Sample records for interconnected fracture network

  1. Discrete Fracture Network Characterization of Fractured Shale Reservoirs with Implications to Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, G.

    2016-12-01

    Shales are important petroleum source rocks and reservoir seals. Recent developments in hydraulic fracturing technology have facilitated high gas production rates from shale and have had a strong impact on the U.S. gas supply and markets. Modeling of effective permeability for fractured shale reservoirs has been challenging because the presence of a fracture network significantly alters the reservoir hydrologic properties. Due to the frequent occurrence of fracture networks, it is of vital importance to characterize fracture networks and to investigate how these networks can be used to optimize the hydraulic fracturing. We have conducted basic research on 3-D fracture permeability characterization and compartmentization analyses for fractured shale formations, which takes the advantages of the discrete fracture networks (DFN). The DFN modeling is a stochastic modeling approach using the probabilistic density functions of fractures. Three common scenarios of DFN models have been studied for fracture permeability mapping using our previously proposed techniques. In DFN models with moderately to highly concentrated fractures, there exists a representative element volume (REV) for fracture permeability characterization, which indicates that the fractured reservoirs can be treated as anisotropic homogeneous media. Hydraulic fracturing will be most effective if the orientation of the hydraulic fracture is perpendicular to the mean direction of the fractures. A DFN model with randomized fracture orientations, on the other hand, lacks an REV for fracture characterization. Therefore, a fracture permeability tensor has to be computed from each element. Modeling of fracture interconnectivity indicates that there exists no preferred direction for hydraulic fracturing to be most effective oweing to the interconnected pathways of the fracture network. 3-D fracture permeability mapping has been applied to the Devonian Chattanooga Shale in Alabama and the results suggest that an REV exist for fluid flow and transport modeling at element sizes larger than 200 m. Fracture pathway analysis indicates that hydraulic fracturing can be equally effective for hydrocarbon fluid/gas exploration as long as its orientation is not aligned with that of the regional system fractures.

  2. Visualization and Hierarchical Analysis of Flow in Discrete Fracture Network Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aldrich, G. A.; Gable, C. W.; Painter, S. L.; Makedonska, N.; Hamann, B.; Woodring, J.

    2013-12-01

    Flow and transport in low permeability fractured rock is primary in interconnected fracture networks. Prediction and characterization of flow and transport in fractured rock has important implications in underground repositories for hazardous materials (eg. nuclear and chemical waste), contaminant migration and remediation, groundwater resource management, and hydrocarbon extraction. We have developed methods to explicitly model flow in discrete fracture networks and track flow paths using passive particle tracking algorithms. Visualization and analysis of particle trajectory through the fracture network is important to understanding fracture connectivity, flow patterns, potential contaminant pathways and fast paths through the network. However, occlusion due to the large number of highly tessellated and intersecting fracture polygons preclude the effective use of traditional visualization methods. We would also like quantitative analysis methods to characterize the trajectory of a large number of particle paths. We have solved these problems by defining a hierarchal flow network representing the topology of particle flow through the fracture network. This approach allows us to analyses the flow and the dynamics of the system as a whole. We are able to easily query the flow network, and use paint-and-link style framework to filter the fracture geometry and particle traces based on the flow analytics. This allows us to greatly reduce occlusion while emphasizing salient features such as the principal transport pathways. Examples are shown that demonstrate the methodology and highlight how use of this new method allows quantitative analysis and characterization of flow and transport in a number of representative fracture networks.

  3. Fracture propagation and fluid transport in palaeogeothermal fields and man-made reservoirs in limestone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Philipp, S. L.; Reyer, D.; Meier, S.

    2009-04-01

    Geothermal reservoirs are rock units from which the internal heat can be extracted using water as a transport means in an economically efficient manner. In geothermal reservoirs in limestone (and similar in other rocks with low matrix permeability), fluid flow is largely, and may be almost entirely, controlled by the permeability of the fracture network. No flow, however, takes place along a particular fracture network unless the fractures are interconnected. For fluid flow to occur from one site to another there must be at least one interconnected cluster of fractures that links these sites (the percolation threshold must be reached). In order to generate permeability in man-made reservoirs, interconnected fracture systems are formed either by creating hydraulic fractures or by massive hydraulic stimulation of the existing fracture system in the host rock. For effective stimulation, the geometry of the fracture system and the mechanical properties of the host rock (particularly rock stiffnesses and strengths) must be known. Here we present results of a study of fracture systems in rocks that could be used to host man-made geothermal reservoirs: the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic) limestones in Germany. Studies of fracture systems in exposed palaeogeothermal fields can also help understand the permeability development in stimulated reservoirs. We therefore present data on the infrastructures of extinct fracture-controlled geothermal fields in fault zones in the Blue Lias (Lower Jurassic), Great Britain. In fault zones there are normally two main mechanical and hydrogeological units. The fault core, along which fault slip mostly occurs, consists mainly of breccia and other cataclastic rocks. The fault damage zone comprises numerous fractures of various sizes. During fault slip, the fault core may transport water (if its orientation is favourable to the hydraulic gradient in the area). In the damage zone, however, fluid transport through fracture networks depends particularly on the current local stress field. One reason for this is that fractures are sensitive to changes in the stress field and deform much more easily than circular pores. If the maximum horizontal compression is oriented perpendicular to the fault strike, its fractures (mainly in the damage zone) tend to be closed and lead less water than if the maximum horizontal compression is oriented parallel to the fault strike, in which case its fractures tend to open up and be favourable to fluid transport. In areas of potential geothermal reservoirs, fault zones must be studied, keeping in mind that the permeability structure of a fault zone depends partly on the mechanical units of the fault zone and partly on the local stress field. To explore stress fields affecting fracture propagation we have run numerical models using the finite-element and the boundary-element methods. We focus on the influence of changes in mechanical properties (particularly Young's modulus) between host rock layers in geothrmal reservoirs in limestone. The numerical models show that stresses commonly concentrate in stiff layers. Also, at the contacts between soft marl and stiffer limestone layers, the stress trajectories (directions of the principal stresses) may become rotated. Depending on the external loading conditions, certain layers may become stress barriers to fracture propagation. In a reservoir where most hydrofractures become stratabound (confined to individual layers), interconnected fracture systems are less likely to develop than in one with non-stratabound hydrofractures. Reservoirs with stratabound fractures may not reach the percolation threshold needed for significant permeability. We also used the field data to investigate the fracture-related permeability of fluid reservoirs in limestone with numerical models. We simulated different scenarios, in which potential fluid pathways were added successively (vertical extension fractures, inclined shear fractures and open layer contacts). Short and straight fluid pathways parallel to the flow direction lead to the highest permeabilities. The better the connectivity of the fracture system, the higher is the resulting permeability. Only in well-interconnected, continuous systems of fluid pathways there is a correlation between the apertures of the fractures and the permeability. Our results suggest that fluid transport along faults, and the propagation and aperture variation of hydrofractures, are important parameters in the permeability development of geothermal reservoirs. These studies provide a basis for models of fracture networks and fluid transport in future man-made reservoirs. We conclude that the likely permeability of a man-made geothermal reservoir can be inferred from field data, natural analogues, laboratory measurements, and numerical models.

  4. Dynamic characterisation of the specific surface area for fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cvetkovic, V.

    2017-12-01

    One important application of chemical transport is geological disposal of high-level nuclear waste for which crystalline rock is a prime candidate for instance in Scandinavia. Interconnected heterogeneous fractures of sparsely fractured rock such as granite, act as conduits for transport of dissolved tracers. Fluid flow is known to be highly channelized in such rocks. Channels imply narrow flow paths, adjacent to essentially stagnant water in the fracture and/or the rock matrix. Tracers are transported along channelised flow paths and retained by minerals and/or stagnant water, depending on their sorption properties; this mechanism is critical for rocks to act as a barrier and ultimately provide safety for a geological repository. The sorbing tracers are retained by diffusion and sorption on mineral surfaces, whereas non-sorbing tracers can be retained only by diffusion into stagnant water of fractures. The retention and transport properties of a sparsely fractured rock will primarily depend on the specific surface area (SSA) of the fracture network which is determined by the heterogeneous structure and flow. The main challenge when characterising SSA on the field-scale is its dependence on the flow dynamics. We first define SSA as a physical quantity and clarify its importance for chemical transport. A methodology for dynamic characterisation of SSA in fracture networks is proposed that relies on three sets of data: i) Flow rate data as obtained by a flow logging procedure; ii) transmissivity data as obtained by pumping tests; iii) fracture network data as obtained from outcrop and geophysical observations. The proposed methodology utilises these data directly as well as indirectly through flow and particle tracking simulations in three-dimensional discrete fracture networks. The methodology is exemplified using specific data from the Swedish site Laxemar. The potential impact of uncertainties is of particular significance and is illustrated for radionuclide attenuation. Effects of internal fracture heterogeneity vs fracture network heterogeneity, and of rock deformation, on the statistical properties of SSA are briefly discussed.

  5. Geologic models and evaluation of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources: Upper Cretaceous Austin Chalk

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Pearson, Krystal

    2012-01-01

    The Upper Cretaceous Austin Chalk forms a low-permeability, onshore Gulf of Mexico reservoir that produces oil and gas from major fractures oriented parallel to the underlying Lower Cretaceous shelf edge. Horizontal drilling links these fracture systems to create an interconnected network that drains the reservoir. Field and well locations along the production trend are controlled by fracture networks. Highly fractured chalk is present along both regional and local fault zones. Fractures are also genetically linked to movement of the underlying Jurassic Louann Salt with tensile fractures forming downdip of salt-related structures creating the most effective reservoirs. Undiscovered accumulations should also be associated with structure-controlled fracture systems because much of the Austin that overlies the Lower Cretaceous shelf edge remains unexplored. The Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Shale is the primary source rock for Austin Chalk hydrocarbons. This transgressive marine shale varies in thickness and lithology across the study area and contains both oil- and gas-prone kerogen. The Eagle Ford began generating oil and gas in the early Miocene, and vertical migration through fractures was sufficient to charge the Austin reservoirs.

  6. Mathematical algorithm development and parametric studies with the GEOFRAC three-dimensional stochastic model of natural rock fracture systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivanova, Violeta M.; Sousa, Rita; Murrihy, Brian; Einstein, Herbert H.

    2014-06-01

    This paper presents results from research conducted at MIT during 2010-2012 on modeling of natural rock fracture systems with the GEOFRAC three-dimensional stochastic model. Following a background summary of discrete fracture network models and a brief introduction of GEOFRAC, the paper provides a thorough description of the newly developed mathematical and computer algorithms for fracture intensity, aperture, and intersection representation, which have been implemented in MATLAB. The new methods optimize, in particular, the representation of fracture intensity in terms of cumulative fracture area per unit volume, P32, via the Poisson-Voronoi Tessellation of planes into polygonal fracture shapes. In addition, fracture apertures now can be represented probabilistically or deterministically whereas the newly implemented intersection algorithms allow for computing discrete pathways of interconnected fractures. In conclusion, results from a statistical parametric study, which was conducted with the enhanced GEOFRAC model and the new MATLAB-based Monte Carlo simulation program FRACSIM, demonstrate how fracture intensity, size, and orientations influence fracture connectivity.

  7. Quantitative geometric description of fracture systems in an andesite lava flow using terrestrial laser scanner data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Massiot, Cécile; Nicol, Andrew; Townend, John; McNamara, David D.; Garcia-Sellés, David; Conway, Chris E.; Archibald, Garth

    2017-07-01

    Permeability hosted in andesitic lava flows is dominantly controlled by fracture systems, with geometries that are often poorly constrained. This paper explores the fracture system geometry of an andesitic lava flow formed during its emplacement and cooling over gentle paleo-topography, on the active Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand. The fracture system comprises column-forming and platy fractures within the blocky interior of the lava flow, bounded by autobreccias partially observed at the base and top of the outcrop. We use a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) dataset to extract column-forming fractures directly from the point-cloud shape over an outcrop area of ∼3090 m2. Fracture processing is validated using manual scanlines and high-resolution panoramic photographs. Column-forming fractures are either steeply or gently dipping with no preferred strike orientation. Geometric analysis of fractures derived from the TLS, in combination with virtual scanlines and trace maps, reveals that: (1) steeply dipping column-forming fracture lengths follow a scale-dependent exponential or log-normal distribution rather than a scale-independent power-law; (2) fracture intensities (combining density and size) vary throughout the blocky zone but have similar mean values up and along the lava flow; and (3) the areal fracture intensity is higher in the autobreccia than in the blocky zone. The inter-connected fracture network has a connected porosity of ∼0.5 % that promote fluid flow vertically and laterally within the blocky zone, and is partially connected to the autobreccias. Autobreccias may act either as lateral permeability connections or barriers in reservoirs, depending on burial and alteration history. A discrete fracture network model generated from these geometrical parameters yields a highly connected fracture network, consistent with outcrop observations.

  8. Fracture network topology and characterization of structural permeability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hansberry, Rowan; King, Rosalind; Holford, Simon

    2017-04-01

    There are two fundamental requirements for successful geothermal development: elevated temperatures at accessible depths, and a reservoir from which fluids can be extracted. The Australian geothermal sector has successfully targeted shallow heat, however, due in part to the inherent complexity of targeting permeability, obtaining adequate flow rates for commercial production has been problematic. Deep sedimentary aquifers are unlikely to be viable geothermal resources due to the effects of diagenetic mineral growth on rock permeability. Therefore, it is likely structural permeability targets, exploiting natural or induced fracture networks will provide the primary means for fluid flow in geothermal, as well as unconventional gas, reservoirs. Recent research has focused on the pattern and generation of crustal stresses across Australia, while less is known about the resultant networks of faults, joints, and veins that can constitute interconnected sub-surface permeability pathways. The ability of a fracture to transmit fluid is controlled by the orientation and magnitude of the in-situ stress field that acts on the fracture walls, rock strength, and pore pressure, as well as fracture properties such as aperture, orientation, and roughness. Understanding the distribution, orientation and character of fractures is key to predicting structural permeability. This project focuses on extensive mapping of fractures over various scales in four key Australian basins (Cooper, Otway, Surat and Perth) with the potential to host geothermal resources. Seismic attribute analysis is used in concert with image logs from petroleum wells, and field mapping to identify fracture networks that are usually not resolved in traditional seismic interpretation. We use fracture network topology to provide scale-invariant characterisation of fracture networks from multiple data sources to assess similarity between data sources, and fracture network connectivity. These results are compared with other permeability indicators such as drilling fluid losses, and pore pressure measurements. Initial work with these techniques has led to new developments in our ability to image subsurface faults and fractures at a variety of scales from independent datasets. We establish a strong relationship between features identified using seismic attribute analysis and interpreted natural fractures. However, care must be taken to use these methods in a case-by-case basis, as controls on fracture distribution and orientation can vary significantly with both regional and local influences. These results outline and effective method by which structural permeability can be assessed with existing petroleum datasets. However, unlike the broad stress field, mapping fracture orientation and characteristics within the Australian Continent is complicated as the distribution, geometry, areal extent and connectivity of fracture networks can vary significantly.

  9. Characteristic Length Scales in Fracture Networks: Hydraulic Connectivity through Periodic Hydraulic Tests

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Becker, M.; Bour, O.; Le Borgne, T.; Longuevergne, L.; Lavenant, N.; Cole, M. C.; Guiheneuf, N.

    2017-12-01

    Determining hydraulic and transport connectivity in fractured bedrock has long been an important objective in contaminant hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, and geothermal operations. A persistent obstacle to making this determination is that the characteristic length scale is nearly impossible to determine in sparsely fractured networks. Both flow and transport occur through an unknown structure of interconnected fracture and/or fracture zones making the actual length that water or solutes travel undetermined. This poses difficulties for flow and transport models. For, example, hydraulic equations require a separation distance between pumping and observation well to determine hydraulic parameters. When wells pairs are close, the structure of the network can influence the interpretation of well separation and the flow dimension of the tested system. This issue is explored using hydraulic tests conducted in a shallow fractured crystalline rock. Periodic (oscillatory) slug tests were performed at the Ploemeur fractured rock test site located in Brittany, France. Hydraulic connectivity was examined between three zones in one well and four zones in another, located 6 m apart in map view. The wells are sufficiently close, however, that the tangential distance between the tested zones ranges between 6 and 30 m. Using standard periodic formulations of radial flow, estimates of storativity scale inversely with the square of the separation distance and hydraulic diffusivity directly with the square of the separation distance. Uncertainty in the connection paths between the two wells leads to an order of magnitude uncertainty in estimates of storativity and hydraulic diffusivity, although estimates of transmissivity are unaffected. The assumed flow dimension results in alternative estimates of hydraulic parameters. In general, one is faced with the prospect of assuming the hydraulic parameter and inverting the separation distance, or vice versa. Similar uncertainties exist, for instance, when trying to invert transport parameters from tracer mean residence time. This field test illustrates that when dealing with fracture networks, there is a need for analytic methods of complexity that lie between simple radial solutions and discrete fracture network models.

  10. Evaluation of Hydraulically Significant Discontinuities in Dockum Group Mudrocks in Andrews County, Texas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Holt, R. M.; Kuszmaul, J. S.; Cao, S.; Powers, D. W.

    2013-12-01

    Triassic mudrocks of the Dockum Group (Cooper Canyon Formation) host four, below-grade landfills at the Waste Control Specialists (WSC) site in Andrews County, Texas, including: a hazardous waste landfill and three radioactive waste landfills. At the study site, the Dockum consists of mudrocks with sparse siltstone/sandstone interbeds that developed in a semi-arid environment from an ephemeral meandering fluvial system. Sedimentary studies reveal that the mudrocks are ancient floodplain vertisols (soils with swelling clays) and siltstone/sandstone interbeds are fluvial channel deposits that were frequently subaerially exposed. Rock discontinuities, including fractures and syndepositional slickensided surfaces, were mapped during the excavation of the WCS radioactive waste landfills along vertical faces prepared by the construction contractor. Face locations were selected to insure a sampled area with nearly complete vertical coverage for each landfill. Individual discontinuities were mapped and their strike, dip, length, roughness, curvature, staining, and evidence of displacement were described. In the three radioactive waste disposal landfills, over 1750 discontinuities across 35 excavated faces were mapped and described, where each face was nominally 8 to 10 ft tall and 50 to 100 ft long. Genetic units related to paleosol development were identified. On average, the orientation of the discontinuities was horizontal, and no other significant trends were observed. Mapping within the landfill excavations shows that most discontinuities within Dockum rocks are horizontal, concave upward, slickensided surfaces that developed in the depositional environment, as repeated wetting and drying cycles led to shrinking and swelling of floodplain vertisols. Fractures that showed staining (a possible indicator of past or present hydraulic activity) are rare, vertical to near-vertical, and occur mainly in, and adjacent to, mechanically stiff siltstone and sandstone interbeds. No interconnected fracture networks were observed during mapping. A series of pressurized air tests conducted in three pairs of vertical and three pairs of inclined boreholes were tested at depths, ranging from 40 to 215 feet below ground surface, also showed no evidence of fracture interconnection. Genetic units generally consist of fining upward sequences that show increasing pedogenic alteration upward. Arcuate, slickensided discontinuities are more abundant near the top of genetic units, while stained fractures are more common in the more mechanically competent materials near the base of genetic units. A statistical analysis of fractures and discontinuities revealed limited differences between most genetic units. A series of discrete fracture network models were developed to evaluate the uncertainty in our fracture observations. Slickensided discontinuities showing no evidence of staining or past fluid movement were excluded from the analysis. Monte Carlo simulations show no continuous fracture interconnections across the landfill depth intervals.

  11. Characterization of fractures and flow zones in a contaminated shale at the Watervliet Arsenal, Albany County, New York

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Williams, John H.; Paillet, Frederick L.

    2002-01-01

    Flow zones in a fractured shale in and near a plume of volatile organic compounds at the Watervliet Arsenal in Albany County, N. Y. were characterized through the integrated analysis of geophysical logs and single- and cross-hole flow tests. Information on the fracture-flow network at the site was needed to design an effective groundwater monitoring system, estimate offsite contaminant migration, and evaluate potential containment and remedial actions.Four newly drilled coreholes and four older monitoring wells were logged and tested to define the distribution and orientation of fractures that intersected a combined total of 500 feet of open hole. Analysis of borehole-wall image logs obtained with acoustic and optical televiewers indicated 79 subhorizontal to steeply dipping fractures with a wide range of dip directions. Analysis of fluid resistivity, temperature, and heat-pulse and electromagnetic flowmeter logs obtained under ambient and short-term stressed conditions identified 14 flow zones, which consist of one to several fractures and whose estimated transmissivity values range from 0.1 to more than 250 feet squared per day.Cross-hole flow tests, which were used to characterize the hydraulic connection between fracture-flow zones intersected by the boreholes, entailed (1) injection into or extraction from boreholes that penetrated a single fracture-flow zone or whose zones were isolated by an inflatable packer, and (2) measurement of the transient response of water levels and flow in surrounding boreholes. Results indicate a wellconnected fracture network with an estimated transmissivity of 80 to 250 feet squared per day that extends for at least 200 feet across the site. This interconnected fracture-flow network greatly affects the hydrology of the site and has important implications for contaminant monitoring and remedial actions.

  12. Modelling CO2 flow in naturally fractured geological media using MINC and multiple subregion upscaling procedure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tatomir, Alexandru Bogdan A. C.; Flemisch, Bernd; Class, Holger; Helmig, Rainer; Sauter, Martin

    2017-04-01

    Geological storage of CO2 represents one viable solution to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere. Potential leakage of CO2 storage can occur through networks of interconnected fractures. The geometrical complexity of these networks is often very high involving fractures occurring at various scales and having hierarchical structures. Such multiphase flow systems are usually hard to solve with a discrete fracture modelling (DFM) approach. Therefore, continuum fracture models assuming average properties are usually preferred. The multiple interacting continua (MINC) model is an extension of the classic double porosity model (Warren and Root, 1963) which accounts for the non-linear behaviour of the matrix-fracture interactions. For CO2 storage applications the transient representation of the inter-porosity two phase flow plays an important role. This study tests the accuracy and computational efficiency of the MINC method complemented with the multiple sub-region (MSR) upscaling procedure versus the DFM. The two phase flow MINC simulator is implemented in the free-open source numerical toolbox DuMux (www.dumux.org). The MSR (Gong et al., 2009) determines the inter-porosity terms by solving simplified local single-phase flow problems. The DFM is considered as the reference solution. The numerical examples consider a quasi-1D reservoir with a quadratic fracture system , a five-spot radial symmetric reservoir, and a completely random generated fracture system. Keywords: MINC, upscaling, two-phase flow, fractured porous media, discrete fracture model, continuum fracture model

  13. Niobrara Discrete Fracture Network: From Outcrop Surveys to Subsurface Reservoir Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grechishnikova, Alena

    Heterogeneity of an unconventional reservoir is one of the main factors affecting production. Well performance depends on the size and efficiency of the interconnected fracture "plumbing system", as influenced by multistage hydraulic fracturing. A complex, interconnected natural fracture network can significantly increase the size of stimulated reservoir volume, provide additional surface area contact and enhance permeability. In 2013 the Reservoir Characterization Project (RCP) at the Colorado School of Mines began Phase XV to study Niobrara shale reservoir management. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and RCP jointly acquired time-lapse multicomponent seismic data in Wattenberg Field, Denver Basin. Anadarko also provided RCP with a regional 3D seismic survey and a rich well dataset. The purpose of this study is to characterize the natural fracture patterns occurring in the unconventional Niobrara reservoir and to determine the drivers that influenced fracture trends and distributions. The findings are integrated into a reservoir model though DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) for further prediction of reservoir performance using reservoir simulations. Aiming to better understand the complexity of the natural fracture system I began my fracture analysis work at an active mine site that provides a Niobrara exposure. Access to a "fresh" outcrop surface created a perfect natural laboratory. Ground-based LIDAR and photogrammetry facilitated construction of a geological model and a DFN model for the mine site. The work was carried into subsurface where the information gained served to improve reservoir characterization at a sub-seismic scale and can be used in well planning. I then embarked on a challenging yet essential task of outcrop-to-subsurface data calibration and application to RCP's Wattenberg Field study site. In this research the surface data was proven to be valid for comparative use in the subsurface. The subsurface fracture information was derived from image logs run within the horizontal wellbores and augmented with microseismic data. Limitations of these datasets included the potential to induce biased interpretations; but the data collected during the outcrop study aided in removing the bias. All four fracture sets observed at the quarry were also interpreted in the subsurface; however there was a limitation on statistical validity for one of the four sets due to a low frequency of observed occurrence potentially caused by wellbore orientation. Microseismic data was used for identification of one of the reactivated natural fracture sets. An interesting phenomenon observed in the microseismic data trends was the low frequency of event occurrence within dense populations of open natural fracture swarms suggesting that zones of higher natural fracture intensities are capable of absorbing and transmitting energy resulting in lower levels of microseismicity. Thus currently open natural fractures could be challenging to detect using microseismic. Through this study I identified a significant variability in fracture intensity at a localized scale due to lithological composition and structural features. The complex faulting styles observed at the outcrop were utilized as an analog and verified by horizontal well log data and seismic volume interpretations creating a high resolution structural model for the subsurface. A lithofacies model was developed based on the well log, core, and seismic inversion analysis. These models combined served to accurately distribute fracture intensity information within the geological model for further use in DFN. As a product of this study, a workflow was developed to aid in fracture network model creation allowing for more intelligent decisions to be made during well planning and completion optimization aiming to improve recovery. A high resolution integrated discrete fracture network model serves to advance dynamic reservoir characterization in the subsurface at a sub-seismic scale resulting in improved reservoir characterization.

  14. Microstructures and rheology of a calcite-shale thrust fault

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wells, Rachel K.; Newman, Julie; Wojtal, Steven

    2014-08-01

    A thin (˜2 cm) layer of extensively sheared fault rock decorates the ˜15 km displacement Copper Creek thrust at an exposure near Knoxville, TN (USA). In these ultrafine-grained (<0.3 μm) fault rocks, interpenetrating calcite grains form an interconnected network around shale clasts. One cm below the fault rock layer, sedimentary laminations in non-penetratively deformed footwall shale are cut by calcite veins, small faults, and stylolites. A 350 μm thick calcite vein separates the fault rocks and footwall shale. The vein is composed of layers of (1) coarse calcite grains (>5 μm) that exhibit a lattice preferred orientation (LPO) with pores at twin-twin and twin-grain boundary intersections, and (2) ultrafine-grained (0.3 μm) calcite that exhibits interpenetrating grain boundaries, four-grain junctions and lacks a LPO. Coarse calcite layers crosscut ultrafine-grained layers indicating intermittent vein formation during shearing. Calcite in the fault rock layer is derived from vein calcite and grain-size reduction of calcite took place by plasticity-induced fracture. The ultrafine-grained calcite deformed primarily by diffusion-accommodated grain boundary sliding and formed an interconnected network around shale clasts within the shear zone. The interconnected network of ultrafine-grained calcite indicates that calcite, not shale, was the weak phase in this fault zone.

  15. Stress redistribution and damage in interconnects caused by electromigration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiras, Stefanie Ruth

    Electromigration has long been recognized as a phenomenon that induces mass redistribution in metals which, when constrained, can lead to the creation of stress. Since the development of the integrated circuit, electromigration. in interconnects, (the metal lines which carry current between devices in integrated circuits), has become a reliability concern. The primary failure mechanism in the interconnects is usually voiding, which causes electrical resistance increases in the circuit. In some cases, however, another failure mode occurs, fracture of the surrounding dielectric driven by electromigration induced compressive stresses within the interconnect. It is this failure mechanism that is the focus of this thesis. To study dielectric fracture, both residual processing stresses and the development of electromigration induced stress in isolated, constrained interconnects was measured. The high-resolution measurements were made using two types of piezospectroscopy, complemented by finite element analysis (FEA). Both procedures directly measured stress in the underlying or neighboring substrate and used FEA to determine interconnect stresses. These interconnect stresses were related to the effected circuit failure mode through post-test scanning electron microscopy and resistance measurements taken during electromigration testing. The results provide qualitative evidence of electromigration driven passivation fracture, and quantitative analysis of the theoretical model of the failure, the "immortal" interconnect concept.

  16. Fracture, failure and compression behaviour of a 3D interconnected carbon aerogel (Aerographite) epoxy composite

    DOE PAGES

    Chandrasekaran, S.; Liebig, W. V.; Mecklenberg, M.; ...

    2015-11-04

    Aerographite (AG) is a mechanically robust, lightweight synthetic cellular material, which consists of a 3D interconnected network of tubular carbon [1]. The presence of open channels in AG aids to infiltrate them with polymer matrices, thereby yielding an electrical conducting and lightweight composite. Aerographite produced with densities in the range of 7–15 mg/cm 3 was infiltrated with a low viscous epoxy resin by means of vacuum infiltration technique. Detailed morphological and structural investigations on synthesized AG and AG/epoxy composite were performed by scanning electron microscopic techniques. Our present study investigates the fracture and failure of AG/epoxy composites and its energymore » absorption capacity under compression. The composites displayed an extended plateau region when uni-axially compressed, which led to an increase in energy absorption of ~133% per unit volume for 1.5 wt% of AG, when compared to pure epoxy. Preliminary results on fracture toughness showed an enhancement of ~19% in K IC for AG/epoxy composites with 0.45 wt% of AG. Furthermore, our observations of fractured surfaces under scanning electron microscope gives evidence of pull-out of arms of AG tetrapod, interface and inter-graphite failure as the dominating mechanism for the toughness improvement in these composites. These observations were consistent with the results obtained from photoelasticity experiments on a thin film AG/epoxy model composite.« less

  17. Ground penetrating radar for fracture mapping in underground hazardous waste disposal sites: A case study from an underground research tunnel, South Korea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baek, Seung-Ho; Kim, Seung-Sep; Kwon, Jang-Soon; Um, Evan Schankee

    2017-06-01

    Secure disposal or storage of nuclear waste within stable geologic environments hinges on the effectiveness of artificial and natural radiation barriers. Fractures in the bedrock are viewed as the most likely passage for the transport of radioactive waste away from a disposal site. We utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) to map fractures in the tunnel walls of an underground research tunnel at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). GPR experiments within the KAERI Underground Research Tunnel (KURT) were carried out by using 200 MHz, 500 MHz, and 1000 MHz antennas. By using the high-frequency antennas, we were able to identify small-scale fractures, which were previously unidentified during the tunnel excavation process. Then, through 3-D visualization of the grid survey data, we reconstructed the spatial distribution and interconnectivity of the multi-scale fractures within the wall. We found that a multi-frequency GPR approach provided more details of the complex fracture network, including deep structures. Furthermore, temporal changes in reflection polarity between the GPR surveys enabled us to infer the hydraulic characteristics of the discrete fracture network developed behind the surveyed wall. We hypothesized that the fractures exhibiting polarity change may be due to a combination of air-filled and mineralogical boundaries. Simulated GPR scans for the considered case were consistent with the observed GPR data. If our assumption is correct, the groundwater flow into these near-surface fractures may form the water-filled fractures along the existing air-filled ones and hence cause the changes in reflection polarity over the given time interval (i.e., 7 days). Our results show that the GPR survey is an efficient tool to determine fractures at various scales. Time-lapse GPR data may be essential to characterize the hydraulic behavior of discrete fracture networks in underground disposal facilities.

  18. Identifying Flow Networks in a Karstified Aquifer by Application of the Cellular Automata-Based Deterministic Inversion Method (Lez Aquifer, France)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fischer, P.; Jardani, A.; Wang, X.; Jourde, H.; Lecoq, N.

    2017-12-01

    The distributed modeling of flow paths within karstic and fractured fields remains a complex task because of the high dependence of the hydraulic responses to the relative locations between observational boreholes and interconnected fractures and karstic conduits that control the main flow of the hydrosystem. The inverse problem in a distributed model is one alternative approach to interpret the hydraulic test data by mapping the karstic networks and fractured areas. In this work, we developed a Bayesian inversion approach, the Cellular Automata-based Deterministic Inversion (CADI) algorithm to infer the spatial distribution of hydraulic properties in a structurally constrained model. This method distributes hydraulic properties along linear structures (i.e., flow conduits) and iteratively modifies the structural geometry of this conduit network to progressively match the observed hydraulic data to the modeled ones. As a result, this method produces a conductivity model that is composed of a discrete conduit network embedded in the background matrix, capable of producing the same flow behavior as the investigated hydrologic system. The method is applied to invert a set of multiborehole hydraulic tests collected from a hydraulic tomography experiment conducted at the Terrieu field site in the Lez aquifer, Southern France. The emergent model shows a high consistency to field observation of hydraulic connections between boreholes. Furthermore, it provides a geologically realistic pattern of flow conduits. This method is therefore of considerable value toward an enhanced distributed modeling of the fractured and karstified aquifers.

  19. Role of geomechanically grown fractures on dispersive transport in heterogeneous geological formations.

    PubMed

    Nick, H M; Paluszny, A; Blunt, M J; Matthai, S K

    2011-11-01

    A second order in space accurate implicit scheme for time-dependent advection-dispersion equations and a discrete fracture propagation model are employed to model solute transport in porous media. We study the impact of the fractures on mass transport and dispersion. To model flow and transport, pressure and transport equations are integrated using a finite-element, node-centered finite-volume approach. Fracture geometries are incrementally developed from a random distributions of material flaws using an adoptive geomechanical finite-element model that also produces fracture aperture distributions. This quasistatic propagation assumes a linear elastic rock matrix, and crack propagation is governed by a subcritical crack growth failure criterion. Fracture propagation, intersection, and closure are handled geometrically. The flow and transport simulations are separately conducted for a range of fracture densities that are generated by the geomechanical finite-element model. These computations show that the most influential parameters for solute transport in fractured porous media are as follows: fracture density and fracture-matrix flux ratio that is influenced by matrix permeability. Using an equivalent fracture aperture size, computed on the basis of equivalent permeability of the system, we also obtain an acceptable prediction of the macrodispersion of poorly interconnected fracture networks. The results hold for fractures at relatively low density.

  20. Diagenetic Features in Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for Substrate Rheology and Potential Gas Release

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kah, L. C.; Stack, K; Siebach, K.; Grotzinger, J.; Summer, D.; Farien, A.; Oehler, D.; Schieber, J.; Leville, R.; Edgar, L; hide

    2014-01-01

    Multiple diagenetic features have been observed in clay­-bearing mudstone exposed within Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars. These features occurred during at least two separate episodes: an early generation of spheroidal concretions that co-­occur with a dense networks of mineralized fractures, and a later generation of mineralized veins. Concretions consist of mm-sized spheroids (0.4 to 8.0 mm, mean diameter of 1.2 mm) that are distinctly more resistant than the encompassing mudstone. Dissected spheroids suggest an origin via compaction and incipient lithification of the substrate at the perimeter of syndepositional void space. Concretions are generally patchy in their distribution within clay--bearing mudstone, but in places can be the dominant fabric element. Locally dense networks of mineralized fractures occur in regions of low concretion abundance. These consist of short (< 50 cm), curvilinear to planar mineralized voids that occur across a range of orientations from vertical to subhorizontal. Fractures are filled by multi-phase cement consisting of two isopachous, erosionally resistant outer bands, and a central less resistant fill. Physical relationships suggests that original fractures may have formed as both interconnected voids and as discrete cross--cutting features. Co--occurrence of early diagenetic concretions and fracture networks suggests a common origin via gas release within a subaqueous, shallow substrate. We suggest that gas release within weakly cohesive subsurface sediments resulted in substrate dewatering and an increase in the cohesive strength of the substrate. Local differences in substrate strength and rate of gas production would have result in formation of either discrete voids or fracture networks. A second generation of mineralized veins is characterized by a regionally low spatial density, predominantly vertical or horizontal orientations, and a single phase of Ca--sulfate mineral fill. These veins cross-cut the early diagenetic elements and intersect a greater thickness of stratigraphy within Yellowknife Bay, suggesting a later--diagenetic origin via hydraulic fracturing.

  1. Cascading failures in interconnected networks with dynamical redistribution of loads

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Zhuang; Zhang, Peng; Yang, Hujiang

    2015-09-01

    Cascading failures of loads in isolated networks and coupled networks have been studied in the past few years. In most of the corresponding results, the topologies of the networks are destroyed. Here, we present an interconnected network model considering cascading failures based on the dynamic redistribution of flow in the networks. Compared with the results of single scale-free networks, we find that interconnected scale-free networks have higher vulnerability. Additionally, the network heterogeneity plays an important role in the robustness of interconnected networks under intentional attacks. Considering the effects of various coupling preferences, the results show that there are almost no differences. Finally, the application of our model to the Beijing interconnected traffic network, which consists of a subway network and a bus network, shows that the subway network suffers more damage under the attack. Moreover, the interconnected traffic network may be more exposed to damage after initial attacks on the bus network. These discussions are important for the design and optimization of interconnected networks.

  2. Unveiling the molecular mechanism of self-healing in a telechelic, supramolecular polymer network

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Tingzi; Schröter, Klaus; Herbst, Florian; Binder, Wolfgang H.; Thurn-Albrecht, Thomas

    2016-01-01

    Reversible polymeric networks can show self-healing properties due to their ability to reassemble after application of stress and fracture, but typically the relation between equilibrium molecular dynamics and self-healing kinetics has been difficult to disentangle. Here we present a well-characterized, self-assembled bulk network based on supramolecular assemblies, that allows a clear distinction between chain dynamics and network relaxation. Small angle x-ray scattering and rheological measurements provide evidence for a structurally well-defined, dense network of interconnected aggregates giving mechanical strength to the material. Different from a covalent network, the dynamic character of the supramolecular bonds enables macroscopic flow on a longer time scale and the establishment of an equilibrium structure. A combination of linear and nonlinear rheological measurements clearly identifies the terminal relaxation process as being responsible for the process of self-healing. PMID:27581380

  3. Oscillations in interconnected complex networks under intentional attack

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Wen-Ping; Xia, Yongxiang; Tan, Fei

    2016-01-01

    Many real-world networks are interconnected with each other. In this paper, we study the traffic dynamics in interconnected complex networks under an intentional attack. We find that with the shortest time delay routing strategy, the traffic dynamics can show the stable state, periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic oscillations, when the capacity redundancy parameter changes. Moreover, compared with isolated complex networks, oscillations always take place in interconnected networks more easily. Thirdly, in interconnected networks, oscillations are affected strongly by the coupling probability and coupling preference.

  4. Effect of the interconnected network structure on the epidemic threshold.

    PubMed

    Wang, Huijuan; Li, Qian; D'Agostino, Gregorio; Havlin, Shlomo; Stanley, H Eugene; Van Mieghem, Piet

    2013-08-01

    Most real-world networks are not isolated. In order to function fully, they are interconnected with other networks, and this interconnection influences their dynamic processes. For example, when the spread of a disease involves two species, the dynamics of the spread within each species (the contact network) differs from that of the spread between the two species (the interconnected network). We model two generic interconnected networks using two adjacency matrices, A and B, in which A is a 2N×2N matrix that depicts the connectivity within each of two networks of size N, and B a 2N×2N matrix that depicts the interconnections between the two. Using an N-intertwined mean-field approximation, we determine that a critical susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) epidemic threshold in two interconnected networks is 1/λ(1)(A+αB), where the infection rate is β within each of the two individual networks and αβ in the interconnected links between the two networks and λ(1)(A+αB) is the largest eigenvalue of the matrix A+αB. In order to determine how the epidemic threshold is dependent upon the structure of interconnected networks, we analytically derive λ(1)(A+αB) using a perturbation approximation for small and large α, the lower and upper bound for any α as a function of the adjacency matrix of the two individual networks, and the interconnections between the two and their largest eigenvalues and eigenvectors. We verify these approximation and boundary values for λ(1)(A+αB) using numerical simulations, and determine how component network features affect λ(1)(A+αB). We note that, given two isolated networks G(1) and G(2) with principal eigenvectors x and y, respectively, λ(1)(A+αB) tends to be higher when nodes i and j with a higher eigenvector component product x(i)y(j) are interconnected. This finding suggests essential insights into ways of designing interconnected networks to be robust against epidemics.

  5. Effect of the interconnected network structure on the epidemic threshold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Huijuan; Li, Qian; D'Agostino, Gregorio; Havlin, Shlomo; Stanley, H. Eugene; Van Mieghem, Piet

    2013-08-01

    Most real-world networks are not isolated. In order to function fully, they are interconnected with other networks, and this interconnection influences their dynamic processes. For example, when the spread of a disease involves two species, the dynamics of the spread within each species (the contact network) differs from that of the spread between the two species (the interconnected network). We model two generic interconnected networks using two adjacency matrices, A and B, in which A is a 2N×2N matrix that depicts the connectivity within each of two networks of size N, and B a 2N×2N matrix that depicts the interconnections between the two. Using an N-intertwined mean-field approximation, we determine that a critical susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) epidemic threshold in two interconnected networks is 1/λ1(A+αB), where the infection rate is β within each of the two individual networks and αβ in the interconnected links between the two networks and λ1(A+αB) is the largest eigenvalue of the matrix A+αB. In order to determine how the epidemic threshold is dependent upon the structure of interconnected networks, we analytically derive λ1(A+αB) using a perturbation approximation for small and large α, the lower and upper bound for any α as a function of the adjacency matrix of the two individual networks, and the interconnections between the two and their largest eigenvalues and eigenvectors. We verify these approximation and boundary values for λ1(A+αB) using numerical simulations, and determine how component network features affect λ1(A+αB). We note that, given two isolated networks G1 and G2 with principal eigenvectors x and y, respectively, λ1(A+αB) tends to be higher when nodes i and j with a higher eigenvector component product xiyj are interconnected. This finding suggests essential insights into ways of designing interconnected networks to be robust against epidemics.

  6. Cavitation transition in the energy landscape: Distinct tensile yielding behavior in strongly and weakly attractive systems.

    PubMed

    Altabet, Y Elia; Fenley, Andreia L; Stillinger, Frank H; Debenedetti, Pablo G

    2018-03-21

    Particles with cohesive interactions display a tensile instability in the energy landscape at the Sastry density ρ S . The signature of this tensile limit is a minimum in the landscape equation of state, the pressure-density relationship of inherent structures sampled along a liquid isotherm. Our previous work [Y. E. Altabet, F. H. Stillinger, and P. G. Debenedetti, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 211905 (2016)] revisited the phenomenology of Sastry behavior and found that the evolution of the landscape equation of state with system size for particles with interactions typical of molecular liquids indicates the presence of an athermal first-order phase transition between homogeneous and fractured inherent structures, the latter containing several large voids. Here, we study how this tensile limit manifests itself for different interparticle cohesive strengths and identify two distinct regimes. Particles with sufficiently strong cohesion display an athermal first-order phase transition, consistent with our prior characterization. Weak cohesion also displays a tensile instability. However, the landscape equation of state for this regime is independent of system size, suggesting the absence of a first-order phase transition. An analysis of the voids suggests that yielding in the energy landscape of weakly cohesive systems is associated with the emergence of a highly interconnected network of small voids. While strongly cohesive systems transition from exclusively homogeneous to exclusively fractured configurations at ρ S in the thermodynamic limit, this interconnected network develops gradually, starting at ρ S , even at infinite system size.

  7. Cavitation transition in the energy landscape: Distinct tensile yielding behavior in strongly and weakly attractive systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Altabet, Y. Elia; Fenley, Andreia L.; Stillinger, Frank H.; Debenedetti, Pablo G.

    2018-03-01

    Particles with cohesive interactions display a tensile instability in the energy landscape at the Sastry density ρS. The signature of this tensile limit is a minimum in the landscape equation of state, the pressure-density relationship of inherent structures sampled along a liquid isotherm. Our previous work [Y. E. Altabet, F. H. Stillinger, and P. G. Debenedetti, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 211905 (2016)] revisited the phenomenology of Sastry behavior and found that the evolution of the landscape equation of state with system size for particles with interactions typical of molecular liquids indicates the presence of an athermal first-order phase transition between homogeneous and fractured inherent structures, the latter containing several large voids. Here, we study how this tensile limit manifests itself for different interparticle cohesive strengths and identify two distinct regimes. Particles with sufficiently strong cohesion display an athermal first-order phase transition, consistent with our prior characterization. Weak cohesion also displays a tensile instability. However, the landscape equation of state for this regime is independent of system size, suggesting the absence of a first-order phase transition. An analysis of the voids suggests that yielding in the energy landscape of weakly cohesive systems is associated with the emergence of a highly interconnected network of small voids. While strongly cohesive systems transition from exclusively homogeneous to exclusively fractured configurations at ρS in the thermodynamic limit, this interconnected network develops gradually, starting at ρS, even at infinite system size.

  8. Porosity, petrophysics and permeability of the Whitby Mudstone (UK)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Houben, M.; Barnhoorn, A.; Hardebol, N.; Ifada, M.; Boersma, Q.; Douma, L.; Peach, C. J.; Bertotti, G.; Drury, M. R.

    2016-12-01

    Typically pore diameters in shales range from the µm down to the nm scale and the effective permeability of shale reservoirs is a function of the interconnectivity between the pore space and the natural fracture network present. The length and spacing of mechanical induced and natural fractures is one of the factors controlling gas produtivity from unconventional reservoirs. Permeability of the Whitby Mudstone measured on 1 inch cores was linked to microstructure and combined with natural fracture spacing present in outcrops along the Yorkshire coast (UK) to get insight into possible fluid pathways from reservoir to well. We used a combination of different techniques to characterize the porosity (gas adsorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy), mineralogy (X-Ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy) and permeability (pressure step decay) of the Whitby Mudstone. In addition, we mapped the natural fracture network as present in outcrops along the Yorkshire coast (UK) at the 10-2-101m scale. Mineralogically we are dealing with a rock that is high in clay content and has an average organic matter content of about 10%. Results show a low porosity (max. 7%) as well as low permeability for the Whitby Mudstone. The permeability, measured parallel to bedding, depends on the confining pressure and is 86 nanodarcy at 10 MPa effective confining pressure and decreases to 16 nanodarcy at 40 MPa effective confining pressure. At the scale of observation the average distance to nearest natural fracture is in the order of 0.13 meter and 90 percent of all matrix elements are spaced within 0.4 meter to the nearest fracture. By assuming darcy flow, a permeability of 100 nanodarcy and 10% of overpressure we calculated that for the Whitby mudstone most of the gas resides in the matrix for less than 60 days until it reaches the fracture network.

  9. Optical interconnections and networks; Proceedings of the Meeting, The Hague, Netherlands, Mar. 14, 15, 1990

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bartelt, Hartmut (Editor)

    1990-01-01

    The conference presents papers on interconnections, clock distribution, neural networks, and components and materials. Particular attention is given to a comparison of optical and electrical data interconnections at the board and backplane levels, a wafer-level optical interconnection network layout, an analysis and simulation of photonic switch networks, and the integration of picosecond GaAs photoconductive devices with silicon circuits for optical clocking and interconnects. Consideration is also given to the optical implementation of neural networks, invariance in an optoelectronic implementation of neural networks, and the recording of reversible patterns in polymer lightguides.

  10. Local interconnection neural networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang Jiajun; Zhang Li; Yan Dapen

    1993-06-01

    The idea of a local interconnection neural network (LINN) is presentd and compared with the globally interconnected Hopfield model. Under the storage limit requirement, LINN is shown to offer the same associative memory capability as the global interconnection neural network while having a much smaller interconnection matrix. LINN can be readily implemented optically using the currently available spatial light modulators. 15 refs.

  11. Post-injection Multiphase Flow Modeling and Risk Assessments for Subsurface CO2 Storage in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, G.

    2015-12-01

    Subsurface storage of carbon dioxide in geological formations is widely regarded as a promising tool for reducing global atmospheric CO2 emissions. Successful geologic storage for sequestrated carbon dioxides must prove to be safe by means of risk assessments including post-injection analysis of injected CO2 plumes. Because fractured reservoirs exhibit a higher degree of heterogeneity, it is imperative to conduct such simulation studies in order to reliably predict the geometric evolution of plumes and risk assessment of post CO2injection. The research has addressed the pressure footprint of CO2 plumes through the development of new techniques which combine discrete fracture network and stochastic continuum modeling of multiphase flow in fractured geologic formations. A subsequent permeability tensor map in 3-D, derived from our preciously developed method, can accurately describe the heterogeneity of fracture reservoirs. A comprehensive workflow integrating the fracture permeability characterization and multiphase flow modeling has been developed to simulate the CO2plume migration and risk assessments. A simulated fractured reservoir model based on high-priority geological carbon sinks in central Alabama has been employed for preliminary study. Discrete fracture networks were generated with an NE-oriented regional fracture set and orthogonal NW-fractures. Fracture permeability characterization revealed high permeability heterogeneity with an order of magnitude of up to three. A multiphase flow model composed of supercritical CO2 and saline water was then applied to predict CO2 plume volume, geometry, pressure footprint, and containment during and post injection. Injection simulation reveals significant permeability anisotropy that favors development of northeast-elongate CO2 plumes, which are aligned with systematic fractures. The diffusive spreading front of the CO2 plume shows strong viscous fingering effects. Post-injection simulation indicates significant upward lateral spreading of CO2 resulting in accumulation of CO2 directly under the seal unit because of its buoyancy and strata-bound vertical fractures. Risk assessment shows that lateral movement of CO2 along interconnected fractures requires widespread seals with high integrity to confine the injected CO2.

  12. Application of In Situ Fiberization for fabrication of improved strain isolation pads and graphite epoxy composites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rosser, R. W.; Seibold, R. W.; Basiulis, D. I.

    1982-01-01

    The feasibility of applying the in situ fiberization process to the fabrication of strain isolation pads (SIP) for the Space Shuttle and to the fabrication of graphite-epoxy composites was evaluated. The ISF process involves the formation of interconnected polymer fiber networks by agitation of dilute polymer solutions under controlled conditions. High temperature polymers suitable for SIP use were fiberized and a successful fiberization of polychloro trifluoroethylene, a relatively high melting polymer, was achieved. Attempts to fiberize polymers with greater thermal stability were unsuccessful, apparently due to characteristics caused by the presence of aromaticity in the backbone of such materials. Graphite-epoxy composites were fabricated by interconnecting two dimensional arrays of graphite fiber with polypropylene IS fibers with subsequent epoxy resin impregnation. Mechanical property tests were performed on laminated panels of this material to evaluate intralaminar and interlaminar shear strength, and thus fracture toughness. Test results were generally unpromising.

  13. Exact coupling threshold for structural transition reveals diversified behaviors in interconnected networks.

    PubMed

    Darabi Sahneh, Faryad; Scoglio, Caterina; Van Mieghem, Piet

    2015-10-01

    An interconnected network features a structural transition between two regimes [F. Radicchi and A. Arenas, Nat. Phys. 9, 717 (2013)]: one where the network components are structurally distinguishable and one where the interconnected network functions as a whole. Our exact solution for the coupling threshold uncovers network topologies with unexpected behaviors. Specifically, we show conditions that superdiffusion, introduced by Gómez et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 028701 (2013)], can occur despite the network components functioning distinctly. Moreover, we find that components of certain interconnected network topologies are indistinguishable despite very weak coupling between them.

  14. Epidemics in interconnected small-world networks.

    PubMed

    Liu, Meng; Li, Daqing; Qin, Pengju; Liu, Chaoran; Wang, Huijuan; Wang, Feilong

    2015-01-01

    Networks can be used to describe the interconnections among individuals, which play an important role in the spread of disease. Although the small-world effect has been found to have a significant impact on epidemics in single networks, the small-world effect on epidemics in interconnected networks has rarely been considered. Here, we study the susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model of epidemic spreading in a system comprising two interconnected small-world networks. We find that the epidemic threshold in such networks decreases when the rewiring probability of the component small-world networks increases. When the infection rate is low, the rewiring probability affects the global steady-state infection density, whereas when the infection rate is high, the infection density is insensitive to the rewiring probability. Moreover, epidemics in interconnected small-world networks are found to spread at different velocities that depend on the rewiring probability.

  15. Gas and water flow in an excavation-induced fracture network around an underground drift: A case study for a radioactive waste repository in clay rock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de La Vaissière, Rémi; Armand, Gilles; Talandier, Jean

    2015-02-01

    The Excavation Damaged Zone (EDZ) surrounding a drift, and in particular its evolution, is being studied for the performance assessment of a radioactive waste underground repository. A specific experiment (called CDZ) was designed and implemented in the Meuse/Haute-Marne Underground Research Laboratory (URL) in France to investigate the EDZ. This experiment is dedicated to study the evolution of the EDZ hydrogeological properties (conductivity and specific storage) of the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone under mechanical compression and artificial hydration. Firstly, a loading cycle applied on a drift wall was performed to simulate the compression effect from bentonite swelling in a repository drift (bentonite is a clay material to be used to seal drifts and shafts for repository closure purpose). Gas tests (permeability tests with nitrogen and tracer tests with helium) were conducted during the first phase of the experiment. The results showed that the fracture network within the EDZ was initially interconnected and opened for gas flow (particularly along the drift) and then progressively closed with the increasing mechanical stress applied on the drift wall. Moreover, the evolution of the EDZ after unloading indicated a self-sealing process. Secondly, the remaining fracture network was resaturated to demonstrate the ability to self-seal of the COx claystone without mechanical loading by conducting from 11 to 15 repetitive hydraulic tests with monitoring of the hydraulic parameters. During this hydration process, the EDZ effective transmissivity dropped due to the swelling of the clay materials near the fracture network. The hydraulic conductivity evolution was relatively fast during the first few days. Low conductivities ranging at 10-10 m/s were observed after four months. Conversely, the specific storage showed an erratic evolution during the first phase of hydration (up to 60 days). Some uncertainty remains on this parameter due to volumetric strain during the sealing of the fractures. The hydration was stopped after one year and cross-hole hydraulic tests were performed to determine more accurately the specific storage as well as the hydraulic conductivity at a meter-scale. All hydraulic conductivity values measured at the injection interval and at the observation intervals were all below 10-10 m/s. Moreover, the preferential inter-connectivity along the drift disappeared. Specific storage values at the observation and injection intervals were similar. Furthermore they were in agreement with the value obtained at the injection interval within the second hydration phase (60 days after starting hydration). The graphical abstract synthesizes the evolution of the hydraulic/gas conductivity for 8 intervals since the beginning of the CDZ experiment. The conductivity limit of 10-10 m/s corresponds to the lower bound hydraulic definition of the EDZ and it is demonstrated that EDZ can be sealed. This is a significant result in the demonstration of the long-term safety of a repository.

