The Dynamical Structure of a Warm Core Ring as Inferred from Glider Observations and Along-Track Altimetry

This study investigates the vertical structure of the dynamical properties of a warm-core ring in the Gulf of Mexico (Loop Current ring) using glider observations. We introduce a new method to correct the glider’s along-track coordinate, which is, in general, biased by the unsteady relative movements of the glider and the eddy, yielding large errors on horizontal derivatives. Here, we take advantage of the synopticity of satellite along-track altimetry to apply corrections on the glider’s position by matching in situ steric height with satellite-measured sea surface height. This relocation method allows recovering the eddy’s azimuthal symmetry, precisely estimating the rotation axis position, and computing reliable horizontal derivatives. It is shown to be particularly appropriate to compute the eddy’s cyclo-geostrophic velocity, relative vorticity, and shear strain, which are otherwise out of reach when using the glider’s raw traveled distance as a horizontal coordinate. The Ertel potential vorticity (PV) structure of the warm core ring is studied in details, and we show that the PV anomaly is entirely controlled by vortex stretching. Sign reversal of the PV gradient across the water column suggests that the ring might be baroclinically unstable. The PV gradient is also largely controlled by gradients of the vortex stretching term. We also show that the ring’s total energy partition is strongly skewed, with available potential energy being 3 times larger than kinetic energy. The possible impact of this energy partition on the Loop Current rings longevity is also discussed.

The Dynamical Structure of a Warm Core Ring as Inferred from Glider Observations and Along-Track Altimetry

This study investigates the vertical structure of the dynamical properties of a warm-core ring in the Gulf of Mexico (Loop Current ring) using glider observations. We introduce a new method to correct the glider’s along-track coordinate which is, in general, biased by the unsteady relative movements of the glider and the eddy, yielding large errors on horizontal derivatives. Here, we take advantage of the synopticity of satellite along-track altimetry to apply corrections on the glider’s position, by matching in situ steric height with satellite-measured sea surface height. This relocation method allows to recover the eddy’s azimuthal symmetry, to precisely estimate the rotation axis position, and to compute reliable horizontal derivatives. It is shown to be particularly appropriate to compute the eddy’s cyclo-geostrophic velocity, relative vorticity, and shear strain, which are otherwise out of reach when using the glider’s raw traveled distance as an horizontal coordinate. The Ertel potential vorticity (PV) structure of the warm core ring is studied in details, and we show that the PV anomaly is entirely controlled by vortex stretching. Sign reversal of the PV gradient across the water column suggests that the ring might be baroclinically unstable. The PV gradient is also largely controlled by gradients of the vortex stretching term. We also show that the ring’s total energy partition is strongly skewed, with available potential energy being 3 times larger than kinetic energy. The possible impact of this energy distribution on the Loop Current rings longevity is also discussed.

Fretting test rig with variable normal force

Fretting is small amplitude reciprocating sliding between surfaces, and it may quickly causes surface cracks, which can continue growing under cyclic loads, until the structure breaks entirely as a result of the fretting fatigue. Fretting can also produce hardened wear particles as a result of adhesive wear, which then accelerates abrasive wear. In this case, the community uses the term fretting wear. The design of heavily loaded contacts, susceptible to fretting, is a difficult task because there is no generally accepted design guide. More extensive fretting research is needed to create them. This paper introduces detailed design phases for a equipment (rig) for a variable normal force fretting test. Supporting high radial and normal forces such that there is minimal run-out between the specimens was the most significant design challenge. The combination of a hydrostatic radial bearing and elastic torque shaft was selected for the detail design phase based on FE-analyses, calculations, and overall evaluation. The frame of the test rig consists of the main frame, which supports mainly the normal force and two torque frames, which support torque cylinders. Many solutions, which were found to be working in the current "ring-ring" apparatus of Tampere University, could be utilized in the new test rig like the tapered connections of the specimens, the elastic rod of the torque lever, axial displacement plate, and contact pressure adjustment system. The designed test rig enables fretting tests with 0 Hz to 20 Hz cycle frequency so that normal and tangential force or displacement can be controlled independently of each other. The normal force cannot change from compression to tension dynamically, but the adhesive force of the contact can be measured by slowly increasing the tension force. The designed fretting test rig fulfills all essential requirements, which were set.

A Trigger Mechanism for Loop Current Ring Separations

The Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico sheds large anticyclonic rings on an irregular basis. The authors attempt to show what actually triggers the ring separations. Pulses of increased transport through the Florida Straits, as observed by the cable data, are observed prior to each ring separation. This finding is consistent over all separation events observed in the satellite altimetry record. The pulses of transport occur approximately two to four weeks before the rings separate. The increase in transport is usually accompanied by a corresponding increase in offshore sea level, suggesting forcing from the open ocean. The delay times between the pulses of increased transport and ring separations can be shown to be significantly correlated with the length of the Loop Current. Mean sea levels over the Caribbean and Gulf also peak before the separations, on average.