Quantifying Isentropic Mixing Linked to Rossby Wave Breaking in a Modified Lagrangian Coordinate

Isentropic mixing is an important process for the distribution of chemical constituents in the mid- to high latitudes. A modified Lagrangian framework is applied to quantify the mixing associated with two distinct types of Rossby wave breaking (i.e., cyclonic and anticyclonic). In idealized numerical simulations, cyclonic wave breaking (CWB) exhibits either comparable or stronger mixing than anticyclonic wave breaking (AWB). Although the frequencies of AWB and CWB both have robust relationships with the jet position, this asymmetry leads to CWB dominating mixing variability related to the jet shifting. In particular, when the jet shifts poleward the mixing strength decreases in areas of the midlatitude troposphere and also decreases on the poleward side of the jet. This is due to decreasing CWB occurrence with a poleward shift of the jet. Across the tropopause, equatorward of the jet, where AWB mostly occurs and CWB rarely occurs, the mixing strength increases as AWB occurs more frequently with a poleward shift of the jet. The dynamical relationship above is expected to be relevant both for internal climate variability, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the annular modes, and for future climate change that may drive changes in the jet position.

Lagrange form of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation for low-vorticity waves in deep water

The nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation describing the propagation of weakly rotational wave packets in an infinitely deep fluid in Lagrangian coordinates has been derived. The vorticity is assumed to be an arbitrary function of Lagrangian coordinates and quadratic in the small parameter proportional to the wave steepness. The vorticity effects manifest themselves in a shift of the wave number in the carrier wave and in variation in the coefficient multiplying the nonlinear term. In the case of vorticity dependence on the vertical Lagrangian coordinate only (Gouyon waves), the shift of the wave number and the respective coefficient are constant. When the vorticity is dependent on both Lagrangian coordinates, the shift of the wave number is horizontally inhomogeneous. There are special cases (e.g., Gerstner waves) in which the vorticity is proportional to the squared wave amplitude and nonlinearity disappears, thus making the equations for wave packet dynamics linear. It is shown that the NLS solution for weakly rotational waves in the Eulerian variables may be obtained from the Lagrangian solution by simply changing the horizontal coordinates.

Propagation of the nonlinear plastic stress waves in semi-infinite bar

This paper presents the propagation longitudinal nonlinear plastic stress in thin semi-infinite rod or in wire. The rod is characterized by a nonlinear strain hardening model within the scope a plastic strain. The modulus of strain hardening is a decreasing function of the strain. The frontal bar end is suddenly launching to the velocity V, and subsequently moves with this one. General solution of this boundary value problem of the Lagrangian coordinate (material description) and of the Eulerian one (spatial description) has been presented. There has been carried out the physical interpretation of the obtained results by means of Lagrangian and Eulerian methods. The results of this paper may be utilized in scientific researches and in engineering practice.

Extrusion of fluid cylinders of arbitrary shape with surface tension and gravity

A model is developed for the extrusion in the direction of gravity of a slender fluid cylinder from a die of arbitrary shape. Both gravity and surface tension act to stretch and deform the geometry. The model allows for an arbitrary but prescribed viscosity profile, while the effects of extrudate swell are neglected. The solution is found efficiently through the use of a carefully selected axial Lagrangian coordinate and a transformation to a reduced-time variable. Comparisons between the model and extruded glass microstructured optical fibre preforms show that surface tension has a significant effect on the geometry but the model does not capture all of the behaviour observed in practice. Experimental observations are used in conjunction with the model to argue that some deformation, due neither to surface tension nor gravity, occurs in or near the die exit. Methods are considered to overcome deformation due to surface tension.