  16. Interconnection network architectures based on integrated orbital angular momentum emitters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scaffardi, Mirco; Zhang, Ning; Malik, Muhammad Nouman; Lazzeri, Emma; Klitis, Charalambos; Lavery, Martin; Sorel, Marc; Bogoni, Antonella

    2018-02-01

    Novel architectures for two-layer interconnection networks based on concentric OAM emitters are presented. A scalability analysis is done in terms of devices characteristics, power budget and optical signal to noise ratio by exploiting experimentally measured parameters. The analysis shows that by exploiting optical amplifications, the proposed interconnection networks can support a number of ports higher than 100. The OAM crosstalk induced-penalty, evaluated through an experimental characterization, do not significantly affect the interconnection network performance.

  17. Mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogels

    DOEpatents

    Worsley, Marcus A.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Satcher, Jr., Joe H.

    2016-10-04

    Disclosed here is a device comprising a porous carbon aerogel or composite thereof as an energy storage material, catalyst support, sensor or adsorbent, wherein the porous carbon aerogel comprises a network of interconnected struts comprising carbon nanotube bundles covalently crosslinked by graphitic carbon nanoparticles, wherein the carbon nanotubes account for 5 to 95 wt. % of the aerogel and the graphitic carbon nanoparticles account for 5 to 95 wt. % of the aerogel, and wherein the aerogel has an electrical conductivity of at least 10 S/m and is capable of withstanding strains of more than 10% before fracture.

  18. Policy issues in interconnecting networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leiner, Barry M.

    1989-01-01

    To support the activities of the Federal Research Coordinating Committee (FRICC) in creating an interconnected set of networks to serve the research community, two workshops were held to address the technical support of policy issues that arise when interconnecting such networks. The workshops addressed the required and feasible technologies and architectures that could be used to satisfy the desired policies for interconnection. The results of the workshop are documented.

  19. Can serpentinization induce fracturing? Fluid pathway development and the volume increase enigma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Plümper, Oliver; Jamtveit, Bjørn; Røyne, Anja

    2013-04-01

    Serpentinization of ultramafic rocks has first-order effects on global element cycles, the rheology of the oceanic lithosphere, plays a key role in plate tectonics by lubricating subduction zones and has been linked to the origin of life due to the creation of abiogenic hydrocarbons. In addition, the capability of ultramafic rocks to safely store enormous amounts of carbon dioxide through mineral reactions may provide a unique solution to fight global warming. However, all the aforementioned processes are reliant on the creation and maintenance of fluid pathways to alter an originally impermeable rock. Although the forces that move tectonic plates can produce these fluid pathways by mechanical fracturing, there is ample evidence that serpentinization reactions can 'eat' their way through a rock. This process is facilitated by solid volume changes during mineral reactions that cause expansion, fracturing the rock to generate fluid pathways. Natural observations of serpentinization/carbonation in ultramafic rocks indicate that the associated positive solid volume change alone exerts enough stress on the surrounding rock to build up a fracture network and that the influence of external tectonic forces is not necessary. Through various feedbacks these systems can either become self-sustaining, when an interconnected fracture network is formed, or self-limiting due to fluid pathway obstruction. However, extensively serpentinized outcrops suggest that although crystal growth in newly opened spaces would reduce permeability, serpentinization is not always self-limiting as porosity generation can occur concomitantly, maintaining or even increasing permeability. This is consistent with theory and demonstrates that fluids transported through fracture networks can alter vast amounts of originally impermeable rock. Nevertheless, whether serpentinization can actually generate these fracture networks is still a matter of debate and only a few scientific investigations have focused on this topic so far. Here, we investigate the feasibility of reaction-induced fracturing and pore space evolution during serpentinization by combining microstructural investigations using scanning/transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron micro-tomography of natural samples with theoretical considerations on the forces exerted during solid volume increasing reactions. We particularly focus on the interface-scale mechanism of reaction-induced fracturing (Plümper et al. 2012) and the establishment of microstructural markers (e.g., inert exsolutions in olivine) to identify volume changes and estimate crystallization pressures (Kelemen and Hirth 2012). Our investigations suggest that reaction-induced fracturing during serpentinization is possible and during certain physico-chemical circumstances a positive feedback to alter vast amounts of originally impermeable rock is established. Plümper O., Røyne A., Magraso A., Jamtveit B. (2012) The interface-scale mechanism of reaction-induced fracturing during serpentinization. Geology. 40, 1103-1106. Kelemen, P. B. & Hirth, G. (2012) Reaction-driven cracking during retrograde metamorphism: Olivine hydration and carbonation. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 345, 81-89.

  20. Using graphene networks to build bioinspired self-monitoring ceramics

    PubMed Central

    Picot, Olivier T.; Rocha, Victoria G.; Ferraro, Claudio; Ni, Na; D'Elia, Eleonora; Meille, Sylvain; Chevalier, Jerome; Saunders, Theo; Peijs, Ton; Reece, Mike J.; Saiz, Eduardo

    2017-01-01

    The properties of graphene open new opportunities for the fabrication of composites exhibiting unique structural and functional capabilities. However, to achieve this goal we should build materials with carefully designed architectures. Here, we describe the fabrication of ceramic-graphene composites by combining graphene foams with pre-ceramic polymers and spark plasma sintering. The result is a material containing an interconnected, microscopic network of very thin (20–30 nm), electrically conductive, carbon interfaces. This network generates electrical conductivities up to two orders of magnitude higher than those of other ceramics with similar graphene or carbon nanotube contents and can be used to monitor ‘in situ' structural integrity. In addition, it directs crack propagation, promoting stable crack growth and increasing the fracture resistance by an order of magnitude. These results demonstrate that the rational integration of nanomaterials could be a fruitful path towards building composites combining unique mechanical and functional performances. PMID:28181518

  1. Coupled hydromechanical paleoclimate analyses of density-dependant groundwater flow in discretely fractured crystalline rock settings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Normani, S. D.; Sykes, J. F.; Jensen, M. R.

    2009-04-01

    A high resolution sub-regional scale (84 km2) density-dependent, fracture zone network groundwater flow model with hydromechanical coupling and pseudo-permafrost, was developed from a larger 5734 km2 regional scale groundwater flow model of a Canadian Shield setting in fractured crystalline rock. The objective of the work is to illustrate aspects of regional and sub-regional groundwater flow that are relevant to the long-term performance of a hypothetical nuclear fuel repository. The discrete fracture dual continuum numerical model FRAC3DVS-OPG was used for all simulations. A discrete fracture zone network model delineated from surface features was superimposed onto an 789887 element flow domain mesh. Orthogonal fracture faces (between adjacent finite element grid blocks) were used to best represent the irregular discrete fracture zone network. The crystalline rock between these structural discontinuities was assigned properties characteristic of those reported for the Canadian Shield at the Underground Research Laboratory at Pinawa, Manitoba. Interconnectivity of permeable fracture features is an important pathway for the possibly relatively rapid migration of average water particles and subsequent reduction in residence times. The multiple 121000 year North American continental scale paleoclimate simulations are provided by W.R. Peltier using the University of Toronto Glacial Systems Model (UofT GSM). Values of ice sheet normal stress, and proglacial lake depth from the UofT GSM are applied to the sub-regional model as surface boundary conditions, using a freshwater head equivalent to the normal stress imposed by the ice sheet at its base. Permafrost depth is applied as a permeability reduction to both three-dimensional grid blocks and fractures that lie within the time varying permafrost zone. Two different paleoclimate simulations are applied to the sub-regional model to investigate the effect on the depth of glacial meltwater migration into the subsurface. In addition, different conceptualizations of fracture permeability with depth, and various hydromechanical loading efficiencies are used to investigate glacial meltwater penetration. The importance of density dependent flow, due to pore waters deep in the Canadian Shield with densities of up to 1200 kg/m3 and total dissolved solids concentrations in excess of 300 g/L, is also illustrated. Performance measures used in the assessment include depth of glacial meltwater penetration using a tracer, and mean life expectancy. Consistent with the findings from isotope and geochemical assessments, the analyses support the conclusion that for the discrete fracture zone and matrix properties simulated in this study, glacial meltwaters would not likely impact a deep geologic repository in a crystalline rock setting.

  2. 47 CFR 90.477 - Interconnected systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) Applicants for new land stations to be interconnected with the public switched telephone network must... switched telephone network only after modifying their license. See § 1.929 of this chapter. In all cases a..., 896-901 MHz, and 935-940 MHz, interconnection with the public switched telephone network is authorized...

  3. 47 CFR 90.477 - Interconnected systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ...) Applicants for new land stations to be interconnected with the public switched telephone network must... switched telephone network only after modifying their license. See § 1.929 of this chapter. In all cases a..., 896-901 MHz, and 935-940 MHz, interconnection with the public switched telephone network is authorized...

  4. 47 CFR 90.477 - Interconnected systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) Applicants for new land stations to be interconnected with the public switched telephone network must... switched telephone network only after modifying their license. See § 1.929 of this chapter. In all cases a..., 896-901 MHz, and 935-940 MHz, interconnection with the public switched telephone network is authorized...

  5. 47 CFR 90.477 - Interconnected systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) Applicants for new land stations to be interconnected with the public switched telephone network must... switched telephone network only after modifying their license. See § 1.929 of this chapter. In all cases a..., 896-901 MHz, and 935-940 MHz, interconnection with the public switched telephone network is authorized...

  6. Syn-metamorphic interconnected porosity during blueschist facies reactive fluid fluxes at the slab-mantle interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Konrad-Schmolke, Matthias; Klitscher, Nicolai; Halama, Ralf; Wirth, Richard; Morales, Luiz

    2017-04-01

    At the slab-mantle interface in subdution zones fluids released from the downgoing plate infiltrate into a mechanical mixture of rocks with different chemical compositions, different hydration states and different rheological behaviour resulting in a highly reactive mélange within a steep temperature gradient. Fluid pathways, reaction mechanisms and reaction rates of such fluxes, however, are poorly known, although these parameters are thought to be crucial for several seismic phenomena, such as those commonly referred to as slow earthquakes (e.g., episodic tremor and slip (ETS)). We discovered syn-metamorphic fluid-pathways in the form of interconnected metamorphic porosity in eclogite and blueschist facies mélange rocks from the Franciscan Complex near Jenner, CA. The sampled rocks occur as rigid mafic blocks of different sizes (cm to decametre) in a weak chlorite-serpentine matrix interpreted to be an exhumed slab-mantle interface. Some of these mafic blocks record reactive fluid infiltration that transforms dry eclogite into hydrous blueschist with a sharp reaction front clearly preserved and visible from outcrop- down to µm-scale. We can show that a number of interconnected fluid pathways, such as interconnected metamorphic porosity between reacting omphacite and newly formed sodic amphibole enabled fluid infiltration and interface coupled solution-reprecipitation reactions at blueschist facies conditions. We investigated the different types of fluid pathways with TEM and visualized their interconnectivity with 3D focused ion beam (FIB) sections. The eclogitic parts of the samples preserve porous primary omphacite as a product of amphibole and epidote breakdown during subduction. This primary porosity in omphacite I results from a negative volume change in the solids during amphibole and epidote dehydration. The resulting pores appear as (fluid filled) elongated inclusions the orientations of which are controlled by the omphacite lattice. During decompression of the rocks these inclusions became interconnected by brittle fractures that allowed a first fluid influx and the precipitation of new omphacite (II) within the fracture network and along the rims of the primary omphacite. The (second) metamorphic/metasomatic porosity occurs along the reaction surfaces between omphacite and sodic amphibole as well as within omphacite grains where new omphacite (III) is formed. This interconnected pore network associated with the re-hydration reaction is up to 1µm but mostly between 50 and 200nm wide. Reacting omphacite is preferentially consumed in 00-1 direction and has a rugged, often needle-like surface. In contrast, product surfaces (omphacite III and sodic amphibole) are relatively smooth indicating dissolution of older omphacite (I and II) and re-precipitation of omphacite III as well as the formation of sodic amphibole. Within some of the pores amorphous silica-rich material containing smaller amounts of Al, Ca, Fe and Mg, can be found as worm-like precipitates and as coatings on top of the needle-like omphacite surface. Phase relations, textures as well as overprinting relations clearly show that the porosity is syn-metamorphic under blueschist-facies conditions. Although difficult to constrain in the samples porosity is likely between 1-5 volume%.

  7. Reciprocity in spatial evolutionary public goods game on double-layered network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Jinho; Yook, Soon-Hyung; Kim, Yup

    2016-08-01

    Spatial evolutionary games have mainly been studied on a single, isolated network. However, in real world systems, many interaction topologies are not isolated but many different types of networks are inter-connected to each other. In this study, we investigate the spatial evolutionary public goods game (SEPGG) on double-layered random networks (DRN). Based on the mean-field type arguments and numerical simulations, we find that SEPGG on DRN shows very rich interesting phenomena, especially, depending on the size of each layer, intra-connectivity, and inter-connected couplings, the network reciprocity of SEPGG on DRN can be drastically enhanced through the inter-connected coupling. Furthermore, SEPGG on DRN can provide a more general framework which includes the evolutionary dynamics on multiplex networks and inter-connected networks at the same time.

  8. Reciprocity in spatial evolutionary public goods game on double-layered network

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jinho; Yook, Soon-Hyung; Kim, Yup

    2016-01-01

    Spatial evolutionary games have mainly been studied on a single, isolated network. However, in real world systems, many interaction topologies are not isolated but many different types of networks are inter-connected to each other. In this study, we investigate the spatial evolutionary public goods game (SEPGG) on double-layered random networks (DRN). Based on the mean-field type arguments and numerical simulations, we find that SEPGG on DRN shows very rich interesting phenomena, especially, depending on the size of each layer, intra-connectivity, and inter-connected couplings, the network reciprocity of SEPGG on DRN can be drastically enhanced through the inter-connected coupling. Furthermore, SEPGG on DRN can provide a more general framework which includes the evolutionary dynamics on multiplex networks and inter-connected networks at the same time. PMID:27503801

  9. Reconfigurable optical interconnections via dynamic computer-generated holograms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, Hua-Kuang (Inventor); Zhou, Shaomin (Inventor)

    1994-01-01

    A system is proposed for optically providing one-to-many irregular interconnections, and strength-adjustable many-to-many irregular interconnections which may be provided with strengths (weights) w(sub ij) using multiple laser beams which address multiple holograms and means for combining the beams modified by the holograms to form multiple interconnections, such as a cross-bar switching network. The optical means for interconnection is based on entering a series of complex computer-generated holograms on an electrically addressed spatial light modulator for real-time reconfigurations, thus providing flexibility for interconnection networks for largescale practical use. By employing multiple sources and holograms, the number of interconnection patterns achieved is increased greatly.

  10. Wireless Interconnects for Intra-chip & Inter-chip Transmission

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Narde, Rounak Singh

    With the emergence of Internet of Things and information revolution, the demand of high performance computing systems is increasing. The copper interconnects inside the computing chips have evolved into a sophisticated network of interconnects known as Network on Chip (NoC) comprising of routers, switches, repeaters, just like computer networks. When network on chip is implemented on a large scale like in Multicore Multichip (MCMC) systems for High Performance Computing (HPC) systems, length of interconnects increases and so are the problems like power dissipation, interconnect delays, clock synchronization and electrical noise. In this thesis, wireless interconnects are chosen as the substitute for wired copper interconnects. Wireless interconnects offer easy integration with CMOS fabrication and chip packaging. Using wireless interconnects working at unlicensed mm-wave band (57-64GHz), high data rate of Gbps can be achieved. This thesis presents study of transmission between zigzag antennas as wireless interconnects for Multichip multicores (MCMC) systems and 3D IC. For MCMC systems, a four-chips 16-cores model is analyzed with only four wireless interconnects in three configurations with different antenna orientations and locations. Return loss and transmission coefficients are simulated in ANSYS HFSS. Moreover, wireless interconnects are designed, fabricated and tested on a 6'' silicon wafer with resistivity of 55O-cm using a basic standard CMOS process. Wireless interconnect are designed to work at 30GHz using ANSYS HFSS. The fabricated antennas are resonating around 20GHz with a return loss of less than -10dB. The transmission coefficients between antenna pair within a 20mm x 20mm silicon die is found to be varying between -45dB to -55dB. Furthermore, wireless interconnect approach is extended for 3D IC. Wireless interconnects are implemented as zigzag antenna. This thesis extends the work of analyzing the wireless interconnects in 3D IC with different configurations of antenna orientations and coolants. The return loss and transmission coefficients are simulated using ANSYS HFSS.

  11. An efficient optical architecture for sparsely connected neural networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hine, Butler P., III; Downie, John D.; Reid, Max B.

    1990-01-01

    An architecture for general-purpose optical neural network processor is presented in which the interconnections and weights are formed by directing coherent beams holographically, thereby making use of the space-bandwidth products of the recording medium for sparsely interconnected networks more efficiently that the commonly used vector-matrix multiplier, since all of the hologram area is in use. An investigation is made of the use of computer-generated holograms recorded on such updatable media as thermoplastic materials, in order to define the interconnections and weights of a neural network processor; attention is given to limits on interconnection densities, diffraction efficiencies, and weighing accuracies possible with such an updatable thin film holographic device.

  12. Neural Network Model For Fast Learning And Retrieval

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arsenault, Henri H.; Macukow, Bohdan

    1989-05-01

    An approach to learning in a multilayer neural network is presented. The proposed network learns by creating interconnections between the input layer and the intermediate layer. In one of the new storage prescriptions proposed, interconnections are excitatory (positive) only and the weights depend on the stored patterns. In the intermediate layer each mother cell is responsible for one stored pattern. Mutually interconnected neurons in the intermediate layer perform a winner-take-all operation, taking into account correlations between stored vectors. The performance of networks using this interconnection prescription is compared with two previously proposed schemes, one using inhibitory connections at the output and one using all-or-nothing interconnections. The network can be used as a content-addressable memory or as a symbolic substitution system that yields an arbitrarily defined output for any input. The training of a model to perform Boolean logical operations is also described. Computer simulations using the network as an autoassociative content-addressable memory show the model to be efficient. Content-addressable associative memories and neural logic modules can be combined to perform logic operations on highly corrupted data.

  13. Reconfigurable Optical Interconnections Via Dynamic Computer-Generated Holograms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, Hua-Kuang (Inventor); Zhou, Shao-Min (Inventor)

    1996-01-01

    A system is presented for optically providing one-to-many irregular interconnections, and strength-adjustable many-to-many irregular interconnections which may be provided with strengths (weights) w(sub ij) using multiple laser beams which address multiple holograms and means for combining the beams modified by the holograms to form multiple interconnections, such as a cross-bar switching network. The optical means for interconnection is based on entering a series of complex computer-generated holograms on an electrically addressed spatial light modulator for real-time reconfigurations, thus providing flexibility for interconnection networks for large-scale practical use. By employing multiple sources and holograms, the number of interconnection patterns achieved is increased greatly.

  14. Optical interconnection networks for high-performance computing systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biberman, Aleksandr; Bergman, Keren

    2012-04-01

    Enabled by silicon photonic technology, optical interconnection networks have the potential to be a key disruptive technology in computing and communication industries. The enduring pursuit of performance gains in computing, combined with stringent power constraints, has fostered the ever-growing computational parallelism associated with chip multiprocessors, memory systems, high-performance computing systems and data centers. Sustaining these parallelism growths introduces unique challenges for on- and off-chip communications, shifting the focus toward novel and fundamentally different communication approaches. Chip-scale photonic interconnection networks, enabled by high-performance silicon photonic devices, offer unprecedented bandwidth scalability with reduced power consumption. We demonstrate that the silicon photonic platforms have already produced all the high-performance photonic devices required to realize these types of networks. Through extensive empirical characterization in much of our work, we demonstrate such feasibility of waveguides, modulators, switches and photodetectors. We also demonstrate systems that simultaneously combine many functionalities to achieve more complex building blocks. We propose novel silicon photonic devices, subsystems, network topologies and architectures to enable unprecedented performance of these photonic interconnection networks. Furthermore, the advantages of photonic interconnection networks extend far beyond the chip, offering advanced communication environments for memory systems, high-performance computing systems, and data centers.

  15. 10 CFR 960.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... which there is recurrent movement, which is usually indicated by small, periodic displacements or... of fluids, expressed as the ratio of the volume of interconnected pores and openings to the volume of... displacement of the side relative to one another parallel to the fracture or zone of fractures. Faulting means...

  16. 10 CFR 960.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... which there is recurrent movement, which is usually indicated by small, periodic displacements or... of fluids, expressed as the ratio of the volume of interconnected pores and openings to the volume of... displacement of the side relative to one another parallel to the fracture or zone of fractures. Faulting means...

  17. 10 CFR 960.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... which there is recurrent movement, which is usually indicated by small, periodic displacements or... of fluids, expressed as the ratio of the volume of interconnected pores and openings to the volume of... displacement of the side relative to one another parallel to the fracture or zone of fractures. Faulting means...

  18. 10 CFR 960.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... which there is recurrent movement, which is usually indicated by small, periodic displacements or... of fluids, expressed as the ratio of the volume of interconnected pores and openings to the volume of... displacement of the side relative to one another parallel to the fracture or zone of fractures. Faulting means...

  19. Shear rheological characterization of gel healing response and construction of rheo-PIV system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bawiskar, Abhishek D.

    Thermo-reversible gels are solvent-filled 3D networks of polymer chains interconnected by physical (transient) crosslinks. On applying a high shear stress, the crosslinks are broken and these gels show a typical stress-strain behavior due to cohesive fracture of the gel. When heated above a critical temperature and cooled back to room temperature, all the crosslinks are re-formed. Interestingly, partial to full recovery of broken crosslinks is also observed by simply letting the gel stand at room temperature. In this study, the fracture and healing behavior of a model acrylic triblock copolymer gel has been characterized by shear rheometry. A mathematical model has also been proposed to better understand the mechanics at the molecular level and predict the healing time of a system. A rheo-PIV system was built as part of the project, to observe and confirm the bulk healing process in situ. Spontaneous self-healing behavior has immense potential in controlled drug delivery systems, coatings, food and various other applications.

  20. Interconnecting PV on New York City's Secondary Network Distribution System

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Anderson, K; Coddington, M; Burman, K

    2009-11-01

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has teamed with cities across the country through the Solar America Cities (SAC) partnership program to help reduce barriers and accelerate implementation of solar energy. The New York City SAC team is a partnership between the City University of New York (CUNY), the New York City Mayor s Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).The New York City SAC team is working with DOE s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Con Edison, the local utility, to develop a roadmap for photovoltaic (PV) installations in themore » five boroughs. The city set a goal to increase its installed PV capacity from1.1 MW in 2005 to 8.1 MW by 2015 (the maximum allowed in 2005). A key barrier to reaching this goal, however, is the complexity of the interconnection process with the local utility. Unique challenges are associated with connecting distributed PV systems to secondary network distribution systems (simplified to networks in this report). Although most areas of the country use simpler radial distribution systems to distribute electricity, larger metropolitan areas like New York City typically use networks to increase reliability in large load centers. Unlike the radial distribution system, where each customer receives power through a single line, a network uses a grid of interconnected lines to deliver power to each customer through several parallel circuits and sources. This redundancy improves reliability, but it also requires more complicated coordination and protection schemes that can be disrupted by energy exported from distributed PV systems. Currently, Con Edison studies each potential PV system in New York City to evaluate the system s impact on the network, but this is time consuming for utility engineers and may delay the customer s project or add cost for larger installations. City leaders would like to streamline this process to facilitate faster, simpler, and less expensive distributed PV system interconnections. To assess ways to improve the interconnection process, NREL conducted a four-part study with support from DOE. The NREL team then compiled the final reports from each study into this report. In Section 1PV Deployment Analysis for New York City we analyze the technical potential for rooftop PV systems in the city. This analysis evaluates potential PV power production in ten Con Edison networks of various locations and building densities (ranging from high density apartments to lower density single family homes). Next, we compare the potential power production to network loads to determine where and when PV generation is most likely to exceed network load and disrupt network protection schemes. The results of this analysis may assist Con Edison in evaluating future PV interconnection applications and in planning future network protection system upgrades. This analysis may also assist other utilities interconnecting PV systems to networks by defining a method for assessing the technical potential of PV in the network and its impact on network loads. Section 2. A Briefing for Policy Makers on Connecting PV to a Network Grid presents an overview intended for nontechnical stakeholders. This section describes the issues associated with interconnecting PV systems to networks, along with possible solutions. Section 3. Technical Review of Concerns and Solutions to PV Interconnection in New York City summarizes common concerns of utility engineers and network experts about interconnecting PV systems to secondary networks. This section also contains detailed descriptions of nine solutions, including advantages and disadvantages, potential impacts, and road maps for deployment. Section 4. Utility Application Process Reviewlooks at utility interconnection application processes across the country and identifies administrative best practices for efficient PV interconnection.« less

  1. 47 CFR 51.305 - Interconnection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ..., interconnection with the incumbent LEC's network: (1) For the transmission and routing of telephone exchange... interface or protocol standards shall constitute evidence of the substantial similarity of network...

  2. 47 CFR 51.305 - Interconnection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ..., interconnection with the incumbent LEC's network: (1) For the transmission and routing of telephone exchange... interface or protocol standards shall constitute evidence of the substantial similarity of network...

  3. 47 CFR 51.305 - Interconnection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., interconnection with the incumbent LEC's network: (1) For the transmission and routing of telephone exchange... interface or protocol standards shall constitute evidence of the substantial similarity of network...

  4. 47 CFR 51.305 - Interconnection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ..., interconnection with the incumbent LEC's network: (1) For the transmission and routing of telephone exchange... interface or protocol standards shall constitute evidence of the substantial similarity of network...

  5. Design solutions for the solar cell interconnect fatigue fracture problem

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mon, G. R.; Ross, R. G., Jr.

    1982-01-01

    Mechanical fatigue of solar cell interconnects is a major failure mechanism in photovoltaic arrays. A comprehensive approach to the reliability design of interconnects, together with extensive design data for the fatigue properties of copper interconnects, has been published. This paper extends the previous work, developing failure prediction (fatigue) data for additional interconnect material choices, including aluminum and a variety of copper-Invar and copper-steel claddings. An improved global fatigue function is used to model the probability-of-failure statistics of each material as a function of level and number of cycles of applied strain. Life-cycle economic analyses are used to evaluate the relative merits of each material choce. The copper-Invar clad composites demonstrate superior performance over pure copper. Aluminum results are disappointing.

  6. Collective network for computer structures

    DOEpatents

    Blumrich, Matthias A; Coteus, Paul W; Chen, Dong; Gara, Alan; Giampapa, Mark E; Heidelberger, Philip; Hoenicke, Dirk; Takken, Todd E; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard D; Vranas, Pavlos M

    2014-01-07

    A system and method for enabling high-speed, low-latency global collective communications among interconnected processing nodes. The global collective network optimally enables collective reduction operations to be performed during parallel algorithm operations executing in a computer structure having a plurality of the interconnected processing nodes. Router devices are included that interconnect the nodes of the network via links to facilitate performance of low-latency global processing operations at nodes of the virtual network. The global collective network may be configured to provide global barrier and interrupt functionality in asynchronous or synchronized manner. When implemented in a massively-parallel supercomputing structure, the global collective network is physically and logically partitionable according to the needs of a processing algorithm.

  7. Collective network for computer structures

    DOEpatents

    Blumrich, Matthias A [Ridgefield, CT; Coteus, Paul W [Yorktown Heights, NY; Chen, Dong [Croton On Hudson, NY; Gara, Alan [Mount Kisco, NY; Giampapa, Mark E [Irvington, NY; Heidelberger, Philip [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Hoenicke, Dirk [Ossining, NY; Takken, Todd E [Brewster, NY; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard D [Wernau, DE; Vranas, Pavlos M [Bedford Hills, NY

    2011-08-16

    A system and method for enabling high-speed, low-latency global collective communications among interconnected processing nodes. The global collective network optimally enables collective reduction operations to be performed during parallel algorithm operations executing in a computer structure having a plurality of the interconnected processing nodes. Router devices ate included that interconnect the nodes of the network via links to facilitate performance of low-latency global processing operations at nodes of the virtual network and class structures. The global collective network may be configured to provide global barrier and interrupt functionality in asynchronous or synchronized manner. When implemented in a massively-parallel supercomputing structure, the global collective network is physically and logically partitionable according to needs of a processing algorithm.

  8. Three-Dimensional Bi₂Te₃ Networks of Interconnected Nanowires: Synthesis and Optimization.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Clavijo, Alejandra; Caballero-Calero, Olga; Martín-González, Marisol

    2018-05-18

    Self-standing Bi₂Te₃ networks of interconnected nanowires were fabricated in three-dimensional porous anodic alumina templates (3D⁻AAO) with a porous structure spreading in all three spatial dimensions. Pulsed electrodeposition parameters were optimized to grow highly oriented Bi₂Te₃ interconnected nanowires with stoichiometric composition inside those 3D⁻AAO templates. The nanowire networks were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Raman spectroscopy. The results are compared to those obtained in films and 1D nanowires grown under similar conditions. The crystalline structure and composition of the 3D Bi⁻Te nanowire network are finely tuned by controlling the applied voltage and the relaxation time off at zero current density during the deposition. With this fabrication method, and controlling the electrodeposition parameters, stoichiometric Bi₂Te₃ networks of interconnected nanowires have been obtained, with a preferential orientation along [1 1 0], which makes them optimal candidates for out-of-plane thermoelectric applications. Moreover, the templates in which they are grown can be dissolved and the network of interconnected nanowires is self-standing without affecting its composition and orientation properties.

  9. Local Network Wideband Interconnection Alternatives.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-01-01

    signal. 3.2.2 Limitations Although satellites offer the advantages of insensitivity to distance, point-to-multipoint communication capability and...Russell, the CATV franchisee for the town of Bedford, has not yit set rates for leasing channels on their network. If this network were interconnected

  10. Advanced optical network architecture for integrated digital avionics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morgan, D. Reed

    1996-12-01

    For the first time in the history of avionics, the network designer now has a choice in selecting the media that interconnects the sources and sinks of digital data on aircraft. Electrical designs are already giving way to photonics in application areas where the data rate times distance product is large or where special design requirements such as low weight or EMI considerations are critical. Future digital avionic architectures will increasingly favor the use of photonic interconnects as network data rates of one gigabit/second and higher are needed to support real-time operation of high-speed integrated digital processing. As the cost of optical network building blocks is reduced and as temperature-rugged laser sources are matured, metal interconnects will be forced to retreat to applications spanning shorter and shorter distances. Although the trend is already underway, the widespread use of digital optics will first occur at the system level, where gigabit/second, real-time interconnects between sensors, processors, mass memories and displays separated by a least of few meters will be required. The application of photonic interconnects for inter-printed wiring board signalling across the backplane will eventually find application for gigabit/second applications since signal degradation over copper traces occurs before one gigabit/second and 0.5 meters are reached. For the foreseeable future however, metal interconnects will continue to be used to interconnect devices on printed wiring boards since 5 gigabit/second signals can be sent over metal up to around 15 centimeters. Current-day applications of optical interconnects at the system level are described and a projection of how advanced optical interconnect technology will be driven by the use of high speed integrated digital processing on future aircraft is presented. The recommended advanced network for application in the 2010 time frame is a fiber-based system with a signalling speed of around 2-3 gigabits per second. This switch-based unified network will interconnect sensors, displays, mass memory and controls and displays to computer modules within the processing complex. The characteristics of required building blocks needed for the future are described. These building blocks include the fiber, an optical switch, a laser-based transceiver, blind-mate connectors and an optical backplane.

  11. Physical properties of two core samples from Well 34-9RD2 at the Coso geothermal field, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Morrow, C.A.; Lockner, D.A.

    2006-01-01

    The Coso geothermal field, located along the Eastern California Shear Zone, is composed of fractured granitic rocks above a shallow heat source. Temperatures exceed 640 ?F (~338 ?C) at a depth of less than 10000 feet (3 km). Permeability varies throughout the geothermal field due to the competing processes of alteration and mineral precipitation, acting to reduce the interconnectivity of faults and fractures, and the generation of new fractures through faulting and brecciation. Currently, several hot regions display very low permeability, not conducive to the efficient extraction of heat. Because high rates of seismicity in the field indicate that the area is highly stressed, enhanced permeability can be stimulated by increasing the fluid pressure at depth to induce faulting along the existing network of fractures. Such an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), planned for well 46A-19RD, would greatly facilitate the extraction of geothermal fluids from depth by increasing the extent and depth of the fracture network. In order to prepare for and interpret data from such a stimulation experiment, the physical properties and failure behavior of the target rocks must be fully understood. Various diorites and granodiorites are the predominant rock types in the target area of the well, which will be pressurized from 10000 feet measured depth (MD) (3048m MD) to the bottom of the well at 13,000 feet MD (3962 m MD). Because there are no core rocks currently available from well 46A-19RD, we report here on the results of compressive strength, frictional sliding behavior, and elastic measurements of a granodiorite and diorite from another well, 34-9RD2, at the Coso site. Rocks cored from well 34-9RD2 are the deepest samples to date available for testing, and are representative of rocks from the field in general.

  12. Rescue of endemic states in interconnected networks with adaptive coupling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vazquez, F.; Serrano, M. Ángeles; Miguel, M. San

    2016-07-01

    We study the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible model of epidemic spreading on two layers of networks interconnected by adaptive links, which are rewired at random to avoid contacts between infected and susceptible nodes at the interlayer. We find that the rewiring reduces the effective connectivity for the transmission of the disease between layers, and may even totally decouple the networks. Weak endemic states, in which the epidemics spreads when the two layers are interconnected but not in each layer separately, show a transition from the endemic to the healthy phase when the rewiring overcomes a threshold value that depends on the infection rate, the strength of the coupling and the mean connectivity of the networks. In the strong endemic scenario, in which the epidemics is able to spread on each separate network -and therefore on the interconnected system- the prevalence in each layer decreases when increasing the rewiring, arriving to single network values only in the limit of infinitely fast rewiring. We also find that rewiring amplifies finite-size effects, preventing the disease transmission between finite networks, as there is a non zero probability that the epidemics stays confined in only one network during its lifetime.

  13. Rescue of endemic states in interconnected networks with adaptive coupling

    PubMed Central

    Vazquez, F.; Serrano, M. Ángeles; Miguel, M. San

    2016-01-01

    We study the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible model of epidemic spreading on two layers of networks interconnected by adaptive links, which are rewired at random to avoid contacts between infected and susceptible nodes at the interlayer. We find that the rewiring reduces the effective connectivity for the transmission of the disease between layers, and may even totally decouple the networks. Weak endemic states, in which the epidemics spreads when the two layers are interconnected but not in each layer separately, show a transition from the endemic to the healthy phase when the rewiring overcomes a threshold value that depends on the infection rate, the strength of the coupling and the mean connectivity of the networks. In the strong endemic scenario, in which the epidemics is able to spread on each separate network –and therefore on the interconnected system– the prevalence in each layer decreases when increasing the rewiring, arriving to single network values only in the limit of infinitely fast rewiring. We also find that rewiring amplifies finite-size effects, preventing the disease transmission between finite networks, as there is a non zero probability that the epidemics stays confined in only one network during its lifetime. PMID:27380771

  14. Fuzzy-information-based robustness of interconnected networks against attacks and failures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Qian; Zhu, Zhiliang; Wang, Yifan; Yu, Hai

    2016-09-01

    Cascading failure is fatal in applications and its investigation is essential and therefore became a focal topic in the field of complex networks in the last decade. In this paper, a cascading failure model is established for interconnected networks and the associated data-packet transport problem is discussed. A distinguished feature of the new model is its utilization of fuzzy information in resisting uncertain failures and malicious attacks. We numerically find that the giant component of the network after failures increases with tolerance parameter for any coupling preference and attacking ambiguity. Moreover, considering the effect of the coupling probability on the robustness of the networks, we find that the robustness of the assortative coupling and random coupling of the network model increases with the coupling probability. However, for disassortative coupling, there exists a critical phenomenon for coupling probability. In addition, a critical value that attacking information accuracy affects the network robustness is observed. Finally, as a practical example, the interconnected AS-level Internet in South Korea and Japan is analyzed. The actual data validates the theoretical model and analytic results. This paper thus provides some guidelines for preventing cascading failures in the design of architecture and optimization of real-world interconnected networks.

  15. Optical interconnect for large-scale systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dress, William

    2013-02-01

    This paper presents a switchless, optical interconnect module that serves as a node in a network of identical distribution modules for large-scale systems. Thousands to millions of hosts or endpoints may be interconnected by a network of such modules, avoiding the need for multi-level switches. Several common network topologies are reviewed and their scaling properties assessed. The concept of message-flow routing is discussed in conjunction with the unique properties enabled by the optical distribution module where it is shown how top-down software control (global routing tables, spanning-tree algorithms) may be avoided.

  16. Interconnect Performance Evaluation of SGI Altix 3700 BX2, Cray X1, Cray Opteron Cluster, and Dell PowerEdge

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fatoohi, Rod; Saini, Subbash; Ciotti, Robert

    2006-01-01

    We study the performance of inter-process communication on four high-speed multiprocessor systems using a set of communication benchmarks. The goal is to identify certain limiting factors and bottlenecks with the interconnect of these systems as well as to compare these interconnects. We measured network bandwidth using different number of communicating processors and communication patterns, such as point-to-point communication, collective communication, and dense communication patterns. The four platforms are: a 512-processor SGI Altix 3700 BX2 shared-memory machine with 3.2 GB/s links; a 64-processor (single-streaming) Cray XI shared-memory machine with 32 1.6 GB/s links; a 128-processor Cray Opteron cluster using a Myrinet network; and a 1280-node Dell PowerEdge cluster with an InfiniBand network. Our, results show the impact of the network bandwidth and topology on the overall performance of each interconnect.

  17. Introduction to Parallel Computing

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-05-01

    Instruction Stream, Multiple Data Stream Machines .................... 19 2.4 Networks of M achines...independent memory units and connecting them to the processors by an interconnection network . Many different interconnection schemes have been considered, and...connected to the same processor at the same time. Crossbar switching networks are still too expensive to be practical for connecting large numbers of

  18. Epidemic spread on interconnected metapopulation networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Bing; Tanaka, Gouhei; Suzuki, Hideyuki; Aihara, Kazuyuki

    2014-09-01

    Numerous real-world networks have been observed to interact with each other, resulting in interconnected networks that exhibit diverse, nontrivial behavior with dynamical processes. Here we investigate epidemic spreading on interconnected networks at the level of metapopulation. Through a mean-field approximation for a metapopulation model, we find that both the interaction network topology and the mobility probabilities between subnetworks jointly influence the epidemic spread. Depending on the interaction between subnetworks, proper controls of mobility can efficiently mitigate epidemics, whereas an extremely biased mobility to one subnetwork will typically cause a severe outbreak and promote the epidemic spreading. Our analysis provides a basic framework for better understanding of epidemic behavior in related transportation systems as well as for better control of epidemics by guiding human mobility patterns.

  19. Pollution par les nitrates des eaux souterraines du bassin d'Essaouira (Maroc)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laftouhi, Nour-Eddine; Vanclooster, Marnik; Jalal, Mohammed; Witam, Omar; Aboufirassi, Mohamed; Bahir, Mohamed; Persoons, Étienne

    2003-03-01

    The Essaouira Basin (Morocco) contains a multi-layered aquifer situated in fractured and karstic materials from the Middle and Upper Cretaceous (the Cenomanian, Turonian and Senonian). Water percolates through the limestone and dolomite formations of the Turonian stage either through the marls and calcareous marls of the Cenomanian or through the calcareous marly materials of the Senonian. The aquifer system may be interconnected since the marl layer separating the Turonian, Cenomanian and Senonian aquifers is thin or intensively fractured. In that case, the water is transported through a network of fractures and stratification joints. This paper describes the extent of the nitrate pollution in the area and its origin. Most of the wells and drillholes located in the Kourimat perimeter are contaminated by nitrates with some concentrations over 400 mg l-1. Nitrate contamination is also observed in the surface water of the Qsob River, which constitutes the natural outlet of the multi-layered complex aquifer system. In this area, agriculture is more developed than in the rest of the Essaouira Basin. Diffuse pollution of the karstic groundwater body by agricultural fertiliser residues may therefore partially explain the observed nitrate pollution. However, point pollution around the wells, springs and drillholes from human wastewater, livestock faeces and the mineralisation of organic debris close to the Muslim cemeteries cannot be excluded.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chandrasekaran, S.; Liebig, W. V.; Mecklenberg, M.

    Aerographite (AG) is a mechanically robust, lightweight synthetic cellular material, which consists of a 3D interconnected network of tubular carbon [1]. The presence of open channels in AG aids to infiltrate them with polymer matrices, thereby yielding an electrical conducting and lightweight composite. Aerographite produced with densities in the range of 7–15 mg/cm 3 was infiltrated with a low viscous epoxy resin by means of vacuum infiltration technique. Detailed morphological and structural investigations on synthesized AG and AG/epoxy composite were performed by scanning electron microscopic techniques. Our present study investigates the fracture and failure of AG/epoxy composites and its energymore » absorption capacity under compression. The composites displayed an extended plateau region when uni-axially compressed, which led to an increase in energy absorption of ~133% per unit volume for 1.5 wt% of AG, when compared to pure epoxy. Preliminary results on fracture toughness showed an enhancement of ~19% in K IC for AG/epoxy composites with 0.45 wt% of AG. Furthermore, our observations of fractured surfaces under scanning electron microscope gives evidence of pull-out of arms of AG tetrapod, interface and inter-graphite failure as the dominating mechanism for the toughness improvement in these composites. These observations were consistent with the results obtained from photoelasticity experiments on a thin film AG/epoxy model composite.« less

  1. Architecture for on-die interconnect

    DOEpatents

    Khare, Surhud; More, Ankit; Somasekhar, Dinesh; Dunning, David S.

    2016-03-15

    In an embodiment, an apparatus includes: a plurality of islands configured on a semiconductor die, each of the plurality of islands having a plurality of cores; and a plurality of network switches configured on the semiconductor die and each associated with one of the plurality of islands, where each network switch includes a plurality of output ports, a first set of the output ports are each to couple to the associated network switch of an island via a point-to-point interconnect and a second set of the output ports are each to couple to the associated network switches of a plurality of islands via a point-to-multipoint interconnect. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

  2. Extending Topological Approaches to Microseismic-Derived 3D Fracture Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Urbancic, T.; Bosman, K.; Baig, A.; Ardakani, E. P.

    2017-12-01

    Fracture topology is important for determining the fluid-flow characteristics of a fracture network. In most unconventional petroleum applications, flow through subsurface fracture networks is the primary source of production, as matrix permeability is often in the nanodarcy range. Typical models of reservoir discrete fracture networks (DFNs) are constructed using fracture orientation and average spacing, without consideration of how the connectivity of the fracture network aids the percolation of hydrocarbons back to the wellbore. Topological approaches to DFN characterization have been developed and extensively used in analysis of outcrop data and aerial photography. Such study of the surface expression of fracture networks is straight-forward, and the physical form of the observed fractures is directly reflected in the parameters used to describe the topology. However, this analysis largely ignores the three-dimensional nature of natural fracture networks, which is difficult to define accurately in geological studies. SMTI analysis of microseismic event distributions can produce DFNs, where each event is represented by a penny-shaped crack with radius and orientation determined from the frequency content of the waveforms and assessment of the slip instability of the potential fracture planes, respectively. Analysis of the geometric relationships between a set of fractures can provide details of intersections between fractures, and thus the topological characteristics of the fracture network. Extension of existing 2D topology approaches to 3D fracture networks is non-trivial. In the 2D case, a fracture intersection is a single point (node), and branches connect adjacent nodes along fractures. For the 3D case, intersection "nodes" become lines, and connecting nodes to find branches becomes more complicated. There are several parameters defined in 2D topology to quantify the connectivity of the fracture network. Equivalent quantities must be defined and calibrated for the 3D case to provide a meaningful measurement of fracture network connectivity. We have developed an approach to analyze the topology of 3D fracture networks derived from microseismic moment tensors. We illustrate the utility of the approach with applications to example datasets from hydraulic fracturing completions.

  3. A Visually Attractive "Interconnected Network of Ideas" for Organizing the Teaching and Learning of Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rodgers, Glen E.

    2014-01-01

    A visually attractive interconnected network of ideas that helps general and second-year inorganic chemistry students make sense of the descriptive inorganic chemistry of the main-group elements is presented. The eight network components include the periodic law, the uniqueness principle, the diagonal effect, the inert-pair effect, the…

  4. Pretherapeutic functional neuroimaging predicts tremor arrest after thalamotomy.

    PubMed

    Tuleasca, C; Najdenovska, E; Régis, J; Witjas, T; Girard, N; Champoudry, J; Faouzi, M; Thiran, J-P; Bach Cuadra, M; Levivier, M; Van De Ville, D

    2018-05-01

    Essential tremor (ET) represents the most common movement disorder. Drug-resistant ET can benefit from standard stereotactic procedures (deep brain stimulation or radiofrequency thalamotomy) or alternatively minimally invasive high-focused ultrasound or radiosurgery. All aim at same target, thalamic ventro-intermediate nucleus (Vim). The study included a cohort of 17 consecutive patients, with ET, treated only with left unilateral stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy (SRS-T) between September 2014 and August 2015. The mean time to tremor improvement was 3.32 months (SD 2.7, 0.5-10). Neuroimaging data were collected at baseline (n = 17). Standard tremor scores, including activities of daily living (ADL) and tremor score on treated hand (TSTH), were completed pretherapeutically and 1 year later. We further correlate these scores with baseline inter-connectivity in twenty major large-scale brain networks. We report as predictive three networks, with the interconnected statistically significant clusters: primary motor cortex interconnected with inferior olivary nucleus, bilateral thalamus interconnected with motor cerebellum lobule V 2 (ADL), and anterior default-mode network interconnected with Brodmann area 10 3 (TSTH). For all, more positive pretherapeutic interconnectivity correlated with higher drop in points on the respective scores. Age, disease duration, or time-to-response after SRS-T were not statistically correlated with pretherapeutic brain connectivity measures (P > .05). The same applied to pretherapeutic tremor scores, after using the same methodology described above. Our findings have clinical implications for predicting clinical response after SRS-T. Here, using pretherapeutic magnetic resonance imaging and data processing without prior hypothesis, we show that pretherapeutic network(s) interconnectivity strength predicts tremor arrest in drug-naïve ET, following stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. An Experimental Investigation into Failure and Localization Phenomena in the Extension to Shear Fracture Transition in Rock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choens, R. C., II; Chester, F. M.; Bauer, S. J.; Flint, G. M.

    2014-12-01

    Fluid-pressure assisted fracturing can produce mesh and other large, interconnected and complex networks consisting of both extension and shear fractures in various metamorphic, magmatic and tectonic systems. Presently, rock failure criteria for tensile and low-mean compressive stress conditions is poorly defined, although there is accumulating evidence that the transition from extension to shear fracture with increasing mean stress is continuous. We report on the results of experiments designed to document failure criteria, fracture mode, and localization phenomena for several rock types (sandstone, limestone, chalk and marble). Experiments were conducted in triaxial extension using a necked (dogbone) geometry to achieve mixed tension and compression stress states with local component-strain measurements in the failure region. The failure envelope for all rock types is similar, but are poorly described using Griffith or modified Griffith (Coulomb or other) failure criteria. Notably, the mode of fracture changes systematically from pure extension to shear with increase in compressive mean stress and display a continuous change in fracture orientation with respect to principal stress axes. Differential stress and inelastic strain show a systematic increase with increasing mean stress, whereas the axial stress decreases before increasing with increasing mean stress. The stress and strain data are used to analyze elastic and plastic strains leading to failure and compare the experimental results to predictions for localization using constitutive models incorporating on bifurcation theory. Although models are able to describe the stability behavior and onset of localization qualitatively, the models are unable to predict fracture type or orientation. Constitutive models using single or multiple yield surfaces are unable to predict the experimental results, reflecting the difficulty in capturing the changing micromechanisms from extension to shear failure. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Deopartment of Energy's National Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. SAND2014-16578A

  6. Roles of interfacial reaction on mechanical properties of solder interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Pilin

    This study investigated roles of interfacial reaction in fracture and fatigue of solder interconnects. The interfacial reaction phases in the as-reflowed and after aging were examined by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while interfacial mechanical properties were determined from a flexural peel fracture mechanics technique. Because of their widespread uses in microelectronic packaging, SnPb solder interfaces, and Bi-containing Pb-free solder interfaces were chosen as the subjects of this study. In the interfacial reaction study, we observed a complicated micro structural evolution during solid-state aging of electroless-Ni(P)/SnPb solder interconnects. In as-reflowed condition, the interfacial reaction produced Ni3Sn 4 and P-rich layers. Following overaging, the interfacial microstructure degenerated into a complex multilayer structure consisting of multiple layers of Ni-Sn compounds and transformed Ni-P phases. In SnPb solder interfacial system, fatigue study showed that the overaging of the high P electroless Ni-P/SnPb interconnects resulted in a sharp reduction in the fatigue resistance of the interface in the high crack growth rate regime. Fracture mechanism analysis indicated that the sharp drop in fatigue resistance was triggered by the brittle fracture of the Ni3Sn2 intermetallic phase developed at the overaged interface. The fatigue behavior was strongly dependent on P concentration in electroless Ni. Kirkendall voids were found in the interfacial region after aging, but they did not cause premature fracture of the solder interfaces. In Bi-containing solder interfacial system, we found that Bi segregated to the Cu-intermetallic interface during aging in SnBi/Cu interconnect. This caused serious embrittlement of Sn-Bi/Cu interface. Further aging induced numerous voids along the Cu3Sn/Cu interface. These interfacial voids were different from Kirkendall voids. Their formation was explained on basis of vacancy condensation at the interface as the Bi segregants reduced the number of effective Cu vacancy sink sites and enhanced void nucleation at the interface. The Bi segregation was avoided by replacing the Cu metallization with Ni. It was found that Bi developed a concentration gradient in the Ni 3Sn4 during interfacial reaction, with the Bi concentration falling off to zero as the Ni/IMC interface was approached. Therefore, the inhibition of Bi segregation by Ni was due to the inability of Bi to reach Ni/IMC interface.

  7. Joint Services Electronics Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-03-05

    Packaging Considerations M. T. Raghunath (Professor Abhiram Ranade) A central issue in massively parallel computation is the design of the interconnection...programs on promising network architectures. Publications: [1] M. T. Raghunath and A. G. Ranade, A Simulation-Based Compari- son of Interconnection Networks...more difficult analog function approximation task. Network Design Issues for Fast Global Communication Professor A. Ranade with M.T. Raghunath A

  8. Effects of Neuromodulation on Excitatory-Inhibitory Neural Network Dynamics Depend on Network Connectivity Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rich, Scott; Zochowski, Michal; Booth, Victoria

    2018-01-01

    Acetylcholine (ACh), one of the brain's most potent neuromodulators, can affect intrinsic neuron properties through blockade of an M-type potassium current. The effect of ACh on excitatory and inhibitory cells with this potassium channel modulates their membrane excitability, which in turn affects their tendency to synchronize in networks. Here, we study the resulting changes in dynamics in networks with inter-connected excitatory and inhibitory populations (E-I networks), which are ubiquitous in the brain. Utilizing biophysical models of E-I networks, we analyze how the network connectivity structure in terms of synaptic connectivity alters the influence of ACh on the generation of synchronous excitatory bursting. We investigate networks containing all combinations of excitatory and inhibitory cells with high (Type I properties) or low (Type II properties) modulatory tone. To vary network connectivity structure, we focus on the effects of the strengths of inter-connections between excitatory and inhibitory cells (E-I synapses and I-E synapses), and the strengths of intra-connections among excitatory cells (E-E synapses) and among inhibitory cells (I-I synapses). We show that the presence of ACh may or may not affect the generation of network synchrony depending on the network connectivity. Specifically, strong network inter-connectivity induces synchronous excitatory bursting regardless of the cellular propensity for synchronization, which aligns with predictions of the PING model. However, when a network's intra-connectivity dominates its inter-connectivity, the propensity for synchrony of either inhibitory or excitatory cells can determine the generation of network-wide bursting.

  9. Electrooptical adaptive switching network for the hypercube computer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chow, E.; Peterson, J.

    1988-01-01

    An all-optical network design for the hyperswitch network using regular free-space interconnects between electronic processor nodes is presented. The adaptive routing model used is described, and an adaptive routing control example is presented. The design demonstrates that existing electrooptical techniques are sufficient for implementing efficient parallel architectures without the need for more complex means of implementing arbitrary interconnection schemes. The electrooptical hyperswitch network significantly improves the communication performance of the hypercube computer.

  10. Discontinuities in effective permeability due to fracture percolation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Karra, Satish; Carey, James William

    Motivated by a triaxial coreflood experiment with a sample of Utica shale where an abrupt jump in permeability was observed, possibly due to the creation of a percolating fracture network through the sample, we perform numerical simulations based on the experiment to characterize how the effective permeability of otherwise low-permeability porous media depends on fracture formation, connectivity, and the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. While a change in effective permeability due to fracture formation is expected, the dependence of its magnitude upon the contrast between the matrix permeability and fracture permeability and the fracture network structure is poorlymore » characterized. We use two different high-fidelity fracture network models to characterize how effective permeability changes as percolation occurs. The first is a dynamic two-dimensional fracture propagation model designed to mimic the laboratory settings of the experiment. The second is a static three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model, whose fracture and network statistics are based on the fractured sample of Utica shale. Once the network connects the inflow and outflow boundaries, the effective permeability increases non-linearly with network density. In most networks considered, a jump in the effective permeability was observed when the embedded fracture network percolated. We characterize how the magnitude of the jump, should it occur, depends on the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. For small contrasts between the matrix and fracture permeabilities the change is insignificant. However, for larger contrasts, there is a substantial jump whose magnitude depends non-linearly on the difference between matrix and fracture permeabilities. A power-law relationship between the size of the jump and the difference between the matrix and fracture permeabilities is observed. In conclusion, the presented results underscore the importance of fracture network topology on the upscaled properties of the porous medium in which it is embedded.« less

  11. Discontinuities in effective permeability due to fracture percolation

    DOE PAGES

    Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Karra, Satish; Carey, James William; ...

    2018-01-31

    Motivated by a triaxial coreflood experiment with a sample of Utica shale where an abrupt jump in permeability was observed, possibly due to the creation of a percolating fracture network through the sample, we perform numerical simulations based on the experiment to characterize how the effective permeability of otherwise low-permeability porous media depends on fracture formation, connectivity, and the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. While a change in effective permeability due to fracture formation is expected, the dependence of its magnitude upon the contrast between the matrix permeability and fracture permeability and the fracture network structure is poorlymore » characterized. We use two different high-fidelity fracture network models to characterize how effective permeability changes as percolation occurs. The first is a dynamic two-dimensional fracture propagation model designed to mimic the laboratory settings of the experiment. The second is a static three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) model, whose fracture and network statistics are based on the fractured sample of Utica shale. Once the network connects the inflow and outflow boundaries, the effective permeability increases non-linearly with network density. In most networks considered, a jump in the effective permeability was observed when the embedded fracture network percolated. We characterize how the magnitude of the jump, should it occur, depends on the contrast between the fracture and matrix permeabilities. For small contrasts between the matrix and fracture permeabilities the change is insignificant. However, for larger contrasts, there is a substantial jump whose magnitude depends non-linearly on the difference between matrix and fracture permeabilities. A power-law relationship between the size of the jump and the difference between the matrix and fracture permeabilities is observed. In conclusion, the presented results underscore the importance of fracture network topology on the upscaled properties of the porous medium in which it is embedded.« less

  12. Further Development and Application of GEOFRAC-FLOW to a Geothermal Reservoir

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Einstein, Herbert; Vecchiarelli, Alessandra

    2014-05-01

    GEOFRAC is a three-dimensional, geology-based, geometric-mechanical, hierarchical, stochastic model of natural rock fracture systems. The main characteristics of GEOFRAC are its use of statistical input representing fracture patterns in the field in form of the fracture intensity P32 (fracture area per volume) and the best estimate fracture size E(A). This information can be obtained from boreholes or scanlines on the surface, on the one hand, and from window sampling of fracture traces on the other hand. In the context of this project, “Recovery Act - Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems”, GEOFRAC was further developed into GEOFRAC-FLOW as has been reportedmore » in the reports, “Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems - Fracture Pattern Modelling” and “Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems - Fracture Flow Modeling”. GEOFRAC-FLOW allows one to determine preferred, interconnected fracture paths and the flow through them.« less

  13. Electricity exchange and the valuation of transnational transmission access: A case study of intra-regional integration of the electric industries of Argentina and Chile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brereton, Beverly Ann

    The interconnection of neighboring electricity networks provides opportunities for the realization of synergies between electricity systems. Examples of the synergies to be realized are the rationalized management of the electricity networks whose fuel source domination differs, and the exploitation of non-coincident system peak demands. These factors allow technology diversity in the satisfaction of electricity demand, the coordination of planning and maintenance schedules between the networks by exploiting the cost differences in the pool of generation assets and the load configuration differences in the neighboring locations. The interconnection decision studied in this dissertation focused on the electricity networks of Argentina and Chile whose electricity systems operate in isolation at the current time. The cooperative game-theoretic framework was applied in the analysis of the decision facing the two countries and the net surplus to be derived from interconnection was evaluated. Measurement of the net gains from interconnection used in this study were reflected in changes in generating costs under the assumption that demand is fixed under all scenarios. With the demand for electricity assumed perfectly inelastic, passive or aggressive bidding strategies were considered under the scenarios for the generators in the two countries. The interconnection decision was modeled using a linear power flow model which utilizes linear programming techniques to reflect dispatch procedures based on generation bids. Results of the study indicate that the current interconnection project between Argentina and Chile will not result in positive net surplus under a variety of scenarios. Only under significantly reduced interconnection cost will the venture prove attractive. Possible sharing mechanisms were also explored in the research and a symmetric distribution of the net surplus to be derived under the reduced interconnection cost scenario was recommended to preserve equity in the allocation of the interconnection gains.

  14. Dense modifiable interconnections utilizing photorefractive volume holograms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Psaltis, Demetri; Qiao, Yong

    1990-11-01

    This report describes an experimental two-layer optical neural network built at Caltech. The system uses photorefractive volume holograms to implement dense, modifiable synaptic interconnections and liquid crystal light valves (LCVS) to perform nonlinear thresholding operations. Kanerva's Sparse, Distributed Memory was implemented using this network and its ability to recognize handwritten character-alphabet (A-Z) has been demonstrated experimentally. According to Kanerva's model, the first layer has fixed, random weights of interconnections and the second layer is trained by sum-of-outer-products rule. After training, the recognition rates of the network on the training set (104 patterns) and test set (520 patterns) are 100 and 50 percent, respectively.

  15. Inmarsat aeronautical mobile satellite system: Internetworking issues

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sengupta, Jay R.

    1990-01-01

    The Inmarsat Aeronautical Mobile Satellite System (AMSS) provides air-ground and air-air communications services to aero-mobile users on a global basis. Communicating parties may be connected either directly, or more commonly, via interconnecting networks to the Inmarsat AMSS, in order to construct end-to-end communications circuits. The aircraft earth station (AES) and the aeronautical ground earth station (GES) are the points of interconnection of the Inmarsat AMSS to users, as well as to interconnecting networks. This paper reviews the internetworking aspects of the Inmarsat AMSS, by introducing the Inmarsat AMSS network architecture and services concepts and then discussing the internetwork address/numbering and routing techniques.

  16. Effect of hydro mechanical coupling on natural fracture network formation in sedimentary basins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ouraga, Zady; Guy, Nicolas; Pouya, Amade

    2018-05-01

    In sedimentary basin context, numerous phenomena, depending on the geological time span, can result in natural fracture network formation. In this paper, fracture network and dynamic fracture spacing triggered by significant sedimentation rate are studied considering mode I fracture propagation using a coupled hydro-mechanical numerical methods. The focus is put on synthetic geological structure under a constant sedimentation rate on its top. This model contains vertical fracture network initially closed and homogeneously distributed. The fractures are modelled with cohesive zone model undergoing damage and the flow is described by Poiseuille's law. The effect of the behaviour of the rock is studied and the analysis leads to a pattern of fracture network and fracture spacing in the geological layer.

  17. Multiscale fracture network characterization and impact on flow: A case study on the Latemar carbonate platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hardebol, N. J.; Maier, C.; Nick, H.; Geiger, S.; Bertotti, G.; Boro, H.

    2015-12-01

    A fracture network arrangement is quantified across an isolated carbonate platform from outcrop and aerial imagery to address its impact on fluid flow. The network is described in terms of fracture density, orientation, and length distribution parameters. Of particular interest is the role of fracture cross connections and abutments on the effective permeability. Hence, the flow simulations explicitly account for network topology by adopting Discrete-Fracture-and-Matrix description. The interior of the Latemar carbonate platform (Dolomites, Italy) is taken as outcrop analogue for subsurface reservoirs of isolated carbonate build-ups that exhibit a fracture-dominated permeability. New is our dual strategy to describe the fracture network both as deterministic- and stochastic-based inputs for flow simulations. The fracture geometries are captured explicitly and form a multiscale data set by integration of interpretations from outcrops, airborne imagery, and lidar. The deterministic network descriptions form the basis for descriptive rules that are diagnostic of the complex natural fracture arrangement. The fracture networks exhibit a variable degree of multitier hierarchies with smaller-sized fractures abutting against larger fractures under both right and oblique angles. The influence of network topology on connectivity is quantified using Discrete-Fracture-Single phase fluid flow simulations. The simulation results show that the effective permeability for the fracture and matrix ensemble can be 50 to 400 times higher than the matrix permeability of 1.0 · 10-14 m2. The permeability enhancement is strongly controlled by the connectivity of the fracture network. Therefore, the degree of intersecting and abutting fractures should be captured from outcrops with accuracy to be of value as analogue.

  18. Fracture-fault network characterization of pavement imagery of the Whitby Mudstone, Yorkshire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boersma, Quinten; Hardebol, Nico; Houben, Maartje; Barnhoorn, Auke; Drury, Martyn

    2015-04-01

    Natural fractures play an important role in the hydrocarbon production from tight reservoirs. The need for fracture network pathways by fraccing matters particularly for shale gas prospects, due to their micro- to nano-darcies matrix permeabilities. The study of natural fractures from outcrops helps to better understand network connectivity and possibility of reactivating pre-existing planes of weakness, induced by hydraulic stimulation. Microseismicity also show that natural fractures are reactivated during fraccing in tight gas reservoirs and influence the success of the stimulation. An accurate understanding of natural fracture networks can help in predicting the development of fracture networks. In this research we analyze an outcrop analogue, the Whitby Mustone Formation (WMF), in terms of its horizontal fracture network. The WMF is the time equivalent of the Posidonia Shale Formation (PSF), which on itself is the main shale gas prospect in the Dutch subsurface. The fracture network of the WMF is characterized by a system of steep dipping joints with two dominant directions with N-S and E-W strike. The network was digitized from bird-view imagery of the pavement with a spatial extent of ~100 m at sub-cm resolution. The imagery is interpreted in terms of orientation and length distributions, intensity and fractal dimensions. Samples from the field were analyzed for rock strength and sample mineralogy. The results indicate that the fracture networks greatly differ per bed. Observed differences are for example; the geometry of the fracture network, its cumulative length distribution law, the fracture intensity, the fracture length vs its orientation and the fractal dimension. All these parameters greatly influence fracture network connectivity, the probability that longer fractures exist within the pavement and whether the network is more prone to clustering or scattering. Apart from the differences, the networks display a fairly similar orthogonal arrangement with dominant large (> 5-10 m) N-S striking fractures and smaller E-W striking cross-joints (< 2-3 m). A nested network arrangement is indicated by some smaller-scale N-S fractures abutting against the E-W striking ones. Furthermore, abutment relations provide some constraints on relative time. Timing indications with respect to burial-exhumation are difficult to establish. Some joints are cemented and measurable from the high-resolution imagery. The vein measurements helped establishing a first order relation between the fracture aperture with respect to their length and confirm that longer fractures have a wider aperture. The above stated parameters and results all prove to be very valuable information which can help predict the geometries of the different fracture networks present within the PSF. It is important to understand the possible mechanisms which can cause these differences in fracture network characteristics. Bulk lithological variations between beds are minor, mainly consisting of clay minerals. Furthermore, some quartz and pyrite is present in all samples and TOC is present in variable amounts. However, the occurrence of concretions up to 0.5m in size correlates with notable differences in distinct network arrangement. Therefore it appears that the presence of these concretions greatly alters the overall strength of the rock, hence the fracture network geometry.

  19. Estimation of the hydraulic conductivity of a two-dimensional fracture network using effective medium theory and power-law averaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zimmerman, R. W.; Leung, C. T.

    2009-12-01

    Most oil and gas reservoirs, as well as most potential sites for nuclear waste disposal, are naturally fractured. In these sites, the network of fractures will provide the main path for fluid to flow through the rock mass. In many cases, the fracture density is so high as to make it impractical to model it with a discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. For such rock masses, it would be useful to have recourse to analytical, or semi-analytical, methods to estimate the macroscopic hydraulic conductivity of the fracture network. We have investigated single-phase fluid flow through generated stochastically two-dimensional fracture networks. The centers and orientations of the fractures are uniformly distributed, whereas their lengths follow a lognormal distribution. The aperture of each fracture is correlated with its length, either through direct proportionality, or through a nonlinear relationship. The discrete fracture network flow and transport simulator NAPSAC, developed by Serco (Didcot, UK), is used to establish the “true” macroscopic hydraulic conductivity of the network. We then attempt to match this value by starting with the individual fracture conductances, and using various upscaling methods. Kirkpatrick’s effective medium approximation, which works well for pore networks on a core scale, generally underestimates the conductivity of the fracture networks. We attribute this to the fact that the conductances of individual fracture segments (between adjacent intersections with other fractures) are correlated with each other, whereas Kirkpatrick’s approximation assumes no correlation. The power-law averaging approach proposed by Desbarats for porous media is able to match the numerical value, using power-law exponents that generally lie between 0 (geometric mean) and 1 (harmonic mean). The appropriate exponent can be correlated with statistical parameters that characterize the fracture density.

  20. System Interconnections. A Survey of Technical Requirements for Broadband Cable Teleservices; Volume Five.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McManamon, Peter M.

    Several aspects of system interconnections are treated in this report. The interconnection of existing and future cable television (CATV) systems for two-way transfer of audio/video and digital data signals is surveyed. The concept of interconnection is explored relative to existing and proposed CATV systems and broadband teleservice networks,…

  1. Interconnecting network for switching data packets and method for switching data packets

    DOEpatents

    Benner, Alan Frederic; Minkenberg, Cyriel Johan Agnes; Stunkel, Craig Brian

    2010-05-25

    The interconnecting network for switching data packets, having data and flow control information, comprises a local packet switch element (S1) with local input buffers (I(1,1) . . . I(1,y)) for buffering the incoming data packets, a remote packet switch element (S2) with remote input buffers (I(2,1) . . . I(2,y)) for buffering the incoming data packets, and data lines (L) for interconnecting the local and the remote packet switch elements (S1, S2). The interconnecting network further comprises a local and a remote arbiter (A1, A2) which are connected via control lines (CL) to the input buffers (I(1,1) . . . I(1,y), I(2,1) . . . I(2,y)), and which are formed such that they can provide that the flow control information is transmitted via the data lines (L) and the control lines (CL).

  2. Theoretical Analysis of the Mechanism of Fracture Network Propagation with Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) Fracturing in Tight Oil Reservoirs.

    PubMed

    Su, Yuliang; Ren, Long; Meng, Fankun; Xu, Chen; Wang, Wendong

    2015-01-01

    Stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) fracturing in tight oil reservoirs often induces complex fracture-network growth, which has a fundamentally different formation mechanism from traditional planar bi-winged fracturing. To reveal the mechanism of fracture network propagation, this paper employs a modified displacement discontinuity method (DDM), mechanical mechanism analysis and initiation and propagation criteria for the theoretical model of fracture network propagation and its derivation. A reasonable solution of the theoretical model for a tight oil reservoir is obtained and verified by a numerical discrete method. Through theoretical calculation and computer programming, the variation rules of formation stress fields, hydraulic fracture propagation patterns (FPP) and branch fracture propagation angles and pressures are analyzed. The results show that during the process of fracture propagation, the initial orientation of the principal stress deflects, and the stress fields at the fracture tips change dramatically in the region surrounding the fracture. Whether the ideal fracture network can be produced depends on the geological conditions and on the engineering treatments. This study has both theoretical significance and practical application value by contributing to a better understanding of fracture network propagation mechanisms in unconventional oil/gas reservoirs and to the improvement of the science and design efficiency of reservoir fracturing.

  3. Theoretical Analysis of the Mechanism of Fracture Network Propagation with Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) Fracturing in Tight Oil Reservoirs

    PubMed Central

    Su, Yuliang; Ren, Long; Meng, Fankun; Xu, Chen; Wang, Wendong

    2015-01-01

    Stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) fracturing in tight oil reservoirs often induces complex fracture-network growth, which has a fundamentally different formation mechanism from traditional planar bi-winged fracturing. To reveal the mechanism of fracture network propagation, this paper employs a modified displacement discontinuity method (DDM), mechanical mechanism analysis and initiation and propagation criteria for the theoretical model of fracture network propagation and its derivation. A reasonable solution of the theoretical model for a tight oil reservoir is obtained and verified by a numerical discrete method. Through theoretical calculation and computer programming, the variation rules of formation stress fields, hydraulic fracture propagation patterns (FPP) and branch fracture propagation angles and pressures are analyzed. The results show that during the process of fracture propagation, the initial orientation of the principal stress deflects, and the stress fields at the fracture tips change dramatically in the region surrounding the fracture. Whether the ideal fracture network can be produced depends on the geological conditions and on the engineering treatments. This study has both theoretical significance and practical application value by contributing to a better understanding of fracture network propagation mechanisms in unconventional oil/gas reservoirs and to the improvement of the science and design efficiency of reservoir fracturing. PMID:25966285

  4. An Architecture for SCADA Network Forensics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kilpatrick, Tim; Gonzalez, Jesus; Chandia, Rodrigo; Papa, Mauricio; Shenoi, Sujeet

    Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely used in industrial control and automation. Modern SCADA protocols often employ TCP/IP to transport sensor data and control signals. Meanwhile, corporate IT infrastructures are interconnecting with previously isolated SCADA networks. The use of TCP/IP as a carrier protocol and the interconnection of IT and SCADA networks raise serious security issues. This paper describes an architecture for SCADA network forensics. In addition to supporting forensic investigations of SCADA network incidents, the architecture incorporates mechanisms for monitoring process behavior, analyzing trends and optimizing plant performance.

  5. Physical-layer network coding for passive optical interconnect in datacenter networks.

    PubMed

    Lin, Rui; Cheng, Yuxin; Guan, Xun; Tang, Ming; Liu, Deming; Chan, Chun-Kit; Chen, Jiajia

    2017-07-24

    We introduce physical-layer network coding (PLNC) technique in a passive optical interconnect (POI) architecture for datacenter networks. The implementation of the PLNC in the POI at 2.5 Gb/s and 10Gb/s have been experimentally validated while the gains in terms of network layer performances have been investigated by simulation. The results reveal that in order to realize negligible packet drop, the wavelengths usage can be reduced by half while a significant improvement in packet delay especially under high traffic load can be achieved by employing PLNC over POI.

  6. Fracture size and transmissivity correlations: Implications for transport simulations in sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks following a truncated power law distribution of fracture size

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hyman, J. D.; Aldrich, G.; Viswanathan, H.; Makedonska, N.; Karra, S.

    2016-08-01

    We characterize how different fracture size-transmissivity relationships influence flow and transport simulations through sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks. Although it is generally accepted that there is a positive correlation between a fracture's size and its transmissivity/aperture, the functional form of that relationship remains a matter of debate. Relationships that assume perfect correlation, semicorrelation, and noncorrelation between the two have been proposed. To study the impact that adopting one of these relationships has on transport properties, we generate multiple sparse fracture networks composed of circular fractures whose radii follow a truncated power law distribution. The distribution of transmissivities are selected so that the mean transmissivity of the fracture networks are the same and the distributions of aperture and transmissivity in models that include a stochastic term are also the same. We observe that adopting a correlation between a fracture size and its transmissivity leads to earlier breakthrough times and higher effective permeability when compared to networks where no correlation is used. While fracture network geometry plays the principal role in determining where transport occurs within the network, the relationship between size and transmissivity controls the flow speed. These observations indicate DFN modelers should be aware that breakthrough times and effective permeabilities can be strongly influenced by such a relationship in addition to fracture and network statistics.

  7. Fracture size and transmissivity correlations: Implications for transport simulations in sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks following a truncated power law distribution of fracture size

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hyman, J.; Aldrich, G. A.; Viswanathan, H. S.; Makedonska, N.; Karra, S.

    2016-12-01

    We characterize how different fracture size-transmissivity relationships influence flow and transport simulations through sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks. Although it is generally accepted that there is a positive correlation between a fracture's size and its transmissivity/aperture, the functional form of that relationship remains a matter of debate. Relationships that assume perfect correlation, semi-correlation, and non-correlation between the two have been proposed. To study the impact that adopting one of these relationships has on transport properties, we generate multiple sparse fracture networks composed of circular fractures whose radii follow a truncated power law distribution. The distribution of transmissivities are selected so that the mean transmissivity of the fracture networks are the same and the distributions of aperture and transmissivity in models that include a stochastic term are also the same.We observe that adopting a correlation between a fracture size and its transmissivity leads to earlier breakthrough times and higher effective permeability when compared to networks where no correlation is used. While fracture network geometry plays the principal role in determining where transport occurs within the network, the relationship between size and transmissivity controls the flow speed. These observations indicate DFN modelers should be aware that breakthrough times and effective permeabilities can be strongly influenced by such a relationship in addition to fracture and network statistics.

  8. Interconnected V2O5 nanoporous network for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Saravanakumar, B; Purushothaman, Kamatchi K; Muralidharan, G

    2012-09-26

    Vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5)) has attracted attention for supercapcitor applications because of its extensive multifunctional properties. In the present study, V(2)O(5) nanoporous network was synthesized via simple capping-agent-assisted precipitation technique and it is further annealed at different temperatures. The effect of annealing temperature on the morphology, electrochemical and structural properties, and stability upon oxidation-reduction cycling has been analyzed for supercapacitor application. We achieved highest specific capacitance of 316 F g(-1) for interconnected V(2)O(5) nanoporous network. This interconnected nanoporous network creates facile nanochannels for ion diffusion and facilitates the easy accessibility of ions. Moreover, after six hundred consecutive cycling processes the specific capacitance has changed only by 24%. A simple cost-effective preparation technique of V(2)O(5) nanoporous network with excellent capacitive behavior, energy density, and stability encourages its possible commercial exploitation for the development of high-performance supercapacitors.

  9. Optical interconnection network for parallel access to multi-rank memory in future computing systems.

    PubMed

    Wang, Kang; Gu, Huaxi; Yang, Yintang; Wang, Kun

    2015-08-10

    With the number of cores increasing, there is an emerging need for a high-bandwidth low-latency interconnection network, serving core-to-memory communication. In this paper, aiming at the goal of simultaneous access to multi-rank memory, we propose an optical interconnection network for core-to-memory communication. In the proposed network, the wavelength usage is delicately arranged so that cores can communicate with different ranks at the same time and broadcast for flow control can be achieved. A distributed memory controller architecture that works in a pipeline mode is also designed for efficient optical communication and transaction address processes. The scaling method and wavelength assignment for the proposed network are investigated. Compared with traditional electronic bus-based core-to-memory communication, the simulation results based on the PARSEC benchmark show that the bandwidth enhancement and latency reduction are apparent.

  10. Epidemic spreading on interconnected networks.

    PubMed

    Saumell-Mendiola, Anna; Serrano, M Ángeles; Boguñá, Marián

    2012-08-01

    Many real networks are not isolated from each other but form networks of networks, often interrelated in nontrivial ways. Here, we analyze an epidemic spreading process taking place on top of two interconnected complex networks. We develop a heterogeneous mean-field approach that allows us to calculate the conditions for the emergence of an endemic state. Interestingly, a global endemic state may arise in the coupled system even though the epidemics is not able to propagate on each network separately and even when the number of coupling connections is small. Our analytic results are successfully confronted against large-scale numerical simulations.

  11. Epidemic spreading on interconnected networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saumell-Mendiola, Anna; Serrano, M. Ángeles; Boguñá, Marián

    2012-08-01

    Many real networks are not isolated from each other but form networks of networks, often interrelated in nontrivial ways. Here, we analyze an epidemic spreading process taking place on top of two interconnected complex networks. We develop a heterogeneous mean-field approach that allows us to calculate the conditions for the emergence of an endemic state. Interestingly, a global endemic state may arise in the coupled system even though the epidemics is not able to propagate on each network separately and even when the number of coupling connections is small. Our analytic results are successfully confronted against large-scale numerical simulations.

  12. Scalable Optical-Fiber Communication Networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chow, Edward T.; Peterson, John C.

    1993-01-01

    Scalable arbitrary fiber extension network (SAFEnet) is conceptual fiber-optic communication network passing digital signals among variety of computers and input/output devices at rates from 200 Mb/s to more than 100 Gb/s. Intended for use with very-high-speed computers and other data-processing and communication systems in which message-passing delays must be kept short. Inherent flexibility makes it possible to match performance of network to computers by optimizing configuration of interconnections. In addition, interconnections made redundant to provide tolerance to faults.

  13. Engineering anastomosis between living capillary networks and endothelial cell-lined microfluidic channels.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaolin; Phan, Duc T T; Sobrino, Agua; George, Steven C; Hughes, Christopher C W; Lee, Abraham P

    2016-01-21

    This paper reports a method for generating an intact and perfusable microvascular network that connects to microfluidic channels without appreciable leakage. This platform incorporates different stages of vascular development including vasculogenesis, endothelial cell (EC) lining, sprouting angiogenesis, and anastomosis in sequential order. After formation of a capillary network inside the tissue chamber via vasculogenesis, the adjacent microfluidic channels are lined with a monolayer of ECs, which then serve as the high-pressure input ("artery") and low pressure output ("vein") conduits. To promote a tight interconnection between the artery/vein and the capillary network, sprouting angiogenesis is induced, which promotes anastomosis of the vasculature inside the tissue chamber with the EC lining along the microfluidic channels. Flow of fluorescent microparticles confirms the perfusability of the lumenized microvascular network, and minimal leakage of 70 kDa FITC-dextran confirms physiologic tightness of the EC junctions and completeness of the interconnections between artery/vein and the capillary network. This versatile device design and its robust construction methodology establish a physiological transport model of interconnected perfused vessels from artery to vascularized tissue to vein. The system has utility in a wide range of organ-on-a-chip applications as it enables the physiological vascular interconnection of multiple on-chip tissue constructs that can serve as disease models for drug screening.

  14. Emplacement of Pahoehoe Toe Networks: Observations of May, 2010 Tube-fed Flows at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crown, D. A.; Ramsey, M.; Hon, K.

    2010-12-01

    Pahoehoe lava flows are compound features that consist of multiple overlapping and interfingering lobes and exhibit morphologically diverse surfaces characterized by channelized zones, smooth-surfaced sheets, and numerous, small toe networks. Previous work compiled detailed planform maps of solidified pahoehoe toe networks to document their morphology, morphometry and connective relationships in order to provide constraints on lava transport models. In order to expand this research to active flow emplacement, we observed slow-moving, tube-fed pahoehoe flows on the coastal plain near Kalapana, Hawaii in May, 2010. The evolution of pahoehoe toe and toe network characteristics over their emplacement history was examined and the role of small-scale flow inflation on the advance of pahoehoe lobes evaluated. We collected both visible video footage and high-speed, high-precision thermal infrared (TIR) data using a FLIR S-40 camera. The TIR data provide surface temperature maps that can be easily used to identify formation of new toes and track their growth and surface cooling. From these maps, lobe development, connective relationships, and frontal and lateral spreading rates can be analyzed. Preliminary results suggest that regular cycles of activity characterize the development of these pahoehoe lobes: 1) emplacement of new toes in local topographic lows at the front, margin, and within the interior of an active lobe forming small interconnected networks, 2) decline and sometimes temporary cessation in the production of new pahoehoe toes, 3) inflation of the recently emplaced flow surface, either partially or en masse depending on the rate of influx of new lava, the degree of irregularity of the pre-flow surface, and/or the slope across the recently emplaced lava surface, and 4) fracturing of the recently emplaced surface crust that feeds emplacement of new toes. Inflation fractures typically cut across several previously emplaced toes and can occur at the front, along the margins, or within the active lobe, even at significant distances behind the flow front.

  15. Hydraulic Fracture Extending into Network in Shale: Reviewing Influence Factors and Their Mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Ren, Lan; Zhao, Jinzhou; Hu, Yongquan

    2014-01-01

    Hydraulic fracture in shale reservoir presents complex network propagation, which has essential difference with traditional plane biwing fracture at forming mechanism. Based on the research results of experiments, field fracturing practice, theory analysis, and numerical simulation, the influence factors and their mechanism of hydraulic fracture extending into network in shale have been systematically analyzed and discussed. Research results show that the fracture propagation in shale reservoir is influenced by the geological and the engineering factors, which includes rock mineral composition, rock mechanical properties, horizontal stress field, natural fractures, treating net pressure, fracturing fluid viscosity, and fracturing scale. This study has important theoretical value and practical significance to understand fracture network propagation mechanism in shale reservoir and contributes to improving the science and efficiency of shale reservoir fracturing design. PMID:25032240

  16. Grain-size considerations for optoelectronic multistage interconnection networks.

    PubMed

    Krishnamoorthy, A V; Marchand, P J; Kiamilev, F E; Esener, S C

    1992-09-10

    This paper investigates, at the system level, the performance-cost trade-off between optical and electronic interconnects in an optoelectronic interconnection network. The specific system considered is a packet-switched, free-space optoelectronic shuffle-exchange multistage interconnection network (MIN). System bandwidth is used as the performance measure, while system area, system power, and system volume constitute the cost measures. A detailed design and analysis of a two-dimensional (2-D) optoelectronic shuffle-exchange routing network with variable grain size K is presented. The architecture permits the conventional 2 x 2 switches or grains to be generalized to larger K x K grain sizes by replacing optical interconnects with electronic wires without affecting the functionality of the system. Thus the system consists of log(k) N optoelectronic stages interconnected with free-space K-shuffles. When K = N, the MIN consists of a single electronic stage with optical input-output. The system design use an effi ient 2-D VLSI layout and a single diffractive optical element between stages to provide the 2-D K-shuffle interconnection. Results indicate that there is an optimum range of grain sizes that provides the best performance per cost. For the specific VLSI/GaAs multiple quantum well technology and system architecture considered, grain sizes larger than 256 x 256 result in a reduced performance, while grain sizes smaller than 16 x 16 have a high cost. For a network with 4096 channels, the useful range of grain sizes corresponds to approximately 250-400 electronic transistors per optical input-output channel. The effect of varying certain technology parameters such as the number of hologram phase levels, the modulator driving voltage, the minimum detectable power, and VLSI minimum feature size on the optimum grain-size system is studied. For instance, results show that using four phase levels for the interconnection hologram is a good compromise for the cost functions mentioned above. As VLSI minimum feature sizes decrease, the optimum grain size increases, whereas, if optical interconnect performance in terms of the detector power or modulator driving voltage requirements improves, the optimum grain size may be reduced. Finally, several architectural modifications to the system, such as K x K contention-free switches and sorting networks, are investigated and optimized for grain size. Results indicate that system bandwidth can be increased, but at the price of reduced performance/cost. The optoelectronic MIN architectures considered thus provide a broad range of performance/cost alternatives and offer a superior performance over purely electronic MIN's.

  17. Optimizing interconnections to maximize the spectral radius of interdependent networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Huashan; Zhao, Xiuyan; Liu, Feng; Xu, Shouhuai; Lu, Wenlian

    2017-03-01

    The spectral radius (i.e., the largest eigenvalue) of the adjacency matrices of complex networks is an important quantity that governs the behavior of many dynamic processes on the networks, such as synchronization and epidemics. Studies in the literature focused on bounding this quantity. In this paper, we investigate how to maximize the spectral radius of interdependent networks by optimally linking k internetwork connections (or interconnections for short). We derive formulas for the estimation of the spectral radius of interdependent networks and employ these results to develop a suite of algorithms that are applicable to different parameter regimes. In particular, a simple algorithm is to link the k nodes with the largest k eigenvector centralities in one network to the node in the other network with a certain property related to both networks. We demonstrate the applicability of our algorithms via extensive simulations. We discuss the physical implications of the results, including how the optimal interconnections can more effectively decrease the threshold of epidemic spreading in the susceptible-infected-susceptible model and the threshold of synchronization of coupled Kuramoto oscillators.

  18. Magnetotelluric study of the Pahute Mesa and Oasis Valley regions, Nye County, Nevada

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Schenkel, Clifford J.; Hildenbrand, Thomas G.; Dixon, Gary L.

    1999-01-01

    Magnetotelluric data delineate distinct layers and lateral variations above the pre-Tertiary basement. On Pahute Mesa, three resistivity layers associated with the volcanic rocks are defined: a moderately resistive surface layer, an underlying conductive layer, and a deep resistive layer. Considerable geologic information can be derived from the conductive layer which extents from near the water table down to a depth of approximately 2 km. The increase in conductivity is probably related to zeolite zonation observed in the volcanic rock on Pahute Mesa, which is relatively impermeable to groundwater flow unless fractured. Inferred faults within this conductive layer are modeled on several profiles crossing the Thirsty Canyon fault zone. This fault zone extends from Pahute Mesa into Oasis Valley basin. Near Colson Pond where the basement is shallow, the Thirsty Canyon fault zone is several (~2.5) kilometers wide. Due to the indicated vertical offsets associated with the Thirsty Canyon fault zone, the fault zone may act as a barrier to transverse (E-W) groundwater flow by juxtaposing rocks of different permeabilities. We propose that the Thirsty Canyon fault zone diverts water southward from Pahute Mesa to Oasis Valley. The electrically conductive nature of this fault zone indicates the presence of abundant alteration minerals or a dense network of open and interconnected fractures filled with electrically conductive groundwater. The formation of alteration minerals require the presence of water suggesting that an extensive interconnected fracture system exists or existed at one time. Thus, the fractures within the fault zone may be either a barrier or a conduit for groundwater flow, depending on the degree of alteration and the volume of open pore space. In Oasis Valley basin, a conductive surface layer, composed of alluvium and possibly altered volcanic rocks, extends to a depth of 300 to 500 m. The underlying volcanic layer, composed mostly of tuffs, fills the basin with about 3-3.5 km of relief on basement. A fault zone, related to the southern margin of the basin, appears to extend up to a depth of about 500 m. The path of groundwater encountering this fault zone is uncertain but may be either to the southwest towards Beatty or to the south towards Crater Flat.

  19. Investigation of the Effect of Cemented Fractures on Fracturing Network Propagation in Model Block with Discrete Orthogonal Fractures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Y.; Li, C. H.

    2017-07-01

    Researchers have recently realized that the natural fractures in shale reservoirs are often cemented or sealed with various minerals. However, the influence of cement characteristics of natural fracture on fracturing network propagation is still not well understood. In this work, laboratory-scaled experiments are proposed to prepare model blocks with discrete orthogonal fractures network with different strength of natural fracture, in order to reveal the influence of cemented natural fractures on the interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. A series of true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation in model blocks with natural fractures of different cement strength. The results present different responses of interactions between hydraulic and natural fractures, which can be reflected on the pump pressure profiles and block failure morphology. For model blocks with fluctuated pump pressure curves, the communication degree of hydraulic and natural fractures is good, which is confirmed by a proposed new index of "P-SRV." The most significant finding is that too high and too low strength properties of cemented natural fracture are adverse to generate complex fracturing network. This work can help us better understand how cemented natural fractures affect the fracturing network propagation subsurface and give us reference to develop more accurate hydraulic fracturing models.

  20. Towards energy aware optical networks and interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glesk, Ivan; Osadola, Tolulope; Idris, Siti

    2013-10-01

    In a today's world, information technology has been identified as one of the major factors driving economic prosperity. Datacenters businesses have been growing significantly in the past few years. The equipments in these datacenters need to be efficiently connected to each other and also to the outside world in order to enable effective exchange of information. This is why there is need for highly scalable, energy savvy and reliable network connectivity infrastructure that is capable of accommodating the large volume of data being exchanged at any time within the datacenter network and the outside network in general. These devices that can ensure such effective connectivity currently require large amount of energy in order to meet up with these increasing demands. In this paper, an overview of works being done towards realizing energy aware optical networks and interconnects for datacenters is presented. Also an OCDMA approach is discussed as potential multiple access technique for future optical network interconnections. We also presented some challenges that might inhibit effective implementation of the OCDMA multiplexing scheme.

  1. Neurodynamics With Spatial Self-Organization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zak, Michail A.

    1993-01-01

    Report presents theoretical study of dynamics of neural network organizing own response in both phase space and in position space. Postulates several mathematical models of dynamics including spatial derivatives representing local interconnections among neurons. Shows how neural responses propagate via these interconnections and how spatial pattern of neural responses formed in homogeneous biological neural network.

  2. Estimating the hydraulic conductivity of two-dimensional fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leung, C. T.; Zimmerman, R. W.

    2010-12-01

    Most oil and gas reservoirs, as well as most potential sites for nuclear waste disposal, are naturally fractured. In these sites, the network of fractures will provide the main path for fluid to flow through the rock mass. In many cases, the fracture density is so high as to make it impractical to model it with a discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. For such rock masses, it would be useful to have recourse to analytical, or semi-analytical, methods to estimate the macroscopic hydraulic conductivity of the fracture network. We have investigated single-phase fluid flow through stochastically generated two-dimensional fracture networks. The centres and orientations of the fractures are uniformly distributed, whereas their lengths follow either a lognormal distribution or a power law distribution. We have considered the case where the fractures in the network each have the same aperture, as well as the case where the aperture of each fracture is directly proportional to the fracture length. The discrete fracture network flow and transport simulator NAPSAC, developed by Serco (Didcot, UK), is used to establish the “true” macroscopic hydraulic conductivity of the network. We then attempt to match this conductivity using a simple estimation method that does not require extensive computation. For our calculations, fracture networks are represented as networks composed of conducting segments (bonds) between nodes. Each bond represents the region of a single fracture between two adjacent intersections with other fractures. We assume that the bonds are arranged on a kagome lattice, with some fraction of the bonds randomly missing. The conductance of each bond is then replaced with some effective conductance, Ceff, which we take to be the arithmetic mean of the individual conductances, averaged over each bond, rather than over each fracture. This is in contrast to the usual approximation used in effective medium theories, wherein the geometric mean is used. Our explanation is that the conductivities of the bonds that meet at a given node in a fracture network do not satisfy the usual assumption of being uncorrelated; rather, the conductances of at least two of these bonds are highly correlated, as they represent the incoming and outgoing branches of the same fracture. The effective conductance of our idealized “equivalent network” is then trivial to calculate. We find that this estimate of the hydraulic conductivity agrees very closely with the numerically computed value, essentially for all fracture densities that are not too close to the percolation threshold. Moreover, the same methodology applies regardless of whether the fracture lengths are distributed lognormally, or according to a power law.

  3. Fracture size and transmissivity correlations: Implications for transport simulations in sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks following a truncated power law distribution of fracture size

    DOE PAGES

    Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Aldrich, Garrett Allen; Viswanathan, Hari S.; ...

    2016-08-01

    We characterize how different fracture size-transmissivity relationships influence flow and transport simulations through sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks. Although it is generally accepted that there is a positive correlation between a fracture's size and its transmissivity/aperture, the functional form of that relationship remains a matter of debate. Relationships that assume perfect correlation, semicorrelation, and noncorrelation between the two have been proposed. To study the impact that adopting one of these relationships has on transport properties, we generate multiple sparse fracture networks composed of circular fractures whose radii follow a truncated power law distribution. The distribution of transmissivities are selected somore » that the mean transmissivity of the fracture networks are the same and the distributions of aperture and transmissivity in models that include a stochastic term are also the same. We observe that adopting a correlation between a fracture size and its transmissivity leads to earlier breakthrough times and higher effective permeability when compared to networks where no correlation is used. While fracture network geometry plays the principal role in determining where transport occurs within the network, the relationship between size and transmissivity controls the flow speed. Lastly, these observations indicate DFN modelers should be aware that breakthrough times and effective permeabilities can be strongly influenced by such a relationship in addition to fracture and network statistics.« less

  4. Fracture size and transmissivity correlations: Implications for transport simulations in sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks following a truncated power law distribution of fracture size

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hyman, Jeffrey De'Haven; Aldrich, Garrett Allen; Viswanathan, Hari S.

    We characterize how different fracture size-transmissivity relationships influence flow and transport simulations through sparse three-dimensional discrete fracture networks. Although it is generally accepted that there is a positive correlation between a fracture's size and its transmissivity/aperture, the functional form of that relationship remains a matter of debate. Relationships that assume perfect correlation, semicorrelation, and noncorrelation between the two have been proposed. To study the impact that adopting one of these relationships has on transport properties, we generate multiple sparse fracture networks composed of circular fractures whose radii follow a truncated power law distribution. The distribution of transmissivities are selected somore » that the mean transmissivity of the fracture networks are the same and the distributions of aperture and transmissivity in models that include a stochastic term are also the same. We observe that adopting a correlation between a fracture size and its transmissivity leads to earlier breakthrough times and higher effective permeability when compared to networks where no correlation is used. While fracture network geometry plays the principal role in determining where transport occurs within the network, the relationship between size and transmissivity controls the flow speed. Lastly, these observations indicate DFN modelers should be aware that breakthrough times and effective permeabilities can be strongly influenced by such a relationship in addition to fracture and network statistics.« less

  5. A Comprehensive Model for Real Gas Transport in Shale Formations with Complex Non-planar Fracture Networks

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Ruiyue; Huang, Zhongwei; Yu, Wei; Li, Gensheng; Ren, Wenxi; Zuo, Lihua; Tan, Xiaosi; Sepehrnoori, Kamy; Tian, Shouceng; Sheng, Mao

    2016-01-01

    A complex fracture network is generally generated during the hydraulic fracturing treatment in shale gas reservoirs. Numerous efforts have been made to model the flow behavior of such fracture networks. However, it is still challenging to predict the impacts of various gas transport mechanisms on well performance with arbitrary fracture geometry in a computationally efficient manner. We develop a robust and comprehensive model for real gas transport in shales with complex non-planar fracture network. Contributions of gas transport mechanisms and fracture complexity to well productivity and rate transient behavior are systematically analyzed. The major findings are: simple planar fracture can overestimate gas production than non-planar fracture due to less fracture interference. A “hump” that occurs in the transition period and formation linear flow with a slope less than 1/2 can infer the appearance of natural fractures. The sharpness of the “hump” can indicate the complexity and irregularity of the fracture networks. Gas flow mechanisms can extend the transition flow period. The gas desorption could make the “hump” more profound. The Knudsen diffusion and slippage effect play a dominant role in the later production time. Maximizing the fracture complexity through generating large connected networks is an effective way to increase shale gas production. PMID:27819349

  6. A Comprehensive Model for Real Gas Transport in Shale Formations with Complex Non-planar Fracture Networks.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ruiyue; Huang, Zhongwei; Yu, Wei; Li, Gensheng; Ren, Wenxi; Zuo, Lihua; Tan, Xiaosi; Sepehrnoori, Kamy; Tian, Shouceng; Sheng, Mao

    2016-11-07

    A complex fracture network is generally generated during the hydraulic fracturing treatment in shale gas reservoirs. Numerous efforts have been made to model the flow behavior of such fracture networks. However, it is still challenging to predict the impacts of various gas transport mechanisms on well performance with arbitrary fracture geometry in a computationally efficient manner. We develop a robust and comprehensive model for real gas transport in shales with complex non-planar fracture network. Contributions of gas transport mechanisms and fracture complexity to well productivity and rate transient behavior are systematically analyzed. The major findings are: simple planar fracture can overestimate gas production than non-planar fracture due to less fracture interference. A "hump" that occurs in the transition period and formation linear flow with a slope less than 1/2 can infer the appearance of natural fractures. The sharpness of the "hump" can indicate the complexity and irregularity of the fracture networks. Gas flow mechanisms can extend the transition flow period. The gas desorption could make the "hump" more profound. The Knudsen diffusion and slippage effect play a dominant role in the later production time. Maximizing the fracture complexity through generating large connected networks is an effective way to increase shale gas production.

  7. Algorithm for optimizing bipolar interconnection weights with applications in associative memories and multitarget classification.

    PubMed

    Chang, S; Wong, K W; Zhang, W; Zhang, Y

    1999-08-10

    An algorithm for optimizing a bipolar interconnection weight matrix with the Hopfield network is proposed. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated by computer simulation and optical implementation. In the optical implementation of the neural network the interconnection weights are biased to yield a nonnegative weight matrix. Moreover, a threshold subchannel is added so that the system can realize, in real time, the bipolar weighted summation in a single channel. Preliminary experimental results obtained from the applications in associative memories and multitarget classification with rotation invariance are shown.

  8. Algorithm for Optimizing Bipolar Interconnection Weights with Applications in Associative Memories and Multitarget Classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Shengjiang; Wong, Kwok-Wo; Zhang, Wenwei; Zhang, Yanxin

    1999-08-01

    An algorithm for optimizing a bipolar interconnection weight matrix with the Hopfield network is proposed. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated by computer simulation and optical implementation. In the optical implementation of the neural network the interconnection weights are biased to yield a nonnegative weight matrix. Moreover, a threshold subchannel is added so that the system can realize, in real time, the bipolar weighted summation in a single channel. Preliminary experimental results obtained from the applications in associative memories and multitarget classification with rotation invariance are shown.

  9. Gateway design specification for fiber optic local area networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1985-01-01

    This is a Design Specification for a gateway to interconnect fiber optic local area networks (LAN's). The internetworking protocols for a gateway device that will interconnect multiple local area networks are defined. This specification serves as input for preparation of detailed design specifications for the hardware and software of a gateway device. General characteristics to be incorporated in the gateway such as node address mapping, packet fragmentation, and gateway routing features are described.

  10. Getting the gas out - developing gas networks in magmatic systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cashman, Katharine; Rust, Alison; Oppenheimer, Julie; Belien, Isolde

    2015-04-01

    Volcanic eruption style, and explosive potential, are strongly controlled by the pre-eruptive history of the magmatic volatiles: specifically, the more efficient the gas loss prior to eruption, the lower the likelihood of primary (magmatic) explosive activity. Commonly considered gas loss mechanisms include separated flow, where individual bubbles (or bubble clouds) travel at a rate that is faster than the host magma, and permeable flow, where gas escapes through permeable (connected) pathways developed within a (relatively) static matrix. Importantly, gas loss via separated flow is episodic, while gas loss via permeable flow is likely to be continuous. Analogue experiments and numerical models on three phase (solid-liquid-gas) systems also suggest a third mechanism of gas loss that involves the opening and closing of 'pseudo fractures'. Pseudo fractures form at a critical crystallinity that is close to the maximum particle packing. Fractures form by local rearrangement of solid particles and liquid to form a through-going gas fracture; gas escape is episodic, and modulated by the available gas volume and the rate of return flow of interstitial liquid back into the fracture. In all of the gas escape scenarios described above, a fundamental control on gas behaviour is the melt viscosity, which affects the rate of individual bubble rise, the rate of bubble expansion, the rate of film thinning (required for bubble coalescence), and the rate of melt flow into gas-generated fractures. From the perspective of magma degassing, rates of gas expansion and film thinning are key to the formation of an interconnected (permeable) gas pathway. Experiments with both analogue and natural materials show that bubble coalescence is relatively slow, and, in particle-poor melts, does not necessarily create permeable gas networks. As a result, degassing efficiency is modulated by the time scales required either (1) to produce large individual bubbles or bubble clouds (in low viscosity melts) or (2) to develop sufficient porosity for full connectivity of a bubble network (in high viscosity melts). In contrast, our experiments suggest that the presence of solid particles may greatly enhance gas escape. On the one hand, the addition of solid particles increases the bulk viscosity of the mixture, which reduces the migration rate of large single bubbles. On the other hand, the strength of networks created by touching crystals inhibits bulk magma deformation and forces smaller bubbles to deform to occupy the spaces between particles, thereby increasing both the bubble shape anisotropy and, correspondingly, the probability of bubble coalescence. Gas pathways created in this way take advantage of inhomogeneities in the spatial distribution of crystals and allow large-scale gas release at relatively low vesicularities. This mechanism of gas escape is likely to be important not only in mafic arc volcanoes, where shallow conduits are likely to be highly crystalline, but also for degassing of crystal-mush-dominated magmatic systems.

  11. Interconnecting astronomical networks: evolving from single networks to meta-networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    White, R. R.; Allan, A.; Evans, S.; Vestrand, W. T.; Wren, J.; Wozniak, P.

    2006-06-01

    Over the past four years we have seen continued advancement in network technology and how those technologies are beginning to enable astronomical science. Even though some sociological aspects are hindering full cooperation between most observatories and telescopes outside of their academic or institutional connections, an unprecedented step during the summer of 2005 was taken towards creating a world-wide interconnection of astronomical assets. The Telescope Alert Operations Network System (TALONS), a centralized server/client bi-directional network developed and operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, integrated one of its network nodes with a node from the eScience Telescopes for Astronomical Research (eSTAR), a peer-to-peer agent based network developed and operated by The University of Exeter. Each network can act independently, providing support for their direct clients, and by interconnection provide local clients with access to; outside telescope systems, software tools unavailable locally, and the ability to utilize assets far more efficiently, thereby enabling science on a world-wide scale. In this paper we will look at the evolution of these independent networks into the worlds first heterogeneous telescope network and where this may take astronomy in the future. We will also examine those key elements necessary to providing universal communication between diverse astronomical networks.

  12. Synchronization of Lienard-Type Oscillators in Uniform Electrical Networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sinha, Mohit; Dorfler, Florian; Johnson, Brian B.

    2016-08-01

    This paper presents a condition for global asymptotic synchronization of Lienard-type nonlinear oscillators in uniform LTI electrical networks with series R-L circuits modeling interconnections. By uniform electrical networks, we mean that the per-unit-length impedances are identical for the interconnecting lines. We derive conditions for global asymptotic synchronization for a particular feedback architecture where the derivative of the oscillator output current supplements the innate current feedback induced by simply interconnecting the oscillator to the network. Our proof leverages a coordinate transformation to a set of differential coordinates that emphasizes signal differences and the particular form of feedback permits the formulation ofmore » a quadratic Lyapunov function for this class of networks. This approach is particularly interesting since synchronization conditions are difficult to obtain by means of quadratic Lyapunov functions when only current feedback is used and for networks composed of series R-L circuits. Our synchronization condition depends on the algebraic connectivity of the underlying network, and reiterates the conventional wisdom from Lyapunov- and passivity-based arguments that strong coupling is required to ensure synchronization.« less

  13. Joint Services Electronics Program.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-03-05

    Mary- land, June 1992. Interconnection Network Design Based on Packaging Considerations Professor Abhiram Ranade with M. T. Raghunath A central...characterized by our abstract models of packaging technology. JSEP Publications [1] M.T. Raghunath and Abhiram Ranade, "Customizing Interconnection...94720, January 1993. [21 M.T. Raghunath and Abhiram Ranade, "Fault-Tolerant Routing in Partitioned Butterfly Networks," submitted to the 1993

  14. Using SPEEDES to simulate the blue gene interconnect network

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Springer, P.; Upchurch, E.

    2003-01-01

    JPL and the Center for Advanced Computer Architecture (CACR) is conducting application and simulation analyses of BG/L in order to establish a range of effectiveness for the Blue Gene/L MPP architecture in performing important classes of computations and to determine the design sensitivity of the global interconnect network in support of real world ASCI application execution.

  15. The Open System Interconnection as a building block in a health sciences information network.

    PubMed Central

    Boss, R W

    1985-01-01

    The interconnection of integrated health sciences library systems with other health sciences computer systems to achieve information networks will require either custom linkages among specific devices or the adoption of standards that all systems support. The most appropriate standards appear to be those being developed under the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model, which specifies a set of rules and functions that computers must follow to exchange information. The protocols have been modularized into seven different layers. The lowest three layers are generally available as off-the-shelf interfacing products. The higher layers require special development for particular applications. This paper describes the OSI, its application in health sciences networks, and specific tasks that remain to be undertaken. PMID:4052672

  16. On the use of ANN interconnection weights in optimal structural design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hajela, P.; Szewczyk, Z.

    1992-01-01

    The present paper describes the use of interconnection weights of a multilayer, feedforward network, to extract information pertinent to the mapping space that the network is assumed to represent. In particular, these weights can be used to determine an appropriate network architecture, and an adequate number of training patterns (input-output pairs) have been used for network training. The weight analysis also provides an approach to assess the influence of each input parameter on a selected output component. The paper shows the significance of this information in decomposition driven optimal design.

  17. Three-dimensional interconnected network of graphene-wrapped porous silicon spheres: in situ magnesiothermic-reduction synthesis and enhanced lithium-storage capabilities.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ping; Wang, Hui; Tang, Yawen; Zhou, Yiming; Lu, Tianhong

    2014-03-12

    A novel type of 3D porous Si-G micro/nanostructure (i.e., 3D interconnected network of graphene-wrapped porous silicon spheres, Si@G network) was constructed through layer-by-layer assembly and subsequent in situ magnesiothermic-reduction methodology. Compared with bare Si spheres, the as-synthesized Si@G network exhibits markedly enhanced anodic performance in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability, making it an ideal anode candidate for high-energy, long-life, and high-power lithium-ion batteries.

  18. "Processing and Mechanical Properties of NiTi-Nb Porous Structures with Microchannels"

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bewerse, Catherine Nicole

    Nickel-Titanium alloys are able to recover high amounts of strain (~5-8%) through a reversible phase transformation. This shape recovery, and its accompanying toughness and high yield strength, make the material attractive for biomedical, actuation, and energy absorption applications. Porous structures made out of NiTi are particularly interesting, as the mechanical properties can be tailored close to that of bone. While various methods exist to create NiTi porous structures, many are limited by pore interconnectivity, pore geometry and spatial arrangement, or undesirable formation of intermetallics. In this dissertation, we present three different processing methods to fabricate NiTi(Nb) porous structures with 3D fully interconnected microchannels. These structures have controllable volume fraction, orientation, and spatial distribution of the microchannels. In addition, we characterize the NiTi-Nb eutectic material used to bond the porous structures and investigate the strain field and stress concentrations around a model pore though Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and FEM. We first present a method using hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) with a steel wire scaffold to create a structure with a 60% volume fraction of a regular 3D network of orthogonally interconnected microchannels. This structure exhibited an effective stiffness similar to cortical bone, but exhibited brittle fracture at a relatively low strength, implying poor NiTi powder bonding. This prompted the use of liquid phase sintering instead of HIPing in our second method, where a quasi-binary NiTi-Nb eutectic was used to bond the NiTi powders. The resulting structure contained 34% channel porosity with 16% matrix porosity due to void consolidation and a clearly defined 3D network of interconnected microchannels with circular cross sections. In an effort to simplify the processing of these NiTi-Nb structures and enable scalability, the final method presented employs slip casting with and without magnesium spaceholders combined with liquid phase sintering. This pressure-less processing method makes costly HIPing equipment unnecessary, with a single multi-step heat treatment in which binders and spaceholder are removed and the NiTi powder matrix is bonded. These structures have excellent shape memory properties, high toughness, and low stiffnesses between trabecular and cortical bone. The high-aspect ratio microchannels create anisotropic mechanical properties, which are also explored.

  19. Effects of simplifying fracture network representation on inert chemical migration in fracture-controlled aquifers

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wellman, Tristan; Shapiro, Allen M.; Hill, Mary C.

    2009-01-01

    While it is widely recognized that highly permeable 'large-scale' fractures dominate chemical migration in many fractured aquifers, recent studies suggest that the pervasive 'small-scale' fracturing once considered of less significance can be equally important for characterizing the spatial extent and residence time associated with transport processes. A detailed examination of chemical migration through fracture-controlled aquifers is used to advance this conceptual understanding. The influence of fracture structure is evaluated by quantifying the effects to transport caused by a systematic removal of fractures from three-dimensional discrete fracture models whose attributes are derived from geologic and hydrologic conditions at multiple field sites. Results indicate that the effects to transport caused by network simplification are sensitive to the fracture network characteristics, degree of network simplification, and plume travel distance, but primarily in an indirect sense since correlation to individual attributes is limited. Transport processes can be 'enhanced' or 'restricted' from network simplification meaning that the elimination of fractures may increase or decrease mass migration, mean travel time, dispersion, and tailing of the concentration plume. The results demonstrate why, for instance, chemical migration may not follow the classic advection-dispersion equation where dispersion approximates the effect of the ignored geologic structure as a strictly additive process to the mean flow. The analyses further reveal that the prediction error caused by fracture network simplification is reduced by at least 50% using the median estimate from an ensemble of simplified fracture network models, and that the error from network simplification is at least 70% less than the stochastic variability from multiple realizations. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

  20. Unified pipe network method for simulation of water flow in fractured porous rock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Feng; Ma, Guowei; Wang, Yang; Li, Tuo; Zhu, Hehua

    2017-04-01

    Rock masses are often conceptualized as dual-permeability media containing fractures or fracture networks with high permeability and porous matrix that is less permeable. In order to overcome the difficulties in simulating fluid flow in a highly discontinuous dual-permeability medium, an effective unified pipe network method is developed, which discretizes the dual-permeability rock mass into a virtual pipe network system. It includes fracture pipe networks and matrix pipe networks. They are constructed separately based on equivalent flow models in a representative area or volume by taking the advantage of the orthogonality of the mesh partition. Numerical examples of fluid flow in 2-D and 3-D domain including porous media and fractured porous media are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed unified pipe network method. Results show that the developed method has good performance even with highly distorted mesh. Water recharge into the fractured rock mass with complex fracture network is studied. It has been found in this case that the effect of aperture change on the water recharge rate is more significant in the early stage compared to the fracture density change.

  1. Imbedded-Fracture Formulation of THMC Processes in Fractured Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yeh, G. T.; Tsai, C. H.; Sung, R.

    2016-12-01

    Fractured media consist of porous materials and fracture networks. There exist four approaches to mathematically formulating THMC (Thermal-Hydrology-Mechanics-Chemistry) processes models in the system: (1) Equivalent Porous Media, (2) Dual Porosity or Dual Continuum, (3) Heterogeneous Media, and (4) Discrete Fracture Network. The first approach cannot explicitly explore the interactions between porous materials and fracture networks. The second approach introduces too many extra parameters (namely, exchange coefficients) between two media. The third approach may make the problems too stiff because the order of material heterogeneity may be too much. The fourth approach ignore the interaction between porous materials and fracture networks. This talk presents an alternative approach in which fracture networks are modeled with a lower dimension than the surrounding porous materials. Theoretical derivation of mathematical formulations will be given. An example will be illustrated to show the feasibility of this approach.

  2. Brain tumour cells interconnect to a functional and resistant network.

    PubMed

    Osswald, Matthias; Jung, Erik; Sahm, Felix; Solecki, Gergely; Venkataramani, Varun; Blaes, Jonas; Weil, Sophie; Horstmann, Heinz; Wiestler, Benedikt; Syed, Mustafa; Huang, Lulu; Ratliff, Miriam; Karimian Jazi, Kianush; Kurz, Felix T; Schmenger, Torsten; Lemke, Dieter; Gömmel, Miriam; Pauli, Martin; Liao, Yunxiang; Häring, Peter; Pusch, Stefan; Herl, Verena; Steinhäuser, Christian; Krunic, Damir; Jarahian, Mostafa; Miletic, Hrvoje; Berghoff, Anna S; Griesbeck, Oliver; Kalamakis, Georgios; Garaschuk, Olga; Preusser, Matthias; Weiss, Samuel; Liu, Haikun; Heiland, Sabine; Platten, Michael; Huber, Peter E; Kuner, Thomas; von Deimling, Andreas; Wick, Wolfgang; Winkler, Frank

    2015-12-03

    Astrocytic brain tumours, including glioblastomas, are incurable neoplasms characterized by diffusely infiltrative growth. Here we show that many tumour cells in astrocytomas extend ultra-long membrane protrusions, and use these distinct tumour microtubes as routes for brain invasion, proliferation, and to interconnect over long distances. The resulting network allows multicellular communication through microtube-associated gap junctions. When damage to the network occurred, tumour microtubes were used for repair. Moreover, the microtube-connected astrocytoma cells, but not those remaining unconnected throughout tumour progression, were protected from cell death inflicted by radiotherapy. The neuronal growth-associated protein 43 was important for microtube formation and function, and drove microtube-dependent tumour cell invasion, proliferation, interconnection, and radioresistance. Oligodendroglial brain tumours were deficient in this mechanism. In summary, astrocytomas can develop functional multicellular network structures. Disconnection of astrocytoma cells by targeting their tumour microtubes emerges as a new principle to reduce the treatment resistance of this disease.

  3. Global tree network for computing structures enabling global processing operations

    DOEpatents

    Blumrich; Matthias A.; Chen, Dong; Coteus, Paul W.; Gara, Alan G.; Giampapa, Mark E.; Heidelberger, Philip; Hoenicke, Dirk; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard D.; Takken, Todd E.; Vranas, Pavlos M.

    2010-01-19

    A system and method for enabling high-speed, low-latency global tree network communications among processing nodes interconnected according to a tree network structure. The global tree network enables collective reduction operations to be performed during parallel algorithm operations executing in a computer structure having a plurality of the interconnected processing nodes. Router devices are included that interconnect the nodes of the tree via links to facilitate performance of low-latency global processing operations at nodes of the virtual tree and sub-tree structures. The global operations performed include one or more of: broadcast operations downstream from a root node to leaf nodes of a virtual tree, reduction operations upstream from leaf nodes to the root node in the virtual tree, and point-to-point message passing from any node to the root node. The global tree network is configurable to provide global barrier and interrupt functionality in asynchronous or synchronized manner, and, is physically and logically partitionable.

  4. A macrochip interconnection network enabled by silicon nanophotonic devices.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Xuezhe; Cunningham, John E; Koka, Pranay; Schwetman, Herb; Lexau, Jon; Ho, Ron; Shubin, Ivan; Krishnamoorthy, Ashok V; Yao, Jin; Mekis, Attila; Pinguet, Thierry

    2010-03-01

    We present an advanced wavelength-division multiplexing point-to-point network enabled by silicon nanophotonic devices. This network offers strictly non-blocking all-to-all connectivity while maximizing bisection bandwidth, making it ideal for multi-core and multi-processor interconnections. We introduce one of the key components, the nanophotonic grating coupler, and discuss, for the first time, how this device can be useful for practical implementations of the wavelength-division multiplexing network using optical proximity communications. Finite difference time-domain simulation of the nanophotonic grating coupler device indicates that it can be made compact (20 microm x 50 microm), low loss (3.8 dB), and broadband (100 nm). These couplers require subwavelength material modulation at the nanoscale to achieve the desired functionality. We show that optical proximity communication provides unmatched optical I/O bandwidth density to electrical chips, which enables the application of wavelength-division multiplexing point-to-point network in macrochip with unprecedented bandwidth-density. The envisioned physical implementation is discussed. The benefits of such an interconnect network include a 5-6x improvement in latency when compared to a purely electronic implementation. Performance analysis shows that the wavelength-division multiplexing point-to-point network offers better overall performance over other optical network architectures.

  5. The Shear Mechanisms of Natural Fractures during the Hydraulic Stimulation of Shale Gas Reservoirs.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhaobin; Li, Xiao

    2016-08-23

    The shearing of natural fractures is important in the permeability enhancement of shale gas reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing treatment. In this work, the shearing mechanisms of natural fractures are analyzed using a newly proposed numerical model based on the displacement discontinuities method. The fluid-rock coupling system of the model is carefully designed to calculate the shearing of fractures. Both a single fracture and a complex fracture network are used to investigate the shear mechanisms. The investigation based on a single fracture shows that the non-ignorable shearing length of a natural fracture could be formed before the natural fracture is filled by pressurized fluid. Therefore, for the hydraulic fracturing treatment of the naturally fractured shale gas reservoirs, the shear strength of shale is generally more important than the tensile strength. The fluid-rock coupling propagation processes of a complex fracture network are simulated under different crustal stress conditions and the results agree well with those of the single fracture. The propagation processes of complex fracture network show that a smaller crustal stress difference is unfavorable to the shearing of natural fractures, but is favorable to the formation of complex fracture network.

  6. The Shear Mechanisms of Natural Fractures during the Hydraulic Stimulation of Shale Gas Reservoirs

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Zhaobin; Li, Xiao

    2016-01-01

    The shearing of natural fractures is important in the permeability enhancement of shale gas reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing treatment. In this work, the shearing mechanisms of natural fractures are analyzed using a newly proposed numerical model based on the displacement discontinuities method. The fluid-rock coupling system of the model is carefully designed to calculate the shearing of fractures. Both a single fracture and a complex fracture network are used to investigate the shear mechanisms. The investigation based on a single fracture shows that the non-ignorable shearing length of a natural fracture could be formed before the natural fracture is filled by pressurized fluid. Therefore, for the hydraulic fracturing treatment of the naturally fractured shale gas reservoirs, the shear strength of shale is generally more important than the tensile strength. The fluid-rock coupling propagation processes of a complex fracture network are simulated under different crustal stress conditions and the results agree well with those of the single fracture. The propagation processes of complex fracture network show that a smaller crustal stress difference is unfavorable to the shearing of natural fractures, but is favorable to the formation of complex fracture network. PMID:28773834

  7. Operational parameters of an opto-electronic neural network employing fixed planar holographic interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keller, P. E.; Gmitro, A. F.

    1993-07-01

    A prototype neutral network system of multifaceted, planar interconnection holograms and opto-electronic neurons is analyzed. This analysis shows that a hologram fabricated with electron-beam lithography has the capacity to connect 6700 neuron outputs to 6700 neuron inputs, and that, the encoded synaptic weights have a precision of approximately 5 bits. Higher interconnection densities can be achieved by accepting a lower synaptic weight accuracy. For systems employing laser diodes at the outputs of the neurons, processing rates in the range of 45 to 720 trillion connections per second can potentially be achieved.

  8. FROMS3D: New Software for 3-D Visualization of Fracture Network System in Fractured Rock Masses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Noh, Y. H.; Um, J. G.; Choi, Y.

    2014-12-01

    A new software (FROMS3D) is presented to visualize fracture network system in 3-D. The software consists of several modules that play roles in management of borehole and field fracture data, fracture network modelling, visualization of fracture geometry in 3-D and calculation and visualization of intersections and equivalent pipes between fractures. Intel Parallel Studio XE 2013, Visual Studio.NET 2010 and the open source VTK library were utilized as development tools to efficiently implement the modules and the graphical user interface of the software. The results have suggested that the developed software is effective in visualizing 3-D fracture network system, and can provide useful information to tackle the engineering geological problems related to strength, deformability and hydraulic behaviors of the fractured rock masses.

  9. Bandwidth Management in Resource Constrained Networks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    Postgraduate School OSI Open Systems Interconnection QoS Quality of Service TCP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TCP/IP Transmission...filtering. B. NORMAL TCP/IP COMMUNICATIONS The Internet is a “complex network WAN that connects LANs and clients around the globe” (Dean, 2009...of the Open Systems Interconnection ( OSI ) model allowing them to route traffic based on MAC address (Kurose & Ross, 2009). While switching

  10. Polymer-based platform for microfluidic systems

    DOEpatents

    Benett, William [Livermore, CA; Krulevitch, Peter [Pleasanton, CA; Maghribi, Mariam [Livermore, CA; Hamilton, Julie [Tracy, CA; Rose, Klint [Boston, MA; Wang, Amy W [Oakland, CA

    2009-10-13

    A method of forming a polymer-based microfluidic system platform using network building blocks selected from a set of interconnectable network building blocks, such as wire, pins, blocks, and interconnects. The selected building blocks are interconnectably assembled and fixedly positioned in precise positions in a mold cavity of a mold frame to construct a three-dimensional model construction of a microfluidic flow path network preferably having meso-scale dimensions. A hardenable liquid, such as poly (dimethylsiloxane) is then introduced into the mold cavity and hardened to form a platform structure as well as to mold the microfluidic flow path network having channels, reservoirs and ports. Pre-fabricated elbows, T's and other joints are used to interconnect various building block elements together. After hardening the liquid the building blocks are removed from the platform structure to make available the channels, cavities and ports within the platform structure. Microdevices may be embedded within the cast polymer-based platform, or bonded to the platform structure subsequent to molding, to create an integrated microfluidic system. In this manner, the new microfluidic platform is versatile and capable of quickly generating prototype systems, and could easily be adapted to a manufacturing setting.

  11. Nanostructured CuS networks composed of interconnected nanoparticles for asymmetric supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Fu, Wenbin; Han, Weihua; Zha, Heming; Mei, Junfeng; Li, Yunxia; Zhang, Zemin; Xie, Erqing

    2016-09-21

    Nanostructured metal sulfides with excellent electrochemical activity and electrical conductivity are particularly promising for applications in high-performance energy storage devices. Here, we report on the facile synthesis of nanostructured CuS networks composed of interconnected nanoparticles as novel battery-type materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. We find that the CuS networks exhibit a high specific capacity of 49.8 mA g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1), good rate capability and cycle stability. The superior performance could be attributed to the interconnected nanoparticles of CuS networks, which can facilitate electrolyte diffusion and provide fast electron pathways. Furthermore, an aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor has been assembled by using the CuS networks as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The assembled device can work at a high operating voltage of 1.6 V and show a maximum energy density of 17.7 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 504 W kg(-1). This study indicates that the CuS networks have great potential for supercapacitor applications.

  12. Hyperswitch Network For Hypercube Computer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chow, Edward; Madan, Herbert; Peterson, John

    1989-01-01

    Data-driven dynamic switching enables high speed data transfer. Proposed hyperswitch network based on mixed static and dynamic topologies. Routing header modified in response to congestion or faults encountered as path established. Static topology meets requirement if nodes have switching elements that perform necessary routing header revisions dynamically. Hypercube topology now being implemented with switching element in each computer node aimed at designing very-richly-interconnected multicomputer system. Interconnection network connects great number of small computer nodes, using fixed hypercube topology, characterized by point-to-point links between nodes.

  13. Neural-Network-Based Adaptive Decentralized Fault-Tolerant Control for a Class of Interconnected Nonlinear Systems.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiao-Jian; Yang, Guang-Hong

    2018-01-01

    This paper is concerned with the adaptive decentralized fault-tolerant tracking control problem for a class of uncertain interconnected nonlinear systems with unknown strong interconnections. An algebraic graph theory result is introduced to address the considered interconnections. In addition, to achieve the desirable tracking performance, a neural-network-based robust adaptive decentralized fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme is given to compensate the actuator faults and system uncertainties. Furthermore, via the Lyapunov analysis method, it is proven that all the signals of the resulting closed-loop system are semiglobally bounded, and the tracking errors of each subsystem exponentially converge to a compact set, whose radius is adjustable by choosing different controller design parameters. Finally, the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed FTC approach are illustrated with two simulated examples.

  14. Lattice Boltzmann simulation of CO2 reactive transport in network fractured media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Zhiwei; Wang, Junye

    2017-08-01

    Carbon dioxide (CO2) geological sequestration plays an important role in mitigating CO2 emissions for climate change. Understanding interactions of the injected CO2 with network fractures and hydrocarbons is key for optimizing and controlling CO2 geological sequestration and evaluating its risks to ground water. However, there is a well-known, difficult process in simulating the dynamic interaction of fracture-matrix, such as dynamic change of matrix porosity, unsaturated processes in rock matrix, and effect of rock mineral properties. In this paper, we develop an explicit model of the fracture-matrix interactions using multilayer bounce-back treatment as a first attempt to simulate CO2 reactive transport in network fractured media through coupling the Dardis's LBM porous model for a new interface treatment. Two kinds of typical fracture networks in porous media are simulated: straight cross network fractures and interleaving network fractures. The reaction rate and porosity distribution are illustrated and well-matched patterns are found. The species concentration distribution and evolution with time steps are also analyzed and compared with different transport properties. The results demonstrate the capability of this model to investigate the complex processes of CO2 geological injection and reactive transport in network fractured media, such as dynamic change of matrix porosity.

  15. Correlated network of networks enhances robustness against catastrophic failures.

    PubMed

    Min, Byungjoon; Zheng, Muhua

    2018-01-01

    Networks in nature rarely function in isolation but instead interact with one another with a form of a network of networks (NoN). A network of networks with interdependency between distinct networks contains instability of abrupt collapse related to the global rule of activation. As a remedy of the collapse instability, here we investigate a model of correlated NoN. We find that the collapse instability can be removed when hubs provide the majority of interconnections and interconnections are convergent between hubs. Thus, our study identifies a stable structure of correlated NoN against catastrophic failures. Our result further suggests a plausible way to enhance network robustness by manipulating connection patterns, along with other methods such as controlling the state of node based on a local rule.

  16. Correlated network of networks enhances robustness against catastrophic failures

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Muhua

    2018-01-01

    Networks in nature rarely function in isolation but instead interact with one another with a form of a network of networks (NoN). A network of networks with interdependency between distinct networks contains instability of abrupt collapse related to the global rule of activation. As a remedy of the collapse instability, here we investigate a model of correlated NoN. We find that the collapse instability can be removed when hubs provide the majority of interconnections and interconnections are convergent between hubs. Thus, our study identifies a stable structure of correlated NoN against catastrophic failures. Our result further suggests a plausible way to enhance network robustness by manipulating connection patterns, along with other methods such as controlling the state of node based on a local rule. PMID:29668730

  17. Permeability evolution due to dissolution of natural shale fractures reactivated by fracking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kwiatkowski, Kamil; Kwiatkowski, Tomasz; Szymczak, Piotr

    2015-04-01

    Investigation of cores drilled from gas-bearing shale formations reveals a relatively large number of calcite-cemented fractures. During fracking, some of these fractures will be reactivated [1-2] and may become important flow paths in the resulting fracture system. In this communication, we investigate numerically the effect of low-pH reactive fluid on such fractures. The low-pH fluids can either be pumped during the initial fracking stage (as suggested e.g. by Grieser et al., [3]) or injected later, as part of enhanced gas recovery (EGR) processes. In particular, it has been suggested that CO2 injection can be considered as a method of EGR [4], which is attractive as it can potentially be combined with simultaneous CO2 sequestration. However, when mixed with brine, CO2 becomes acidic and thus can be a dissolving agent for the carbonate cement in the fractures. The dissolution of the cement leads to the enhancement of permeability and interconnectivity of the fracture network and, as a result, increases the overall capacity of the reservoir. Importantly, we show that the dissolution of such fractures proceeds in a highly non-homogeneous manner - a positive feedback between fluid transport and mineral dissolution leads to the spontaneous formation of pronounced flow channels, frequently referred to as "wormholes". The wormholes carry the chemically active fluid deeper inside the system, which dramatically speeds up the overall permeability increase. If the low-pH fluids are used during fracking, then the non-uniform dissolution becomes important for retaining the fracture permeability, even in the absence of the proppant. Whereas a uniformly etched fracture will close tightly under the overburden once the fluid pressure is removed, the nonuniform etching will tend to maintain the permeability since the less dissolved regions will act as supports to keep more dissolved regions open. [1] Gale, J. F., Reed, R. M., Holder, J. (2007). Natural fractures in the Barnett Shale and their importance for hydraulic fracture treatments. AAPG bulletin, 91(4), 603-622. [2] Walton, I., & McLennan, J. (2013, May). The Role of Natural Fractures in Shale Gas Production. In ISRM International Conference for Effective and Sustainable Hydraulic Fracturing. International Society for Rock Mechanics. [3] Grieser, W. et al. "Surface Reactive Fluid's Effect on Shale." Proceedings of the Production and Operations Symposium, 31 March-3 April 2007, Oklahoma City (SPE-106815-MS) [4] Khosrokhavar, R., Griffiths, S., & Wolf, K. H. (2014). Shale Gas Formations and Their Potential for Carbon Storage: Opportunities and Outlook. Environmental Processes, 1(4), 595-611.

  18. Evaluating the effect of internal aperture variability on transport in kilometer scale discrete fracture networks

    DOE PAGES

    Makedonska, Nataliia; Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Karra, Satish; ...

    2016-08-01

    The apertures of natural fractures in fractured rock are highly heterogeneous. However, in-fracture aperture variability is often neglected in flow and transport modeling and individual fractures are assumed to have uniform aperture distribution. The relative importance of in-fracture variability in flow and transport modeling within kilometer-scale fracture networks has been under debate for a long time, since the flow in each single fracture is controlled not only by in-fracture variability but also by boundary conditions. Computational limitations have previously prohibited researchers from investigating the relative importance of in-fracture variability in flow and transport modeling within large-scale fracture networks. We addressmore » this question by incorporating internal heterogeneity of individual fractures into flow simulations within kilometer scale three-dimensional fracture networks, where fracture intensity, P 32 (ratio between total fracture area and domain volume) is between 0.027 and 0.031 [1/m]. The recently developed discrete fracture network (DFN) simulation capability, dfnWorks, is used to generate kilometer scale DFNs that include in-fracture aperture variability represented by a stationary log-normal stochastic field with various correlation lengths and variances. The Lagrangian transport parameters, non-reacting travel time, , and cumulative retention, , are calculated along particles streamlines. As a result, it is observed that due to local flow channeling early particle travel times are more sensitive to in-fracture aperture variability than the tails of travel time distributions, where no significant effect of the in-fracture aperture variations and spatial correlation length is observed.« less

  19. Evaluating the effect of internal aperture variability on transport in kilometer scale discrete fracture networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Makedonska, Nataliia; Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Karra, Satish

    The apertures of natural fractures in fractured rock are highly heterogeneous. However, in-fracture aperture variability is often neglected in flow and transport modeling and individual fractures are assumed to have uniform aperture distribution. The relative importance of in-fracture variability in flow and transport modeling within kilometer-scale fracture networks has been under debate for a long time, since the flow in each single fracture is controlled not only by in-fracture variability but also by boundary conditions. Computational limitations have previously prohibited researchers from investigating the relative importance of in-fracture variability in flow and transport modeling within large-scale fracture networks. We addressmore » this question by incorporating internal heterogeneity of individual fractures into flow simulations within kilometer scale three-dimensional fracture networks, where fracture intensity, P 32 (ratio between total fracture area and domain volume) is between 0.027 and 0.031 [1/m]. The recently developed discrete fracture network (DFN) simulation capability, dfnWorks, is used to generate kilometer scale DFNs that include in-fracture aperture variability represented by a stationary log-normal stochastic field with various correlation lengths and variances. The Lagrangian transport parameters, non-reacting travel time, , and cumulative retention, , are calculated along particles streamlines. As a result, it is observed that due to local flow channeling early particle travel times are more sensitive to in-fracture aperture variability than the tails of travel time distributions, where no significant effect of the in-fracture aperture variations and spatial correlation length is observed.« less

  20. Epidemics on interconnected networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dickison, Mark; Havlin, S.; Stanley, H. E.

    2012-06-01

    Populations are seldom completely isolated from their environment. Individuals in a particular geographic or social region may be considered a distinct network due to strong local ties but will also interact with individuals in other networks. We study the susceptible-infected-recovered process on interconnected network systems and find two distinct regimes. In strongly coupled network systems, epidemics occur simultaneously across the entire system at a critical infection strength βc, below which the disease does not spread. In contrast, in weakly coupled network systems, a mixed phase exists below βc of the coupled network system, where an epidemic occurs in one network but does not spread to the coupled network. We derive an expression for the network and disease parameters that allow this mixed phase and verify it numerically. Public health implications of communities comprising these two classes of network systems are also mentioned.

  1. Inclusion of Topological Measurements into Analytic Estimates of Effective Permeability in Fractured Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sævik, P. N.; Nixon, C. W.

    2017-11-01

    We demonstrate how topology-based measures of connectivity can be used to improve analytical estimates of effective permeability in 2-D fracture networks, which is one of the key parameters necessary for fluid flow simulations at the reservoir scale. Existing methods in this field usually compute fracture connectivity using the average fracture length. This approach is valid for ideally shaped, randomly distributed fractures, but is not immediately applicable to natural fracture networks. In particular, natural networks tend to be more connected than randomly positioned fractures of comparable lengths, since natural fractures often terminate in each other. The proposed topological connectivity measure is based on the number of intersections and fracture terminations per sampling area, which for statistically stationary networks can be obtained directly from limited outcrop exposures. To evaluate the method, numerical permeability upscaling was performed on a large number of synthetic and natural fracture networks, with varying topology and geometry. The proposed method was seen to provide much more reliable permeability estimates than the length-based approach, across a wide range of fracture patterns. We summarize our results in a single, explicit formula for the effective permeability.

  2. Upscaling permeability for three-dimensional fractured porous rocks with the multiple boundary method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Tao; Clauser, Christoph; Marquart, Gabriele; Willbrand, Karen; Hiller, Thomas

    2018-02-01

    Upscaling permeability of grid blocks is crucial for groundwater models. A novel upscaling method for three-dimensional fractured porous rocks is presented. The objective of the study was to compare this method with the commonly used Oda upscaling method and the volume averaging method. First, the multiple boundary method and its computational framework were defined for three-dimensional stochastic fracture networks. Then, the different upscaling methods were compared for a set of rotated fractures, for tortuous fractures, and for two discrete fracture networks. The results computed by the multiple boundary method are comparable with those of the other two methods and fit best the analytical solution for a set of rotated fractures. The errors in flow rate of the equivalent fracture model decrease when using the multiple boundary method. Furthermore, the errors of the equivalent fracture models increase from well-connected fracture networks to poorly connected ones. Finally, the diagonal components of the equivalent permeability tensors tend to follow a normal or log-normal distribution for the well-connected fracture network model with infinite fracture size. By contrast, they exhibit a power-law distribution for the poorly connected fracture network with multiple scale fractures. The study demonstrates the accuracy and the flexibility of the multiple boundary upscaling concept. This makes it attractive for being incorporated into any existing flow-based upscaling procedures, which helps in reducing the uncertainty of groundwater models.

  3. Silicone substrate with in situ strain relief for stretchable thin-film transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Graz, Ingrid M.; Cotton, Darryl P. J.; Robinson, Adam; Lacour, Stéphanie P.

    2011-03-01

    We have manufactured stretchable thin-film transistors and interconnects directly onto an engineered silicone matrix with localized and graded mechanical compliance. The fabrication only involves planar and standard processing. Brittle active device materials are patterned on non deformable elastomer regions (strain <1% at all times) while interconnects run smoothly from "stiff" to "soft" elastomer. Pentacene thin-film transistors sustain applied strain up to 13% without electrical degradation and mechanical fracture. This integrated approach opens promising options for the manufacture of physically adaptable and transformable circuitry.

  4. System architecture for an advanced Canadian communications satellite demonstration mission

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takats, P.; Irani, S.

    1992-03-01

    An advanced communications satellite system that provides single hop interconnectivity and interworking for both a personal communications network and an advanced private business network in the Ka and Ku bands respectively, is presented. An overall network perspective is discussed that studies the interface of such an advanced satellite communication system to the terrestrial network in the context of the Open Systems Interconnection model. It is shown that this proposed satellite system can dynamically establish links and efficiently allocate the satellite resource amongst the user terminal population for a mix of data and voice traffic.

  5. Implementation and Integration of Regional Health Care Data Networks in the Hellenic National Health Service

    PubMed Central

    Vidalis, Ioannis; Papanikolaou, Christos; Vagelatos, Aristides

    2002-01-01

    Background Modern health care is provided with close cooperation among many different institutions and professionals, using their specialized expertise in a common effort to deliver best-quality and, at the same time, cost-effective services. Within this context of the growing need for information exchange, the demand for realization of data networks interconnecting various health care institutions at a regional level, as well as a national level, has become a practical necessity. Objectives To present the technical solution that is under consideration for implementing and interconnecting regional health care data networks in the Hellenic National Health System. Methods The most critical requirements for deploying such a regional health care data network were identified as: fast implementation, security, quality of service, availability, performance, and technical support. Results The solution proposed is the use of proper virtual private network technologies for implementing functionally-interconnected regional health care data networks. Conclusions The regional health care data network is considered to be a critical infrastructure for further development and penetration of information and communication technologies in the Hellenic National Health System. Therefore, a technical approach was planned, in order to have a fast cost-effective implementation, conforming to certain specifications. PMID:12554551

  6. Implementation and integration of regional health care data networks in the Hellenic National Health Service.

    PubMed

    Lampsas, Petros; Vidalis, Ioannis; Papanikolaou, Christos; Vagelatos, Aristides

    2002-12-01

    Modern health care is provided with close cooperation among many different institutions and professionals, using their specialized expertise in a common effort to deliver best-quality and, at the same time, cost-effective services. Within this context of the growing need for information exchange, the demand for realization of data networks interconnecting various health care institutions at a regional level, as well as a national level, has become a practical necessity. To present the technical solution that is under consideration for implementing and interconnecting regional health care data networks in the Hellenic National Health System. The most critical requirements for deploying such a regional health care data network were identified as: fast implementation, security, quality of service, availability, performance, and technical support. The solution proposed is the use of proper virtual private network technologies for implementing functionally-interconnected regional health care data networks. The regional health care data network is considered to be a critical infrastructure for further development and penetration of information and communication technologies in the Hellenic National Health System. Therefore, a technical approach was planned, in order to have a fast cost-effective implementation, conforming to certain specifications.

  7. The influence of open fracture anisotropy on CO2 movement within geological storage complexes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bond, C. E.; Wightman, R.; Ringrose, P. S.

    2012-12-01

    Carbon mitigation through the geological storage of carbon dioxide is dependent on the ability of geological formations to store CO2 trapping it within a geological storage complex. Secure long-term containment needs to be demonstrated, due to both political and social drivers, meaning that this containment must be verifiable over periods of 100-105 years. The effectiveness of sub-surface geological storage systems is dependent on trapping CO2 within a volume of rock and is reliant on the integrity of the surrounding rocks, including their chemical and physical properties, to inhibit migration to the surface. Oil and gas reservoir production data, and field evidence show that fracture networks have the potential to act as focused pathways for fluid movement. Fracture networks can allow large volumes of fluid to migrate to the surface within the time scales of interest. In this paper we demonstrate the importance of predicting the effects of fracture networks in storage, using a case study from the In Salah CO2 storage site, and show how the fracture permeability is closely controlled by the stress regime that determines the open fracture network. Our workflow combines well data of imaged fractures, with a discrete fracture network (DFN) model of tectonically induced fractures, within the horizon of interest. The modelled and observed fractures have been compared and combined with present day stress data to predict the open fracture network and its implications for anisotropic movement of CO2 in the sub-surface. The created fracture network model has been used to calculate the 2D permeability tensor for the reservoir for two scenarios: 1) a model in which all fractures are permeable, based on the whole DFN model and 2) those fractures determined to be in dilatational failure under the present day stress regime, a sub-set of the DFN. The resulting permeability anisotropy tensors show distinct anisotropies for the predicted CO2 movement within the reservoir. These predictions have been compared with InSAR imagery of surface uplift, used as an indicator of fluid pressure and movement in the sub-surface, around the CO2 injection wells. The analysis shows that the permeability tensor with the greatest anisotropy, that for the DFN sub-set of open fractures, matches well with the anisotropy in surface uplift imaged by InSAR. We demonstrate that predicting fracture networks alone does not predict fluid movement in the sub-surface, and that fracture permeability is closely controlled by the stress regime that determines the open fracture network. Our results show that a workflow of fracture network prediction combined with present day stress analysis can be used to successfully predict CO2 movement in the sub-surface at an active injection site.

  8. Whitby Mudstone, flow from matrix to fractures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Houben, Maartje; Hardebol, Nico; Barnhoorn, Auke; Boersma, Quinten; Peach, Colin; Bertotti, Giovanni; Drury, Martyn

    2016-04-01

    Fluid flow from matrix to well in shales would be faster if we account for the duality of the permeable medium considering a high permeable fracture network together with a tight matrix. To investigate how long and how far a gas molecule would have to travel through the matrix until it reaches an open connected fracture we investigated the permeability of the Whitby Mudstone (UK) matrix in combination with mapping the fracture network present in the current outcrops of the Whitby Mudstone at the Yorkshire coast. Matrix permeability was measured perpendicular to the bedding using a pressure step decay method on core samples and permeability values are in the microdarcy range. The natural fracture network present in the pavement shows a connected network with dominant NS and EW strikes, where the NS fractures are the main fracture set with an orthogonal fracture set EW. Fracture spacing relations in the pavements show that the average distance to the nearest fracture varies between 7 cm (EW) and 14 cm (NS), where 90% of the matrix is 30 cm away from the nearest fracture. By making some assumptions like; fracture network at depth is similar to what is exposed in the current pavements and open to flow, fracture network is at hydrostatic pressure at 3 km depth, overpressure between matrix and fractures is 10% and a matrix permeability perpendicular to the bedding of 0.1 microdarcy, we have calculated the time it takes for a gas molecule to travel to the nearest fracture. These input values give travel times up to 8 days for a distance of 14 cm. If the permeability is changed to 1 nanodarcy or 10 microdarcy travel times change to 2.2 years or 2 hours respectively.

  9. An Integrated Tensorial Approach for Quantifying Porous, Fractured Rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Healy, David; Rizzo, Roberto; Harland, Sophie; Farrell, Natalie; Browning, John; Meredith, Phil; Mitchell, Tom; Bubeck, Alodie; Walker, Richard

    2017-04-01

    The patterns of fractures in deformed rocks are rarely uniform or random. Fracture orientations, sizes, shapes and spatial distributions often exhibit some kind of order. In detail, there may be relationships among the different fracture attributes e.g. small fractures dominated by one orientation, and larger fractures by another. These relationships are important because the mechanical (e.g. strength, anisotropy) and transport (e.g. fluids, heat) properties of rock depend on these fracture patterns and fracture attributes. Based on previously published work (Oda, Cowin, Sayers & Kachanov) this presentation describes an integrated tensorial approach to quantifying fracture networks and predicting the key properties of fractured rock: permeability and elasticity (and in turn, seismic velocities). Each of these properties can be represented as tensors, and these entities capture the essential 'directionality', or anisotropy of the property. In structural geology, we are familiar with using tensors for stress and strain, where these concepts incorporate volume averaging of many forces (in the case of the stress tensor), or many displacements (for the strain tensor), to produce more tractable and more computationally efficient quantities. It is conceptually attractive to formulate both the structure (the fracture network) and the structure-dependent properties (permeability, elasticity) in a consistent way with tensors of 2nd and 4th rank, as appropriate. Examples are provided to highlight the interdependence of the property tensors with the geometry of the fracture network. The fabric tensor (or orientation tensor of Scheidegger, Woodcock) describes the orientation distribution of fractures in the network. The crack tensor combines the fabric tensor (orientation distribution) with information about the fracture density and fracture size distribution. Changes to the fracture network, manifested in the values of the fabric and crack tensors, translate into changes in predicted permeability and elasticity (seismic velocity). Conversely, this implies that measured changes in any of the in situ properties or responses in the subsurface (e.g. permeability, seismic velocity) could be used to predict, or at least constrain, the fracture network. Explicitly linking the fracture network geometry to the permeability and elasticity (seismic velocity) through a tensorial formulation provides an exciting and efficient alternative to existing approaches.

  10. Adaptive Neural Networks Prescribed Performance Control Design for Switched Interconnected Uncertain Nonlinear Systems.

    PubMed

    Li, Yongming; Tong, Shaocheng

    2017-06-28

    In this paper, an adaptive neural networks (NNs)-based decentralized control scheme with the prescribed performance is proposed for uncertain switched nonstrict-feedback interconnected nonlinear systems. It is assumed that nonlinear interconnected terms and nonlinear functions of the concerned systems are unknown, and also the switching signals are unknown and arbitrary. A linear state estimator is constructed to solve the problem of unmeasured states. The NNs are employed to approximate unknown interconnected terms and nonlinear functions. A new output feedback decentralized control scheme is developed by using the adaptive backstepping design technique. The control design problem of nonlinear interconnected switched systems with unknown switching signals can be solved by the proposed scheme, and only a tuning parameter is needed for each subsystem. The proposed scheme can ensure that all variables of the control systems are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking errors converge to a small residual set with the prescribed performance bound. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach is verified by some simulation results.

  11. The impact of different aperture distribution models and critical stress criteria on equivalent permeability in fractured rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bisdom, Kevin; Bertotti, Giovanni; Nick, Hamidreza M.

    2016-05-01

    Predicting equivalent permeability in fractured reservoirs requires an understanding of the fracture network geometry and apertures. There are different methods for defining aperture, based on outcrop observations (power law scaling), fundamental mechanics (sublinear length-aperture scaling), and experiments (Barton-Bandis conductive shearing). Each method predicts heterogeneous apertures, even along single fractures (i.e., intrafracture variations), but most fractured reservoir models imply constant apertures for single fractures. We compare the relative differences in aperture and permeability predicted by three aperture methods, where permeability is modeled in explicit fracture networks with coupled fracture-matrix flow. Aperture varies along single fractures, and geomechanical relations are used to identify which fractures are critically stressed. The aperture models are applied to real-world large-scale fracture networks. (Sub)linear length scaling predicts the largest average aperture and equivalent permeability. Barton-Bandis aperture is smaller, predicting on average a sixfold increase compared to matrix permeability. Application of critical stress criteria results in a decrease in the fraction of open fractures. For the applied stress conditions, Coulomb predicts that 50% of the network is critically stressed, compared to 80% for Barton-Bandis peak shear. The impact of the fracture network on equivalent permeability depends on the matrix hydraulic properties, as in a low-permeable matrix, intrafracture connectivity, i.e., the opening along a single fracture, controls equivalent permeability, whereas for a more permeable matrix, absolute apertures have a larger impact. Quantification of fracture flow regimes using only the ratio of fracture versus matrix permeability is insufficient, as these regimes also depend on aperture variations within fractures.

  12. Learning about knowledge: A complex network approach

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fontoura Costa, Luciano da

    2006-08-15

    An approach to modeling knowledge acquisition in terms of walks along complex networks is described. Each subset of knowledge is represented as a node, and relations between such knowledge are expressed as edges. Two types of edges are considered, corresponding to free and conditional transitions. The latter case implies that a node can only be reached after visiting previously a set of nodes (the required conditions). The process of knowledge acquisition can then be simulated by considering the number of nodes visited as a single agent moves along the network, starting from its lowest layer. It is shown that hierarchicalmore » networks--i.e., networks composed of successive interconnected layers--are related to compositions of the prerequisite relationships between the nodes. In order to avoid deadlocks--i.e., unreachable nodes--the subnetwork in each layer is assumed to be a connected component. Several configurations of such hierarchical knowledge networks are simulated and the performance of the moving agent quantified in terms of the percentage of visited nodes after each movement. The Barabasi-Albert and random models are considered for the layer and interconnecting subnetworks. Although all subnetworks in each realization have the same number of nodes, several interconnectivities, defined by the average node degree of the interconnection networks, have been considered. Two visiting strategies are investigated: random choice among the existing edges and preferential choice to so far untracked edges. A series of interesting results are obtained, including the identification of a series of plateaus of knowledge stagnation in the case of the preferential movement strategy in the presence of conditional edges.« less

  13. 76 FR 27052 - Information Collection Being Submitted for Review by the Federal Communication Commission

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-10

    ... both within 120 km of the center of the city, and with 120 km of the interconnected base station... interconnection of private land mobile radio service stations with the public switched telephone network as follows: (1) Pursuant to 47 CFR section 90.477(a), licensees of interconnected land stations must maintain...

  14. Analysis Tools for Interconnected Boolean Networks With Biological Applications.

    PubMed

    Chaves, Madalena; Tournier, Laurent

    2018-01-01

    Boolean networks with asynchronous updates are a class of logical models particularly well adapted to describe the dynamics of biological networks with uncertain measures. The state space of these models can be described by an asynchronous state transition graph, which represents all the possible exits from every single state, and gives a global image of all the possible trajectories of the system. In addition, the asynchronous state transition graph can be associated with an absorbing Markov chain, further providing a semi-quantitative framework where it becomes possible to compute probabilities for the different trajectories. For large networks, however, such direct analyses become computationally untractable, given the exponential dimension of the graph. Exploiting the general modularity of biological systems, we have introduced the novel concept of asymptotic graph , computed as an interconnection of several asynchronous transition graphs and recovering all asymptotic behaviors of a large interconnected system from the behavior of its smaller modules. From a modeling point of view, the interconnection of networks is very useful to address for instance the interplay between known biological modules and to test different hypotheses on the nature of their mutual regulatory links. This paper develops two new features of this general methodology: a quantitative dimension is added to the asymptotic graph, through the computation of relative probabilities for each final attractor and a companion cross-graph is introduced to complement the method on a theoretical point of view.

  15. Drainage fracture networks in elastic solids with internal fluid generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobchenko, Maya; Hafver, Andreas; Jettestuen, Espen; Galland, Olivier; Renard, François; Meakin, Paul; Jamtveit, Bjørn; Dysthe, Dag K.

    2013-06-01

    Experiments in which CO2 gas was generated by the yeast fermentation of sugar in an elastic layer of gelatine gel confined between two glass plates are described and analyzed theoretically. The CO2 gas pressure causes the gel layer to fracture. The gas produced is drained on short length scales by diffusion and on long length scales by flow in a fracture network, which has topological properties that are intermediate between river networks and hierarchical-fracture networks. A simple model for the experimental system with two parameters that characterize the disorder and the intermediate (river-fracture) topology of the network was developed and the results of the model were compared with the experimental results.

  16. Cellular structures with interconnected microchannels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shaefer, Robert Shahram; Ghoniem, Nasr M.; Williams, Brian

    A method for fabricating a cellular tritium breeder component includes obtaining a reticulated carbon foam skeleton comprising a network of interconnected ligaments. The foam skeleton is then melt-infiltrated with a tritium breeder material, for example, lithium zirconate or lithium titanate. The foam skeleton is then removed to define a cellular breeder component having a network of interconnected tritium purge channels. In an embodiment the ligaments of the foam skeleton are enlarged by adding carbon using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) prior to melt-infiltration. In an embodiment the foam skeleton is coated with a refractory material, for example, tungsten, prior to meltmore » infiltration.« less

  17. Dissolution-Assisted Pattern Formation During Olivine Carbonation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange; De Andrade, Vincent

    2017-10-01

    Olivine and pyroxene-bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability, and available reactive surface area, yet entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary minerals causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. The observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange

    Olivine and pyroxene bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability and available reactive surface area; yet, entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO 2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary mineralsmore » causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. Lastly, the observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.« less

  19. Dissolution-Assisted Pattern Formation During Olivine Carbonation

    DOE PAGES

    Lisabeth, Harrison; Zhu, Wenlu; Xing, Tiange; ...

    2017-08-31

    Olivine and pyroxene bearing rocks in the oceanic crust react with hydrothermal fluids producing changes in the physical characteristics and behaviors of the altered rocks. Notably, these reactions tend to increase solid volume, reducing pore volume, permeability and available reactive surface area; yet, entirely hydrated and/or carbonated rocks are commonly observed in the field. We investigate the evolution of porosity and permeability of fractured dunites reacted with CO 2-rich solutions in laboratory experiments. The alteration of crack surfaces changes the mechanical and transport properties of the bulk samples. Analysis of three-dimensional microstructural data shows that although precipitation of secondary mineralsmore » causes the total porosity of the sample to decrease, an interconnected network of porosity is maintained through channelized dissolution and coupled carbonate precipitation. Lastly, the observed microstructure appears to be the result of chemo-mechanical coupling, which may provide a mechanism of porosity maintenance without the need to invoke reaction-driven cracking.« less

  20. Systems-level analysis of risk genes reveals the modular nature of schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jiewei; Li, Ming; Luo, Xiong-Jian; Su, Bing

    2018-05-19

    Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex mental disorder with high heritability. Genetic studies (especially recent genome-wide association studies) have identified many risk genes for schizophrenia. However, the physical interactions among the proteins encoded by schizophrenia risk genes remain elusive and it is not known whether the identified risk genes converge on common molecular networks or pathways. Here we systematically investigated the network characteristics of schizophrenia risk genes using the high-confidence protein-protein interactions (PPI) from the human interactome. We found that schizophrenia risk genes encode a densely interconnected PPI network (P = 4.15 × 10 -31 ). Compared with the background genes, the schizophrenia risk genes in the interactome have significantly higher degree (P = 5.39 × 10 -11 ), closeness centrality (P = 7.56 × 10 -11 ), betweeness centrality (P = 1.29 × 10 -11 ), clustering coefficient (P = 2.22 × 10 -2 ), and shorter average shortest path length (P = 7.56 × 10 -11 ). Based on the densely interconnected PPI network, we identified 48 hub genes and 4 modules formed by highly interconnected schizophrenia genes. We showed that the proteins encoded by schizophrenia hub genes have significantly more direct physical interactions. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that cell adhesion, cell cycle, immune system response, and GABR-receptor complex categories were enriched in the modules formed by highly interconnected schizophrenia risk genes. Our study reveals that schizophrenia risk genes encode a densely interconnected molecular network and demonstrates the modular nature of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Permeability of three-dimensional rock masses containing geomechanically-grown anisotropic fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thomas, R. N.; Ebigbo, A.; Paluszny, A.; Zimmerman, R. W.

    2016-12-01

    The macroscopic permeability of 3D anisotropic geomechanically-generated fractured rock masses is investigated. The explicitly computed permeabilities are compared to the predictions of classical inclusion-based effective medium theories, and to the permeability of networks of randomly oriented and stochastically generated fractures. Stochastically generated fracture networks lack features that arise from fracture interaction, such as non-planarity, and termination of fractures upon intersection. Recent discrete fracture network studies include heuristic rules that introduce these features to some extent. In this work, fractures grow and extend under tension from a finite set of initial flaws. The finite element method is used to compute displacements, and modal stress intensity factors are computed around each fracture tip using the interaction integral accumulated over a set of virtual discs. Fracture apertures emerge as a result of simulations that honour the constraints of stress equilibrium and mass conservation. The macroscopic permeabilities are explicitly calculated by solving the local cubic law in the fractures, on an element-by-element basis, coupled to Darcy's law in the matrix. The permeabilities are then compared to the estimates given by the symmetric and asymmetric versions of the self-consistent approximation, which, for randomly fractured volumes, were previously demonstrated to be most accurate of the inclusion-based effective medium methods (Ebigbo et al., Transport in Porous Media, 2016). The permeabilities of several dozen geomechanical networks are computed as a function of density and in situ stresses. For anisotropic networks, we find that the asymmetric and symmetric self-consistent methods overestimate the effective permeability in the direction of the dominant fracture set. Effective permeabilities that are more strongly dependent on the connectivity of two or more fracture sets are more accurately captured by the effective medium models.

  2. Incorporating Scale-Dependent Fracture Stiffness for Improved Reservoir Performance Prediction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crawford, B. R.; Tsenn, M. C.; Homburg, J. M.; Stehle, R. C.; Freysteinson, J. A.; Reese, W. C.

    2017-12-01

    We present a novel technique for predicting dynamic fracture network response to production-driven changes in effective stress, with the potential for optimizing depletion planning and improving recovery prediction in stress-sensitive naturally fractured reservoirs. A key component of the method involves laboratory geomechanics testing of single fractures in order to develop a unique scaling relationship between fracture normal stiffness and initial mechanical aperture. Details of the workflow are as follows: tensile, opening mode fractures are created in a variety of low matrix permeability rocks with initial, unstressed apertures in the micrometer to millimeter range, as determined from image analyses of X-ray CT scans; subsequent hydrostatic compression of these fractured samples with synchronous radial strain and flow measurement indicates that both mechanical and hydraulic aperture reduction varies linearly with the natural logarithm of effective normal stress; these stress-sensitive single-fracture laboratory observations are then upscaled to networks with fracture populations displaying frequency-length and length-aperture scaling laws commonly exhibited by natural fracture arrays; functional relationships between reservoir pressure reduction and fracture network porosity, compressibility and directional permeabilities as generated by such discrete fracture network modeling are then exported to the reservoir simulator for improved naturally fractured reservoir performance prediction.

  3. A quasi steady state method for solving transient Darcy flow in complex 3D fractured networks accounting for matrix to fracture flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nœtinger, B.

    2015-02-01

    Modeling natural Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN) receives more and more attention in applied geosciences, from oil and gas industry, to geothermal recovery and aquifer management. The fractures may be either natural, or artificial in case of well stimulation. Accounting for the flow inside the fracture network, and accounting for the transfers between the matrix and the fractures, with the same level of accuracy is an important issue for calibrating the well architecture and for setting up optimal resources recovery strategies. Recently, we proposed an original method allowing to model transient pressure diffusion in the fracture network only [1]. The matrix was assumed to be impervious. A systematic approximation scheme was built, allowing to model the initial DFN by a set of N unknowns located at each identified intersection between fractures. The higher N, the higher the accuracy of the model. The main assumption was using a quasi steady state hypothesis, that states that the characteristic diffusion time over one single fracture is negligible compared with the characteristic time of the macroscopic problem, e.g. change of boundary conditions. In that context, the lowest order approximation N = 1 has the form of solving a transient problem in a resistor/capacitor network, a so-called pipe network. Its topology is the same as the network of geometrical intersections between fractures. In this paper, we generalize this approach in order to account for fluxes from matrix to fractures. The quasi steady state hypothesis at the fracture level is still kept. Then, we show that in the case of well separated time scales between matrix and fractures, the preceding model needs only to be slightly modified in order to incorporate these fluxes. The additional knowledge of the so-called matrix to fracture transfer function allows to modify the mass matrix that becomes a time convolution operator. This is reminiscent of existing space averaged transient dual porosity models.

  4. Transition from isotropic to digitated growth modulates network formation in Physarum polycephalum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vogel, David; Gautrais, Jacques; Perna, Andrea; Sumpter, David J. T.; Deneubourg, Jean-Louis; Dussutour, Audrey

    2017-01-01

    Some organisms, including fungi, ants, and slime molds, explore their environment and forage by forming interconnected networks. The plasmodium of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum is a large unicellular amoeboid organism that grows a tubular spatial network through which nutrients, body mass, and chemical signals are transported. Individual plasmodia are capable of sophisticated behaviours such as optimizing their network connectivity and dynamics using only decentralized information processing. In this study, we used a population of plasmodia that interconnect through time to analyse the dynamical interactions between growth of individual plasmodia and global network formation. Our results showed how initial conditions, such as the distance between plasmodia, their size, or the presence and quality of food, affect the emerging network connectivity.

  5. An Interconnected Network of Core-Forming Melts Produced by Shear Deformation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bruhn, D.; Groebner, N.; Kohlstedt, D. L.

    2000-01-01

    The formation mechanism of terrestrial planetary is still poorly understood, and has been the subject of numerous experimental studies. Several mechanisms have been proposed by which metal-mainly iron with some nickel-could have been extracted from a silicate mantle to form the core. Most recent models involve gravitational sinking of molten metal or metal sulphide through a partially or fully molten mantle that is often referred to as a'magma ocean. Alternative models invoke percolation of molten metal along an interconnected network (that is, porous flow) through a solid silicate matrix. But experimental studies performed at high pressures have shown that, under hydrostatic conditions, these melts do not form an interconnected network, leading to the widespread assumption that formation of metallic cores requires a magma ocean. In contrast, here we present experiments which demonstrate that shear deformation to large strains can interconnect a significant fraction of initially isolated pockets of metal and metal sulphide melts in a solid matrix of polycrystalline olivine. Therefore, in a dynamic (nonhydrostatic) environment, percolation remains a viable mechanism for the segregation and migration of core-forming melts in a solid silicate mantle.

  6. Reconfigurable optical interconnection network for multimode optical fiber sensor arrays

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chen, R. T.; Robinson, D.; Lu, H.; Wang, M. R.; Jannson, T.; Baumbick, R.

    1992-01-01

    A single-source, single-detector architecture has been developed to implement a reconfigurable optical interconnection network multimode optical fiber sensor arrays. The network was realized by integrating LiNbO3 electrooptic (EO) gratings working at the Raman Na regime and a massive fan-out waveguide hologram (WH) working at the Bragg regime onto a multimode glass waveguide. The glass waveguide utilized the whole substrate as a guiding medium. A 1-to-59 massive waveguide fan-out was demonstrated using a WH operating at 514 nm. Measured diffraction efficiency of 59 percent was experimentally confirmed. Reconfigurability of the interconnection was carried out by generating an EO grating through an externally applied electric field. Unlike conventional single-mode integrated optical devices, the guided mode demonstrated has an azimuthal symmetry in mode profile which is the same as that of a fiber mode.

  7. Hybrid optoelectronic neural networks using a mutually pumped phase-conjugate mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dunning, G. J.; Owechko, Y.; Soffer, B. H.

    1991-06-01

    A method is described for interconnecting hybrid optoelectronic neural networks by using a mutually pumped phase conjugate mirror (MP-PCM). In this method, cross talk due to Bragg degeneracies is greatly reduced by storing each weight among many spatially and angularly multiplexed gratings. The effective weight throughput is increased by the parallel updating of weights using outer-product learning. Experiments demonstrated a high degree of interconnectivity between adjacent pixels. A diagram is presented showing the architecture for the optoelectronic neural network using an MP-PCM.

  8. On-board processing satellite network architecture and control study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Campanella, S. Joseph; Pontano, Benjamin A.; Chalmers, Harvey

    1987-01-01

    The market for telecommunications services needs to be segmented into user classes having similar transmission requirements and hence similar network architectures. Use of the following transmission architecture was considered: satellite switched TDMA; TDMA up, TDM down; scanning (hopping) beam TDMA; FDMA up, TDM down; satellite switched MF/TDMA; and switching Hub earth stations with double hop transmission. A candidate network architecture will be selected that: comprises multiple access subnetworks optimized for each user; interconnects the subnetworks by means of a baseband processor; and optimizes the marriage of interconnection and access techniques. An overall network control architecture will be provided that will serve the needs of the baseband and satellite switched RF interconnected subnetworks. The results of the studies shall be used to identify elements of network architecture and control that require the greatest degree of technology development to realize an operational system. This will be specified in terms of: requirements of the enabling technology; difference from the current available technology; and estimate of the development requirements needed to achieve an operational system. The results obtained for each of these tasks are presented.

  9. Compact holographic optical neural network system for real-time pattern recognition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Taiwei; Mintzer, David T.; Kostrzewski, Andrew A.; Lin, Freddie S.

    1996-08-01

    One of the important characteristics of artificial neural networks is their capability for massive interconnection and parallel processing. Recently, specialized electronic neural network processors and VLSI neural chips have been introduced in the commercial market. The number of parallel channels they can handle is limited because of the limited parallel interconnections that can be implemented with 1D electronic wires. High-resolution pattern recognition problems can require a large number of neurons for parallel processing of an image. This paper describes a holographic optical neural network (HONN) that is based on high- resolution volume holographic materials and is capable of performing massive 3D parallel interconnection of tens of thousands of neurons. A HONN with more than 16,000 neurons packaged in an attache case has been developed. Rotation- shift-scale-invariant pattern recognition operations have been demonstrated with this system. System parameters such as the signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, and processing speed are discussed.

  10. Routing architecture and security for airborne networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Hongmei; Xie, Peng; Li, Jason; Xu, Roger; Levy, Renato

    2009-05-01

    Airborne networks are envisioned to provide interconnectivity for terrestial and space networks by interconnecting highly mobile airborne platforms. A number of military applications are expected to be used by the operator, and all these applications require proper routing security support to establish correct route between communicating platforms in a timely manner. As airborne networks somewhat different from traditional wired and wireless networks (e.g., Internet, LAN, WLAN, MANET, etc), security aspects valid in these networks are not fully applicable to airborne networks. Designing an efficient security scheme to protect airborne networks is confronted with new requirements. In this paper, we first identify a candidate routing architecture, which works as an underlying structure for our proposed security scheme. And then we investigate the vulnerabilities and attack models against routing protocols in airborne networks. Based on these studies, we propose an integrated security solution to address routing security issues in airborne networks.

  11. Influence of Turbulent Flow and Fractal Scaling on Effective Permeability of Fracture Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, J.

    2017-12-01

    A new approach is developed to calculate hydraulic gradient dependent effective permeability of a fractal fracture network where both laminar and turbulent flows may occur in individual fractures. A critical fracture length is used to distinguish flow characteristics in individual fractures. The developed new solutions can be used for the case of a general scaling relationship, an extension to the linear scaling. We examine the impact on the effective permeability of the network of fractal fracture network characteristics, which include the fractal scaling coefficient and exponent, fractal dimension, ratio of minimum over maximum fracture lengths. Results demonstrate that the developed solution can explain more variations of the effective permeability in relation to the fractal dimensions estimated from the field observations. At high hydraulic gradient the effective permeability decreases with the fractal scaling exponent, but increases with the fractal scaling exponent at low gradient. The effective permeability increases with the scaling coefficient, fractal dimension, fracture length ratio and maximum fracture length.

  12. Performance evaluation of time-aware enhanced software defined networking (TeSDN) for elastic data center optical interconnection.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hui; Zhang, Jie; Zhao, Yongli; Ji, Yuefeng; Li, Hui; Lin, Yi; Li, Gang; Han, Jianrui; Lee, Young; Ma, Teng

    2014-07-28

    Data center interconnection with elastic optical networks is a promising scenario to meet the high burstiness and high-bandwidth requirements of data center services. We previously implemented enhanced software defined networking over elastic optical network for data center application [Opt. Express 21, 26990 (2013)]. On the basis of it, this study extends to consider the time-aware data center service scheduling with elastic service time and service bandwidth according to the various time sensitivity requirements. A novel time-aware enhanced software defined networking (TeSDN) architecture for elastic data center optical interconnection has been proposed in this paper, by introducing a time-aware resources scheduling (TaRS) scheme. The TeSDN can accommodate the data center services with required QoS considering the time dimensionality, and enhance cross stratum optimization of application and elastic optical network stratums resources based on spectrum elasticity, application elasticity and time elasticity. The overall feasibility and efficiency of the proposed architecture is experimentally verified on our OpenFlow-based testbed. The performance of TaRS scheme under heavy traffic load scenario is also quantitatively evaluated based on TeSDN architecture in terms of blocking probability and resource occupation rate.

  13. Integrated workflow for characterizing and modeling fracture network in unconventional reservoirs using microseismic data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ayatollahy Tafti, Tayeb

    We develop a new method for integrating information and data from different sources. We also construct a comprehensive workflow for characterizing and modeling a fracture network in unconventional reservoirs, using microseismic data. The methodology is based on combination of several mathematical and artificial intelligent techniques, including geostatistics, fractal analysis, fuzzy logic, and neural networks. The study contributes to scholarly knowledge base on the characterization and modeling fractured reservoirs in several ways; including a versatile workflow with a novel objective functions. Some the characteristics of the methods are listed below: 1. The new method is an effective fracture characterization procedure estimates different fracture properties. Unlike the existing methods, the new approach is not dependent on the location of events. It is able to integrate all multi-scaled and diverse fracture information from different methodologies. 2. It offers an improved procedure to create compressional and shear velocity models as a preamble for delineating anomalies and map structures of interest and to correlate velocity anomalies with fracture swarms and other reservoir properties of interest. 3. It offers an effective way to obtain the fractal dimension of microseismic events and identify the pattern complexity, connectivity, and mechanism of the created fracture network. 4. It offers an innovative method for monitoring the fracture movement in different stages of stimulation that can be used to optimize the process. 5. Our newly developed MDFN approach allows to create a discrete fracture network model using only microseismic data with potential cost reduction. It also imposes fractal dimension as a constraint on other fracture modeling approaches, which increases the visual similarity between the modeled networks and the real network over the simulated volume.

  14. Hip fracture in the elderly: a re-analysis of the EPIDOS study with causal Bayesian networks.

    PubMed

    Caillet, Pascal; Klemm, Sarah; Ducher, Michel; Aussem, Alexandre; Schott, Anne-Marie

    2015-01-01

    Hip fractures commonly result in permanent disability, institutionalization or death in elderly. Existing hip-fracture predicting tools are underused in clinical practice, partly due to their lack of intuitive interpretation. By use of a graphical layer, Bayesian network models could increase the attractiveness of fracture prediction tools. Our aim was to study the potential contribution of a causal Bayesian network in this clinical setting. A logistic regression was performed as a standard control approach to check the robustness of the causal Bayesian network approach. EPIDOS is a multicenter study, conducted in an ambulatory care setting in five French cities between 1992 and 1996 and updated in 2010. The study included 7598 women aged 75 years or older, in which fractures were assessed quarterly during 4 years. A causal Bayesian network and a logistic regression were performed on EPIDOS data to describe major variables involved in hip fractures occurrences. Both models had similar association estimations and predictive performances. They detected gait speed and mineral bone density as variables the most involved in the fracture process. The causal Bayesian network showed that gait speed and bone mineral density were directly connected to fracture and seem to mediate the influence of all the other variables included in our model. The logistic regression approach detected multiple interactions involving psychotropic drug use, age and bone mineral density. Both approaches retrieved similar variables as predictors of hip fractures. However, Bayesian network highlighted the whole web of relation between the variables involved in the analysis, suggesting a possible mechanism leading to hip fracture. According to the latter results, intervention focusing concomitantly on gait speed and bone mineral density may be necessary for an optimal prevention of hip fracture occurrence in elderly people.

  15. Hydro-fracture in the laboratory: matching diagnostic seismic signals to fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gehne, S.; Benson, P. M.; Koor, N.; Dobson, K. J.; Enfield, M.; Barber, A.

    2017-12-01

    Hydraulic fracturing is a key process in both natural (e.g. dyke intrusion) and engineered environments (e.g. shale gas). To better understand this process, we present new data from simulated hydraulic fracturing in a controlled laboratory environment in order to track fracture nucleation (location) and propagation (velocity) in space and time to assess the fracture mechanics and developing fracture network. Fluid overpressure is used to generate a permeable network of micro tensile fractures in an anisotropic sandstone and a highly anisotropic shale. A newly developed technique, using a steel guide arrangement to direct pressurised fluid into a sealed section of an axially drilled conduit, allows the pore fluid to contact the rock directly and to initiate tensile fractures from a pre-defined zone inside the sample. Acoustic emission location is used to record and map the nucleation and development of the micro-fracture network. For both rock types, fractures progresses parallel to the bedding plane (short-transverse) if the bedding plane is aligned with the direction of σ1 requiring breakdown pressures of approximately 7 and 13MPa respectively at a confining pressure of 8MPa. The data also indicates a more ductile behaviour of the shale than expected. We use X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) to evaluate the evolved fracture network in terms of fracture pattern and aperture. Hydraulic fracturing produces very planar fractures in the shale, with axial fractures over the entire length of the sample broadly following the bedding. In contrast, fractures in the sandstone are more diffuse, linking pore spaces as they propagate. However, secondary micro cracking, branching of the main fracture, are also observed. These new experiments suggest that fracture pattern, fracture propagation trajectories, and fracturing fluid pressures are predominantly controlled by the interaction between the anisotropic mechanical properties of the rock and the anisotropic stress environment.

  16. Cubic law with aperture-length correlation: implications for network scale fluid flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Klimczak, Christian; Schultz, Richard A.; Parashar, Rishi; Reeves, Donald M.

    2010-06-01

    Previous studies have computed and modeled fluid flow through fractured rock with the parallel plate approach where the volumetric flow per unit width normal to the direction of flow is proportional to the cubed aperture between the plates, referred to as the traditional cubic law. When combined with the square root relationship of displacement to length scaling of opening-mode fractures, total flow rates through natural opening-mode fractures are found to be proportional to apertures to the fifth power. This new relationship was explored by examining a suite of flow simulations through fracture networks using the discrete fracture network model (DFN). Flow was modeled through fracture networks with the same spatial distribution of fractures for both correlated and uncorrelated fracture length-to-aperture relationships. Results indicate that flow rates are significantly higher for correlated DFNs. Furthermore, the length-to-aperture relations lead to power-law distributions of network hydraulic conductivity which greatly influence equivalent permeability tensor values. These results confirm the importance of the correlated square root relationship of displacement to length scaling for total flow through natural opening-mode fractures and, hence, emphasize the role of these correlations for flow modeling.

  17. Origin of Permeability and Structure of Flows in Fractured Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    De Dreuzy, J.; Darcel, C.; Davy, P.; Erhel, J.; Le Goc, R.; Maillot, J.; Meheust, Y.; Pichot, G.; Poirriez, B.

    2013-12-01

    After more than three decades of research, flows in fractured media have been shown to result from multi-scale geological structures. Flows result non-exclusively from the damage zone of the large faults, from the percolation within denser networks of smaller fractures, from the aperture heterogeneity within the fracture planes and from some remaining permeability within the matrix. While the effect of each of these causes has been studied independently, global assessments of the main determinisms is still needed. We propose a general approach to determine the geological structures responsible for flows, their permeability and their organization based on field data and numerical modeling [de Dreuzy et al., 2012b]. Multi-scale synthetic networks are reconstructed from field data and simplified mechanical modeling [Davy et al., 2010]. High-performance numerical methods are developed to comply with the specificities of the geometry and physical properties of the fractured media [Pichot et al., 2010; Pichot et al., 2012]. And, based on a large Monte-Carlo sampling, we determine the key determinisms of fractured permeability and flows (Figure). We illustrate our approach on the respective influence of fracture apertures and fracture correlation patterns at large scale. We show the potential role of fracture intersections, so far overlooked between the fracture and the network scales. We also demonstrate how fracture correlations reduce the bulk fracture permeability. Using this analysis, we highlight the need for more specific in-situ characterization of fracture flow structures. Fracture modeling and characterization are necessary to meet the new requirements of a growing number of applications where fractures appear both as potential advantages to enhance permeability and drawbacks for safety, e.g. in energy storage, stimulated geothermal energy and non-conventional gas productions. References Davy, P., et al. (2010), A likely universal model of fracture scaling and its consequence for crustal hydromechanics, Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 115, 13. de Dreuzy, J.-R., et al. (2012a), Influence of fracture scale heterogeneity on the flow properties of three-dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN), J. Geophys. Res.-Earth Surf., 117(B11207), 21 PP. de Dreuzy, J.-R., et al. (2012b), Synthetic benchmark for modeling flow in 3D fractured media, Computers and Geosciences(0). Pichot, G., et al. (2010), A Mixed Hybrid Mortar Method for solving flow in Discrete Fracture Networks, Applicable Analysis, 89(10), 1729-1643. Pichot, G., et al. (2012), Flow simulation in 3D multi-scale fractured networks using non-matching meshes, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing (SISC), 34(1). Figure: (a) Fracture network with a broad-range of fracture lengths. (b) Flows (log-scale) with homogeneous fractures. (c) Flows (log-scale) with heterogeneous fractures [de Dreuzy et al., 2012a]. The impact of the fracture apertures (c) is illustrated on the organization of flows.

  18. Cut set-based risk and reliability analysis for arbitrarily interconnected networks

    DOEpatents

    Wyss, Gregory D.

    2000-01-01

    Method for computing all-terminal reliability for arbitrarily interconnected networks such as the United States public switched telephone network. The method includes an efficient search algorithm to generate minimal cut sets for nonhierarchical networks directly from the network connectivity diagram. Efficiency of the search algorithm stems in part from its basis on only link failures. The method also includes a novel quantification scheme that likewise reduces computational effort associated with assessing network reliability based on traditional risk importance measures. Vast reductions in computational effort are realized since combinatorial expansion and subsequent Boolean reduction steps are eliminated through analysis of network segmentations using a technique of assuming node failures to occur on only one side of a break in the network, and repeating the technique for all minimal cut sets generated with the search algorithm. The method functions equally well for planar and non-planar networks.

  19. A three-sided rearrangeable switching network for a binary fat tree

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yen, Mao-Hsu; Yu, Chu; Shin, Haw-Yun; Chen, Sao-Jie

    2011-06-01

    A binary fat tree needs an internal node to interconnect the left-children, right-children and parent terminals to each other. In this article, we first propose a three-stage, 3-sided rearrangeable switching network for the implementation of a binary fat tree. The main component of this 3-sided switching network (3SSN) consists of a polygonal switch block (PSB) interconnected by crossbars. With the same size and the same number of switches as our 3SSN, a three-stage, 3-sided clique-based switching network is shown to be not rearrangeable. Also, the effects of the rearrangeable structure and the number of terminals on the network switch-efficiency are explored and a proper set of parameters has been determined to minimise the number of switches. We derive that a rearrangeable 3-sided switching network with switches proportional to N 3/2 is most suitable to interconnect N terminals. Moreover, we propose a new Polygonal Field Programmable Gate Array (PFPGA) that consists of logic blocks interconnected by our 3SSN, such that the logic blocks in this PFPGA can be grouped into clusters to implement different logic functions. Since the programmable switches usually have high resistance and capacitance and occupy a large area, we have to consider the effect of the 3SSN structure and the granularity of its cluster logic blocks on the switch efficiency of PFPGA. Experiments on benchmark circuits show that the switch and speed performances are significantly improved. Based on the experimental results, we can determine the parameters of PFPGA for the VLSI implementation.

  20. Fuzzy Edge Connectivity of Graphical Fuzzy State Space Model in Multi-connected System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harish, Noor Ainy; Ismail, Razidah; Ahmad, Tahir

    2010-11-01

    Structured networks of interacting components illustrate complex structure in a direct or intuitive way. Graph theory provides a mathematical modeling for studying interconnection among elements in natural and man-made systems. On the other hand, directed graph is useful to define and interpret the interconnection structure underlying the dynamics of the interacting subsystem. Fuzzy theory provides important tools in dealing various aspects of complexity, imprecision and fuzziness of the network structure of a multi-connected system. Initial development for systems of Fuzzy State Space Model (FSSM) and a fuzzy algorithm approach were introduced with the purpose of solving the inverse problems in multivariable system. In this paper, fuzzy algorithm is adapted in order to determine the fuzzy edge connectivity between subsystems, in particular interconnected system of Graphical Representation of FSSM. This new approach will simplify the schematic diagram of interconnection of subsystems in a multi-connected system.

  1. Seismic Attenuation and Stiffness Modulus Dispersion in Porous Rocks Containing Stochastic Fracture Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hunziker, Jürg; Favino, Marco; Caspari, Eva; Quintal, Beatriz; Rubino, J. Germán.; Krause, Rolf; Holliger, Klaus

    2018-01-01

    Understanding seismic attenuation and modulus dispersion mechanisms in fractured rocks can result in significant advances for the indirect characterization of such environments. In this paper, we study attenuation and modulus dispersion of seismic waves caused by fluid pressure diffusion (FPD) in stochastic 2-D fracture networks, allowing for a state-of-the-art representation of natural fracture networks by a power law length distribution. To this end, we apply numerical upscaling experiments consisting of compression and shear tests to our samples of fractured rocks. The resulting P and S wave attenuation and modulus dispersion behavior is analyzed with respect to the density, the length distribution, and the connectivity of the fractures. We focus our analysis on two manifestations of FPD arising in fractured rocks, namely, fracture-to-background FPD at lower frequencies and fracture-to-fracture FPD at higher frequencies. Our results indicate that FPD is sensitive not only to the fracture density but also to the geometrical characteristics of the fracture length distributions. In particular, our study suggests that information about the local connectivity of a fracture network could be retrieved from seismic data. Conversely, information about the global connectivity, which is directly linked to the effective hydraulic conductivity of the probed volume, remains rather difficult to infer.

  2. Internal fracture heterogeneity in discrete fracture network modelling: Effect of correlation length and textures with connected and disconnected permeability field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Frampton, A.; Hyman, J.; Zou, L.

    2017-12-01

    Analysing flow and transport in sparsely fractured media is important for understanding how crystalline bedrock environments function as barriers to transport of contaminants, with important applications towards subsurface repositories for storage of spent nuclear fuel. Crystalline bedrocks are particularly favourable due to their geological stability, low advective flow and strong hydrogeochemical retention properties, which can delay transport of radionuclides, allowing decay to limit release to the biosphere. There are however many challenges involved in quantifying and modelling subsurface flow and transport in fractured media, largely due to geological complexity and heterogeneity, where the interplay between advective and dispersive flow strongly impacts both inert and reactive transport. A key to modelling transport in a Lagrangian framework involves quantifying pathway travel times and the hydrodynamic control of retention, and both these quantities strongly depend on heterogeneity of the fracture network at different scales. In this contribution, we present recent analysis of flow and transport considering fracture networks with single-fracture heterogeneity described by different multivariate normal distributions. A coherent triad of fields with identical correlation length and variance are created but which greatly differ in structure, corresponding to textures with well-connected low, medium and high permeability structures. Through numerical modelling of multiple scales in a stochastic setting we quantify the relative impact of texture type and correlation length against network topological measures, and identify key thresholds for cases where flow dispersion is controlled by single-fracture heterogeneity versus network-scale heterogeneity. This is achieved by using a recently developed novel numerical discrete fracture network model. Furthermore, we highlight enhanced flow channelling for cases where correlation structure continues across intersections in a network, and discuss application to realistic fracture networks using field data of sparsely fractured crystalline rock from the Swedish candidate repository site for spent nuclear fuel.

  3. Chain-Based Communication in Cylindrical Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

    PubMed Central

    Javaid, Nadeem; Jafri, Mohsin Raza; Khan, Zahoor Ali; Alrajeh, Nabil; Imran, Muhammad; Vasilakos, Athanasios

    2015-01-01

    Appropriate network design is very significant for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs). Application-oriented UWSNs are planned to achieve certain objectives. Therefore, there is always a demand for efficient data routing schemes, which can fulfill certain requirements of application-oriented UWSNs. These networks can be of any shape, i.e., rectangular, cylindrical or square. In this paper, we propose chain-based routing schemes for application-oriented cylindrical networks and also formulate mathematical models to find a global optimum path for data transmission. In the first scheme, we devise four interconnected chains of sensor nodes to perform data communication. In the second scheme, we propose routing scheme in which two chains of sensor nodes are interconnected, whereas in third scheme single-chain based routing is done in cylindrical networks. After finding local optimum paths in separate chains, we find global optimum paths through their interconnection. Moreover, we develop a computational model for the analysis of end-to-end delay. We compare the performance of the above three proposed schemes with that of Power Efficient Gathering System in Sensor Information Systems (PEGASIS) and Congestion adjusted PEGASIS (C-PEGASIS). Simulation results show that our proposed 4-chain based scheme performs better than the other selected schemes in terms of network lifetime, end-to-end delay, path loss, transmission loss, and packet sending rate. PMID:25658394

  4. Modeling a Million-Node Slim Fly Network Using Parallel Discrete-Event Simulation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wolfe, Noah; Carothers, Christopher; Mubarak, Misbah

    As supercomputers close in on exascale performance, the increased number of processors and processing power translates to an increased demand on the underlying network interconnect. The Slim Fly network topology, a new lowdiameter and low-latency interconnection network, is gaining interest as one possible solution for next-generation supercomputing interconnect systems. In this paper, we present a high-fidelity Slim Fly it-level model leveraging the Rensselaer Optimistic Simulation System (ROSS) and Co-Design of Exascale Storage (CODES) frameworks. We validate our Slim Fly model with the Kathareios et al. Slim Fly model results provided at moderately sized network scales. We further scale the modelmore » size up to n unprecedented 1 million compute nodes; and through visualization of network simulation metrics such as link bandwidth, packet latency, and port occupancy, we get an insight into the network behavior at the million-node scale. We also show linear strong scaling of the Slim Fly model on an Intel cluster achieving a peak event rate of 36 million events per second using 128 MPI tasks to process 7 billion events. Detailed analysis of the underlying discrete-event simulation performance shows that a million-node Slim Fly model simulation can execute in 198 seconds on the Intel cluster.« less

  5. Performance evaluation of multi-stratum resources integration based on network function virtualization in software defined elastic data center optical interconnect.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hui; Zhang, Jie; Ji, Yuefeng; Tian, Rui; Han, Jianrui; Lee, Young

    2015-11-30

    Data center interconnect with elastic optical network is a promising scenario to meet the high burstiness and high-bandwidth requirements of data center services. In our previous work, we implemented multi-stratum resilience between IP and elastic optical networks that allows to accommodate data center services. In view of this, this study extends to consider the resource integration by breaking the limit of network device, which can enhance the resource utilization. We propose a novel multi-stratum resources integration (MSRI) architecture based on network function virtualization in software defined elastic data center optical interconnect. A resource integrated mapping (RIM) scheme for MSRI is introduced in the proposed architecture. The MSRI can accommodate the data center services with resources integration when the single function or resource is relatively scarce to provision the services, and enhance globally integrated optimization of optical network and application resources. The overall feasibility and efficiency of the proposed architecture are experimentally verified on the control plane of OpenFlow-based enhanced software defined networking (eSDN) testbed. The performance of RIM scheme under heavy traffic load scenario is also quantitatively evaluated based on MSRI architecture in terms of path blocking probability, provisioning latency and resource utilization, compared with other provisioning schemes.

  6. The Linked System Project : a network interconnection project between three major bibliographic utilities and LC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kurihara, Shin'ichi

    The Linked Systems Project (LSP) is the first network project based on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) in the world. The purpose of the project is to interconnect between three major bibliographic utilities and LC, and to perform as one system on the whole. The first application developed for the LSP is the sharing of name authority data based on the Name Authority Cooperative (NACO) Project. In 1985, LC began to send name authority records to RLG/RLIN. Since 1987, RLG/RLIN and OCLC send name authority records to LC. Bibliographic records will be sent mutually between three major bibliographic utilities and LC near future.

  7. Parallel processor-based raster graphics system architecture

    DOEpatents

    Littlefield, Richard J.

    1990-01-01

    An apparatus for generating raster graphics images from the graphics command stream includes a plurality of graphics processors connected in parallel, each adapted to receive any part of the graphics command stream for processing the command stream part into pixel data. The apparatus also includes a frame buffer for mapping the pixel data to pixel locations and an interconnection network for interconnecting the graphics processors to the frame buffer. Through the interconnection network, each graphics processor may access any part of the frame buffer concurrently with another graphics processor accessing any other part of the frame buffer. The plurality of graphics processors can thereby transmit concurrently pixel data to pixel locations in the frame buffer.

  8. Perturbed cooperative-state feedback strategy for model predictive networked control of interconnected systems.

    PubMed

    Tran, Tri; Ha, Q P

    2018-01-01

    A perturbed cooperative-state feedback (PSF) strategy is presented for the control of interconnected systems in this paper. The subsystems of an interconnected system can exchange data via the communication network that has multiple connection topologies. The PSF strategy can resolve both issues, the sensor data losses and the communication network breaks, thanks to the two components of the control including a cooperative-state feedback and a perturbation variable, e.g., u i =K ij x j +w i . The PSF is implemented in a decentralized model predictive control scheme with a stability constraint and a non-monotonic storage function (ΔV(x(k))≥0), derived from the dissipative systems theory. Numerical simulation for the automatic generation control problem in power systems is studied to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented PSF strategy. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Percolation in three-dimensional fracture networks for arbitrary size and shape distributions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thovert, J.-F.; Mourzenko, V. V.; Adler, P. M.

    2017-04-01

    The percolation threshold of fracture networks is investigated by extensive direct numerical simulations. The fractures are randomly located and oriented in three-dimensional space. A very wide range of regular, irregular, and random fracture shapes is considered, in monodisperse or polydisperse networks containing fractures with different shapes and/or sizes. The results are rationalized in terms of a dimensionless density. A simple model involving a new shape factor is proposed, which accounts very efficiently for the influence of the fracture shape. It applies with very good accuracy in monodisperse or moderately polydisperse networks, and provides a good first estimation in other situations. A polydispersity index is shown to control the need for a correction, and the corrective term is modelled for the investigated size distributions.

  10. Simulation of Hydraulic and Natural Fracture Interaction Using a Coupled DFN-DEM Model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhou, J.; Huang, H.; Deo, M.

    2016-03-01

    The presence of natural fractures will usually result in a complex fracture network due to the interactions between hydraulic and natural fracture. The reactivation of natural fractures can generally provide additional flow paths from formation to wellbore which play a crucial role in improving the hydrocarbon recovery in these ultra-low permeability reservoir. Thus, accurate description of the geometry of discrete fractures and bedding is highly desired for accurate flow and production predictions. Compared to conventional continuum models that implicitly represent the discrete feature, Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models could realistically model the connectivity of discontinuities at both reservoir scale andmore » well scale. In this work, a new hybrid numerical model that couples Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Dual-Lattice Discrete Element Method (DL-DEM) is proposed to investigate the interaction between hydraulic fracture and natural fractures. Based on the proposed model, the effects of natural fracture orientation, density and injection properties on hydraulic-natural fractures interaction are investigated.« less

  11. Simulation of Hydraulic and Natural Fracture Interaction Using a Coupled DFN-DEM Model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    J. Zhou; H. Huang; M. Deo

    The presence of natural fractures will usually result in a complex fracture network due to the interactions between hydraulic and natural fracture. The reactivation of natural fractures can generally provide additional flow paths from formation to wellbore which play a crucial role in improving the hydrocarbon recovery in these ultra-low permeability reservoir. Thus, accurate description of the geometry of discrete fractures and bedding is highly desired for accurate flow and production predictions. Compared to conventional continuum models that implicitly represent the discrete feature, Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models could realistically model the connectivity of discontinuities at both reservoir scale andmore » well scale. In this work, a new hybrid numerical model that couples Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Dual-Lattice Discrete Element Method (DL-DEM) is proposed to investigate the interaction between hydraulic fracture and natural fractures. Based on the proposed model, the effects of natural fracture orientation, density and injection properties on hydraulic-natural fractures interaction are investigated.« less

  12. Effect of Random Natural Fractures on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Geometry in Fractured Carbonate Rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhiyuan; Wang, Shijie; Zhao, Haiyang; Wang, Lei; Li, Wei; Geng, Yudi; Tao, Shan; Zhang, Guangqing; Chen, Mian

    2018-02-01

    Natural fractures have a significant influence on the propagation geometry of hydraulic fractures in fractured reservoirs. True triaxial volumetric fracturing experiments, in which random natural fractures are created by placing cement blocks of different dimensions in a cuboid mold and filling the mold with additional cement to create the final test specimen, were used to study the factors that influence the hydraulic fracture propagation geometry. These factors include the presence of natural fractures around the wellbore, the dimension and volumetric density of random natural fractures and the horizontal differential stress. The results show that volumetric fractures preferentially formed when natural fractures occurred around the wellbore, the natural fractures are medium to long and have a volumetric density of 6-9%, and the stress difference is less than 11 MPa. The volumetric fracture geometries are mainly major multi-branch fractures with fracture networks or major multi-branch fractures (2-4 fractures). The angles between the major fractures and the maximum horizontal in situ stress are 30°-45°, and fracture networks are located at the intersections of major multi-branch fractures. Short natural fractures rarely led to the formation of fracture networks. Thus, the interaction between hydraulic fractures and short natural fractures has little engineering significance. The conclusions are important for field applications and for gaining a deeper understanding of the formation process of volumetric fractures.

  13. Anomalous Transport in Natural Fracture Networks Induced by Tectonic Stress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, P. K.; Lei, Q.; Lee, S.; Dentz, M.; Juanes, R.

    2017-12-01

    Fluid flow and transport in fractured rock controls many natural and engineered processes in the subsurface. However, characterizing flow and transport through fractured media is challenging due to the high uncertainty and large heterogeneity associated with fractured rock properties. In addition to these "static" challenges, geologic fractures are always under significant overburden stress, and changes in the stress state can lead to changes in the fracture's ability to conduct fluids. While confining stress has been shown to impact fluid flow through fractures in a fundamental way, the impact of confining stress on transportthrough fractured rock remains poorly understood. The link between anomalous (non-Fickian) transport and confining stress has been shown, only recently, at the level of a single rough fracture [1]. Here, we investigate the impact of geologic (tectonic) stress on flow and tracer transport through natural fracture networks. We model geomechanical effects in 2D fractured rock by means of a finite-discrete element method (FEMDEM) [2], which can capture the deformation of matrix blocks, reactivation of pre-existing fractures, and propagation of new cracks, upon changes in the stress field. We apply the model to a fracture network extracted from the geological map of an actual rock outcrop to obtain the aperture field at different stress conditions. We then simulate fluid flow and particle transport through the stressed fracture networks. We observe that anomalous transport emerges in response to confining stress on the fracture network, and show that the stress state is a powerful determinant of transport behavior: (1) An anisotropic stress state induces preferential flow paths through shear dilation; (2) An increase in geologic stress increases aperture heterogeneity that induces late-time tailing of particle breakthrough curves. Finally, we develop an effective transport model that captures the anomalous transport through the stressed fracture network. Our results point to a heretofore unrecognized link between geomechanics and anomalous transport in natural fractured media. [1] P. K. Kang, S. Brown, and R. Juanes, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 454, 46-54 (2016). [2] Q. Lei, J. P. Latham, and C. F. Tsang, Computers and Geotechnics, 85, 151-176 (2017).

  14. Trace Replay and Network Simulation Tool

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Acun, Bilge; Jain, Nikhil; Bhatele, Abhinav

    2015-03-23

    TraceR is a trace reply tool built upon the ROSS-based CODES simulation framework. TraceR can be used for predicting network performances and understanding network behavior by simulating messaging in High Performance Computing applications on interconnection networks.

  15. Trace Replay and Network Simulation Tool

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jain, Nikhil; Bhatele, Abhinav; Acun, Bilge

    TraceR Is a trace replay tool built upon the ROSS-based CODES simulation framework. TraceR can be used for predicting network performance and understanding network behavior by simulating messaging In High Performance Computing applications on interconnection networks.

  16. Enhanced capital-asset pricing model for the reconstruction of bipartite financial networks.

    PubMed

    Squartini, Tiziano; Almog, Assaf; Caldarelli, Guido; van Lelyveld, Iman; Garlaschelli, Diego; Cimini, Giulio

    2017-09-01

    Reconstructing patterns of interconnections from partial information is one of the most important issues in the statistical physics of complex networks. A paramount example is provided by financial networks. In fact, the spreading and amplification of financial distress in capital markets are strongly affected by the interconnections among financial institutions. Yet, while the aggregate balance sheets of institutions are publicly disclosed, information on single positions is mostly confidential and, as such, unavailable. Standard approaches to reconstruct the network of financial interconnection produce unrealistically dense topologies, leading to a biased estimation of systemic risk. Moreover, reconstruction techniques are generally designed for monopartite networks of bilateral exposures between financial institutions, thus failing in reproducing bipartite networks of security holdings (e.g., investment portfolios). Here we propose a reconstruction method based on constrained entropy maximization, tailored for bipartite financial networks. Such a procedure enhances the traditional capital-asset pricing model (CAPM) and allows us to reproduce the correct topology of the network. We test this enhanced CAPM (ECAPM) method on a dataset, collected by the European Central Bank, of detailed security holdings of European institutional sectors over a period of six years (2009-2015). Our approach outperforms the traditional CAPM and the recently proposed maximum-entropy CAPM both in reproducing the network topology and in estimating systemic risk due to fire sales spillovers. In general, ECAPM can be applied to the whole class of weighted bipartite networks described by the fitness model.

  17. Enhanced capital-asset pricing model for the reconstruction of bipartite financial networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Squartini, Tiziano; Almog, Assaf; Caldarelli, Guido; van Lelyveld, Iman; Garlaschelli, Diego; Cimini, Giulio

    2017-09-01

    Reconstructing patterns of interconnections from partial information is one of the most important issues in the statistical physics of complex networks. A paramount example is provided by financial networks. In fact, the spreading and amplification of financial distress in capital markets are strongly affected by the interconnections among financial institutions. Yet, while the aggregate balance sheets of institutions are publicly disclosed, information on single positions is mostly confidential and, as such, unavailable. Standard approaches to reconstruct the network of financial interconnection produce unrealistically dense topologies, leading to a biased estimation of systemic risk. Moreover, reconstruction techniques are generally designed for monopartite networks of bilateral exposures between financial institutions, thus failing in reproducing bipartite networks of security holdings (e.g., investment portfolios). Here we propose a reconstruction method based on constrained entropy maximization, tailored for bipartite financial networks. Such a procedure enhances the traditional capital-asset pricing model (CAPM) and allows us to reproduce the correct topology of the network. We test this enhanced CAPM (ECAPM) method on a dataset, collected by the European Central Bank, of detailed security holdings of European institutional sectors over a period of six years (2009-2015). Our approach outperforms the traditional CAPM and the recently proposed maximum-entropy CAPM both in reproducing the network topology and in estimating systemic risk due to fire sales spillovers. In general, ECAPM can be applied to the whole class of weighted bipartite networks described by the fitness model.

  18. Optimization of flow modeling in fractured media with discrete fracture network via percolation theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Donado-Garzon, L. D.; Pardo, Y.

    2013-12-01

    Fractured media are very heterogeneous systems where occur complex physical and chemical processes to model. One of the possible approaches to conceptualize this type of massifs is the Discrete Fracture Network (DFN). Donado et al., modeled flow and transport in a granitic batholith based on this approach and found good fitting with hydraulic and tracer tests, but the computational cost was excessive due to a gigantic amount of elements to model. We present in this work a methodology based on percolation theory for reducing the number of elements and in consequence, to reduce the bandwidth of the conductance matrix and the execution time of each network. DFN poses as an excellent representation of all the set of fractures of the media, but not all the fractures of the media are part of the conductive network. Percolation theory is used to identify which nodes or fractures are not conductive, based on the occupation probability or percolation threshold. In a fractured system, connectivity determines the flow pattern in the fractured rock mass. This volume of fluid is driven through connection paths formed by the fractures, when the permeability of the rock is negligible compared to the fractures. In a population of distributed fractures, each of this that has no intersection with any connected fracture do not contribute to generate a flow field. This algorithm also permits us to erase these elements however they are water conducting and hence, refine even more the backbone of the network. We used 100 different generations of DFN that were optimized in this study using percolation theory. In each of the networks calibrate hydrodynamic parameters as hydraulic conductivity and specific storage coefficient, for each of the five families of fractures, yielding a total of 10 parameters to estimate, at each generation. Since the effects of the distribution of fault orientation changes the value of the percolation threshold, but not the universal laws of classical percolation theory, the latter is applicable to such networks. Under these conditions, percolation theory permit us to reduced the number of elements (90% in average) that form clusters of the 100 DFNs, preserving the so-called backbone. In this way the calibration runs in these networks changed from several hours to just a second obtaining much better results.

  19. TOUGH-RBSN simulator for hydraulic fracture propagation within fractured media: Model validations against laboratory experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Kunhwi; Rutqvist, Jonny; Nakagawa, Seiji; Birkholzer, Jens

    2017-11-01

    This paper presents coupled hydro-mechanical modeling of hydraulic fracturing processes in complex fractured media using a discrete fracture network (DFN) approach. The individual physical processes in the fracture propagation are represented by separate program modules: the TOUGH2 code for multiphase flow and mass transport based on the finite volume approach; and the rigid-body-spring network (RBSN) model for mechanical and fracture-damage behavior, which are coupled with each other. Fractures are modeled as discrete features, of which the hydrological properties are evaluated from the fracture deformation and aperture change. The verification of the TOUGH-RBSN code is performed against a 2D analytical model for single hydraulic fracture propagation. Subsequently, modeling capabilities for hydraulic fracturing are demonstrated through simulations of laboratory experiments conducted on rock-analogue (soda-lime glass) samples containing a designed network of pre-existing fractures. Sensitivity analyses are also conducted by changing the modeling parameters, such as viscosity of injected fluid, strength of pre-existing fractures, and confining stress conditions. The hydraulic fracturing characteristics attributed to the modeling parameters are investigated through comparisons of the simulation results.

  20. Hydraulic Fracturing and Production Optimization in Eagle Ford Shale Using Coupled Geomechanics and Fluid Flow Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suppachoknirun, Theerapat; Tutuncu, Azra N.

    2017-12-01

    With increasing production from shale gas and tight oil reservoirs, horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing processes have become a routine procedure in unconventional field development efforts. Natural fractures play a critical role in hydraulic fracture growth, subsequently affecting stimulated reservoir volume and the production efficiency. Moreover, the existing fractures can also contribute to the pressure-dependent fluid leak-off during the operations. Hence, a reliable identification of the discrete fracture network covering the zone of interest prior to the hydraulic fracturing design needs to be incorporated into the hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulations for realistic representation of the in situ reservoir conditions. In this research study, an integrated 3-D fracture and fluid flow model have been developed using a new approach to simulate the fluid flow and deliver reliable production forecasting in naturally fractured and hydraulically stimulated tight reservoirs. The model was created with three key modules. A complex 3-D discrete fracture network model introduces realistic natural fracture geometry with the associated fractured reservoir characteristics. A hydraulic fracturing model is created utilizing the discrete fracture network for simulation of the hydraulic fracture and flow in the complex discrete fracture network. Finally, a reservoir model with the production grid system is used allowing the user to efficiently perform the fluid flow simulation in tight formations with complex fracture networks. The complex discrete natural fracture model, the integrated discrete fracture model for the hydraulic fracturing, the fluid flow model, and the input dataset have been validated against microseismic fracture mapping and commingled production data obtained from a well pad with three horizontal production wells located in the Eagle Ford oil window in south Texas. Two other fracturing geometries were also evaluated to optimize the cumulative production and for the three wells individually. Significant reduction in the production rate in early production times is anticipated in tight reservoirs regardless of the fracturing techniques implemented. The simulations conducted using the alternating fracturing technique led to more oil production than when zipper fracturing was used for a 20-year production period. Yet, due to the decline experienced, the differences in cumulative production get smaller, and the alternating fracturing is not practically implementable while field application of zipper fracturing technique is more practical and widely used.

  1. Radionuclide Gas Transport through Nuclear Explosion-Generated Fracture Networks

    PubMed Central

    Jordan, Amy B.; Stauffer, Philip H.; Knight, Earl E.; Rougier, Esteban; Anderson, Dale N.

    2015-01-01

    Underground nuclear weapon testing produces radionuclide gases which may seep to the surface. Barometric pumping of gas through explosion-fractured rock is investigated using a new sequentially-coupled hydrodynamic rock damage/gas transport model. Fracture networks are produced for two rock types (granite and tuff) and three depths of burial. The fracture networks are integrated into a flow and transport numerical model driven by surface pressure signals of differing amplitude and variability. There are major differences between predictions using a realistic fracture network and prior results that used a simplified geometry. Matrix porosity and maximum fracture aperture have the greatest impact on gas breakthrough time and window of opportunity for detection, with different effects between granite and tuff simulations highlighting the importance of accurately simulating the fracture network. In particular, maximum fracture aperture has an opposite effect on tuff and granite, due to different damage patterns and their effect on the barometric pumping process. From stochastic simulations using randomly generated hydrogeologic parameters, normalized detection curves are presented to show differences in optimal sampling time for granite and tuff simulations. Seasonal and location-based effects on breakthrough, which occur due to differences in barometric forcing, are stronger where the barometric signal is highly variable. PMID:26676058

  2. Radionuclide Gas Transport through Nuclear Explosion-Generated Fracture Networks.

    PubMed

    Jordan, Amy B; Stauffer, Philip H; Knight, Earl E; Rougier, Esteban; Anderson, Dale N

    2015-12-17

    Underground nuclear weapon testing produces radionuclide gases which may seep to the surface. Barometric pumping of gas through explosion-fractured rock is investigated using a new sequentially-coupled hydrodynamic rock damage/gas transport model. Fracture networks are produced for two rock types (granite and tuff) and three depths of burial. The fracture networks are integrated into a flow and transport numerical model driven by surface pressure signals of differing amplitude and variability. There are major differences between predictions using a realistic fracture network and prior results that used a simplified geometry. Matrix porosity and maximum fracture aperture have the greatest impact on gas breakthrough time and window of opportunity for detection, with different effects between granite and tuff simulations highlighting the importance of accurately simulating the fracture network. In particular, maximum fracture aperture has an opposite effect on tuff and granite, due to different damage patterns and their effect on the barometric pumping process. From stochastic simulations using randomly generated hydrogeologic parameters, normalized detection curves are presented to show differences in optimal sampling time for granite and tuff simulations. Seasonal and location-based effects on breakthrough, which occur due to differences in barometric forcing, are stronger where the barometric signal is highly variable.

  3. 3-DIMENSIONAL Optoelectronic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krishnamoorthy, Ashok Venketaraman

    This thesis covers the design, analysis, optimization, and implementation of optoelectronic (N,M,F) networks. (N,M,F) networks are generic space-division networks that are well suited to implementation using optoelectronic integrated circuits and free-space optical interconnects. An (N,M,F) networks consists of N input channels each having a fanout F_{rm o}, M output channels each having a fanin F_{rm i}, and Log_{rm K}(N/F) stages of K x K switches. The functionality of the fanout, switching, and fanin stages depends on the specific application. Three applications of optoelectronic (N,M,F) networks are considered. The first is an optoelectronic (N,1,1) content -addressable memory system that achieves associative recall on two-dimensional images retrieved from a parallel-access optical memory. The design and simulation of the associative memory are discussed, and an experimental emulation of a prototype system using images from a parallel-readout optical disk is presented. The system design provides superior performance to existing electronic content-addressable memory chips in terms of capacity and search rate, and uses readily available optical disk and VLSI technologies. Next, a scalable optoelectronic (N,M,F) neural network that uses free-space holographic optical interconnects is presented. The neural architecture minimizes the number of optical transmitters needed, and provides accurate electronic fanin with low signal skew, and dendritic-type fan-in processing capability in a compact layout. Optimal data-encoding methods and circuit techniques are discussed. The implementation of an prototype optoelectronic neural system, and its application to a simple recognition task is demonstrated. Finally, the design, analysis, and optimization of a (N,N,F) self-routing, packet-switched multistage interconnection network is described. The network is suitable for parallel computing and broadband switching applications. The tradeoff between optical and electronic interconnects is examined quantitatively by varying the electronic switch size K. The performance of the (N,N,F) network versus the fanning parameter F, is also analyzed. It is shown that the optoelectronic (N,N,F) networks provide a range of performance-cost alternatives, and offer superior performance-per-cost to fully electronic switching networks and to previous networks designs.

  4. Development of a new software for analyzing 3-D fracture network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Um, Jeong-Gi; Noh, Young-Hwan; Choi, Yosoon

    2014-05-01

    A new software is presented to analyze fracture network in 3-D. Recently, we completed the software package based on information given in EGU2013. The software consists of several modules that play roles in management of borehole data, stochastic modelling of fracture network, construction of analysis domain, visualization of fracture geometry in 3-D, calculation of equivalent pipes and production of cross-section diagrams. Intel Parallel Studio XE 2013, Visual Studio.NET 2010 and the open source VTK library were utilized as development tools to efficiently implement the modules and the graphical user interface of the software. A case study was performed to analyze 3-D fracture network system at the Upper Devonian Grosmont Formation in Alberta, Canada. The results have suggested that the developed software is effective in modelling and visualizing 3-D fracture network system, and can provide useful information to tackle the geomechanical problems related to strength, deformability and hydraulic behaviours of the fractured rock masses. This presentation describes the concept and details of the development and implementation of the software.

  5. Optical computing research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goodman, Joseph W.

    1987-10-01

    Work Accomplished: OPTICAL INTERCONNECTIONS - the powerful interconnect abilities of optical beams have led much optimism about the possible roles for optics in solving interconnect problems at various levels of computer architecture. Examined were the powerful requirements of optical interconnects at the gate-to-gate and chip-to-chip levels. OPTICAL NEUTRAL NETWORKS - basic studies of the convergence properties on the Holfield model, based on mathematical approach - graph theory. OPTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - review the field of optical processing and artificial intelligence, with the aim of finding areas that might be particularly attractive for future investigation(s).

  6. Power System Study for Renewable Energy Interconnection in Malaysia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Askar, O. F.; Ramachandaramurthy, V. K.

    2013-06-01

    The renewable energy (RE) sector has grown exponentially in Malaysia with the introduction of the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water. Photovoltaic, biogas, biomass and mini hydro are among the renewable energy sources which offer a lucrative tariff to incite developers in taking the green technology route. In order to receive the FIT, a developer is required by the utility company to perform a power system analysis which will determine the technical feasibility of an RE interconnection to the utility company's existing grid system. There are a number of aspects which the analysis looks at, the most important being the load flow and fault levels in the network after the introduction of an RE source. The analysis is done by modelling the utility company's existing network and simulating the network with the interconnection of an RE source. The results are then compared to the values before an interconnection is made as well as ensuring the voltage rise or the increase in fault levels do not violate any pre-existing regulations set by the utility company. This paper will delve into the mechanics of performing a load flow analysis and examining the results obtained.

  7. An interconnected network of core-forming melts produced by shear deformation

    PubMed

    Bruhn; Groebner; Kohlstedt

    2000-02-24

    The formation mechanism of terrestrial planetary cores is still poorly understood, and has been the subject of numerous experimental studies. Several mechanisms have been proposed by which metal--mainly iron with some nickel--could have been extracted from a silicate mantle to form the core. Most recent models involve gravitational sinking of molten metal or metal sulphide through a partially or fully molten mantle that is often referred to as a 'magma ocean'. Alternative models invoke percolation of molten metal along an interconnected network (that is, porous flow) through a solid silicate matrix. But experimental studies performed at high pressures have shown that, under hydrostatic conditions, these melts do not form an interconnected network, leading to the widespread assumption that formation of metallic cores requires a magma ocean. In contrast, here we present experiments which demonstrate that shear deformation to large strains can interconnect a significant fraction of initially isolated pockets of metal and metal sulphide melts in a solid matrix of polycrystalline olivine. Therefore, in a dynamic (non-hydrostatic) environment, percolation remains a viable mechanism for the segregation and migration of core-forming melts in a solid silicate mantle.

  8. Scaling Laws of Discrete-Fracture-Network Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Philippe, D.; Olivier, B.; Caroline, D.; Jean-Raynald, D.

    2006-12-01

    The statistical description of fracture networks through scale still remains a concern for geologists, considering the complexity of fracture networks. A challenging task of the last 20-years studies has been to find a solid and rectifiable rationale to the trivial observation that fractures exist everywhere and at all sizes. The emergence of fractal models and power-law distributions quantifies this fact, and postulates in some ways that small-scale fractures are genetically linked to their larger-scale relatives. But the validation of these scaling concepts still remains an issue considering the unreachable amount of information that would be necessary with regards to the complexity of natural fracture networks. Beyond the theoretical interest, a scaling law is a basic and necessary ingredient of Discrete-Fracture-Network models (DFN) that are used for many environmental and industrial applications (groundwater resources, mining industry, assessment of the safety of deep waste disposal sites, ..). Indeed, such a function is necessary to assemble scattered data, taken at different scales, into a unified scaling model, and to interpolate fracture densities between observations. In this study, we discuss some important issues related to scaling laws of DFN: - We first describe a complete theoretical and mathematical framework that takes account of both the fracture- size distribution and the fracture clustering through scales (fractal dimension). - We review the scaling laws that have been obtained, and we discuss the ability of fracture datasets to really constrain the parameters of the DFN model. - And finally we discuss the limits of scaling models.

  9. Adaptive Code Division Multiple Access Protocol for Wireless Network-on-Chip Architectures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vijayakumaran, Vineeth

    Massive levels of integration following Moore's Law ushered in a paradigm shift in the way on-chip interconnections were designed. With higher and higher number of cores on the same die traditional bus based interconnections are no longer a scalable communication infrastructure. On-chip networks were proposed enabled a scalable plug-and-play mechanism for interconnecting hundreds of cores on the same chip. Wired interconnects between the cores in a traditional Network-on-Chip (NoC) system, becomes a bottleneck with increase in the number of cores thereby increasing the latency and energy to transmit signals over them. Hence, there has been many alternative emerging interconnect technologies proposed, namely, 3D, photonic and multi-band RF interconnects. Although they provide better connectivity, higher speed and higher bandwidth compared to wired interconnects; they also face challenges with heat dissipation and manufacturing difficulties. On-chip wireless interconnects is one other alternative proposed which doesn't need physical interconnection layout as data travels over the wireless medium. They are integrated into a hybrid NOC architecture consisting of both wired and wireless links, which provides higher bandwidth, lower latency, lesser area overhead and reduced energy dissipation in communication. However, as the bandwidth of the wireless channels is limited, an efficient media access control (MAC) scheme is required to enhance the utilization of the available bandwidth. This thesis proposes using a multiple access mechanism such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to enable multiple transmitter-receiver pairs to send data over the wireless channel simultaneously. It will be shown that such a hybrid wireless NoC with an efficient CDMA based MAC protocol can significantly increase the performance of the system while lowering the energy dissipation in data transfer. In this work it is shown that the wireless NoC with the proposed CDMA based MAC protocol outperformed the wired counterparts and several other wireless architectures proposed in literature in terms of bandwidth and packet energy dissipation. Significant gains were observed in packet energy dissipation and bandwidth even with scaling the system to higher number of cores. Non-uniform traffic simulations showed that the proposed CDMA-WiNoC was consistent in bandwidth across all traffic patterns. It is also shown that the CDMA based MAC scheme does not introduce additional reliability concerns in data transfer over the on-chip wireless interconnects.

  10. Coupled Hydro-mechanical process of natural fracture network formation in sedimentary basin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ouraga, zady; Guy, Nicolas; Pouya, amade

    2017-04-01

    In sedimentary basin numerous phenomenon depending on the geological time span and its history can lead to a decrease in effective stress and therefore result in fracture initiation. Thus, during its formation, under certain conditions, natural fracturing and fracture network formation can occur in various context such as under erosion, tectonic loading and the compaction disequilibrium due to significant sedimentation rate. In this work, natural fracture network and fracture spacing induced by significant sedimentation rate is studied considering mode I fracture propagation, using a coupled hydro-mechanical numerical methods. Assumption of vertical fracture can be considered as a relevant hypothesis in our case of low ratio of horizontal total stress to vertical stress. A particular emphasis is put on synthetic geological structure on which a constant sedimentation rate is imposed on its top. This synthetic geological structure contains defects initially closed and homogeneously distributed. The Fractures are modeled with a constitutive model undergoing damage and the flow is described by poiseuille's law. The damage parameter affects both the mechanical and the hydraulic opening of the fracture. For the numerical simulations, the code Porofis based on finite element modeling is used, fractures are taken into account by cohesive model and the flow is described by Poiseuille's law. The effect of several parameters is also studied and the analysis lead to a fracture network and fracture spacing criterion for basin modeling.

  11. 47 CFR 51.501 - Scope.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES (CONTINUED) INTERCONNECTION Pricing of Elements § 51.501 Scope. (a) The rules in this subpart apply to the pricing of network elements, interconnection, and methods of obtaining access to unbundled elements, including physical collocation and virtual...

  12. Relationships between fractures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peacock, D. C. P.; Sanderson, D. J.; Rotevatn, A.

    2018-01-01

    Fracture systems comprise many fractures that may be grouped into sets based on their orientation, type and relative age. The fractures are often arranged in a network that involves fracture branches that interact with one another. Interacting fractures are termed geometrically coupled when they share an intersection line and/or kinematically coupled when the displacements, stresses and strains of one fracture influences those of the other. Fracture interactions are characterised in terms of the following. 1) Fracture type: for example, whether they have opening (e.g., joints, veins, dykes), closing (stylolites, compaction bands), shearing (e.g., faults, deformation bands) or mixed-mode displacements. 2) Geometry (e.g., relative orientations) and topology (the arrangement of the fractures, including their connectivity). 3) Chronology: the relative ages of the fractures. 4) Kinematics: the displacement distributions of the interacting fractures. It is also suggested that interaction can be characterised in terms of mechanics, e.g., the effects of the interaction on the stress field. It is insufficient to describe only the components of a fracture network, with fuller understanding coming from determining the interactions between the different components of the network.

  13. An Equivalent Fracture Modeling Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Shaohua; Zhang, Shujuan; Yu, Gaoming; Xu, Aiyun

    2017-12-01

    3D fracture network model is built based on discrete fracture surfaces, which are simulated based on fracture length, dip, aperture, height and so on. The interesting area of Wumishan Formation of Renqiu buried hill reservoir is about 57 square kilometer and the thickness of target strata is more than 2000 meters. In addition with great fracture density, the fracture simulation and upscaling of discrete fracture network model of Wumishan Formation are very intense computing. In order to solve this problem, a method of equivalent fracture modeling is proposed. First of all, taking the fracture interpretation data obtained from imaging logging and conventional logging as the basic data, establish the reservoir level model, and then under the constraint of reservoir level model, take fault distance analysis model as the second variable, establish fracture density model by Sequential Gaussian Simulation method. Increasing the width, height and length of fracture, at the same time decreasing its density in order to keep the similar porosity and permeability after upscaling discrete fracture network model. In this way, the fracture model of whole interesting area can be built within an accepted time.

  14. Modelling karst aquifer evolution in fractured, porous rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaufmann, Georg

    2016-12-01

    The removal of material in soluble rocks by physical and chemical dissolution is an important process enhancing the secondary porosity of soluble rocks. Depending on the history of the soluble rock, dissolution can occur either along fractures and bedding partings of the rock in the case of a telogenetic origin, or within the interconnected pore space in the case of eogenetic origin. In soluble rocks characterised by both fractures and pore space, dissolution in both flow compartments is possible. We investigate the dissolution of calcite both along fractures and within the pore space of a limestone rock by numerical modelling. The limestone rock is treated as fractured, porous aquifer, in which the hydraulic conductivity increases with time both for the fractures and the pore spaces. We show that enlargement of pore space by dissolution will accelerate the development of a classical fracture-dominated telogenetic karst aquifer, breakthrough occurs faster. In the case of a pore-controlled aquifer as in eogenetic rocks, enlargement of pores results in a front of enlarged pore spaces migrating into the karst aquifer, with more homogeneous enlargement around this dissolution front, and later breakthrough.

  15. Optical interconnection and packaging technologies for advanced avionics systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schroeder, J. E.; Christian, N. L.; Cotti, B.

    1992-09-01

    An optical backplane developed to demonstrate the advantages of high-performance optical interconnections and supporting technologies and designed to be compatible with standard avionics racks is described. The hardware demonstrates the three basic components of optical interconnects: optical sources, an optical signal distribution network, and optical receivers. Results from characterization and environmental tests, including a demonstration of the reliable transmission of serial data at a 1 Gb/s, are reported.

  16. Podoplanin immunopositive lymphatic vessels at the implant interface in a rat model of osteoporotic fractures.

    PubMed

    Lips, Katrin Susanne; Kauschke, Vivien; Hartmann, Sonja; Thormann, Ulrich; Ray, Seemun; Kampschulte, Marian; Langheinrich, Alexander; Schumacher, Matthias; Gelinsky, Michael; Heinemann, Sascha; Hanke, Thomas; Kautz, Armin R; Schnabelrauch, Matthias; Schnettler, Reinhard; Heiss, Christian; Alt, Volker; Kilian, Olaf

    2013-01-01

    Insertion of bone substitution materials accelerates healing of osteoporotic fractures. Biodegradable materials are preferred for application in osteoporotic patients to avoid a second surgery for implant replacement. Degraded implant fragments are often absorbed by macrophages that are removed from the fracture side via passage through veins or lymphatic vessels. We investigated if lymphatic vessels occur in osteoporotic bone defects and whether they are regulated by the use of different materials. To address this issue osteoporosis was induced in rats using the classical method of bilateral ovariectomy and additional calcium and vitamin deficient diet. In addition, wedge-shaped defects of 3, 4, or 5 mm were generated in the distal metaphyseal area of femur via osteotomy. The 4 mm defects were subsequently used for implantation studies where bone substitution materials of calcium phosphate cement, composites of collagen and silica, and iron foams with interconnecting pores were inserted. Different materials were partly additionally functionalized by strontium or bisphosphonate whose positive effects in osteoporosis treatment are well known. The lymphatic vessels were identified by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against podoplanin. Podoplanin immunopositive lymphatic vessels were detected in the granulation tissue filling the fracture gap, surrounding the implant and growing into the iron foam through its interconnected pores. Significant more lymphatic capillaries were counted at the implant interface of composite, strontium and bisphosphonate functionalized iron foam. A significant increase was also observed in the number of lymphatics situated in the pores of strontium coated iron foam. In conclusion, our results indicate the occurrence of lymphatic vessels in osteoporotic bone. Our results show that lymphatic vessels are localized at the implant interface and in the fracture gap where they might be involved in the removal of lymphocytes, macrophages, debris and the implants degradation products. Therefore the lymphatic vessels are involved in implant integration and fracture healing.

  17. Podoplanin Immunopositive Lymphatic Vessels at the Implant Interface in a Rat Model of Osteoporotic Fractures

    PubMed Central

    Lips, Katrin Susanne; Kauschke, Vivien; Hartmann, Sonja; Thormann, Ulrich; Ray, Seemun; Kampschulte, Marian; Langheinrich, Alexander; Schumacher, Matthias; Gelinsky, Michael; Heinemann, Sascha; Hanke, Thomas; Kautz, Armin R.; Schnabelrauch, Matthias; Schnettler, Reinhard; Heiss, Christian; Alt, Volker; Kilian, Olaf

    2013-01-01

    Insertion of bone substitution materials accelerates healing of osteoporotic fractures. Biodegradable materials are preferred for application in osteoporotic patients to avoid a second surgery for implant replacement. Degraded implant fragments are often absorbed by macrophages that are removed from the fracture side via passage through veins or lymphatic vessels. We investigated if lymphatic vessels occur in osteoporotic bone defects and whether they are regulated by the use of different materials. To address this issue osteoporosis was induced in rats using the classical method of bilateral ovariectomy and additional calcium and vitamin deficient diet. In addition, wedge-shaped defects of 3, 4, or 5 mm were generated in the distal metaphyseal area of femur via osteotomy. The 4 mm defects were subsequently used for implantation studies where bone substitution materials of calcium phosphate cement, composites of collagen and silica, and iron foams with interconnecting pores were inserted. Different materials were partly additionally functionalized by strontium or bisphosphonate whose positive effects in osteoporosis treatment are well known. The lymphatic vessels were identified by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against podoplanin. Podoplanin immunopositive lymphatic vessels were detected in the granulation tissue filling the fracture gap, surrounding the implant and growing into the iron foam through its interconnected pores. Significant more lymphatic capillaries were counted at the implant interface of composite, strontium and bisphosphonate functionalized iron foam. A significant increase was also observed in the number of lymphatics situated in the pores of strontium coated iron foam. In conclusion, our results indicate the occurrence of lymphatic vessels in osteoporotic bone. Our results show that lymphatic vessels are localized at the implant interface and in the fracture gap where they might be involved in the removal of lymphocytes, macrophages, debris and the implants degradation products. Therefore the lymphatic vessels are involved in implant integration and fracture healing. PMID:24130867

  18. 3D characterization of the fracture network in a deformed chalk reservoir analogue: The Lagerdorf case

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Koestler, A.G.; Reksten, K.

    1994-12-31

    Quantitative descriptions of the 3D fracture networks in terms of connectivity, fracture types, fracture surface roughness and flow characteristics are necessary for reservoir evaluation, management, and enhanced oil recovery programs of fractured reservoirs. For a period of 2 years, a research project focused on an analogue to fractured chalk reservoirs excellently exposed near Laegerdorf, NW Germany. Upper Cretaceous chalk has been uplifted and deformed by an underlying salt diapir, and is now exploited for the cement industry. In the production wall of a quarry, the fracture network of the deformed chalk was characterized and mapped at different scales. The wallmore » was scraped off as chalk exploitation proceeded, continuously revealing new sections through the faulted and fractured chalk body. A 230 m long part of the 35m high production wall was investigated during its recess of 25m. The large amount of fracture data were analyzed with respect to parameters such as fracture density distribution, orientation- and length distribution, and in terms of the representativity of data sets collected from restricted rock volumes. This 3D description and analysis of a fracture network revealed quantitative generic parameters of importance for modeling chalk reservoirs with less data and lower data quality.« less

  19. A new upper bound for the norm of interval matrices with application to robust stability analysis of delayed neural networks.

    PubMed

    Faydasicok, Ozlem; Arik, Sabri

    2013-08-01

    The main problem with the analysis of robust stability of neural networks is to find the upper bound norm for the intervalized interconnection matrices of neural networks. In the previous literature, the major three upper bound norms for the intervalized interconnection matrices have been reported and they have been successfully applied to derive new sufficient conditions for robust stability of delayed neural networks. One of the main contributions of this paper will be the derivation of a new upper bound for the norm of the intervalized interconnection matrices of neural networks. Then, by exploiting this new upper bound norm of interval matrices and using stability theory of Lyapunov functionals and the theory of homomorphic mapping, we will obtain new sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness and global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point for the class of neural networks with discrete time delays under parameter uncertainties and with respect to continuous and slope-bounded activation functions. The results obtained in this paper will be shown to be new and they can be considered alternative results to previously published corresponding results. We also give some illustrative and comparative numerical examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed robust stability condition. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Predicting bulk permeability using outcrop fracture attributes: The benefits of a Maximum Likelihood Estimator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rizzo, R. E.; Healy, D.; De Siena, L.

    2015-12-01

    The success of any model prediction is largely dependent on the accuracy with which its parameters are known. In characterising fracture networks in naturally fractured rocks, the main issues are related with the difficulties in accurately up- and down-scaling the parameters governing the distribution of fracture attributes. Optimal characterisation and analysis of fracture attributes (fracture lengths, apertures, orientations and densities) represents a fundamental step which can aid the estimation of permeability and fluid flow, which are of primary importance in a number of contexts ranging from hydrocarbon production in fractured reservoirs and reservoir stimulation by hydrofracturing, to geothermal energy extraction and deeper Earth systems, such as earthquakes and ocean floor hydrothermal venting. This work focuses on linking fracture data collected directly from outcrops to permeability estimation and fracture network modelling. Outcrop studies can supplement the limited data inherent to natural fractured systems in the subsurface. The study area is a highly fractured upper Miocene biosiliceous mudstone formation cropping out along the coastline north of Santa Cruz (California, USA). These unique outcrops exposes a recently active bitumen-bearing formation representing a geological analogue of a fractured top seal. In order to validate field observations as useful analogues of subsurface reservoirs, we describe a methodology of statistical analysis for more accurate probability distribution of fracture attributes, using Maximum Likelihood Estimators. These procedures aim to understand whether the average permeability of a fracture network can be predicted reducing its uncertainties, and if outcrop measurements of fracture attributes can be used directly to generate statistically identical fracture network models.

  1. Depressive Symptoms and Their Interactions With Emotions and Personality Traits Over Time: Interaction Networks in a Psychiatric Clinic.

    PubMed

    Semino, Laura N; Marksteiner, Josef; Brauchle, Gernot; Danay, Erik

    2017-04-13

    Associations between depression, personality traits, and emotions are complex and reciprocal. The aim of this study is to explore these interactions in dynamical networks and in a linear way over time depending on the severity of depression. Participants included 110 patients with depressive symptoms (DSM-5 criteria) who were recruited between October 2015 and February 2016 during their inpatient stay in a general psychiatric hospital in Hall in Tyrol, Austria. The patients filled out the Beck Depression Inventory-II, a German emotional competence questionnaire (Emotionale Kompetenz Fragebogen), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the German versions of the Big Five Inventory-short form and State-Trait-Anxiety-Depression Inventory regarding symptoms, emotions, and personality during their inpatient stay and at a 3-month follow-up by mail. Network and regression analyses were performed to explore interactions both in a linear and a dynamical way at baseline and 3 months later. Regression analyses showed that emotions and personality traits gain importance for the prediction of depressive symptoms with decreasing symptomatology at follow-up (personality: baseline, adjusted R2 = 0.24, P < .001; follow-up, adjusted R2 = 0.65, P < .001). Network analyses additionally showed that the interaction network of depression, emotions, and personality traits is significantly denser and more interconnected (network comparison test: P = .03) at follow-up than at baseline, meaning that with decreased symptoms interconnections get stronger. During depression, personality traits and emotions are walled off and not strongly interconnected with depressive symptoms in networks. With decreasing depressive symptomatology, interfusing of these areas begins and interconnections become stronger. This finding has practical implications for interventions in an acute depressive state and with decreased symptoms. The network approach offers a new perspective on interactions and is a way to make the complexity of these interactions more tangible. © Copyright 2017 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

  2. Percolation of fracture networks and stereology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thovert, Jean-Francois; Mourzenko, Valeri; Adler, Pierre

    2017-04-01

    The overall properties of fractured porous media depend on the percolative character of the fracture network in a crucial way. The most important examples are permeability and transport. In a recent systematic study, a very wide range of regular, irregular and random fracture shapes is considered, in monodisperse or polydisperse networks containing fractures with different shapes and/or sizes. A simple and new model involving a dimensionless density and a new shape factor is proposed for the percolation threshold, which accounts very efficiently for the influence of the fracture shape. It applies with very good accuracy to monodisperse or moderately polydisperse networks, and provides a good first estimation in other situations. A polydispersity index is shown to control the need for a correction, and the corrective term is modelled for the investigated size distributions. Moreover, and this is crucial for practical applications, the relevant quantities which are present in the expression of the percolation threshold can all be determined from trace maps. An exact and complete set of relations can be derived when the fractures are assumed to be Identical, Isotropically Oriented and Uniformly Distributed (I2OUD). Therefore, the dimensionless density of such networks can be derived directly from the trace maps and its percolating character can be a priori predicted. These relations involve the first five moments of the trace lengths. It is clear that the higher order moments are sensitive to truncation due to the boundaries of the sampling domain. However, it can be shown that the truncation effect can be fully taken into account and corrected, for any fracture shape, size and orientation distributions, if the fractures are spatially uniformly distributed. Systematic applications of these results are made to real fracture networks that we previously analyzed by other means and to numerically simulated networks. It is important to know if the stereological results and their applications can be extended to networks which are not I2OUD. In other words, for a given trace map, an equivalent I2OUD network is defined whose percolating character and permeability are readily deduced. The conditions under which these predicted properties are not too far from the real properties are under investigation.

  3. Simulation of two-phase flow in horizontal fracture networks with numerical manifold method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, G. W.; Wang, H. D.; Fan, L. F.; Wang, B.

    2017-10-01

    The paper presents simulation of two-phase flow in discrete fracture networks with numerical manifold method (NMM). Each phase of fluids is considered to be confined within the assumed discrete interfaces in the present method. The homogeneous model is modified to approach the mixed fluids. A new mathematical cover formation for fracture intersection is proposed to satisfy the mass conservation. NMM simulations of two-phase flow in a single fracture, intersection, and fracture network are illustrated graphically and validated by the analytical method or the finite element method. Results show that the motion status of discrete interface significantly depends on the ratio of mobility of two fluids rather than the value of the mobility. The variation of fluid velocity in each fracture segment and the driven fluid content are also influenced by the ratio of mobility. The advantages of NMM in the simulation of two-phase flow in a fracture network are demonstrated in the present study, which can be further developed for practical engineering applications.

  4. Modeling Responses of Naturally Fractured Geothermal Reservoir to Low-Pressure Stimulation

    DOE Data Explorer

    Fu, Pengcheng; Carrigan, Charles R.

    2012-01-01

    Hydraulic shearing is an appealing reservoir stimulation strategy for Enhanced Geothermal Systems. It is believed that hydro-shearing is likely to simulate a fracture network that covers a relatively large volume of the reservoir whereas hydro-fracturing tends to create a small number of fractures. In this paper, we examine the geomechanical and hydraulic behaviors of natural fracture systems subjected to hydro-shearing stimulation and develop a coupled numerical model within the framework of discrete fracture network modeling. We found that in the low pressure hydro-shearing regime, the coupling between the fluid phase and the rock solid phase is relatively simple, and the numerical model is computationally efficient. Using this modified model, we study the behavior of a random fracture network subjected to hydro-shearing stimulation.

  5. Discrete Dual Porosity Modeling of Electrical Current Flow in Fractured Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roubinet, D.; Irving, J.

    2013-12-01

    The study of fractured rocks is highly important in a variety of research fields and applications such as hydrogeology, geothermal energy, hydrocarbon extraction, and the long-term storage of toxic waste. Fractured media are characterized by a large contrast in permeability between the fractures and the rock matrix. For hydrocarbon extraction, the presence of highly conductive fractures is an advantage as they allow for quick and easy access to the resource. For toxic waste storage, however, the fractures represent a significant drawback as there is an increased risk of leakage and migration of pollutants deep into the subsurface. In both cases, the identification of fracture network characteristics is a critical, challenging, and required step. A number of previous studies have indicated that the presence of fractures in geological materials can have a significant impact on geophysical electrical resistivity measurements. It thus appears that, in some cases, geoelectrical surveys might be used to obtain useful information regarding fracture network characteristics. However, existing geoelectrical modeling tools and inversion methods are not properly adapted to deal with the specific challenges of fractured media. This prevents us from fully exploring the potential of the method to characterize fracture network properties. We thus require, as a first step, the development of accurate and efficient numerical modeling tools specifically designed for fractured domains. Building on the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach that has been widely used for modeling groundwater flow in fractured rocks, we have developed a discrete dual-porosity model for electrical current flow in fractured media. Our novel approach combines an explicit representation of the fractures with fracture-matrix electrical flow exchange at the block-scale. Tests in two dimensions show the ability of our method to deal with highly heterogeneous fracture networks in a highly computationally efficient manner, which permits us to study the impact of fractures and their properties on the electrical response of the domain. With additional development, the method will be extended to three dimensions and used in the context of geoelectrical field investigations.

  6. Modeling of Propagation of Interacting Cracks Under Hydraulic Pressure Gradient

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, Hai; Mattson, Earl Douglas; Podgorney, Robert Karl

    A robust and reliable numerical model for fracture initiation and propagation, which includes the interactions among propagating fractures and the coupling between deformation, fracturing and fluid flow in fracture apertures and in the permeable rock matrix, would be an important tool for developing a better understanding of fracturing behaviors of crystalline brittle rocks driven by thermal and (or) hydraulic pressure gradients. In this paper, we present a physics-based hydraulic fracturing simulator based on coupling a quasi-static discrete element model (DEM) for deformation and fracturing with conjugate lattice network flow model for fluid flow in both fractures and porous matrix. Fracturingmore » is represented explicitly by removing broken bonds from the network to represent microcracks. Initiation of new microfractures and growth and coalescence of the microcracks leads to the formation of macroscopic fractures when external and/or internal loads are applied. The coupled DEM-network flow model reproduces realistic growth pattern of hydraulic fractures. In particular, simulation results of perforated horizontal wellbore clearly demonstrate that elastic interactions among multiple propagating fractures, fluid viscosity, strong coupling between fluid pressure fluctuations within fractures and fracturing, and lower length scale heterogeneities, collectively lead to complicated fracturing patterns.« less

  7. Fracture network evaluation program (FraNEP): A software for analyzing 2D fracture trace-line maps

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeeb, Conny; Gomez-Rivas, Enrique; Bons, Paul D.; Virgo, Simon; Blum, Philipp

    2013-10-01

    Fractures, such as joints, faults and veins, strongly influence the transport of fluids through rocks by either enhancing or inhibiting flow. Techniques used for the automatic detection of lineaments from satellite images and aerial photographs, LIDAR technologies and borehole televiewers significantly enhanced data acquisition. The analysis of such data is often performed manually or with different analysis software. Here we present a novel program for the analysis of 2D fracture networks called FraNEP (Fracture Network Evaluation Program). The program was developed using Visual Basic for Applications in Microsoft Excel™ and combines features from different existing software and characterization techniques. The main novelty of FraNEP is the possibility to analyse trace-line maps of fracture networks applying the (1) scanline sampling, (2) window sampling or (3) circular scanline and window method, without the need of switching programs. Additionally, binning problems are avoided by using cumulative distributions, rather than probability density functions. FraNEP is a time-efficient tool for the characterisation of fracture network parameters, such as density, intensity and mean length. Furthermore, fracture strikes can be visualized using rose diagrams and a fitting routine evaluates the distribution of fracture lengths. As an example of its application, we use FraNEP to analyse a case study of lineament data from a satellite image of the Oman Mountains.

  8. Influence of Landscape Coverage on Measuring Spatial and Length Properties of Rock Fracture Networks: Insights from Numerical Simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Wenzhuo; Lei, Qinghua

    2018-01-01

    Natural fractures are ubiquitous in the Earth's crust and often deeply buried in the subsurface. Due to the difficulty in accessing to their three-dimensional structures, the study of fracture network geometry is usually achieved by sampling two-dimensional (2D) exposures at the Earth's surface through outcrop mapping or aerial photograph techniques. However, the measurement results can be considerably affected by the coverage of forests and other plant species over the exposed fracture patterns. We quantitatively study such effects using numerical simulation. We consider the scenario of nominally isotropic natural fracture systems and represent them using 2D discrete fracture network models governed by fractal and length scaling parameters. The groundcover is modelled as random patches superimposing onto the 2D fracture patterns. The effects of localisation and total coverage of landscape patches are further investigated. The fractal dimension and length exponent of the covered fracture networks are measured and compared with those of the original non-covered patterns. The results show that the measured length exponent increases with the reduced localisation and increased coverage of landscape patches, which is more evident for networks dominated by very large fractures (i.e. small underlying length exponent). However, the landscape coverage seems to have a minor impact on the fractal dimension measurement. The research findings of this paper have important implications for field survey and statistical analysis of geological systems.

  9. Fracture network created by 3D printer and its validation using CT images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuki, A.; Watanabe, N.; Li, K.; Horne, R. N.

    2017-12-01

    Understanding flow mechanisms in fractured media is essential for geoscientific research and geological development industries. This study used 3D printed fracture networks in order to control the properties of fracture distributions inside the sample. The accuracy and appropriateness of creating samples by the 3D printer was investigated by using a X-ray CT scanner. The CT scan images suggest that the 3D printer is able to reproduce complex three-dimensional spatial distributions of fracture networks. Use of hexane after printing was found to be an effective way to remove wax for the post-treatment. Local permeability was obtained by the cubic law and used to calculate the global mean. The experimental value of the permeability was between the arithmetic and geometric means of the numerical results, which is consistent with conventional studies. This methodology based on 3D printed fracture networks can help validate existing flow modeling and numerical methods.

  10. A Discrete Fracture Network Model with Stress-Driven Nucleation and Growth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lavoine, E.; Darcel, C.; Munier, R.; Davy, P.

    2017-12-01

    The realism of Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models, beyond the bulk statistical properties, relies on the spatial organization of fractures, which is not issued by purely stochastic DFN models. The realism can be improved by injecting prior information in DFN from a better knowledge of the geological fracturing processes. We first develop a model using simple kinematic rules for mimicking the growth of fractures from nucleation to arrest, in order to evaluate the consequences of the DFN structure on the network connectivity and flow properties. The model generates fracture networks with power-law scaling distributions and a percentage of T-intersections that are consistent with field observations. Nevertheless, a larger complexity relying on the spatial variability of natural fractures positions cannot be explained by the random nucleation process. We propose to introduce a stress-driven nucleation in the timewise process of this kinematic model to study the correlations between nucleation, growth and existing fracture patterns. The method uses the stress field generated by existing fractures and remote stress as an input for a Monte-Carlo sampling of nuclei centers at each time step. Networks so generated are found to have correlations over a large range of scales, with a correlation dimension that varies with time and with the function that relates the nucleation probability to stress. A sensibility analysis of input parameters has been performed in 3D to quantify the influence of fractures and remote stress field orientations.

  11. Analysis of the influencing factors of global energy interconnection development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yi; He, Yongxiu; Ge, Sifan; Liu, Lin

    2018-04-01

    Under the background of building global energy interconnection and achieving green and low-carbon development, this paper grasps a new round of energy restructuring and the trend of energy technology change, based on the present situation of global and China's global energy interconnection development, established the index system of the impact of global energy interconnection development factors. A subjective and objective weight analysis of the factors affecting the development of the global energy interconnection was conducted separately by network level analysis and entropy method, and the weights are summed up by the method of additive integration, which gives the comprehensive weight of the influencing factors and the ranking of their influence.

  12. Radionuclide gas transport through nuclear explosion-generated fracture networks

    DOE PAGES

    Jordan, Amy B.; Stauffer, Philip H.; Knight, Earl E.; ...

    2015-12-17

    Underground nuclear weapon testing produces radionuclide gases which may seep to the surface. Barometric pumping of gas through explosion-fractured rock is investigated using a new sequentially-coupled hydrodynamic rock damage/gas transport model. Fracture networks are produced for two rock types (granite and tuff) and three depths of burial. The fracture networks are integrated into a flow and transport numerical model driven by surface pressure signals of differing amplitude and variability. There are major differences between predictions using a realistic fracture network and prior results that used a simplified geometry. Matrix porosity and maximum fracture aperture have the greatest impact on gasmore » breakthrough time and window of opportunity for detection, with different effects between granite and tuff simulations highlighting the importance of accurately simulating the fracture network. In particular, maximum fracture aperture has an opposite effect on tuff and granite, due to different damage patterns and their effect on the barometric pumping process. From stochastic simulations using randomly generated hydrogeologic parameters, normalized detection curves are presented to show differences in optimal sampling time for granite and tuff simulations. In conclusion, seasonal and location-based effects on breakthrough, which occur due to differences in barometric forcing, are stronger where the barometric signal is highly variable.« less

  13. Radionuclide gas transport through nuclear explosion-generated fracture networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jordan, Amy B.; Stauffer, Philip H.; Knight, Earl E.

    Underground nuclear weapon testing produces radionuclide gases which may seep to the surface. Barometric pumping of gas through explosion-fractured rock is investigated using a new sequentially-coupled hydrodynamic rock damage/gas transport model. Fracture networks are produced for two rock types (granite and tuff) and three depths of burial. The fracture networks are integrated into a flow and transport numerical model driven by surface pressure signals of differing amplitude and variability. There are major differences between predictions using a realistic fracture network and prior results that used a simplified geometry. Matrix porosity and maximum fracture aperture have the greatest impact on gasmore » breakthrough time and window of opportunity for detection, with different effects between granite and tuff simulations highlighting the importance of accurately simulating the fracture network. In particular, maximum fracture aperture has an opposite effect on tuff and granite, due to different damage patterns and their effect on the barometric pumping process. From stochastic simulations using randomly generated hydrogeologic parameters, normalized detection curves are presented to show differences in optimal sampling time for granite and tuff simulations. In conclusion, seasonal and location-based effects on breakthrough, which occur due to differences in barometric forcing, are stronger where the barometric signal is highly variable.« less

  14. Network Leadership: An Emerging Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tremblay, Christopher W.

    2012-01-01

    Network leadership is an emerging approach that can have an impact on change in education and in society. According to Merriam-Webster (2011), a network is "an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system." Intentional interconnectedness is what separates network leadership from other leadership theories. Network leadership has the…

  15. Implementation of virtual LANs over ATM WANs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Braun, Torsten; Maehler, Martin

    1998-09-01

    Virtual LANs (VLANs) allow to interconnect users over campus or wide area networks and gives the users the impression as they would be connected to the same local area network (LAN). The implementation of VLANs is based on ATM Forum's LAN Emulation and LAN/ATM switches providing interconnection of emulated LANs over ATM and the LAN ports to which the user's end systems are attached to. The paper discusses possible implementation architectures and describes advanced features such as ATM short-cuts, QoS, and redundancy concepts.

  16. An integrated workflow for stress and flow modelling using outcrop-derived discrete fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bisdom, K.; Nick, H. M.; Bertotti, G.

    2017-06-01

    Fluid flow in naturally fractured reservoirs is often controlled by subseismic-scale fracture networks. Although the fracture network can be partly sampled in the direct vicinity of wells, the inter-well scale network is poorly constrained in fractured reservoir models. Outcrop analogues can provide data for populating domains of the reservoir model where no direct measurements are available. However, extracting relevant statistics from large outcrops representative of inter-well scale fracture networks remains challenging. Recent advances in outcrop imaging provide high-resolution datasets that can cover areas of several hundred by several hundred meters, i.e. the domain between adjacent wells, but even then, data from the high-resolution models is often upscaled to reservoir flow grids, resulting in loss of accuracy. We present a workflow that uses photorealistic georeferenced outcrop models to construct geomechanical and fluid flow models containing thousands of discrete fractures covering sufficiently large areas, that does not require upscaling to model permeability. This workflow seamlessly integrates geomechanical Finite Element models with flow models that take into account stress-sensitive fracture permeability and matrix flow to determine the full permeability tensor. The applicability of this workflow is illustrated using an outcropping carbonate pavement in the Potiguar basin in Brazil, from which 1082 fractures are digitised. The permeability tensor for a range of matrix permeabilities shows that conventional upscaling to effective grid properties leads to potential underestimation of the true permeability and the orientation of principal permeabilities. The presented workflow yields the full permeability tensor model of discrete fracture networks with stress-induced apertures, instead of relying on effective properties as most conventional flow models do.

  17. Limitations and tradeoffs in synchronization of large-scale networks with uncertain links

    PubMed Central

    Diwadkar, Amit; Vaidya, Umesh

    2016-01-01

    The synchronization of nonlinear systems connected over large-scale networks has gained popularity in a variety of applications, such as power grids, sensor networks, and biology. Stochastic uncertainty in the interconnections is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in these physical and biological networks. We provide a size-independent network sufficient condition for the synchronization of scalar nonlinear systems with stochastic linear interactions over large-scale networks. This sufficient condition, expressed in terms of nonlinear dynamics, the Laplacian eigenvalues of the nominal interconnections, and the variance and location of the stochastic uncertainty, allows us to define a synchronization margin. We provide an analytical characterization of important trade-offs between the internal nonlinear dynamics, network topology, and uncertainty in synchronization. For nearest neighbour networks, the existence of an optimal number of neighbours with a maximum synchronization margin is demonstrated. An analytical formula for the optimal gain that produces the maximum synchronization margin allows us to compare the synchronization properties of various complex network topologies. PMID:27067994

  18. Cyclic deformation-induced solute transport in tissue scaffolds with computer designed, interconnected, pore networks: experiments and simulations.

    PubMed

    Den Buijs, Jorn Op; Dragomir-Daescu, Dan; Ritman, Erik L

    2009-08-01

    Nutrient supply and waste removal in porous tissue engineering scaffolds decrease from the periphery to the center, leading to limited depth of ingrowth of new tissue into the scaffold. However, as many tissues experience cyclic physiological strains, this may provide a mechanism to enhance solute transport in vivo before vascularization of the scaffold. The hypothesis of this study was that pore cross-sectional geometry and interconnectivity are of major importance for the effectiveness of cyclic deformation-induced solute transport. Transparent elastic polyurethane scaffolds, with computer-programmed design of pore networks in the form of interconnected channels, were fabricated using a 3D printing and injection molding technique. The scaffold pores were loaded with a colored tracer for optical contrast, cyclically compressed with deformations of 10 and 15% of the original undeformed height at 1.0 Hz. Digital imaging was used to quantify the spatial distribution of the tracer concentration within the pores. Numerical simulations of a fluid-structure interaction model of deformation-induced solute transport were compared to the experimental data. The results of experiments and modeling agreed well and showed that pore interconnectivity heavily influences deformation-induced solute transport. Pore cross-sectional geometry appears to be of less relative importance in interconnected pore networks. Validated computer models of solute transport can be used to design optimal scaffold pore geometries that will enhance the convective transport of nutrients inside the scaffold and the removal of waste, thus improving the cell survivability deep inside the scaffold.

  19. A large-scale photonic node architecture that utilizes interconnected OXC subsystems.

    PubMed

    Iwai, Yuto; Hasegawa, Hiroshi; Sato, Ken-ichi

    2013-01-14

    We propose a novel photonic node architecture that is composed of interconnected small-scale optical cross-connect subsystems. We also developed an efficient dynamic network control algorithm that complies with a restriction on the number of intra-node fibers used for subsystem interconnection. Numerical evaluations verify that the proposed architecture offers almost the same performance as the equivalent single large-scale cross-connect switch, while enabling substantial hardware scale reductions.

  20. Impact of Stress on Anomalous Transport in Fractured Rock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, P. K.; Lei, Q.; Lee, S.; Dentz, M.; Juanes, R.

    2016-12-01

    Fluid flow and transport in fractured rock controls many natural and engineered processes in the subsurface. However, characterizing flow and transport through fractured media is challenging due to the large heterogeneity of fractured rock properties. In addition to these "static" challenges, geologic fractures are always under significant overburden stress, and changes in the stress state can lead to changes in the fracture's ability to conduct fluids. While confining stress has been shown to impact fluid flow through fractures in a fundamental way, the impact of confining stress on transport through fractured rock remains largely unexplored. The link between anomalous (non-Fickian) transport and confining stress has been shown only recently, at the level of a single rough fracture [1]. Here, we investigate the impact of confining stress on flow and transport through discrete fracture networks. We model geomechanical effects in 2D fractured rock by means of a finite-discrete element method (FEMDEM), which can capture the deformation of matrix blocks, reactivation and propagation of cracks. We implement a joint constitutive model within the FEMDEM framework to simulate the effect of fracture roughness. We apply the model to a fracture network extracted from the geological map of an actual outcrop to obtain the aperture field at different stress conditions (Figure 1). We then simulate fluid flow and particle transport through the stressed fracture networks. We observe that anomalous transport emerges in response to confining stress on the fracture networks, and show that this anomalous behavior can be linked to the stress state of the rock. Finally, we develop an effective transport model that captures the anomalous transport through stressed fractures. Our results point to a heretofore unrecognized link between geomechanics and anomalous transport in discrete fractured networks. [1] P. K. Kang, S. Brown, and R. Juanes, Emergence of anomalous transport in stressed rough fractures. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, to appear (2016). Figure (a) Map of maximum principal stress with a vertical normal compressive stress of 3 MPa at top and bottom boundaries, and 1MPa at left and right boundaries. (b) Normal compressive stress of 15 MPa at top and bottom boundaries, and 5MPa at left and right boundaries.

  1. Open Systems Interconnection.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Denenberg, Ray

    1985-01-01

    Discusses the need for standards allowing computer-to-computer communication and gives examples of technical issues. The seven-layer framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is explained and illustrated. Sidebars feature public data networks and Recommendation X.25, OSI standards, OSI layer functions, and a glossary.…

  2. Design process of a photonics network for military platforms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nelson, George F.; Rao, Nagarajan M.; Krawczak, John A.; Stevens, Rick C.

    1999-02-01

    Technology development in photonics is rapidly progressing. The concept of a Unified Network will provide re- configurable network access to platform sensors, Vehicle Management Systems, Stores and avionics. The re-configurable taps into the network will accommodate present interface standards and provide scaleability for the insertion of future interfaces. Significant to this development is the design and test of the Optical Backplane Interconnect System funded by Naval Air Systems Command and developed by Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems - Eagan. OBIS results in the merging of the electrical backplane and the optical backplane, with interconnect fabric and card edge connectors finally providing adequate electrical and optical card access. Presently OBIS will support 1.2 Gb/s per fiber over multiples of 12 fibers per ribbon cable.

  3. Cellular computational platform and neurally inspired elements thereof

    DOEpatents

    Okandan, Murat

    2016-11-22

    A cellular computational platform is disclosed that includes a multiplicity of functionally identical, repeating computational hardware units that are interconnected electrically and optically. Each computational hardware unit includes a reprogrammable local memory and has interconnections to other such units that have reconfigurable weights. Each computational hardware unit is configured to transmit signals into the network for broadcast in a protocol-less manner to other such units in the network, and to respond to protocol-less broadcast messages that it receives from the network. Each computational hardware unit is further configured to reprogram the local memory in response to incoming electrical and/or optical signals.

  4. Practical Aspects of Access Network Indoor Extensions Using Multimode Glass and Plastic Optical Fibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keiser, Gerd; Liu, Hao-Yu; Lu, Shao-Hsi; Devi Pukhrambam, Puspa

    2012-07-01

    Low-cost multimode glass and plastic optical fibers are attractive for high-capacity indoor telecom networks. Many existing buildings already have glass multimode fibers installed for local area network applications. Future indoor applications will use combinations of glass multimode fibers with plastic optical fibers that have low losses in the 850-nm-1,310-nm range. This article examines real-world link losses when randomly interconnecting glass and plastic fiber segments having factory-installed connectors. Potential interconnection issues include large variations in connector losses among randomly selected fiber segments, asymmetric link losses in bidirectional links, and variations in bandwidths among different types of fibers.

  5. Adaptive critic designs for optimal control of uncertain nonlinear systems with unmatched interconnections.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xiong; He, Haibo

    2018-05-26

    In this paper, we develop a novel optimal control strategy for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unmatched interconnections. To begin with, we present a stabilizing feedback controller for the interconnected nonlinear systems by modifying an array of optimal control laws of auxiliary subsystems. We also prove that this feedback controller ensures a specified cost function to achieve optimality. Then, under the framework of adaptive critic designs, we use critic networks to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations associated with auxiliary subsystem optimal control laws. The critic network weights are tuned through the gradient descent method combined with an additional stabilizing term. By using the newly established weight tuning rules, we no longer need the initial admissible control condition. In addition, we demonstrate that all signals in the closed-loop auxiliary subsystems are stable in the sense of uniform ultimate boundedness by using classic Lyapunov techniques. Finally, we provide an interconnected nonlinear plant to validate the present control scheme. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. LTAR linkages with other research networks: Capitalizing on network interconnections

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The USDA ARS Research Unit based at the Jornada Experimental Range outside of Las Cruces, NM, is a member of the USDA’s Long Term Agro-ecosystem Research (LTAR) Network, the National Science Foundation’s Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network, the National Ecological Observation Network (NEON)...

  7. Application of Fractal Geometry in Evaluation of Effective Stimulated Reservoir Volume in Shale Gas Reservoirs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheng, Guanglong; Su, Yuliang; Wang, Wendong; Javadpour, Farzam; Tang, Meirong

    According to hydraulic-fracturing practices conducted in shale reservoirs, effective stimulated reservoir volume (ESRV) significantly affects the production of hydraulic fractured well. Therefore, estimating ESRV is an important prerequisite for confirming the success of hydraulic fracturing and predicting the production of hydraulic fracturing wells in shale reservoirs. However, ESRV calculation remains a longstanding challenge in hydraulic-fracturing operation. In considering fractal characteristics of the fracture network in stimulated reservoir volume (SRV), this paper introduces a fractal random-fracture-network algorithm for converting the microseismic data into fractal geometry. Five key parameters, including bifurcation direction, generating length (d), deviation angle (α), iteration times (N) and generating rules, are proposed to quantitatively characterize fracture geometry. Furthermore, we introduce an orthogonal-fractures coupled dual-porosity-media representation elementary volume (REV) flow model to predict the volumetric flux of gas in shale reservoirs. On the basis of the migration of adsorbed gas in porous kerogen of REV with different fracture spaces, an ESRV criterion for shale reservoirs with SRV is proposed. Eventually, combining the ESRV criterion and fractal characteristic of a fracture network, we propose a new approach for evaluating ESRV in shale reservoirs. The approach has been used in the Eagle Ford shale gas reservoir, and results show that the fracture space has a measurable influence on migration of adsorbed gas. The fracture network can contribute to enhancement of the absorbed gas recovery ratio when the fracture space is less than 0.2 m. ESRV is evaluated in this paper, and results indicate that the ESRV accounts for 27.87% of the total SRV in shale gas reservoirs. This work is important and timely for evaluating fracturing effect and predicting production of hydraulic fracturing wells in shale reservoirs.

  8. Nested Neural Networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baram, Yoram

    1992-01-01

    Report presents analysis of nested neural networks, consisting of interconnected subnetworks. Analysis based on simplified mathematical models more appropriate for artificial electronic neural networks, partly applicable to biological neural networks. Nested structure allows for retrieval of individual subpatterns. Requires fewer wires and connection devices than fully connected networks, and allows for local reconstruction of damaged subnetworks without rewiring entire network.

  9. Simulating Fragmentation and Fluid-Induced Fracture in Disordered Media Using Random Finite-Element Meshes

    DOE PAGES

    Bishop, Joseph E.; Martinez, Mario J.; Newell, Pania

    2016-11-08

    Fracture and fragmentation are extremely nonlinear multiscale processes in which microscale damage mechanisms emerge at the macroscale as new fracture surfaces. Numerous numerical methods have been developed for simulating fracture initiation, propagation, and coalescence. In this paper, we present a computational approach for modeling pervasive fracture in quasi-brittle materials based on random close-packed Voronoi tessellations. Each Voronoi cell is formulated as a polyhedral finite element containing an arbitrary number of vertices and faces. Fracture surfaces are allowed to nucleate only at the intercell faces. Cohesive softening tractions are applied to new fracture surfaces in order to model the energy dissipatedmore » during fracture growth. The randomly seeded Voronoi cells provide a regularized discrete random network for representing fracture surfaces. The potential crack paths within the random network are viewed as instances of realizable crack paths within the continuum material. Mesh convergence of fracture simulations is viewed in a weak, or distributional, sense. The explicit facet representation of fractures within this approach is advantageous for modeling contact on new fracture surfaces and fluid flow within the evolving fracture network. Finally, applications of interest include fracture and fragmentation in quasi-brittle materials and geomechanical applications such as hydraulic fracturing, engineered geothermal systems, compressed-air energy storage, and carbon sequestration.« less

  10. Simulating Fragmentation and Fluid-Induced Fracture in Disordered Media Using Random Finite-Element Meshes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bishop, Joseph E.; Martinez, Mario J.; Newell, Pania

    Fracture and fragmentation are extremely nonlinear multiscale processes in which microscale damage mechanisms emerge at the macroscale as new fracture surfaces. Numerous numerical methods have been developed for simulating fracture initiation, propagation, and coalescence. In this paper, we present a computational approach for modeling pervasive fracture in quasi-brittle materials based on random close-packed Voronoi tessellations. Each Voronoi cell is formulated as a polyhedral finite element containing an arbitrary number of vertices and faces. Fracture surfaces are allowed to nucleate only at the intercell faces. Cohesive softening tractions are applied to new fracture surfaces in order to model the energy dissipatedmore » during fracture growth. The randomly seeded Voronoi cells provide a regularized discrete random network for representing fracture surfaces. The potential crack paths within the random network are viewed as instances of realizable crack paths within the continuum material. Mesh convergence of fracture simulations is viewed in a weak, or distributional, sense. The explicit facet representation of fractures within this approach is advantageous for modeling contact on new fracture surfaces and fluid flow within the evolving fracture network. Finally, applications of interest include fracture and fragmentation in quasi-brittle materials and geomechanical applications such as hydraulic fracturing, engineered geothermal systems, compressed-air energy storage, and carbon sequestration.« less

  11. Critical tipping point distinguishing two types of transitions in modular network structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shai, Saray; Kenett, Dror Y.; Kenett, Yoed N.; Faust, Miriam; Dobson, Simon; Havlin, Shlomo

    2015-12-01

    Modularity is a key organizing principle in real-world large-scale complex networks. The relatively sparse interactions between modules are critical to the functionality of the system and are often the first to fail. We model such failures as site percolation targeting interconnected nodes, those connecting between modules. We find, using percolation theory and simulations, that they lead to a "tipping point" between two distinct regimes. In one regime, removal of interconnected nodes fragments the modules internally and causes the system to collapse. In contrast, in the other regime, while only attacking a small fraction of nodes, the modules remain but become disconnected, breaking the entire system. We show that networks with broader degree distribution might be highly vulnerable to such attacks since only few nodes are needed to interconnect the modules, consequently putting the entire system at high risk. Our model has the potential to shed light on many real-world phenomena, and we briefly consider its implications on recent advances in the understanding of several neurocognitive processes and diseases.

  12. Low-power, transparent optical network interface for high bandwidth off-chip interconnects.

    PubMed

    Liboiron-Ladouceur, Odile; Wang, Howard; Garg, Ajay S; Bergman, Keren

    2009-04-13

    The recent emergence of multicore architectures and chip multiprocessors (CMPs) has accelerated the bandwidth requirements in high-performance processors for both on-chip and off-chip interconnects. For next generation computing clusters, the delivery of scalable power efficient off-chip communications to each compute node has emerged as a key bottleneck to realizing the full computational performance of these systems. The power dissipation is dominated by the off-chip interface and the necessity to drive high-speed signals over long distances. We present a scalable photonic network interface approach that fully exploits the bandwidth capacity offered by optical interconnects while offering significant power savings over traditional E/O and O/E approaches. The power-efficient interface optically aggregates electronic serial data streams into a multiple WDM channel packet structure at time-of-flight latencies. We demonstrate a scalable optical network interface with 70% improvement in power efficiency for a complete end-to-end PCI Express data transfer.

  13. Decentralized stabilization for a class of continuous-time nonlinear interconnected systems using online learning optimal control approach.

    PubMed

    Liu, Derong; Wang, Ding; Li, Hongliang

    2014-02-01

    In this paper, using a neural-network-based online learning optimal control approach, a novel decentralized control strategy is developed to stabilize a class of continuous-time nonlinear interconnected large-scale systems. First, optimal controllers of the isolated subsystems are designed with cost functions reflecting the bounds of interconnections. Then, it is proven that the decentralized control strategy of the overall system can be established by adding appropriate feedback gains to the optimal control policies of the isolated subsystems. Next, an online policy iteration algorithm is presented to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations related to the optimal control problem. Through constructing a set of critic neural networks, the cost functions can be obtained approximately, followed by the control policies. Furthermore, the dynamics of the estimation errors of the critic networks are verified to be uniformly and ultimately bounded. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the present decentralized control scheme.

  14. A new estimation of equivalent matrix block sizes in fractured media with two-phase flow applications in dual porosity models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jerbi, Chahir; Fourno, André; Noetinger, Benoit; Delay, Frederick

    2017-05-01

    Single and multiphase flows in fractured porous media at the scale of natural reservoirs are often handled by resorting to homogenized models that avoid the heavy computations associated with a complete discretization of both fractures and matrix blocks. For example, the two overlapping continua (fractures and matrix) of a dual porosity system are coupled by way of fluid flux exchanges that deeply condition flow at the large scale. This characteristic is a key to realistic flow simulations, especially for multiphase flow as capillary forces and contrasts of fluid mobility compete in the extraction of a fluid from a capacitive matrix then conveyed through the fractures. The exchange rate between fractures and matrix is conditioned by the so-called mean matrix block size which can be viewed as the size of a single matrix block neighboring a single fracture within a mesh of a dual porosity model. We propose a new evaluation of this matrix block size based on the analysis of discrete fracture networks. The fundaments rely upon establishing at the scale of a fractured block the equivalence between the actual fracture network and a Warren and Root network only made of three regularly spaced fracture families parallel to the facets of the fractured block. The resulting matrix block sizes are then compared via geometrical considerations and two-phase flow simulations to the few other available methods. It is shown that the new method is stable in the sense it provides accurate sizes irrespective of the type of fracture network investigated. The method also results in two-phase flow simulations from dual porosity models very close to that from references calculated in finely discretized networks. Finally, calculations of matrix block sizes by this new technique reveal very rapid, which opens the way to cumbersome applications such as preconditioning a dual porosity approach applied to regional fractured reservoirs.

  15. The Benefits of Maximum Likelihood Estimators in Predicting Bulk Permeability and Upscaling Fracture Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Emanuele Rizzo, Roberto; Healy, David; De Siena, Luca

    2016-04-01

    The success of any predictive model is largely dependent on the accuracy with which its parameters are known. When characterising fracture networks in fractured rock, one of the main issues is accurately scaling the parameters governing the distribution of fracture attributes. Optimal characterisation and analysis of fracture attributes (lengths, apertures, orientations and densities) is fundamental to the estimation of permeability and fluid flow, which are of primary importance in a number of contexts including: hydrocarbon production from fractured reservoirs; geothermal energy extraction; and deeper Earth systems, such as earthquakes and ocean floor hydrothermal venting. Our work links outcrop fracture data to modelled fracture networks in order to numerically predict bulk permeability. We collected outcrop data from a highly fractured upper Miocene biosiliceous mudstone formation, cropping out along the coastline north of Santa Cruz (California, USA). Using outcrop fracture networks as analogues for subsurface fracture systems has several advantages, because key fracture attributes such as spatial arrangements and lengths can be effectively measured only on outcrops [1]. However, a limitation when dealing with outcrop data is the relative sparseness of natural data due to the intrinsic finite size of the outcrops. We make use of a statistical approach for the overall workflow, starting from data collection with the Circular Windows Method [2]. Then we analyse the data statistically using Maximum Likelihood Estimators, which provide greater accuracy compared to the more commonly used Least Squares linear regression when investigating distribution of fracture attributes. Finally, we estimate the bulk permeability of the fractured rock mass using Oda's tensorial approach [3]. The higher quality of this statistical analysis is fundamental: better statistics of the fracture attributes means more accurate permeability estimation, since the fracture attributes feed directly into the permeability calculations. The application of Maximum Likelihood Estimators can have important consequences, especially when we aim to predict the tendency of fracture attributes towards smaller and larger scales than those observed, in order to build consistent, useable models from outcrop observations. The procedures presented here aim to understand whether the average permeability of a fracture network can be predicted, reducing its uncertainties; and if outcrop measurements of fracture attributes can be used directly to generate statistically identical fracture network models, which can then be easily up-scaled into larger areas or volumes. Gale et al. "Natural Fracture in shale: A review and new observations", AAPG Bulletin 98.11 (2014). Mauldon et al. "Circular scanlines and circular windows: new tools for characterizing the geometry of fracture traces", Journal of Structural Geology, 23 (2001). Oda "Permeability tensor for discontinuous rock masses", Geotechnique 35.4 (1985).

  16. Dynamic fracture network around faults: implications for earthquake ruptures, ground motion and energy budget

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Okubo, K.; Bhat, H. S.; Rougier, E.; Lei, Z.; Knight, E. E.; Klinger, Y.

    2017-12-01

    Numerous studies have suggested that spontaneous earthquake ruptures can dynamically induce failure in secondary fracture network, regarded as damage zone around faults. The feedbacks of such fracture network play a crucial role in earthquake rupture, its radiated wave field and the total energy budget. A novel numerical modeling tool based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), which accounts for the main rupture propagation and nucleation/propagation of secondary cracks, was used to quantify the evolution of the fracture network and evaluate its effects on the main rupture and its associated radiation. The simulations were performed with the FDEM-based software tool, Hybrid Optimization Software Suite (HOSSedu) developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory. We first modeled an earthquake rupture on a planar strike-slip fault surrounded by a brittle medium where secondary cracks can be nucleated/activated by the earthquake rupture. We show that the secondary cracks are dynamically generated dominantly on the extensional side of the fault, mainly behind the rupture front, and it forms an intricate network of fractures in the damage zone. The rupture velocity thereby significantly decreases, by 10 to 20 percent, while the supershear transition length increases in comparison to the one with purely elastic medium. It is also observed that the high-frequency component (10 to 100 Hz) of the near-field ground acceleration is enhanced by the dynamically activated fracture network, consistent with field observations. We then conducted the case study in depth with various sets of initial stress state, and friction properties, to investigate the evolution of damage zone. We show that the width of damage zone decreases in depth, forming "flower-like" structure as the characteristic slip distance in linear slip-weakening law, or the fracture energy on the fault, is kept constant with depth. Finally, we compared the fracture energy on the fault to the energy absorbed by the secondary fracture network to better understand the earthquake energy budget. We conclude that the secondary fracture network plays an important role on the dynamic earthquake rupture, its radiated wave field and the overall energy budget.

  17. Chaotic, informational and synchronous behaviour of multiplex networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baptista, M. S.; Szmoski, R. M.; Pereira, R. F.; Pinto, S. E. De Souza

    2016-03-01

    The understanding of the relationship between topology and behaviour in interconnected networks would allow to charac- terise and predict behaviour in many real complex networks since both are usually not simultaneously known. Most previous studies have focused on the relationship between topology and synchronisation. In this work, we provide analytical formulas that shows how topology drives complex behaviour: chaos, information, and weak or strong synchronisation; in multiplex net- works with constant Jacobian. We also study this relationship numerically in multiplex networks of Hindmarsh-Rose neurons. Whereas behaviour in the analytically tractable network is a direct but not trivial consequence of the spectra of eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix, where behaviour may strongly depend on the break of symmetry in the topology of interconnections, in Hindmarsh-Rose neural networks the nonlinear nature of the chemical synapses breaks the elegant mathematical connec- tion between the spectra of eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix and the behaviour of the network, creating networks whose behaviour strongly depends on the nature (chemical or electrical) of the inter synapses.

  18. Beam forming network

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cramer, P. W., Jr. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    The network, which is connected to a layer of 134 feed elements that transmit and receive microwaves, consists of a pair of circuit boards parallel to the feed element layer. One of the two boards has 87 dividers that each divide a signal to be transmitted into seven portions, and the other board has 134 combiners that each collect seven transmit signal portions and deliver the sum to one of the feed elements. A similar arrangement is used to handle received signals. The large number of interconnections are made by printed circuit conductors radiating from each of the numerous dividers and combiners, and by providing interconnection pins that interconnect the ends of pairs of conductors lying on the two boards. The printed circuit conductors extend in undulating paths that provide maximum separation of conductors to minimize crosstalk.

  19. 3 x 3 free-space optical router based on crossbar network and its control algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hou, Peipei; Sun, Jianfeng; Yu, Zhou; Lu, Wei; Wang, Lijuan; Liu, Liren

    2015-08-01

    A 3 × 3 free-space optical router, which comprises optical switches and polarizing beam splitter (PBS) and based on crossbar network, is proposed in this paper. A control algorithm for the 3 × 3 free-space optical router is also developed to achieve rapid control without rearrangement. In order to test the performance of the network based on 3 × 3 free-space optical router and that of the algorithm developed for the optical router, experiments are designed. The experiment results show that the interconnection network based on the 3 × 3 free-space optical router has low cross talk, fast connection speed. Under the control of the algorithm developed, a non-block and real free interconnection network is obtained based on the 3 × 3 free-space optical router we proposed.

  20. Simultaneous wavelength and format conversion in SDN/NFV for flexible optical network based on FWM in SOA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhan, Yueying; Wang, Danshi; Zhang, Min

    2018-04-01

    We propose an all-optical wavelength and format conversion model (CM) for a dynamic data center interconnect node and coherent passive optical network (PON) optical network unit (ONU) in software-defined networking and network function virtualization system based on four-wave mixing in a semiconductor optical amplifier. Five wavelength converted DQPSK signals and two format converted DPSK signals are generated; the performances of the generated signals for two strategies of setting CM in the data center interconnect node and coherent PON ONU, which are over 10 km fiber transmission, have been verified. All of the converted signals are with a power penalty less than 2.2 dB at FEC threshold of 3.8 × 10 - 3, and the optimum bias current of SOA is 300 mA.

  1. Seismic Hazard Analysis on a Complex, Interconnected Fault Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Page, M. T.; Field, E. H.; Milner, K. R.

    2017-12-01

    In California, seismic hazard models have evolved from simple, segmented prescriptive models to much more complex representations of multi-fault and multi-segment earthquakes on an interconnected fault network. During the development of the 3rd Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3), the prevalence of multi-fault ruptures in the modeling was controversial. Yet recent earthquakes, for example, the Kaikora earthquake - as well as new research on the potential of multi-fault ruptures (e.g., Nissen et al., 2016; Sahakian et al. 2017) - have validated this approach. For large crustal earthquakes, multi-fault ruptures may be the norm rather than the exception. As datasets improve and we can view the rupture process at a finer scale, the interconnected, fractal nature of faults is revealed even by individual earthquakes. What is the proper way to model earthquakes on a fractal fault network? We show multiple lines of evidence that connectivity even in modern models such as UCERF3 may be underestimated, although clustering in UCERF3 mitigates some modeling simplifications. We need a methodology that can be applied equally well where the fault network is well-mapped and where it is not - an extendable methodology that allows us to "fill in" gaps in the fault network and in our knowledge.

  2. Complexity in neuronal noise depends on network interconnectivity.

    PubMed

    Serletis, Demitre; Zalay, Osbert C; Valiante, Taufik A; Bardakjian, Berj L; Carlen, Peter L

    2011-06-01

    "Noise," or noise-like activity (NLA), defines background electrical membrane potential fluctuations at the cellular level of the nervous system, comprising an important aspect of brain dynamics. Using whole-cell voltage recordings from fast-spiking stratum oriens interneurons and stratum pyramidale neurons located in the CA3 region of the intact mouse hippocampus, we applied complexity measures from dynamical systems theory (i.e., 1/f(γ) noise and correlation dimension) and found evidence for complexity in neuronal NLA, ranging from high- to low-complexity dynamics. Importantly, these high- and low-complexity signal features were largely dependent on gap junction and chemical synaptic transmission. Progressive neuronal isolation from the surrounding local network via gap junction blockade (abolishing gap junction-dependent spikelets) and then chemical synaptic blockade (abolishing excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic potentials), or the reverse order of these treatments, resulted in emergence of high-complexity NLA dynamics. Restoring local network interconnectivity via blockade washout resulted in resolution to low-complexity behavior. These results suggest that the observed increase in background NLA complexity is the result of reduced network interconnectivity, thereby highlighting the potential importance of the NLA signal to the study of network state transitions arising in normal and abnormal brain dynamics (such as in epilepsy, for example).

  3. Characteristic Fracture Spacing in Primary and Secondary Recovery from Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gong, J.; Rossen, W.

    2015-12-01

    We showed previously (Gong and Rossen, 2014a,b) that, if the fracture aperture distribution is broad enough in a naturally fractured reservoir, even one where the fracture network is well-connected, most fractures can be eliminated without significantly affecting the flow through the fracture network. During a waterflood or enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) process, the production of oil depends on the supply of injected water or EOR agent. This suggests that the characteristic fracture spacing for the dual-porosity/dual-permeability simulation of waterflood or EOR in a naturally fractured reservoir should account not for all fractures but only the relatively small portion of the fracture network carrying almost all the injected water or EOR agent. In contrast, in primary production even a relatively small fracture represents an effective path for oil to flow to a production well. Thus in primary production the effective fracture spacing should include all the fractures. This distinction means that the "shape factor" in dual-porosity/dual-permeability reservoir simulators and the repeating unit in homogenization should depend on the process involved: specifically, it should be different for primary and secondary or tertiary recovery. We test this hypothesis in a simple representation of a fractured reservoir with a non-uniform distribution of fracture flow conductivities. We compare oil production, flow patterns in matrix, and the pattern of oil recovery around fractures with and without the "unimportant" fractures present. In primary production, all fractures which are much more permeable than matrix play a significant role in production. The shape factor or repeating-unit size should reflect the entire fracture distribution. In secondary or tertiary production, the role of fractures that carry relatively little flow depends on injection rate, the ratio of flow carried by the different fractures, and the permeability of matrix. In some cases, the appropriate shape factor or repeating-unit size for waterflood or EOR should reflect only those fractures that carry most of the flow. References:Gong, and Rossen, 14th ECMOR Conf., Catania, Sicily, 2014(a). Gong, and Rossen, Intl. Discrete Fracture Network Eng. Conf., Vancouver, Canada, 2014(b).

  4. Building a Unified Information Network.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Avram, Henriette D.

    1988-01-01

    Discusses cooperative efforts between research organizations and libraries to create a national information network. Topics discussed include the Linked System Project (LSP); technical processing versus reference and research functions; Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model; the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET); and…

  5. Defining the natural fracture network in a shale gas play and its cover succession: The case of the Utica Shale in eastern Canada

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ladevèze, P.; Séjourné, S.; Rivard, C.; Lavoie, D.; Lefebvre, R.; Rouleau, A.

    2018-03-01

    In the St. Lawrence sedimentary platform (eastern Canada), very little data are available between shallow fresh water aquifers and deep geological hydrocarbon reservoir units (here referred to as the intermediate zone). Characterization of this intermediate zone is crucial, as the latter controls aquifer vulnerability to operations carried out at depth. In this paper, the natural fracture networks in shallow aquifers and in the Utica shale gas reservoir are documented in an attempt to indirectly characterize the intermediate zone. This study used structural data from outcrops, shallow observation well logs and deep shale gas well logs to propose a conceptual model of the natural fracture network. Shallow and deep fractures were categorized into three sets of steeply-dipping fractures and into a set of bedding-parallel fractures. Some lithological and structural controls on fracture distribution were identified. The regional geologic history and similarities between the shallow and deep fracture datasets allowed the extrapolation of the fracture network characterization to the intermediate zone. This study thus highlights the benefits of using both datasets simultaneously, while they are generally interpreted separately. Recommendations are also proposed for future environmental assessment studies in which the existence of preferential flow pathways and potential upward fluid migration toward shallow aquifers need to be identified.

  6. Fracture distribution and porosity in a fault-bound hydrothermal system (Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Egli, Daniel; Küng, Sulamith; Baumann, Rahel; Berger, Alfons; Baron, Ludovic; Herwegh, Marco

    2017-04-01

    The spatial distribution, orientation and continuity of brittle and ductile structures strongly control fluid pathways in a rock mass by joining existing pores and creating new pore space (fractures, joints) but can also act as seals to fluid flow (e.g. ductile shear zones, clay-rich fault gouges). In long-lived hydrothermal systems, permeability and the related fluid flow paths are therefore dynamic in space and time. Understanding the evolution and behaviour of naturally porous and permeable rock masses is critical for the successful exploration and sustainable exploitation of hydrothermal systems and can advance methods for planning and implementation of enhanced geothermal systems. This study focuses on an active fault-bound hydrothermal system in the crystalline basement of the Aar Massif (hydrothermal field Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps) that has been exhumed from few kilometres depth and which documents at least 3 Ma of hydrothermal activity. The explored rock unit of the Aar massif is part of the External Crystalline Massifs that hosts a multitude of thermal springs on its southern border in the Swiss Rhône valley and furthermore represents the exhumed equivalent of potentially exploitable geothermal reservoirs in the deep crystalline subsurface of the northern Alpine foreland basin. This study combines structural data collected from a 125 m long drillhole across the hydrothermal zone, the corresponding drill core and surface mapping. Different methods are applied to estimate the porosity and the structural evolution with regard to porosity, permeability and fracture distribution. Analyses are carried out from the micrometre to decametre scale with main focus on the flow path evolution with time. This includes a large variety of porosity-types including fracture-porosity with up to cm-sized aperture down to grain-scale porosity. Main rock types are granitoid host rocks, mylonites, paleo-breccia and recent breccias. The porosity of the host rock as well as the cemented paleo-hydrothermal breccia is typically very low with values <1%. The high volume of mineralized fractures in the paleo-breccia indicates high porosity in former times, which is today closed by newly developed cements. The preservation of such paleo-breccias allow the investigation of contrasts between the fossil porosity/permeability and the present day active flow path, which is defined by fracture porosity that generally follows the regional deformation pattern and forms a wide network of interconnected fractures of variable orientation.

  7. Pulverized granite at the brittle-ductile transition: An example from the Kellyland fault zone, eastern Maine, U.S.A.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sullivan, Walter A.; Peterman, Emily M.

    2017-08-01

    Granite from a 50-200-m-wide damage zone adjacent to the brittle-ductile Kellyland Fault Zone contains healed fracture networks that exhibit almost all of the characteristics of dynamically pulverized rocks. Fracture networks exhibit only weak preferred orientations, are mutually cross-cutting, separate jigsaw-like interlocking fragments, and are associated with recrystallized areas likely derived from pervasively comminuted material. Fracture networks in samples with primary igneous grain shapes further indicate pulverization. Minimum fracture densities in microcline are ∼100 mm/mm2. Larger fractures in microcline and quartz are sometimes marked by neoblasts, but most fractures are optically continuous with host grains and only visible in cathodoluminescence images. Fractures in plagioclase are crystallographically controlled and typically biotite filled. Petrologic observations and cross-cutting relationships between brittle structures and mylonitic rocks show that fracturing occurred at temperatures of 400 °C or more and pressures of 200 MPa. These constraints extend the known range of pulverization to much higher temperature and pressure conditions than previously thought possible. The mutually cross-cutting healed fractures also provide the first record of repeated damage in pulverized rocks. Furthermore, pulverization must have had a significant but transient effect on wall-rock porosity, and biotite-filled fracture networks in plagioclase form weak zones that could accommodate future strain localization.

  8. Hierarchical tailoring of strut architecture to control permeability of additive manufactured titanium implants.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Z; Jones, D; Yue, S; Lee, P D; Jones, J R; Sutcliffe, C J; Jones, E

    2013-10-01

    Porous titanium implants are a common choice for bone augmentation. Implants for spinal fusion and repair of non-union fractures must encourage blood flow after implantation so that there is sufficient cell migration, nutrient and growth factor transport to stimulate bone ingrowth. Additive manufacturing techniques allow a large number of pore network designs. This study investigates how the design factors offered by selective laser melting technique can be used to alter the implant architecture on multiple length scales to control and even tailor the flow. Permeability is a convenient parameter that characterises flow, correlating to structure openness (interconnectivity and pore window size), tortuosity and hence flow shear rates. Using experimentally validated computational simulations, we demonstrate how additive manufacturing can be used to tailor implant properties by controlling surface roughness at a microstructual level (microns), and by altering the strut ordering and density at a mesoscopic level (millimetre). Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Analysis of lower back pain disorder using deep learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ritwik Kulkarni, K.; Gaonkar, Abhijitsingh; Vijayarajan, V.; Manikandan, K.

    2017-11-01

    Lower back pain (LBP) is caused because of assorted reasons involving body parts such as the interconnected network of spinal cord, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine. LBP is pain, muscle pressure, or stiffness localized underneath the costal edge or more the substandard gluteal folds, with or without leg torment for the most part sciatica, and is characterized as endless when it holds on for 12 weeks or more then again, non-particular LBP is torment not credited to an unmistakable pathology such as infection, tumour, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture, or inflammation. Over 70% of people usually suffer from such backpain disorder at some time. But recovery is not always favorable, 82% of non-recent-onset patients still experience pain 1 year later. Even though not having any history of lower back pain, many patients suffering from this disorder spend months or years healing from it. Hence aiming to look for preventive measure rather than curative, this study suggests a classification methodology for Chronic LBP disorder using Deep Learning techniques.

  10. Percolation in real interdependent networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Radicchi, Filippo

    2015-07-01

    The function of a real network depends not only on the reliability of its own components, but is affected also by the simultaneous operation of other real networks coupled with it. Whereas theoretical methods of direct applicability to real isolated networks exist, the frameworks developed so far in percolation theory for interdependent network layers are of little help in practical contexts, as they are suited only for special models in the limit of infinite size. Here, we introduce a set of heuristic equations that takes as inputs the adjacency matrices of the layers to draw the entire phase diagram for the interconnected network. We demonstrate that percolation transitions in interdependent networks can be understood by decomposing these systems into uncoupled graphs: the intersection among the layers, and the remainders of the layers. When the intersection dominates the remainders, an interconnected network undergoes a smooth percolation transition. Conversely, if the intersection is dominated by the contribution of the remainders, the transition becomes abrupt even in small networks. We provide examples of real systems that have developed interdependent networks sharing cores of `high quality’ edges to prevent catastrophic failures.

  11. Nonuniform traffic spots (NUTS) in multistage interconnection networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lang, T.; Kurisaki, L.

    1990-09-01

    The performance of multistage interconnection networks for multiprocessors is degraded when the traffic pattern produces nonuniform congestion in the blocking switches, that is, when there exist nonuniform traffic spots. For some specific patterns the authors evaluate this degradation in performance and propose modifications to the network organization and operation to reduce the degradation. Successful modifications are the use of diverting switches and the extension of the network with additional links. The use of these modifications makes the network more effective for a larger variety of traffic patterns. The authors also consider the case in which the network carries the superpositionmore » of two types of traffic. One type is the high throughput data and instruction traffic, while the other consists of control and I/O packets which are of low throughput but have severe real-time constraints. The authors conclude that diverting switches and networks with additional links are also suitable for assuring low latency for the real-time traffic, especially when using the displacing mode.« less

  12. Modeling and simulation of the data communication network at the ASRM Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nirgudkar, R. P.; Moorhead, R. J.; Smith, W. D.

    1994-01-01

    This paper describes the modeling and simulation of the communication network for the NASA Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) facility under construction at Yellow Creek near Luka, Mississippi. Manufacturing, testing, and operations at the ASRM site will be performed in different buildings scattered over an 1800 acre site. These buildings are interconnected through a local area network (LAN), which will contain one logical Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) ring acting as a backbone for the whole complex. The network contains approximately 700 multi-vendor workstations, 22 multi-vendor workcells, and 3 VAX clusters interconnected via Ethernet and FDDI. The different devices produce appreciably different traffic patterns, each pattern will be highly variable, and some patterns will be very bursty. Most traffic is between the VAX clusters and the other devices. Comdisco's Block Oriented Network Simulator (BONeS) has been used for network simulation. The two primary evaluation parameters used to judge the expected network performance are throughput and delay.

  13. DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION OF OPTICAL SWITCH MATRIX PERFORMANCE IN COMPUTER NETWORKS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Imam, Neena; Poole, Stephen W

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, we present application of a Discrete Event Simulator (DES) for performance modeling of optical switching devices in computer networks. Network simulators are valuable tools in situations where one cannot investigate the system directly. This situation may arise if the system under study does not exist yet or the cost of studying the system directly is prohibitive. Most available network simulators are based on the paradigm of discrete-event-based simulation. As computer networks become increasingly larger and more complex, sophisticated DES tool chains have become available for both commercial and academic research. Some well-known simulators are NS2, NS3, OPNET,more » and OMNEST. For this research, we have applied OMNEST for the purpose of simulating multi-wavelength performance of optical switch matrices in computer interconnection networks. Our results suggest that the application of DES to computer interconnection networks provides valuable insight in device performance and aids in topology and system optimization.« less

  14. Network Payload Integration for the Scan-Eagle UAV

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    With the increasing maturity of MESH network technology, it is inevitable that we exploit the synergistic capabilities in networking of autonomous ... vehicles . The interconnectivity enables the sharing or dissemination of information between various nodes and has the capability to enhance

  15. Cyclic Deformation-Induced Solute Transport in Tissue Scaffolds with Computer Designed, Interconnected, Pore Networks: Experiments and Simulations

    PubMed Central

    Op Den Buijs, Jorn; Dragomir-Daescu, Dan; Ritman, Erik L.

    2014-01-01

    Nutrient supply and waste removal in porous tissue engineering scaffolds decrease from the periphery to the center, leading to limited depth of ingrowth of new tissue into the scaffold. However, as many tissues experience cyclic physiological strains, this may provide a mechanism to enhance solute transport in vivo before vascularization of the scaffold. The hypothesis of this study was that pore cross-sectional geometry and interconnectivity are of major importance for the effectiveness of cyclic deformation-induced solute transport. Transparent elastic polyurethane scaffolds, with computer-programmed design of pore networks in the form of interconnected channels, were fabricated using a 3D printing and injection molding technique. The scaffold pores were loaded with a colored tracer for optical contrast, cyclically compressed with deformations of 10 and 15% of the original undeformed height at 1.0 Hz. Digital imaging was used to quantify the spatial distribution of the tracer concentration within the pores. Numerical simulations of a fluid–structure interaction model of deformation-induced solute transport were compared to the experimental data. The results of experiments and modeling agreed well and showed that pore interconnectivity heavily influences deformation-induced solute transport. Pore cross-sectional geometry appears to be of less relative importance in interconnected pore networks. Validated computer models of solute transport can be used to design optimal scaffold pore geometries that will enhance the convective transport of nutrients inside the scaffold and the removal of waste, thus improving the cell survivability deep inside the scaffold. PMID:19466547

  16. Electric network interconnection of Mashreq Arab Countries

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    El-Amin, I.M.; Al-Shehri, A.M.; Opoku, G.

    1994-12-01

    Power system interconnection is a well established practice for a variety of technical and economical reasons. Several interconnected networks exist worldwide for a number of factors. Some of these networks cross international boundaries. This presentation discusses the future developments of the power systems of Mashreq Arab Countries (MAC). MAC consists of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. Mac power systems are operated by government or semigovernment bodies. Many of these countries have national or regional electric grids but are generally isolated from each other. With the exception of Saudi Arabiamore » power systems, which employ 60 Hz, all other MAC utilities use 50 Hz frequency. Each country is served by one utility, except Saudi Arabia, which is served by four major utilities and some smaller utilities serving remote towns and small load centers. The major utilities are the Saudi Consolidated electric Company in the Eastern Province (SCECO East), SCECO Center, SCECO West, and SCECO South. These are the ones considered in this study. The energy resources in MAC are varied. Countries such as Egypt, Iraq, and Syria have significant hydro resources.The gulf countries and Iraq have abundant fossil fuel, The variation in energy resources as well as the characteristics of the electric load make it essential to look into interconnections beyond the national boundaries. Most of the existing or planned interconnections involve few power systems. A study involving 12 countries and over 20 utilities with different characteristics represents a very large scale undertaking.« less

  17. The role of local stress perturbation on the simultaneous opening of orthogonal fractures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boersma, Quinten; Hardebol, Nico; Barnhoorn, Auke; Bertotti, Giovanni; Drury, Martyn

    2016-04-01

    Orthogonal fracture networks (ladder-like networks) are arrangements that are commonly observed in outcrop studies. They form a particularly dense and well connected network which can play an important role in the effective permeability of tight hydrocarbon or geothermal reservoirs. One issue is the extent to which both the long systematic and smaller cross fractures can be simultaneously critically stressed under a given stress condition. Fractures in an orthogonal network form by opening mode-I displacements in which the main component is separation of the two fracture walls. This opening is driven by effective tensile stresses as the smallest principle stress acting perpendicular to the fracture wall, which accords with linear elastic fracture mechanics. What has been well recognized in previous field and modelling studies is how both the systematic fractures and perpendicular cross fractures require the minimum principle stress to act perpendicular to the fracture wall. Thus, these networks either require a rotation of the regional stress field or local perturbations in stress field. Using a mechanical finite element modelling software, a geological case of layer perpendicular systematic mode I opening fractures is generated. New in our study is that we not only address tensile stresses at the boundary, but also address models using pore fluid pressure. The local stress in between systematic fractures is then assessed in order to derive the probability and orientation of micro crack propagation using the theory of sub critical crack growth and Griffith's theory. Under effective tensile conditions, the results indicate that in between critically spaced systematic fractures, local effective tensile stresses flip. Therefore the orientation of the least principle stress will rotate 90°, hence an orthogonal fracture is more likely to form. Our new findings for models with pore fluid pressures instead of boundary tension show that the magnitude of effective tension in between systematic fractures is reduced but does not remove the occurring stress flip. However, putting effective tension on the boundaries will give overestimates in the reduction of the local effective tensile stress perpendicular to the larger systematic fractures and therefore the magnitude of the stress flip. In conclusion, both model approaches indicate that orthogonal fractures can form while experiencing one regional stress regime. This also means that under these specific loading and locally perturbed stress conditions both sets of orthogonal fractures stay open and can provide a pathway for fluid circulation.

  18. Interconnecting heterogeneous database management systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gligor, V. D.; Luckenbaugh, G. L.

    1984-01-01

    It is pointed out that there is still a great need for the development of improved communication between remote, heterogeneous database management systems (DBMS). Problems regarding the effective communication between distributed DBMSs are primarily related to significant differences between local data managers, local data models and representations, and local transaction managers. A system of interconnected DBMSs which exhibit such differences is called a network of distributed, heterogeneous DBMSs. In order to achieve effective interconnection of remote, heterogeneous DBMSs, the users must have uniform, integrated access to the different DBMs. The present investigation is mainly concerned with an analysis of the existing approaches to interconnecting heterogeneous DBMSs, taking into account four experimental DBMS projects.

  19. Metallic nanowire networks

    DOEpatents

    Song, Yujiang; Shelnutt, John A.

    2012-11-06

    A metallic nanowire network synthesized using chemical reduction of a metal ion source by a reducing agent in the presence of a soft template comprising a tubular inverse micellar network. The network of interconnected polycrystalline nanowires has a very high surface-area/volume ratio, which makes it highly suitable for use in catalytic applications.

  20. Topic Models for Link Prediction in Document Networks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kataria, Saurabh

    2012-01-01

    Recent explosive growth of interconnected document collections such as citation networks, network of web pages, content generated by crowd-sourcing in collaborative environments, etc., has posed several challenging problems for data mining and machine learning community. One central problem in the domain of document networks is that of "link…

  1. A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena

    One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

  2. A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

    DOE PAGES

    Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; ...

    2017-07-28

    One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

  3. A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; Makedonska, Nataliia; Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Klise, Katherine; Viswanathan, Hari S.; Wang, Yifeng

    2017-10-01

    One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. We compare DFN and ECM in terms of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. We identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.

  4. Identification and characterisation of individual Fractures in 3D fracture-network of shale reservoir rocks from microtomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, C.; Liu, J.

    2017-12-01

    Fractures are essential for unconventional hydrocarbon production. However, the observation of fractures in three-dimensional (3D) space is very difficult except using microtomography to obtain 3D fracture structures at micro-scales. Twelve shale samples taken from a specimen are analyzed in this study: six of them were isobarically and five were isothermally processed in experiments of simulating hydrocarbon generation and expulsion and one is unprocessed. The resolutions of microtomographic images are in the range from 5.83 to 9.12 μm. Fractures developed in different complexities: some samples have mostly parallel fractures, some have major parallel fractures plus irregular fractures forming crack-network and some samples have fully intersected fractures of various directions. To identify individual fractures in 3D network is crucial for the characterization of fractures and it needs to separate each fractures or disconnect intersections of fractures. For those samples with fewer intersections, it is not difficult to disconnect intersections manually slice by slice using Avizo®. For those samples with complex intersections, it is impractical to process manually. A patented method and corresponding programs are used to separate, identify and characterize individual fractures. By procedures of filtering, smoothing, thinning, separating and combining, intersected cracks are separated, the segments of a broken elongated cracks are identified as one crack, and the thinned thickness is restored, finally the shape, orientation and dimensions of individual fractures are characterized. Our results show that: 1) relatively large fractures are very thin, showing typical fracture morphology, while small fractures may have various shapes; 2) isothermal processed samples have stronger anisotropy, which implies that the fractures in isothermal series are thinner or flatter than in isobaric series; 3) the fractal dimension exists in the samples and there is good correlation between the fractal dimension and temperature/pressure. This study is a first trial of the characterization of individual cracks in 3D network. It lays a foundation for future research on the prediction of large-scale fractures in tight reservoirs.

  5. Influence of Natural Fractures Cohesive Properties on Geometry of Hydraulic Fracture Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gonzalez-Chavez, M. A.; Dahi Taleghani, A.; Puyang, P.

    2014-12-01

    An integrated modeling methodology is proposed to analyze hydraulic fracturing jobs in the presence of the natural fracture network in the formation. A propagating hydraulic fracture may arrest, cross, or diverts into a preexisting natural crack depending on fracture properties of rock and magnitude and direction of principal rock stresses. Opening of natural fractures during fracturing treatment could define the effectiveness of the stimulation technique. Here, we present an integrated methodology initiated with lab scale fracturing properties using Double Cantilever Beam tests (DCB) to determine cohesive properties of rock and natural fractures. We used cohesive finite element models to reproduce laboratory results to verify the numerical model for the interaction of the hydraulic fracture and individual cemented natural fractures. Based on the initial investigations, we found out that distribution of pre-existing natural fractures could play a significant role in the final geometry of the induced fracture network; however in practice, there is not much information about the distribution of natural fractures in the subsurface due to the limited access. Hence, we propose a special optimization scheme to generate natural fracture geometry from the location of microseismic events. Accordingly, the criteria of evaluating the fitness of natural fracture realizations is defined as the total minimum distance squares of all microseismic events, which is the sum of minimum square distance for all microseismic events. Moreover, an additional constraint in this problem is that we need to set a minimum distance between fracture grids. Using generated natural fracture realizations, forward field-scale simulations are implemented using cohesive finite element analysis to find the best match with the recorded bottomhole pressure. To show the robustness of the proposed workflow for real field problem, we implemented this technique on available data from several well Chicontepec basin to forecast post-treatment production rate. Our results show a constructive approach to integrate microseismic maps with lab mechanical measurements and bottomhole pressure to estimate the geometry of induced fracture network in the subsurface which does not suffer from any limiting assumption about fracture geometries.

  6. Towards a Framework for Evolvable Network Design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hassan, Hoda; Eltarras, Ramy; Eltoweissy, Mohamed

    The layered Internet architecture that had long guided network design and protocol engineering was an “interconnection architecture” defining a framework for interconnecting networks rather than a model for generic network structuring and engineering. We claim that the approach of abstracting the network in terms of an internetwork hinders the thorough understanding of the network salient characteristics and emergent behavior resulting in impeding design evolution required to address extreme scale, heterogeneity, and complexity. This paper reports on our work in progress that aims to: 1) Investigate the problem space in terms of the factors and decisions that influenced the design and development of computer networks; 2) Sketch the core principles for designing complex computer networks; and 3) Propose a model and related framework for building evolvable, adaptable and self organizing networks We will adopt a bottom up strategy primarily focusing on the building unit of the network model, which we call the “network cell”. The model is inspired by natural complex systems. A network cell is intrinsically capable of specialization, adaptation and evolution. Subsequently, we propose CellNet; a framework for evolvable network design. We outline scenarios for using the CellNet framework to enhance legacy Internet protocol stack.

  7. Remote Sensing of Subsurface Fractures in the Otway Basin, South Australia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bailey, Adam; King, Rosalind; Holford, Simon; Hand, Martin

    2013-04-01

    A detailed understanding of naturally occurring fracture networks within the subsurface is becoming increasingly important to the energy sector, as the focus of exploration has expanded to include unconventional reservoirs such as coal seam gas, shale gas, tight gas, and engineered geothermal systems. Successful production from such reservoirs, where primary porosity and permeability is often negligible, is heavily reliant on structural permeability provided by naturally occurring and induced fracture networks, permeability, which is often not provided for through primary porosity and permeability. In this study the Penola Trough, located within the onshore Otway Basin in South Australia, is presented as a case study for remotely detecting and defining subsurface fracture networks that may contribute to secondary permeability. This area is prospective for shale and tight gas and geothermal energy. The existence and nature of natural fractures is verified through an integrated analysis of geophysical logs (including wellbore image logs) and 3D seismic data. Wellbore image logs from 11 petroleum wells within the Penola Trough were interpreted for both stress indicators and natural fractures. A total of 507 naturally occurring fractures were identified, striking approximately WNE-ESE. Fractures which are aligned in the in-situ stress field are optimally oriented for reactivation, and are hence likely to be open to fluid flow. Fractures are identifiable as being either resistive or conductive sinusoids on the resistivity image logs used in this study. Resistive fractures, of which 239 were identified, are considered to be cemented with electrically resistive cements (such as quartz or calcite) and thus closed to fluid flow. Conductive fractures, of which 268 were identified, are considered to be uncemented and open to fluid flow, and thus important to geothermal exploration. Fracture susceptibility diagrams constructed for the identified fractures illustrate that the conductive fractures are optimally oriented for reactivation in the present-day strike-slip fault regime, and so are likely to be open to fluid flow. To gain an understanding of the broader extent of these natural fractures, it is necessary to analyse more regional 3D seismic data. It is well documented that fault and fracture networks like those generally observed in image logs lie well below seismic amplitude resolution, making them difficult to observe directly on amplitude data. However, seismic attributes can be calculated to provide some information on sub-seismic scale structural and stratigraphic features. Using the merged Balnaves/Haselgrove 3D seismic cube acquired over the Penola Trough, attribute maps of complex multi-trace dip-steered coherency and most positive curvature, among others, were used to document the presence of discontinuities within the seismic data which area likely to represent natural fractures, and to best constrain the likely extent of the fracture network which they form. The resulting fracture network model displays relatively good connectivity surrounding structural features intersecting the studied horizons, although large areas lacking significant discontinuities are observed. These areas make it unlikely that the fracture network contributes to permeability on a basin-wide scale, though observed features are optimally oriented for reactivation under contemporary stress conditions and are thus likely to provide at least local increases in permeability.

  8. Algorithm to determine the percolation largest component in interconnected networks.

    PubMed

    Schneider, Christian M; Araújo, Nuno A M; Herrmann, Hans J

    2013-04-01

    Interconnected networks have been shown to be much more vulnerable to random and targeted failures than isolated ones, raising several interesting questions regarding the identification and mitigation of their risk. The paradigm to address these questions is the percolation model, where the resilience of the system is quantified by the dependence of the size of the largest cluster on the number of failures. Numerically, the major challenge is the identification of this cluster and the calculation of its size. Here, we propose an efficient algorithm to tackle this problem. We show that the algorithm scales as O(NlogN), where N is the number of nodes in the network, a significant improvement compared to O(N(2)) for a greedy algorithm, which permits studying much larger networks. Our new strategy can be applied to any network topology and distribution of interdependencies, as well as any sequence of failures.

  9. High-Penetration Photovoltaic Planning Methodologies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao, David Wenzhong; Muljadi, Eduard; Tian, Tian

    The main objective of this report is to provide an overview of select U.S. utility methodologies for performing high-penetration photovoltaic (HPPV) system planning and impact studies. This report covers the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's orders related to photovoltaic (PV) power system interconnection, particularly the interconnection processes for the Large Generation Interconnection Procedures and Small Generation Interconnection Procedures. In addition, it includes U.S. state interconnection standards and procedures. The procedures used by these regulatory bodies consider the impacts of HPPV power plants on the networks. Technical interconnection requirements for HPPV voltage regulation include aspects of power monitoring, grounding, synchronization, connection tomore » the overall distribution system, back-feeds, disconnecting means, abnormal operating conditions, and power quality. This report provides a summary of mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of HPPV. Recommendations and revisions to the standards may take place as the penetration level of renewables on the grid increases and new technologies develop in future years.« less

  10. Comparative Analysis and Considerations for PV Interconnection Standards in the United States and China

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao, David Wenzhong; Muljadi, Eduard; Tian, Tian

    The main objectives of this report are to evaluate China's photovoltaic (PV) interconnection standards and the U.S. counterparts and to propose recommendations for future revisions to these standards. This report references the 2013 report Comparative Study of Standards for Grid-Connected PV System in China, the U.S. and European Countries, which compares U.S., European, and China's PV grid interconnection standards; reviews various metrics for the characterization of distribution network with PV; and suggests modifications to China's PV interconnection standards and requirements. The recommendations are accompanied by assessments of four high-penetration PV grid interconnection cases in the United States to illustrate solutionsmore » implemented to resolve issues encountered at different sites. PV penetration in China and in the United States has significantly increased during the past several years, presenting comparable challenges depending on the conditions of the grid at the point of interconnection; solutions are generally unique to each interconnected PV installation or PV plant.« less

  11. Development of technologies for welding interconnects to fifty-micron thick silicon solar cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patterson, R. E.

    1982-01-01

    A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50 microns thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 C to -180 C) were performed on 16 cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48 cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50 microns thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

  12. Welding interconnects to 50-micron silicon solar cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patterson, R. E.; Mesch, H. G.

    1983-01-01

    A program was conducted to develop technologies for welding interconnects to 50-micron thick, 2 by 2 cm solar cells obtained from three suppliers. The cells were characterized with respect to electrical performance, cell thickness, silver contact thickness, contact waviness, bowing, and fracture strength. Weld schedules were independently developed for each of the three cell types and were coincidentally identical. Thermal shock tests (100 cycles from 100 deg to -180 deg C) were performed on 16-cell coupons for each cell type without any weld joint failures or electrical degradation. Three 48-cell modules (one for each cell type) were assembled with 50-micron thick cells, frosted fused silica covers, silver clad Invar interconnectors, and Kapton substrates.

  13. Data Handling and Communication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hemmer, FréDéRic Giorgio Innocenti, Pier

    The following sections are included: * Introduction * Computing Clusters and Data Storage: The New Factory and Warehouse * Local Area Networks: Organizing Interconnection * High-Speed Worldwide Networking: Accelerating Protocols * Detector Simulation: Events Before the Event * Data Analysis and Programming Environment: Distilling Information * World Wide Web: Global Networking * References

  14. Optical Interconnections for VLSI Computational Systems Using Computer-Generated Holography.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feldman, Michael Robert

    Optical interconnects for VLSI computational systems using computer generated holograms are evaluated in theory and experiment. It is shown that by replacing particular electronic connections with free-space optical communication paths, connection of devices on a single chip or wafer and between chips or modules can be improved. Optical and electrical interconnects are compared in terms of power dissipation, communication bandwidth, and connection density. Conditions are determined for which optical interconnects are advantageous. Based on this analysis, it is shown that by applying computer generated holographic optical interconnects to wafer scale fine grain parallel processing systems, dramatic increases in system performance can be expected. Some new interconnection networks, designed to take full advantage of optical interconnect technology, have been developed. Experimental Computer Generated Holograms (CGH's) have been designed, fabricated and subsequently tested in prototype optical interconnected computational systems. Several new CGH encoding methods have been developed to provide efficient high performance CGH's. One CGH was used to decrease the access time of a 1 kilobit CMOS RAM chip. Another was produced to implement the inter-processor communication paths in a shared memory SIMD parallel processor array.

  15. Evolution of a fracture network in an elastic medium with internal fluid generation and expulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobchenko, Maya; Hafver, Andreas; Jettestuen, Espen; Renard, François; Galland, Olivier; Jamtveit, Bjørn; Meakin, Paul; Dysthe, Dag Kristian

    2014-11-01

    A simple and reproducible analog experiment was used to simulate fracture formation in a low-permeability elastic solid during internal fluid/gas production, with the objective of developing a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the dynamics of fracturing, fracture opening and closing, and fluid transport. In the experiment, nucleation, propagation, and coalescence of fractures within an elastic gelatin matrix, confined in a Hele-Shaw cell, occurred due to CO2 production via fermentation of sugar, and it was monitored by optical means. We first quantified how a fracture network develops, and then how intermittent fluid transport is controlled by the dynamics of opening and closing of fractures. The gas escape dynamics exhibited three characteristic behaviors: (1) Quasiperiodic release of gas with a characteristic frequency that depends on the gas production rate but not on the system size. (2) A 1 /f power spectrum for the fluctuations in the total open fracture area over an intermediate range of frequencies (f ), which we attribute to collective effects caused by interaction between fractures in the drainage network. (3) A 1 /f2 power spectrum was observed at high frequencies, which can be explained by the characteristic behavior of single fractures.

  16. 76 FR 24878 - Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-03

    ... the center of the city, and with 120 km of the interconnected base station transmitter. Consensual... mobile radio service stations with the public switched telephone network as follows: (1) Pursuant to 47 CFR section 90.477(a), licensees of interconnected land stations must maintain as part of their...

  17. A Conceptual Framework Based on Activity Theory for Mobile CSCL

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zurita, Gustavo; Nussbaum, Miguel

    2007-01-01

    There is a need for collaborative group activities that promote student social interaction in the classroom. Handheld computers interconnected by a wireless network allow people who work on a common task to interact face to face while maintaining the mediation afforded by a technology-based system. Wirelessly interconnected handhelds open up new…

  18. Stochastic architecture for Hopfield neural nets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pavel, Sandy

    1992-01-01

    An expandable stochastic digital architecture for recurrent (Hopfield like) neural networks is proposed. The main features and basic principles of stochastic processing are presented. The stochastic digital architecture is based on a chip with n full interconnected neurons with a pipeline, bit processing structure. For large applications, a flexible way to interconnect many such chips is provided.

  19. New approach for simulating groundwater flow in discrete fracture network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, H.; Zhu, J.

    2017-12-01

    In this study, we develop a new approach to calculate groundwater flowrate and hydraulic head distribution in two-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) where both laminar and turbulent flows co-exist in individual fractures. The cubic law is used to calculate hydraulic head distribution and flow behaviors in fractures where flow is laminar, while the Forchheimer's law is used to quantify turbulent flow behaviors. Reynolds number is used to distinguish flow characteristics in individual fractures. The combination of linear and non-linear equations is solved iteratively to determine flowrates in all fractures and hydraulic heads at all intersections. We examine potential errors in both flowrate and hydraulic head from the approach of uniform flow assumption. Applying the cubic law in all fractures regardless of actual flow conditions overestimates the flowrate when turbulent flow may exist while applying the Forchheimer's law indiscriminately underestimate the flowrate when laminar flows exist in the network. The contrast of apertures of large and small fractures in the DFN has significant impact on the potential errors of using only the cubic law or the Forchheimer's law. Both the cubic law and Forchheimer's law simulate similar hydraulic head distributions as the main difference between these two approaches lies in predicting different flowrates. Fracture irregularity does not significantly affect the potential errors from using only the cubic law or the Forchheimer's law if network configuration remains similar. Relative density of fractures does not significantly affect the relative performance of the cubic law and Forchheimer's law.

  20. Finite element generation of arbitrary 3-D fracture networks for flow analysis in complicated discrete fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Qi-Hua

    2015-10-01

    Finite element generation of complicated fracture networks is the core issue and source of technical difficulty in three-dimensional (3-D) discrete fracture network (DFN) flow models. Due to the randomness and uncertainty in the configuration of a DFN, the intersection lines (traces) are arbitrarily distributed in each face (fracture and other surfaces). Hence, subdivision of the fractures is an issue relating to subdivision of two-dimensional (2-D) domains with arbitrarily-distributed constraints. When the DFN configuration is very complicated, the well-known approaches (e.g. Voronoi Delaunay-based methods and advancing-front techniques) cannot operate properly. This paper proposes an algorithm to implement end-to-end connection between traces to subdivide 2-D domains into closed loops. The compositions of the vertices in the common edges between adjacent loops (which may belong to a single fracture or two connected fractures) are thus ensured to be topologically identical. The paper then proposes an approach for triangulating arbitrary loops which does not add any nodes to ensure consistency of the meshes at the common edges. In addition, several techniques relating to tolerance control and improving code robustness are discussed. Finally, the equivalent permeability of the rock mass is calculated for some very complicated DFNs (the DFN may contain 1272 fractures, 633 connected fractures, and 16,270 closed loops). The results are compared with other approaches to demonstrate the veracity and efficiency of the approach proposed in this paper.

  1. Periodic Hydraulic Testing for Discerning Fracture Network Connections

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Becker, M.; Le Borgne, T.; Bour, O.; Guihéneuf, N.; Cole, M.

    2015-12-01

    Discrete fracture network (DFN) models often predict highly variable hydraulic connections between injection and pumping wells used for enhanced oil recovery, geothermal energy extraction, and groundwater remediation. Such connections can be difficult to verify in fractured rock systems because standard pumping or pulse interference tests interrogate too large a volume to pinpoint specific connections. Three field examples are presented in which periodic hydraulic tests were used to obtain information about hydraulic connectivity in fractured bedrock. The first site, a sandstone in New York State, involves only a single fracture at a scale of about 10 m. The second site, a granite in Brittany, France, involves a fracture network at about the same scale. The third site, a granite/schist in the U.S. State of New Hampshire, involves a complex network at scale of 30-60 m. In each case periodic testing provided an enhanced view of hydraulic connectivity over previous constant rate tests. Periodic testing is particularly adept at measuring hydraulic diffusivity, which is a more effective parameter than permeability for identify the complexity of flow pathways between measurement locations. Periodic tests were also conducted at multiple frequencies which provides a range in the radius of hydraulic penetration away from the oscillating well. By varying the radius of penetration, we attempt to interrogate the structure of the fracture network. Periodic tests, therefore, may be uniquely suited for verifying and/or calibrating DFN models.

  2. Experimental demonstration of the optical multi-mesh hypercube: scaleable interconnection network for multiprocessors and multicomputers.

    PubMed

    Louri, A; Furlonge, S; Neocleous, C

    1996-12-10

    A prototype of a novel topology for scaleable optical interconnection networks called the optical multi-mesh hypercube (OMMH) is experimentally demonstrated to as high as a 150-Mbit/s data rate (2(7) - 1 nonreturn-to-zero pseudo-random data pattern) at a bit error rate of 10(-13)/link by the use of commercially available devices. OMMH is a scaleable network [Appl. Opt. 33, 7558 (1994); J. Lightwave Technol. 12, 704 (1994)] architecture that combines the positive features of the hypercube (small diameter, connectivity, symmetry, simple routing, and fault tolerance) and the mesh (constant node degree and size scaleability). The optical implementation method is divided into two levels: high-density local connections for the hypercube modules, and high-bit-rate, low-density, long connections for the mesh links connecting the hypercube modules. Free-space imaging systems utilizing vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, lenslet arrays, space-invariant holographic techniques, and photodiode arrays are demonstrated for the local connections. Optobus fiber interconnects from Motorola are used for the long-distance connections. The OMMH was optimized to operate at the data rate of Motorola's Optobus (10-bit-wide, VCSEL-based bidirectional data interconnects at 150 Mbits/s). Difficulties encountered included the varying fan-out efficiencies of the different orders of the hologram, misalignment sensitivity of the free-space links, low power (1 mW) of the individual VCSEL's, and noise.

  3. Delineation of fractures, foliation, and groundwater-flow zones of the bedrock at the Harlem River Tunnel in northern New York County, New York

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stumm, Frederick; Chu, Anthony; Joesten, Peter K.; Noll, Michael L.; Como, Michael D.

    2013-01-01

    Advanced borehole-geophysical methods were used to investigate the hydrogeology of the crystalline bedrock in 36 boreholes on the northernmost part of New York County, New York, for the construction of a utilities tunnel beneath the Harlem River. The borehole-logging techniques were used to delineate bedrock fractures, foliation, and groundwater-flow zones in test boreholes at the site. Fracture indexes of the deep boreholes ranged from 0.65 to 0.76 per foot. Most of the fracture populations had either northwest to southwest or east to southeast dip azimuths with moderate dip angles. The mean foliation dip azimuth ranged from 100º to 124º southeast with dip angles of 52º to 60º. Groundwater appears to flow through an interconnected network of fractures that are affected by tidal variations from the nearby Harlem River and tunnel construction dewatering operations. The transmissivities of the 3 boreholes tested (USGS-1, USGS-3, and USGS-4), calculated from specific capacity data, were 2, 48, and 30 feet squared per day (ft2/d), respectively. The highest transmissivities were observed in wells north and west of the secant ring. Three borehole-radar velocity tomograms were collected. In the USGS-1 and USGS-4 velocity tomogram there are two areas of low radar velocity. The first is at the top of the tomogram and runs from 105 ft below land surface (BLS) at USGS-4 and extends to 125 ft BLS at USGS-1, the second area is centered at a depth of 150 ft BLS at USGS-1 and 135 to 150 ft BLS at USGS-4. Field measurements of specific conductance of 14 boreholes under ambient conditions at the site indicate an increase in conductivity toward the southwest part of the site (nearest the Harlem River). Specific conductance ranged from 107 microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) (borehole 63C) to 11,000 μS/cm (borehole 79B). The secant boreholes had the highest specific conductance.

  4. Concurrent communication among multi-transceiver stations over shared media. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Birk, Yitzhak

    1987-01-01

    In order to increase a local-area network's throughput beyond a single bus data rate without using dedicated switching nodes, multiple buses and multitransceiver stations are required. The design space of single-hop interconnections is explored among such stations. Interconnections are presented whose throughput can grow quadratically with the number of transmitters and receivers per station. These are referred to as selective broadcast interconnections (SBIs). The performance of various SBIs are studied. A spread-spectrum channel can accommodate several current successful transmission, and a single-transceiver node can thus utilize only a small fraction of the channel capacity. In order to allocate the appropriate fraction of capacity to a busy node, it is proposed to equip it with several transmitters and receivers, thereby turning it into a supernode. Several architectures and operation policies for supernodes are suggested and compared. It is shown that a supernode can significantly outperform a collection of independent conventional nodes with the same total numbers of transmitters and receivers. Packet-radio networks with half-duplex nodes, as well as networks with full-duplex nodes, are considered.

  5. Bacterial-cellulose-derived interconnected meso-microporous carbon nanofiber networks as binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, Xiaodong; Wang, Jie; Ding, Bing; Wang, Ya; Chang, Zhi; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang

    2017-06-01

    Bacterial cellulose (BC), a typical biomass prepared from the microbial fermentation process, has been proved that it can be an ideal platform for design of three-dimensional (3D) multifunctional nanomaterials in energy storage and conversion field. Here we developed a simple and general silica-assisted strategy for fabrication of interconnected 3D meso-microporous carbon nanofiber networks by confine nanospace pyrolysis of sustainable BC, which can be used as binder-free electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors. The synthesized carbon nanofibers exhibited the features of interconnected 3D networks architecture, large surface area (624 m2 g-1), mesopores-dominated hierarchical porosity, and high graphitization degree. The as-prepared electrode (CN-BC) displayed a maximum specific capacitance of 302 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, high-rate capability and good cyclicity in 6 M KOH electrolyte. This work, together with cost-effective preparation strategy to make high-value utilization of cheap biomass, should have significant implications in the green and mass-producible energy storage.

  6. How reactive fluids alter fracture walls and affect shale-matrix accessibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fitts, J. P.; Deng, H.; Peters, C. A.

    2014-12-01

    Predictions of mass transfer across fracture boundaries and fluid flow in fracture networks provide fundamental inputs into risk and life cycle assessments of geologic energy technologies including oil and gas extraction, geothermal energy systems and geologic CO2 storage. However, major knowledge gaps exist due to the lack of experimental observations of how reactive fluids alter the pore structures and accessible surface area within fracture boundaries that control the mass transfer of organics, metals and salts, and influence fluid flow within the fracture. To investigate the fracture and rock matrix properties governing fracture boundary alteration, we developed a new flow-through cell that enables time-dependent 2D x-ray imaging of mineral dissolution and/or precipitation at a fracture surface. The parallel plate design provides an idealized fracture geometry to investigate the relationship between flow rate, reaction rate, and mineral spatial heterogeneity and variation. In the flow-cell, a carbonate-rich sample of Eagle Ford shale was reacted with acidified brine. The extent and rate of mineral dissolution were correlated with calcite abundance relative to less soluble silicate minerals. Three-dimensional x-ray tomography of the reacted fracture wall shows how calcite dissolution left behind a porous network of silicate minerals. And while this silicate network essentially preserved the location of the initial fracture wall, the pore network structures within the fracture boundary were dramatically altered, such that the accessible surface area of matrix components increased significantly. In a second set of experiments with a limestone specimen, however, the extent of dissolution and retreat of the fracture wall was not strictly correlated with the occurrence of calcite. Instead, the pattern and extent of dissolution suggested secondary causes such as calcite morphology, the presence of argillaceous minerals and other diagenetic features. Our experiments show that while calcite dissolution is the primary geochemical driver of fracture wall alterations, hydrodynamic properties and matrix accessibility within fracture boundaries evolve based on a complex relationship between mineral spatial heterogeneity and variation, fluid chemistry and flow rate.

  7. Networked Leadership in Educational Collaborative Networks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Díaz-Gibson, Jordi; Zaragoza, Mireia Civís; Daly, Alan J.; Mayayo, Jordi Longás; Romaní, Jordi Riera

    2017-01-01

    Educational Collaborative Networks (ECNs) aim to achieve educational goals at the community level and base their actions on collaborative partnering between schools and community organizations. These approaches are an emergent and innovative leadership and policy strategy being used increasingly across the globe, given the interconnected and…

  8. Delay Analysis of GTS Bridging between IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 Networks for Healthcare Applications

    PubMed Central

    Mišić, Jelena; (Sherman) Shen, Xuemin

    2009-01-01

    We consider interconnection of IEEE 802.15.4 beacon-enabled network cluster with IEEE 802.11b network. This scenario is important in healthcare applications where IEEE 802.15.4 nodes comprise patient's body area network (BAN) and are involved in sensing some health-related data. BAN nodes have very short communication range in order to avoid harming patient's health and save energy. Sensed data needs to be transmitted to an access point in the ward room using wireless technology with higher transmission range and rate such as IEEE 802.11b. We model the interconnected network where IEEE 802.15.4-based BAN operates in guaranteed time slot (GTS) mode, and IEEE 802.11b part of the bridge conveys GTS superframe to the 802.11b access point. We then analyze the network delays. Performance analysis is performed using EKG traffic from continuous telemetry, and we discuss the delays of communication due the increasing number of patients. PMID:19107184

  9. Delay Analysis of GTS Bridging between IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 Networks for Healthcare Applications.

    PubMed

    Misić, Jelena; Sherman Shen, Xuemin

    2009-01-01

    We consider interconnection of IEEE 802.15.4 beacon-enabled network cluster with IEEE 802.11b network. This scenario is important in healthcare applications where IEEE 802.15.4 nodes comprise patient's body area network (BAN) and are involved in sensing some health-related data. BAN nodes have very short communication range in order to avoid harming patient's health and save energy. Sensed data needs to be transmitted to an access point in the ward room using wireless technology with higher transmission range and rate such as IEEE 802.11b. We model the interconnected network where IEEE 802.15.4-based BAN operates in guaranteed time slot (GTS) mode, and IEEE 802.11b part of the bridge conveys GTS superframe to the 802.11b access point. We then analyze the network delays. Performance analysis is performed using EKG traffic from continuous telemetry, and we discuss the delays of communication due the increasing number of patients.

  10. Visualizing weighted networks: a performance comparison of adjacency matrices versus node-link diagrams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McIntire, John P.; Osesina, O. Isaac; Bartley, Cecilia; Tudoreanu, M. Eduard; Havig, Paul R.; Geiselman, Eric E.

    2012-06-01

    Ensuring the proper and effective ways to visualize network data is important for many areas of academia, applied sciences, the military, and the public. Fields such as social network analysis, genetics, biochemistry, intelligence, cybersecurity, neural network modeling, transit systems, communications, etc. often deal with large, complex network datasets that can be difficult to interact with, study, and use. There have been surprisingly few human factors performance studies on the relative effectiveness of different graph drawings or network diagram techniques to convey information to a viewer. This is particularly true for weighted networks which include the strength of connections between nodes, not just information about which nodes are linked to other nodes. We describe a human factors study in which participants performed four separate network analysis tasks (finding a direct link between given nodes, finding an interconnected node between given nodes, estimating link strengths, and estimating the most densely interconnected nodes) on two different network visualizations: an adjacency matrix with a heat-map versus a node-link diagram. The results should help shed light on effective methods of visualizing network data for some representative analysis tasks, with the ultimate goal of improving usability and performance for viewers of network data displays.

  11. Glossary of fault and other fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peacock, D. C. P.; Nixon, C. W.; Rotevatn, A.; Sanderson, D. J.; Zuluaga, L. F.

    2016-11-01

    Increased interest in the two- and three-dimensional geometries and development of faults and other types of fractures in rock has led to an increasingly bewildering terminology. Here we give definitions for the geometric, topological, kinematic and mechanical relationships between geological faults and other types of fractures, focussing on how they relate to form networks.

  12. Enhancing synchronization stability in a multi-area power grid

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Bing; Suzuki, Hideyuki; Aihara, Kazuyuki

    2016-01-01

    Maintaining a synchronous state of generators is of central importance to the normal operation of power grids, in which many networks are generally interconnected. In order to understand the condition under which the stability can be optimized, it is important to relate network stability with feedback control strategies as well as network structure. Here, we present a stability analysis on a multi-area power grid by relating it with several control strategies and topological design of network structure. We clarify the minimal feedback gain in the self-feedback control, and build the optimal communication network for the local and global control strategies. Finally, we consider relationship between the interconnection pattern and the synchronization stability; by optimizing the network interlinks, the obtained network shows better synchronization stability than the original network does, in particular, at a high power demand. Our analysis shows that interlinks between spatially distant nodes will improve the synchronization stability. The results seem unfeasible to be implemented in real systems but provide a potential guide for the design of stable power systems. PMID:27225708

  13. Modeling flow and transport in fracture networks using graphs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karra, S.; O'Malley, D.; Hyman, J. D.; Viswanathan, H. S.; Srinivasan, G.

    2018-03-01

    Fractures form the main pathways for flow in the subsurface within low-permeability rock. For this reason, accurately predicting flow and transport in fractured systems is vital for improving the performance of subsurface applications. Fracture sizes in these systems can range from millimeters to kilometers. Although modeling flow and transport using the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach is known to be more accurate due to incorporation of the detailed fracture network structure over continuum-based methods, capturing the flow and transport in such a wide range of scales is still computationally intractable. Furthermore, if one has to quantify uncertainty, hundreds of realizations of these DFN models have to be run. To reduce the computational burden, we solve flow and transport on a graph representation of a DFN. We study the accuracy of the graph approach by comparing breakthrough times and tracer particle statistical data between the graph-based and the high-fidelity DFN approaches, for fracture networks with varying number of fractures and degree of heterogeneity. Due to our recent developments in capabilities to perform DFN high-fidelity simulations on fracture networks with large number of fractures, we are in a unique position to perform such a comparison. We show that the graph approach shows a consistent bias with up to an order of magnitude slower breakthrough when compared to the DFN approach. We show that this is due to graph algorithm's underprediction of the pressure gradients across intersections on a given fracture, leading to slower tracer particle speeds between intersections and longer travel times. We present a bias correction methodology to the graph algorithm that reduces the discrepancy between the DFN and graph predictions. We show that with this bias correction, the graph algorithm predictions significantly improve and the results are very accurate. The good accuracy and the low computational cost, with O (104) times lower times than the DFN, makes the graph algorithm an ideal technique to incorporate in uncertainty quantification methods.

  14. Modeling flow and transport in fracture networks using graphs.

    PubMed

    Karra, S; O'Malley, D; Hyman, J D; Viswanathan, H S; Srinivasan, G

    2018-03-01

    Fractures form the main pathways for flow in the subsurface within low-permeability rock. For this reason, accurately predicting flow and transport in fractured systems is vital for improving the performance of subsurface applications. Fracture sizes in these systems can range from millimeters to kilometers. Although modeling flow and transport using the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach is known to be more accurate due to incorporation of the detailed fracture network structure over continuum-based methods, capturing the flow and transport in such a wide range of scales is still computationally intractable. Furthermore, if one has to quantify uncertainty, hundreds of realizations of these DFN models have to be run. To reduce the computational burden, we solve flow and transport on a graph representation of a DFN. We study the accuracy of the graph approach by comparing breakthrough times and tracer particle statistical data between the graph-based and the high-fidelity DFN approaches, for fracture networks with varying number of fractures and degree of heterogeneity. Due to our recent developments in capabilities to perform DFN high-fidelity simulations on fracture networks with large number of fractures, we are in a unique position to perform such a comparison. We show that the graph approach shows a consistent bias with up to an order of magnitude slower breakthrough when compared to the DFN approach. We show that this is due to graph algorithm's underprediction of the pressure gradients across intersections on a given fracture, leading to slower tracer particle speeds between intersections and longer travel times. We present a bias correction methodology to the graph algorithm that reduces the discrepancy between the DFN and graph predictions. We show that with this bias correction, the graph algorithm predictions significantly improve and the results are very accurate. The good accuracy and the low computational cost, with O(10^{4}) times lower times than the DFN, makes the graph algorithm an ideal technique to incorporate in uncertainty quantification methods.

  15. Modeling flow and transport in fracture networks using graphs

    DOE PAGES

    Karra, S.; O'Malley, D.; Hyman, J. D.; ...

    2018-03-09

    Fractures form the main pathways for flow in the subsurface within low-permeability rock. For this reason, accurately predicting flow and transport in fractured systems is vital for improving the performance of subsurface applications. Fracture sizes in these systems can range from millimeters to kilometers. Although modeling flow and transport using the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach is known to be more accurate due to incorporation of the detailed fracture network structure over continuum-based methods, capturing the flow and transport in such a wide range of scales is still computationally intractable. Furthermore, if one has to quantify uncertainty, hundreds of realizationsmore » of these DFN models have to be run. To reduce the computational burden, we solve flow and transport on a graph representation of a DFN. We study the accuracy of the graph approach by comparing breakthrough times and tracer particle statistical data between the graph-based and the high-fidelity DFN approaches, for fracture networks with varying number of fractures and degree of heterogeneity. Due to our recent developments in capabilities to perform DFN high-fidelity simulations on fracture networks with large number of fractures, we are in a unique position to perform such a comparison. We show that the graph approach shows a consistent bias with up to an order of magnitude slower breakthrough when compared to the DFN approach. We show that this is due to graph algorithm's underprediction of the pressure gradients across intersections on a given fracture, leading to slower tracer particle speeds between intersections and longer travel times. We present a bias correction methodology to the graph algorithm that reduces the discrepancy between the DFN and graph predictions. We show that with this bias correction, the graph algorithm predictions significantly improve and the results are very accurate. In conclusion, the good accuracy and the low computational cost, with O(10 4) times lower times than the DFN, makes the graph algorithm an ideal technique to incorporate in uncertainty quantification methods.« less

  16. Modeling flow and transport in fracture networks using graphs

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Karra, S.; O'Malley, D.; Hyman, J. D.

    Fractures form the main pathways for flow in the subsurface within low-permeability rock. For this reason, accurately predicting flow and transport in fractured systems is vital for improving the performance of subsurface applications. Fracture sizes in these systems can range from millimeters to kilometers. Although modeling flow and transport using the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach is known to be more accurate due to incorporation of the detailed fracture network structure over continuum-based methods, capturing the flow and transport in such a wide range of scales is still computationally intractable. Furthermore, if one has to quantify uncertainty, hundreds of realizationsmore » of these DFN models have to be run. To reduce the computational burden, we solve flow and transport on a graph representation of a DFN. We study the accuracy of the graph approach by comparing breakthrough times and tracer particle statistical data between the graph-based and the high-fidelity DFN approaches, for fracture networks with varying number of fractures and degree of heterogeneity. Due to our recent developments in capabilities to perform DFN high-fidelity simulations on fracture networks with large number of fractures, we are in a unique position to perform such a comparison. We show that the graph approach shows a consistent bias with up to an order of magnitude slower breakthrough when compared to the DFN approach. We show that this is due to graph algorithm's underprediction of the pressure gradients across intersections on a given fracture, leading to slower tracer particle speeds between intersections and longer travel times. We present a bias correction methodology to the graph algorithm that reduces the discrepancy between the DFN and graph predictions. We show that with this bias correction, the graph algorithm predictions significantly improve and the results are very accurate. In conclusion, the good accuracy and the low computational cost, with O(10 4) times lower times than the DFN, makes the graph algorithm an ideal technique to incorporate in uncertainty quantification methods.« less

  17. An Experimental Study on Characterization of Physical Properties of Ultramafic Rocks and Controls on Evolution of Fracture Permeability During Serpentinization at Hydrothermal Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farough, Aida

    Serpentinization is a complex set of hydration reactions, where olivine and pyroxene are replaced by serpentine, magnetite, brucite, talc and carbonate minerals. Serpentinization reactions alter chemical, mechanical, magnetic, seismic, and hydraulic properties of the crust. To understand the complicated nature of serpentinization and the linkages between physical and chemical changes during the reactions, I performed flow-through laboratory experiments on cylindrically cored samples of ultramafic rocks. Each core had a well-mated through-going tensile fracture, to investigate evolution of fracture permeability during serpentinization. The samples were tested in a triaxial loading machine at an effective pressure of 30 MPa, and temperature of 260"aC, simulating a depth of 2 km under hydrostatic conditions. Fracture permeability decreased by one to two orders of magnitude during the 200 to 340 hour experiments. Electron microprobe and SEM data indicated the formation of needle-shaped crystals of serpentine composition along the walls of the fracture, and chemical analyses of sampled pore fluids were consistent with dissolution of ferromagnesian minerals. The rate of transformation of olivine to serpentine in a tensile fracture is calculated using the data on evolution of fracture permeability assuming the fracture permeability could be represented by parallel plates. Assuming the dissolution and precipitation reactions occur simultaneously; the rate of transformation at the beginning of the experiments was 10-8-10-9 (mol/m2s) and decreased monotonically by about an order of magnitude towards the end of the experiment. Results show that dissolution and precipitation is the main mechanism contributing to the reduction in fracture aperture. The experimental results suggest that the fracture network in long-lived hydrothermal circulation systems may be sealed rapidly as a result of mineral precipitation, and generation of new permeability resulting from a combination of tectonic and crystallization-induced stresses may be required to maintain fluid circulation. Another set of flow through experiments were performed on intact samples of ultramafic rocks at room temperature and effective pressures of 10, 20 and 30 MPa to estimate the pressure dependency of intact permeability. Porosity and density measurements were also performed with the purpose of characterizing these properties of ultramafic rocks. The pressure dependency of the coefficient of matrix permeability of the ultramafic rock samples fell in the range of 0.05-0.14 MPa -1. Using porosity and permeability measurements, the ratio of interconnected porosity to total porosity was estimated to be small and the permeability of the samples was dominantly controlled by microcracks. Using the density and porosity measurements, the degree of alteration of samples was estimated. Samples with high density and pressure dependent permeability had a smaller degree of alteration than those with lower density and pressure dependency.

  18. Performance of an artificial neural network for vertical root fracture detection: an ex vivo study.

    PubMed

    Kositbowornchai, Suwadee; Plermkamon, Supattra; Tangkosol, Tawan

    2013-04-01

    To develop an artificial neural network for vertical root fracture detection. A probabilistic neural network design was used to clarify whether a tooth root was sound or had a vertical root fracture. Two hundred images (50 sound and 150 vertical root fractures) derived from digital radiography--used to train and test the artificial neural network--were divided into three groups according to the number of training and test data sets: 80/120,105/95 and 130/70, respectively. Either training or tested data were evaluated using grey-scale data per line passing through the root. These data were normalized to reduce the grey-scale variance and fed as input data of the neural network. The variance of function in recognition data was calculated between 0 and 1 to select the best performance of neural network. The performance of the neural network was evaluated using a diagnostic test. After testing data under several variances of function, we found the highest sensitivity (98%), specificity (90.5%) and accuracy (95.7%) occurred in Group three, for which the variance of function in recognition data was between 0.025 and 0.005. The neural network designed in this study has sufficient sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to be a model for vertical root fracture detection. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  19. Graph Representations of Flow and Transport in Fracture Networks using Machine Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srinivasan, G.; Viswanathan, H. S.; Karra, S.; O'Malley, D.; Godinez, H. C.; Hagberg, A.; Osthus, D.; Mohd-Yusof, J.

    2017-12-01

    Flow and transport of fluids through fractured systems is governed by the properties and interactions at the micro-scale. Retaining information about the micro-structure such as fracture length, orientation, aperture and connectivity in mesh-based computational models results in solving for millions to billions of degrees of freedom and quickly renders the problem computationally intractable. Our approach depicts fracture networks graphically, by mapping fractures to nodes and intersections to edges, thereby greatly reducing computational burden. Additionally, we use machine learning techniques to build simulators on the graph representation, trained on data from the mesh-based high fidelity simulations to speed up computation by orders of magnitude. We demonstrate our methodology on ensembles of discrete fracture networks, dividing up the data into training and validation sets. Our machine learned graph-based solvers result in over 3 orders of magnitude speedup without any significant sacrifice in accuracy.

  20. Numerical Experiments on Advective Transport in Large Three-Dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Makedonska, N.; Painter, S. L.; Karra, S.; Gable, C. W.

    2013-12-01

    Modeling of flow and solute transport in discrete fracture networks is an important approach for understanding the migration of contaminants in impermeable hard rocks such as granite, where fractures provide dominant flow and transport pathways. The discrete fracture network (DFN) model attempts to mimic discrete pathways for fluid flow through a fractured low-permeable rock mass, and may be combined with particle tracking simulations to address solute transport. However, experience has shown that it is challenging to obtain accurate transport results in three-dimensional DFNs because of the high computational burden and difficulty in constructing a high-quality unstructured computational mesh on simulated fractures. An integrated DFN meshing [1], flow, and particle tracking [2] simulation capability that enables accurate flow and particle tracking simulation on large DFNs has recently been developed. The new capability has been used in numerical experiments on advective transport in large DFNs with tens of thousands of fractures and millions of computational cells. The modeling procedure starts from the fracture network generation using a stochastic model derived from site data. A high-quality computational mesh is then generated [1]. Flow is then solved using the highly parallel PFLOTRAN [3] code. PFLOTRAN uses the finite volume approach, which is locally mass conserving and thus eliminates mass balance problems during particle tracking. The flow solver provides the scalar fluxes on each control volume face. From the obtained fluxes the Darcy velocity is reconstructed for each node in the network [4]. Velocities can then be continuously interpolated to any point in the domain of interest, thus enabling random walk particle tracking. In order to describe the flow field on fractures intersections, the control volume cells on intersections are split into four planar polygons, where each polygon corresponds to a piece of a fracture near the intersection line. Thus, computational nodes lying on fracture intersections have four associated velocities, one on each side of the intersection in each fracture plane [2]. This information is used to route particles arriving at the fracture intersection to the appropriate downstream fracture segment. Verified for small DFNs, the new simulation capability allows accurate particle tracking on more realistic representations of fractured rock sites. In the current work we focus on travel time statistics and spatial dispersion and show numerical results in DFNs of different sizes, fracture densities, and transmissivity distributions. [1] Hyman J.D., Gable C.W., Painter S.L., Automated meshing of stochastically generated discrete fracture networks, Abstract H33G-1403, 2011 AGU, San Francisco, CA, 5-9 Dec. [2] N. Makedonska, S. L. Painter, T.-L. Hsieh, Q.M. Bui, and C. W. Gable., Development and verification of a new particle tracking capability for modeling radionuclide transport in discrete fracture networks, Abstract, 2013 IHLRWM, Albuquerque, NM, Apr. 28 - May 3. [3] Lichtner, P.C., Hammond, G.E., Bisht, G., Karra, S., Mills, R.T., and Kumar, J. (2013) PFLOTRAN User's Manual: A Massively Parallel Reactive Flow Code. [4] Painter S.L., Gable C.W., Kelkar S., Pathline tracing on fully unstructured control-volume grids, Computational Geosciences, 16 (4), 2012, 1125-1134.

  1. Fracture-network 3D characterization in a deformed chalk reservoir analogue -- the Laegerdorf case

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Koestler, A.G.; Reksten, K.

    1995-09-01

    Quantitative descriptions of 3D fracture networks in terms of fracture characteristics and connectivity are necessary for reservoir evaluation, management, and EOR programs of fractured reservoirs. The author`s research has focused on an analogue to North Sea fractured chalk reservoirs that is excellently exposed near Laegerdorf, northwest Germany. An underlying salt diapir uplifted and deformed Upper Cretaceous chalk; the cement industry now exploits it. The fracture network in the production wall of the quarry was characterized and mapped at different scales, and 12 profiles of the 230-m wide and 35-m high production wall were investigated as the wall receded 25 m.more » In addition, three wells were drilled into the chalk volume. The wells were cored and the wellbores were imaged with both the resistivity formation micro scanner (FMS) and the sonic circumferential borehole image logger (CBIL). The large amount of fracture data was analyzed with respect to parameters, such as fracture density distribution, orientation, and length distribution, and in terms of the representativity and predictability of data sets collected from restricted rock volumes.« less

  2. Mechanical reliability and life prediction of coated metallic interconnects within solid oxide fuel cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu, Zhijie; Xu, Wei; Stephens, Elizabeth

    Metallic cell interconnects (IC) made of ferritic stainless steels, i.e., iron-based alloys, have been increasingly favored in the recent development of planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because of their advantages in excellent imperviousness, low electrical resistance, ease in fabrication, and cost effectiveness. Typical SOFC operating conditions inevitably lead to the formation of oxide scales on the surface of ferritic stainless steel, which could cause delamination, buckling, and spallation resulting from the mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion and eventually reduce the lifetime of the interconnect components. Various protective coating techniques have been applied to alleviate these drawbacks. Inmore » the present work, a fracture-mechanics-based quantitative modeling framework has been established to predict the mechanical reliability and lifetime of the spinel-coated, surface-modified specimens under an isothermal cooling cycle. Analytical solutions have been formulated to evaluate the scale/substrate interfacial strength and determine the critical oxide thickness in terms of a variety of design factors, such as coating thickness, material properties, and uncertainties. In conclusion, the findings then are correlated with the experimentally measured oxide scale growth kinetics to quantify the predicted lifetime of the metallic interconnects.« less

  3. Interconnected porous hydroxyapatite ceramics for bone tissue engineering

    PubMed Central

    Yoshikawa, Hideki; Tamai, Noriyuki; Murase, Tsuyoshi; Myoui, Akira

    2008-01-01

    Several porous calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics have been used clinically as bone substitutes, but most of them possessed few interpore connections, resulting in pathological fracture probably due to poor bone formation within the substitute. We recently developed a fully interconnected porous HA ceramic (IP-CHA) by adopting the ‘foam-gel’ technique. The IP-CHA had a three-dimensional structure with spherical pores of uniform size (average 150 μm, porosity 75%), which were interconnected by window-like holes (average diameter 40 μm), and also demonstrated adequate compression strength (10–12 MPa). In animal experiments, the IP-CHA showed superior osteoconduction, with the majority of pores filled with newly formed bone. The interconnected porous structure facilitates bone tissue engineering by allowing the introduction of mesenchymal cells, osteotropic agents such as bone morphogenetic protein or vasculature into the pores. Clinically, we have applied the IP-CHA to treat various bony defects in orthopaedic surgery, and radiographic examinations demonstrated that grafted IP-CHA gained radiopacity more quickly than the synthetic HA in clinical use previously. We review the accumulated data on bone tissue engineering using the novel scaffold and on clinical application in the orthopaedic field. PMID:19106069

  4. Stretchable interconnections for flexible electronic systems.

    PubMed

    Jianhui, Lin; Bing, Yan; Xiaoming, Wu; Tianling, Ren; Litian, Liu

    2009-01-01

    Sensors, actuators and integrated circuits (IC) can be encapsulated together on an elastic substrate, which makes a flexible electronic system. In this system, electrical interconnections that can sustain large and reversible stretching are in great need. This paper is devoted to the fabrication of highly stretchable metal interconnections. Transfer printing technology is utilized, which mainly involves the transfer of 100-nm-thick gold ribbons from silicon wafers to pre-stretched elastic substrates. After the elastic substrates relax from the pre-strain, the gold ribbons buckle and form wavy geometries. These wavy geometries change in shapes to accommodate the applied strain and can be reversely stretched without cracks or fractures occurring, which will greatly raise the stretchability of the gold ribbons. As an application example, some of these wavy ribbons can accommodate high levels of stretching (up to 100%) and bending (with curvature radius down to 1.20 mm). Moreover, the efficiency and reliability of the transfer, especially for slender ribbons, have been increased due to the improvement of the technology. All the characteristics above will permit making stretchable gold conductors as interconnections for flexible electronic systems such as implantable medical systems and smart clothes.

  5. Mechanical reliability and life prediction of coated metallic interconnects within solid oxide fuel cells

    DOE PAGES

    Xu, Zhijie; Xu, Wei; Stephens, Elizabeth; ...

    2017-07-03

    Metallic cell interconnects (IC) made of ferritic stainless steels, i.e., iron-based alloys, have been increasingly favored in the recent development of planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because of their advantages in excellent imperviousness, low electrical resistance, ease in fabrication, and cost effectiveness. Typical SOFC operating conditions inevitably lead to the formation of oxide scales on the surface of ferritic stainless steel, which could cause delamination, buckling, and spallation resulting from the mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion and eventually reduce the lifetime of the interconnect components. Various protective coating techniques have been applied to alleviate these drawbacks. Inmore » the present work, a fracture-mechanics-based quantitative modeling framework has been established to predict the mechanical reliability and lifetime of the spinel-coated, surface-modified specimens under an isothermal cooling cycle. Analytical solutions have been formulated to evaluate the scale/substrate interfacial strength and determine the critical oxide thickness in terms of a variety of design factors, such as coating thickness, material properties, and uncertainties. In conclusion, the findings then are correlated with the experimentally measured oxide scale growth kinetics to quantify the predicted lifetime of the metallic interconnects.« less

  6. Are Geotehrmal Reservoirs Stressed Out?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Davatzes, N. C.; Laboso, R. C.; Layland-Bachmann, C. E.; Feigl, K. L.; Foxall, W.; Tabrez, A. R.; Mellors, R. J.; Templeton, D. C.; Akerley, J.

    2017-12-01

    Crustal permeability can be strongly influenced by developing connected networks of open fractures. However, the detailed evolution of a fracture network, its extent, and the persistence of fracture porosity are difficult to analyze. Even in fault-hosted geothermal systems, where heat is brought to the surface from depth along a fault, hydrothermal flow is heterogeneously distributed. This is presumably due to variations in fracture density, connectivity, and attitude, as well as variations in fracture permeability caused by sealing of fractures by precipitated cements or compaction. At the Brady Geothermal field in Nevada, we test the relationship between the modeled local stress state perturbed by dislocations representing fault slip or volume changes in the geothermal reservoir inferred from surface deformation measured by InSAR and the location of successful geothermal wells, hydrothermal activity, and seismicity. We postulate that permeability is favored in volumes that experience positive Coulomb stress changes and reduced compression, which together promote high densities of dilatant fractures. Conversely, permeability can be inhibited in locations where Coulomb stress is reduced, compression promotes compaction, or where the faults are poorly oriented in the stress field and consequently slip infrequently. Over geologic time scales spanning the development of the fault system, these local stress states are strongly influenced by the geometry of the fault network relative to the remote stress driving slip. At shorter time scales, changes in fluid pressure within the fracture network constituting the reservoir cause elastic dilations and contractions. We integrate: (1) direct observations of stress state and fractures in boreholes and the mapped geometry of the fault network; (2) evidence of permeability from surface hydrothermal features, production/injection wells and surface deformations related to pumping history; and (3) seismicity to test the correlation between the reservoir geometry and models of the local stress state.

  7. Insights to Engineered Geothermal System Performance Using Gringarten-Witherspoon-Ohnishi Analytical Solutions and Fracture Network Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Doe, T.; McLaren, R.; Finilla, A.

    2017-12-01

    An enduring legacy of Paul Witherspoon and his students and colleagues has been both the development of geothermal energy and the bases of modern fractured-rock hydrogeology. One of the seminal contributions to the geothermal field was Gringarten, Witherspoon, and Ohnishi's analytical models for enhanced geothermal systems. Although discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling developed somewhat independently in the late 1970s, Paul Witherspoon's foresight in promoting underground in situ testing at the Stripa Mine in Sweden was a major driver in Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory's contributions to its development.This presentation looks extensions of Gringarten's analytical model into discrete fracture network modeling as a basis for providing further insights into the challenges and opportunities of engineered geothermal systems. The analytical solution itself has many insightful applications beyond those presented in the original paper. The definition of dimensionless time by itself shows that thermal breakthrough has a second power dependence on surface area and on flow rate. The fracture intensity also plays a strong role, as it both increases the surface area and decrease his flow rate per fracture. The improvement of EGS performance with fracture intensity reaches a limit where thermal depletion of the rock lags only slightly behind the thermal breakthrough of cold water in the fracture network.Simple network models, which couple a DFN generator (FracMan) with a hydrothermally coupled flow solver (HydroGeoSphere) expand on Gringarten's concepts to show that realistic heterogeneity of spacing and transmissivity significantly degrades EGS performance. EGS production in networks of stimulated fractures initially follows Gringarten's type curves, with a later deviation is the smaller rock blocks thermally deplete and the entire stimulated volume acts as a single sink. Three-dimensional models of EGS performance show the critical importance of the relative magnitudes of fluid pressure and stress gradients, preferential growth and aperture enhancement may change with depth creating preferential pathways through rock this cooler than the injection depth.

  8. An experimental method for directly determining the interconnectivity of melt in a partially molten system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Daines, Martha J.; Richter, Frank M.

    1988-01-01

    An experimental method for directly determining the degree of interconnectivity of melt in a partially molten system is discussed using an olivine-basalt system as an example. Samarium 151 is allowed time to diffuse through mixtures of olivine and basalt powder which have texturally equilibrated at 1350 C and 13 to 15 kbars. The final distribution of samarium is determined through examination of developed radiographs of the samples. Results suggest an interconnected melt network is established at melt fractions at least as low as 1 wt pct and all melt is completely interconnected at melt fractions at least as low as 2 wt pct for the system examined.

  9. Fracture Networks from a deterministic physical model as 'forerunners' of Maze Caves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferer, M. V.; Smith, D. H.; Lace, M. J.

    2013-12-01

    'Fractures are the chief forerunners of caves because they transmit water much more rapidly than intergranular pores.[1] Thus, the cave networks can follow the fracture networks from which the Karst caves formed by a variety of processes. Traditional models of continental Karst define water flow through subsurface geologic formations, slowly dissolving the rock along the pathways (e.g. water saturated with respect to carbon dioxide flowing through fractured carbonate formations). We have developed a deterministic, physical model of fracturing in a model geologic layer of a given thickness, when that layer is strained in one direction and subsequently in a perpendicular direction. It was observed that the connected fracture networks from our model visually resemble maps of maze caves. Since these detailed cave maps offer critical tools in modeling cave development patterns and conduit flow in Karst systems, we were able to test the qualitative resemblance by using statistical analyses to compare our model networks in geologic layers of four different thicknesses with the corresponding statistical analyses of four different maze caves, formed in a variety of geologic settings. The statistical studies performed are: i) standard box-counting to determine if either the caves or the model networks are fractal. We found that both are fractal with a fractal dimension Df ≈ 1.75 . ii) for each section inside a closed path, we determined the area and perimeter-length, enabling a study of the tortuosity of the networks. From the dependence of the section's area upon its perimeter-length, we have found a power-law behavior (for sufficiently large sections) characterized by a 'tortuosity' exponent. These exponents have similar values for both the model networks and the maze caves. The best agreement is between our thickest model layer and the maze-like part of Wind Cave in South Dakota where the data from the model and the cave overlie each other. For the present networks from the physical model, we assumed that the geologic layer was of uniform thickness and that the strain in both directions were the same. The latter may not be the case for the Brazilian, Toca de Boa Cave. These assumptions can be easily modified in our computer code to reflect different geologic histories. Even so the quantitative agreement suggests that our model networks are statistically realistic both for the 'forerunners' of caves and for general fracture networks in geologic layers, which should assist the study of underground fluid flow in many applications for which fracture patterns and fluid flow are difficult to determine (e.g., hydrology, watershed management, oil recovery, carbon dioxide sequestration, etc.). Keywords - Fracture Networks, Karst, Caves, Structurally Variable Pathways, hydrogeological modeling 1 Arthur N. Palmer, CAVE GEOLOGY, pub. Cave Books, Dayton OH, (2007).

  10. Thermal Testing and Quality Assurance of BGA LCC & QFN Electronic Packages

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuper, Cameron Mathias

    The purpose of this project is to experimentally validate the thermal fatigue life of solder interconnects for a variety of surface mount electronic packages. Over the years, there has been a significant amount of research and analysis in the fracture of solder joints on printed circuit boards. Solder is important in the mechanical and electronic functionality of the component. It is important throughout the life of the product that the solder remains crack and fracture free. The specific type of solder used in this experiment is a 63Sn37Pb eutectic alloy. Each package was surrounded conformal coating or underfill material.

  11. FRACOR-software toolbox for deterministic mapping of fracture corridors in oil fields on AutoCAD platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ozkaya, Sait I.

    2018-03-01

    Fracture corridors are interconnected large fractures in a narrow sub vertical tabular array, which usually traverse entire reservoir vertically and extended for several hundreds of meters laterally. Fracture corridors with their huge conductivities constitute an important element of many fractured reservoirs. Unlike small diffuse fractures, actual fracture corridors must be mapped deterministically for simulation or field development purposes. Fracture corridors can be identified and quantified definitely with borehole image logs and well testing. However, there are rarely sufficient image logs or well tests, and it is necessary to utilize various fracture corridor indicators with varying degrees of reliability. Integration of data from many different sources, in turn, requires a platform with powerful editing and layering capability. Available commercial reservoir characterization software packages, with layering and editing capabilities, can be cost intensive. CAD packages are far more affordable and may easily acquire the versatility and power of commercial software packages with addition of a small software toolbox. The objective of this communication is to present FRACOR, a software toolbox which enables deterministic 2D fracture corridor mapping and modeling on AutoCAD platform. The FRACOR toolbox is written in AutoLISPand contains several independent routines to import and integrate available fracture corridor data from an oil field, and export results as text files. The resulting fracture corridor maps consists mainly of fracture corridors with different confidence levels from combination of static and dynamic data and exclusion zones where no fracture corridor can exist. The exported text file of fracture corridors from FRACOR can be imported into an upscaling programs to generate fracture grid for dual porosity simulation or used for field development and well planning.

  12. XFEM modeling of hydraulic fracture in porous rocks with natural fractures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Tao; Liu, ZhanLi; Zeng, QingLei; Gao, Yue; Zhuang, Zhuo

    2017-08-01

    Hydraulic fracture (HF) in porous rocks is a complex multi-physics coupling process which involves fluid flow, diffusion and solid deformation. In this paper, the extended finite element method (XFEM) coupling with Biot theory is developed to study the HF in permeable rocks with natural fractures (NFs). In the recent XFEM based computational HF models, the fluid flow in fractures and interstitials of the porous media are mostly solved separately, which brings difficulties in dealing with complex fracture morphology. In our new model the fluid flow is solved in a unified framework by considering the fractures as a kind of special porous media and introducing Poiseuille-type flow inside them instead of Darcy-type flow. The most advantage is that it is very convenient to deal with fluid flow inside the complex fracture network, which is important in shale gas extraction. The weak formulation for the new coupled model is derived based on virtual work principle, which includes the XFEM formulation for multiple fractures and fractures intersection in porous media and finite element formulation for the unified fluid flow. Then the plane strain Kristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk (KGD) model and the fluid flow inside the fracture network are simulated to validate the accuracy and applicability of this method. The numerical results show that large injection rate, low rock permeability and isotropic in-situ stresses tend to lead to a more uniform and productive fracture network.

  13. Optical Interconnection Via Computer-Generated Holograms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, Hua-Kuang; Zhou, Shaomin

    1995-01-01

    Method of free-space optical interconnection developed for data-processing applications like parallel optical computing, neural-network computing, and switching in optical communication networks. In method, multiple optical connections between multiple sources of light in one array and multiple photodetectors in another array made via computer-generated holograms in electrically addressed spatial light modulators (ESLMs). Offers potential advantages of massive parallelism, high space-bandwidth product, high time-bandwidth product, low power consumption, low cross talk, and low time skew. Also offers advantage of programmability with flexibility of reconfiguration, including variation of strengths of optical connections in real time.

  14. Applications considerations in the system design of highly concurrent multiprocessors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lundstrom, Stephen F.

    1987-01-01

    A flow model processor approach to parallel processing is described, using very-high-performance individual processors, high-speed circuit switched interconnection networks, and a high-speed synchronization capability to minimize the effect of the inherently serial portions of applications on performance. Design studies related to the determination of the number of processors, the memory organization, and the structure of the networks used to interconnect the processor and memory resources are discussed. Simulations indicate that applications centered on the large shared data memory should be able to sustain over 500 million floating point operations per second.

  15. Compression fractures detection on CT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bar, Amir; Wolf, Lior; Bergman Amitai, Orna; Toledano, Eyal; Elnekave, Eldad

    2017-03-01

    The presence of a vertebral compression fracture is highly indicative of osteoporosis and represents the single most robust predictor for development of a second osteoporotic fracture in the spine or elsewhere. Less than one third of vertebral compression fractures are diagnosed clinically. We present an automated method for detecting spine compression fractures in Computed Tomography (CT) scans. The algorithm is composed of three processes. First, the spinal column is segmented and sagittal patches are extracted. The patches are then binary classified using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Finally a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is utilized to predict whether a vertebral fracture is present in the series of patches.

  16. Inclusion-based effective medium models for the field-scale permeability of 3D fractured rock masses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ebigbo, Anozie; Lang, Philipp S.; Paluszny, Adriana; Zimmerman, Robert W.

    2016-04-01

    Fractures that are more permeable than their host rock can act as preferential, or at least additional, pathways for fluid to flow through the rock. The additional transmissivity contributed by these fractures will be of great relevance in several areas of earth science and engineering, such as radioactive waste disposal in crystalline rock, exploitation of fractured hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs, or hydraulic fracturing. In describing or predicting flow through fractured rock, the effective permeability of the rock mass, comprising both the rock matrix and a network of fractures, is a crucial parameter, and will depend on several geometric properties of the fractures/networks, such as lateral extent, aperture, orientation, and fracture density. This study investigates the ability of classical inclusion-based effective medium models (following the work of Sævik et al., Transp. Porous Media, 2013) to predict this permeability. In these models, the fractures are represented as thin, spheroidal inclusions, the interiors of which are treated as porous media having a high (but finite) permeability. The predictions of various effective medium models, such as the symmetric and asymmetric self-consistent schemes, the differential scheme, and Maxwell's method, are tested against the results of explicit numerical simulations of mono- and polydisperse isotropic fracture networks embedded in a permeable rock matrix. Comparisons are also made with the Hashin-Shrikman bounds, Snow's model, and Mourzenko's heuristic model (Mourzenko et al., Phys. Rev. E, 2011). This problem is characterised mathematically by two small parameters, the aspect ratio of the spheroidal fractures, α, and the ratio between matrix and fracture permeability, κ. Two different regimes can be identified, corresponding to α/κ < 1 and α/κ > 1. The lower the value of α/κ, the more significant is flow through the matrix. Due to differing flow patterns, the dependence of effective permeability on fracture density differs in the two regimes. When α/κ > 1, a distinct percolation threshold is observed, whereas for α/κ < 1, the matrix is sufficiently transmissive that a percolation-like transition is not observed. The self-consistent effective medium methods show good accuracy for both mono- and polydisperse isotropic fracture networks. Mourzenko's equation is also found to be very accurate, particularly for monodisperse networks. Finally, it is shown that Snow's model essentially coincides with the Hashin-Shtrikman upper bound.

  17. Panel C report: Standards needed for the use of ISO Open Systems Interconnection - basic reference model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1981-01-01

    The use of an International Standards Organization (ISO) Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model and its relevance to interconnecting an Applications Data Service (ADS) pilot program for data sharing is discussed. A top level mapping between the conjectured ADS requirements and identified layers within the OSI Reference Model was performed. It was concluded that the OSI model represents an orderly architecture for the ADS networking planning and that the protocols being developed by the National Bureau of Standards offer the best available implementation approach.

  18. Dielectric cracking produced by electromigration in microelectronic interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiras, S.; Clarke, D. R.

    2000-12-01

    The development of stress during electromigration along Al lines, constrained within a dielectric in a coplanar test configuration, is measured. It is shown that, above a certain threshold current density, cracking of the dielectric is induced in the vicinity of the anode. Cracking of the dielectric leads to loss of mechanical constraint on the aluminum conductor which, in turn, leads to increases in electrical resistance with continued current flow. The electromigration-induced stresses are determined from the measured frequency shifts induced in a novel ruby strain sensor embedded immediately beneath the interconnect line on a sapphire substrate. The transparency of the sapphire substrate also facilitated the observation of a hitherto unreported form of dielectric cracking, namely cracking from the interconnect along internal interfaces. The observations of dielectric cracking are in agreement with a recent fracture mechanics model. Analysis of the stress data, together with the results of finite element calculations of the strain energy release rate for crack extension, gives a quantitative estimate of the effective valence Z*(=1.3±0.2) for aluminum.

  19. Introduction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    de Laat, Cees; Develder, Chris; Jukan, Admela; Mambretti, Joe

    This topic is devoted to communication issues in scalable compute and storage systems, such as parallel computers, networks of workstations, and clusters. All aspects of communication in modern systems were solicited, including advances in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interconnection networks, network interfaces, system and storage area networks, on-chip interconnects, communication protocols, routing and communication algorithms, and communication aspects of parallel and distributed algorithms. In total 15 papers were submitted to this topic of which we selected the 7 strongest papers. We grouped the papers in two sessions of 3 papers each and one paper was selected for the best paper session. We noted a number of papers dealing with changing topologies, stability and forwarding convergence in source routing based cluster interconnect network architectures. We grouped these for the first session. The authors of the paper titled: “Implementing a Change Assimilation Mechanism for Source Routing Interconnects” propose a mechanism that can obtain the new topology, and compute and distribute a new set of fabric paths to the source routed network end points to minimize the impact on the forwarding service. The article entitled “Dependability Analysis of a Fault-tolerant Network Reconfiguration Strateg” reports on a case study analyzing the effects of network size, mean time to node failure, mean time to node repair, mean time to network repair and coverage of the failure when using a 2D mesh network with a fault-tolerant mechanism (similar to the one used in the BlueGene/L system), that is able to remove rows and/or columns in the presence of failures. The last paper in this session: “RecTOR: A New and Efficient Method for Dynamic Network Reconfiguration” presents a new dynamic reconfiguration method, that ensures deadlock-freedom during the reconfiguration without causing performance degradation such as increased latency or decreased throughput. The second session groups 3 papers presenting methods, protocols and architectures that enhance capacities in the Networks. The paper titled: “NIC-assisted Cache-Efficient Receive Stack for Message Passing over Ethernet” presents the addition of multiqueue support in the Open-MX receive stack so that all incoming packets for the same process are treated on the same core. It then introduces the idea of binding the target end process near its dedicated receive queue. In general this multiqueue receive stack performs better than the original single queue stack, especially on large communication patterns where multiple processes are involved and manual binding is difficult. The authors of: “A Multipath Fault-Tolerant Routing Method for High-Speed Interconnection Networks” focus on the problem of fault tolerance for high-speed interconnection networks by designing a fault tolerant routing method. The goal was to solve a certain number of link and node failures, considering its impact, and occurrence probability. Their experiments show that their method allows applications to successfully finalize their execution in the presence of several faults, with an average performance value of 97% with respect to the fault-free scenarios. The paper: “Hardware implementation study of the Self-Clocked Fair Queuing Credit Aware (SCFQ-CA) and Deficit Round Robin Credit Aware (DRR-CA) scheduling algorithms” proposes specific implementations of the two schedulers taking into account the characteristics of current high-performance networks. A comparison is presented on the complexity of these two algorithms in terms of silicon area and computation delay. Finally we selected one paper for the special paper session: “A Case Study of Communication Optimizations on 3D Mesh Interconnects”. In this paper the authors present topology aware mapping as a technique to optimize communication on 3-dimensional mesh interconnects and hence improve performance. Results are presented for OpenAtom on up to 16,384 processors of Blue Gene/L, 8,192 processors of Blue Gene/P and 2,048 processors of Cray XT3.

  20. Next-generation optical wireless communications for data centers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arnon, Shlomi

    2015-01-01

    Data centers collect and process information with a capacity that has been increasing from year to year at an almost exponential pace. Traditional fiber/cable data center network interconnections suffer from bandwidth overload, as well as flexibility and scalability issues. Therefore, a technology-shift from the fiber and cable to wireless has already been initiated in order to meet the required data-rate, flexibility and scalability demands for next-generation data center network interconnects. In addition, the shift to wireless reduces the volume allocated to the cabling/fiber and increases the cooling efficiency. Optical wireless communication (OWC), or free space optics (FSO), is one of the most effective wireless technologies that could be used in future data centers and could provide ultra-high capacity, very high cyber security and minimum latency, due to the low index of refraction of air in comparison to fiber technologies. In this paper we review the main concepts and configurations for next generation OWC for data centers. Two families of technologies are reviewed: the first technology regards interconnects between rack units in the same rack and the second technology regards the data center network that connects the server top of rack (TOR) to the switch. A comparison between different network technologies is presented.

  1. A numerical procedure for transient free surface seepage through fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Qinghui; Ye, Zuyang; Zhou, Chuangbing

    2014-11-01

    A parabolic variational inequality (PVI) formulation is presented for the transient free surface seepage problem defined for a whole fracture network. Because the seepage faces are specified as Signorini-type conditions, the PVI formulation can effectively eliminate the singularity of spillpoints that evolve with time. By introducing a continuous penalty function to replace the original Heaviside function, a finite element procedure based on the PVI formulation is developed to predict the transient free surface response in the fracture network. The effects of the penalty parameter on the solution precision are analyzed. A relative error formula for evaluating the flow losses at steady state caused by the penalty parameter is obtained. To validate the proposed method, three typical examples are solved. The solutions for the first example are compared with the experimental results. The results from the last two examples further demonstrate that the orientation, extent and density of fractures significantly affect the free surface seepage behavior in the fracture network.

  2. Characterization of mechanical and biological properties of 3-D scaffolds reinforced with zinc oxide for bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Feng, Pei; Wei, Pingpin; Shuai, Cijun; Peng, Shuping

    2014-01-01

    A scaffold for bone tissue engineering should have highly interconnected porous structure, appropriate mechanical and biological properties. In this work, we fabricated well-interconnected porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds via selective laser sintering (SLS). We found that the mechanical and biological properties of the scaffolds were improved by doping of zinc oxide (ZnO). Our data showed that the fracture toughness increased from 1.09 to 1.40 MPam(1/2), and the compressive strength increased from 3.01 to 17.89 MPa when the content of ZnO increased from 0 to 2.5 wt%. It is hypothesized that the increase of ZnO would lead to a reduction in grain size and an increase in density of the strut. However, the fracture toughness and compressive strength decreased with further increasing of ZnO content, which may be due to the sharp increase in grain size. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was investigated by analyzing the adhesion and the morphology of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells cultured on the surfaces of the scaffolds. The scaffolds exhibited better and better ability to support cell attachment and proliferation when the content of ZnO increased from 0 to 2.5 wt%. Moreover, a bone like apatite layer formed on the surfaces of the scaffolds after incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF), indicating an ability of osteoinduction and osteoconduction. In summary, interconnected porous β-TCP scaffolds doped with ZnO were successfully fabricated and revealed good mechanical and biological properties, which may be used for bone repair and replacement potentially.

  3. Mechanical and thermal control of cleating and shearing in coal: examples from the Alabama coalbed methane field, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Pashin, Jack; Carroll, R.E.; Hatch, Joseph R.; Goldhaber, Martin B.

    1999-01-01

    Natural fractures provide most of the interconnected macroporosity in coal. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of these fractures and the associated mechanisms of formation is essential for effective coalbed methane exploration and field management. Natural fractures in coal can be divided into two general types: cleat and shear structures. Cleat has been studied for more than a century, yet the mechanisms of cleat formation remain poorly understood (see reviews by Close, 1993; Laubach et al.,1998). An important aspect of cleating is that systematic fracturing of coal is takes place in concert with devolatization and concomitant shrinkage of the coal matrix during thermal maturation (Ammosov and Eremin, 1960). Coal, furthermore, is a mechanically weak rock type that is subject to bedding-plane shear between more competent beds like shale, sandstone, and limestone. Yet, the significance of shear structures in coal has only begun to attract scientific interest (Hathaway and Gayer, 1996; Pashin, 1998).

  4. Antarctic ice shelf potentially stabilized by export of meltwater in surface river.

    PubMed

    Bell, Robin E; Chu, Winnie; Kingslake, Jonathan; Das, Indrani; Tedesco, Marco; Tinto, Kirsty J; Zappa, Christopher J; Frezzotti, Massimo; Boghosian, Alexandra; Lee, Won Sang

    2017-04-19

    Meltwater stored in ponds and crevasses can weaken and fracture ice shelves, triggering their rapid disintegration. This ice-shelf collapse results in an increased flux of ice from adjacent glaciers and ice streams, thereby raising sea level globally. However, surface rivers forming on ice shelves could potentially export stored meltwater and prevent its destructive effects. Here we present evidence for persistent active drainage networks-interconnected streams, ponds and rivers-on the Nansen Ice Shelf in Antarctica that export a large fraction of the ice shelf's meltwater into the ocean. We find that active drainage has exported water off the ice surface through waterfalls and dolines for more than a century. The surface river terminates in a 130-metre-wide waterfall that can export the entire annual surface melt over the course of seven days. During warmer melt seasons, these drainage networks adapt to changing environmental conditions by remaining active for longer and exporting more water. Similar networks are present on the ice shelf in front of Petermann Glacier, Greenland, but other systems, such as on the Larsen C and Amery Ice Shelves, retain surface water at present. The underlying reasons for export versus retention remain unclear. Nonetheless our results suggest that, in a future warming climate, surface rivers could export melt off the large ice shelves surrounding Antarctica-contrary to present Antarctic ice-sheet models, which assume that meltwater is stored on the ice surface where it triggers ice-shelf disintegration.

  5. Antarctic Ice Shelf Potentially Stabilized by Export of Meltwater in Surface River

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bell, Robin E.; Chu, Winnie; Kingslake, Jonathan; Das, Indrani; Tedesco, Marco; Tinto, Kirsty J.; Zappa, Christopher J.; Frezzotti, Massimo; Boghosian, Alexandra; Lee, Won Sang

    2017-01-01

    Meltwater stored in ponds and crevasses can weaken and fracture ice shelves, triggering their rapid disintegration. This ice-shelf collapse results in an increased flux of ice from adjacent glaciers and ice streams, thereby raising sea level globally. However, surface rivers forming on ice shelves could potentially export stored meltwater and prevent its destructive effects. Here we present evidence for persistent active drainage networks-interconnected streams, ponds and rivers-on the Nansen Ice Shelf in Antarctica that export a large fraction of the ice shelf's meltwater into the ocean. We find that active drainage has exported water off the ice surface through waterfalls and dolines for more than a century. The surface river terminates in a 130-metre-wide waterfall that can export the entire annual surface melt over the course of seven days. During warmer melt seasons, these drainage networks adapt to changing environmental conditions by remaining active for longer and exporting more water. Similar networks are present on the ice shelf in front of Petermann Glacier, Greenland, but other systems, such as on the Larsen C and Amery Ice Shelves, retain surface water at present. The underlying reasons for export versus retention remain unclear. Nonetheless our results suggest that, in a future warming climate, surface rivers could export melt off the large ice shelves surrounding Antarctica-contrary to present Antarctic ice-sheet models, which assume that meltwater is stored on the ice surface where it triggers ice-shelf disintegration.

  6. Quantifying the Effects of Spatial Uncertainty in Fracture Permeability on CO2 Leakage through Columbia River Basalt Flow Interiors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gierzynski, A.; Pollyea, R.

    2016-12-01

    Recent studies suggest that continental flood basalts may be suitable for geologic carbon sequestration, due to fluid-rock reactions that mineralize injected CO2 on relatively short time-scales. Flood basalts also possess a morphological structure conducive to injection, with alternating high-permeability (flow margin) and low-permeability (flow interior) layers. However, little information exists on the behavior of CO2 migration within field-scale fracture networks, particularly within flow interiors and at conditions near the critical point for CO2. In this study, numerical simulation is used to investigate the influence of fracture permeability uncertainty during gravity-driven CO2 migration within a jointed basalt flow interior as CO2 undergoes phase change from supercritical fluid to a subcritical phase. The model domain comprises a 2D fracture network mapped with terrestrial LiDAR scans of Columbia River Basalt acquired near Starbuck, WA. The model domain is 5 m × 5 m with bimodal heterogeneity (fracture and matrix), and initial conditions corresponding to a hydrostatic pressure gradient between 750 and 755 m depth. Under these conditions, the critical point for CO2 occurs 1.5 m above the bottom of the domain. For this model scenario, CO2 enters the base of the fracture network at 0.5 MPa overpressure, and matrix permeability is assumed constant. Fracture permeability follows a lognormal distribution on the basis of fracture aperture values from literature. In order to account for spatial uncertainty, the lognormal fracture permeability distribution is randomly located in the model domain and CO2 migration is simulated within the same fracture network for 50 equally probable realizations. Model results suggest that fracture connectivity, which is independent of permeability distribution, governs the path taken by buoyant CO2 as it rises through the flow interior; however, the permeability distribution strongly governs the CO2 flux magnitude. In particular, this research shows that even where fracture networks are sufficiently connected, CO2 flux is often inhibited by a cell of lower permeability, analogous to an obstruction or asperity in a natural fracture. This impresses the importance of considering spatial uncertainty in fracture apertures when modeling CO2 leakage through a caprock.

  7. Global interrupt and barrier networks

    DOEpatents

    Blumrich, Matthias A.; Chen, Dong; Coteus, Paul W.; Gara, Alan G.; Giampapa, Mark E; Heidelberger, Philip; Kopcsay, Gerard V.; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard D.; Takken, Todd E.

    2008-10-28

    A system and method for generating global asynchronous signals in a computing structure. Particularly, a global interrupt and barrier network is implemented that implements logic for generating global interrupt and barrier signals for controlling global asynchronous operations performed by processing elements at selected processing nodes of a computing structure in accordance with a processing algorithm; and includes the physical interconnecting of the processing nodes for communicating the global interrupt and barrier signals to the elements via low-latency paths. The global asynchronous signals respectively initiate interrupt and barrier operations at the processing nodes at times selected for optimizing performance of the processing algorithms. In one embodiment, the global interrupt and barrier network is implemented in a scalable, massively parallel supercomputing device structure comprising a plurality of processing nodes interconnected by multiple independent networks, with each node including one or more processing elements for performing computation or communication activity as required when performing parallel algorithm operations. One multiple independent network includes a global tree network for enabling high-speed global tree communications among global tree network nodes or sub-trees thereof. The global interrupt and barrier network may operate in parallel with the global tree network for providing global asynchronous sideband signals.

  8. Modelling DC responses of 3D complex fracture networks

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Beskardes, Gungor Didem; Weiss, Chester Joseph

    Here, the determination of the geometrical properties of fractures plays a critical role in many engineering problems to assess the current hydrological and mechanical states of geological media and to predict their future states. However, numerical modeling of geoelectrical responses in realistic fractured media has been challenging due to the explosive computational cost imposed by the explicit discretizations of fractures at multiple length scales, which often brings about a tradeoff between computational efficiency and geologic realism. Here, we use the hierarchical finite element method to model electrostatic response of realistically complex 3D conductive fracture networks with minimal computational cost.

  9. Modelling DC responses of 3D complex fracture networks

    DOE PAGES

    Beskardes, Gungor Didem; Weiss, Chester Joseph

    2018-03-01

    Here, the determination of the geometrical properties of fractures plays a critical role in many engineering problems to assess the current hydrological and mechanical states of geological media and to predict their future states. However, numerical modeling of geoelectrical responses in realistic fractured media has been challenging due to the explosive computational cost imposed by the explicit discretizations of fractures at multiple length scales, which often brings about a tradeoff between computational efficiency and geologic realism. Here, we use the hierarchical finite element method to model electrostatic response of realistically complex 3D conductive fracture networks with minimal computational cost.

  10. IsoWAN: A NASA Science and Engineering Information and Services Framework

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Korsmeyer, David J.; Chow, Edward T.; Conroy, Michael P.; Swanson, Keith (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    We believe that the next evolutionary step in supporting wide-area application and services delivery to customers is a network framework that provides for collocation of applications and services at distinct sites in the network, an interconnection between these sites that is performance optimized for these applications, and value-added services for applications. We use the term IsoWAN to describe an advanced, isolated network interconnect services framework that will enable applications to be more secure, and able to access and be in use in both local and remote environments. The main functions of an IsoWAN are virtual localization of application services, an application service interface, coordinated delivery of applications and associated data to the customer, and supporting collaborative application development for customers. An initial pilot network between three NASA Centers: Ames Research Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Marshall Space Flight Center, has been built and its properties will be discussed.

  11. High frequency sound propagation in a network of interconnecting streets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hewett, D. P.

    2012-12-01

    We propose a new model for the propagation of acoustic energy from a time-harmonic point source through a network of interconnecting streets in the high frequency regime, in which the wavelength is small compared to typical macro-lengthscales such as street widths/lengths and building heights. Our model, which is based on geometrical acoustics (ray theory), represents the acoustic power flow from the source along any pathway through the network as the integral of a power density over the launch angle of a ray emanating from the source, and takes into account the key phenomena involved in the propagation, namely energy loss by wall absorption, energy redistribution at junctions, and, in 3D, energy loss to the atmosphere. The model predicts strongly anisotropic decay away from the source, with the power flow decaying exponentially in the number of junctions from the source, except along the axial directions of the network, where the decay is algebraic.

  12. Advancing interconnect density for spiking neural network hardware implementations using traffic-aware adaptive network-on-chip routers.

    PubMed

    Carrillo, Snaider; Harkin, Jim; McDaid, Liam; Pande, Sandeep; Cawley, Seamus; McGinley, Brian; Morgan, Fearghal

    2012-09-01

    The brain is highly efficient in how it processes information and tolerates faults. Arguably, the basic processing units are neurons and synapses that are interconnected in a complex pattern. Computer scientists and engineers aim to harness this efficiency and build artificial neural systems that can emulate the key information processing principles of the brain. However, existing approaches cannot provide the dense interconnect for the billions of neurons and synapses that are required. Recently a reconfigurable and biologically inspired paradigm based on network-on-chip (NoC) and spiking neural networks (SNNs) has been proposed as a new method of realising an efficient, robust computing platform. However, the use of the NoC as an interconnection fabric for large-scale SNNs demands a good trade-off between scalability, throughput, neuron/synapse ratio and power consumption. This paper presents a novel traffic-aware, adaptive NoC router, which forms part of a proposed embedded mixed-signal SNN architecture called EMBRACE (EMulating Biologically-inspiRed ArChitectures in hardwarE). The proposed adaptive NoC router provides the inter-neuron connectivity for EMBRACE, maintaining router communication and avoiding dropped router packets by adapting to router traffic congestion. Results are presented on throughput, power and area performance analysis of the adaptive router using a 90 nm CMOS technology which outperforms existing NoCs in this domain. The adaptive behaviour of the router is also verified on a Stratix II FPGA implementation of a 4 × 2 router array with real-time traffic congestion. The presented results demonstrate the feasibility of using the proposed adaptive NoC router within the EMBRACE architecture to realise large-scale SNNs on embedded hardware. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Semi-interpenetrating polymer network's of polyimides: Fracture toughness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hansen, Marion Glenn

    1988-01-01

    The objective was to improve the fracture toughness of the PMR-15 thermosetting polyimide by co-disolving LaRC-TPI, a thermoplastic polyimide. The co-solvation of a thermoplastic into a thermoset produces an interpenetration of the thermoplastic polymer into the thermoset polyimide network. A second research program was planned around the concept that to improve the fracture toughness of a thermoset polyimide polymer, the molecular weight between crosslink points would be an important macromolecular topological parameter in producing a fracture toughened semi-IPN polyimide.

  14. Percolation Theory and Modern Hydraulic Fracturing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Norris, J. Q.; Turcotte, D. L.; Rundle, J. B.

    2015-12-01

    During the past few years, we have been developing a percolation model for fracking. This model provides a powerful tool for understanding the growth and properties of the complex fracture networks generated during a modern high volume hydraulic fracture stimulations of tight shale reservoirs. The model can also be used to understand the interaction between the growing fracture network and natural reservoir features such as joint sets and faults. Additionally, the model produces a power-law distribution of bursts which can easily be compared to observed microseismicity.

  15. AN INTEGRATED VIEW OF GROUNDWATER FLOW CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING IN FRACTURED GEOLOGIC MEDIA

    EPA Science Inventory

    The particular attributes of fractured geologic media pertaining to groundwater flow characterization and modeling are presented. These cover the issues of fracture network and hydraulic control of fracture geometry parameters, major and minor fractures, heterogeneity, anisotrop...

  16. Deep Vadose Zone Flow and Transport Behavior at T-Tunnel Complex, Rainier Mesa, Nevada National Security Site

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parashar, R.; Reeves, D. M.

    2010-12-01

    Rainier Mesa, a tuffaceous plateau on the Nevada National Security Site, has been the location of numerous subsurface nuclear tests conducted in a series of tunnel complexes located approximately 450 m below the top of the mesa and 500 m above the regional groundwater flow system. The tunnels were constructed near the middle of an 800 m Tertiary sequence of faulted, low-permeability welded and non-welded bedded, vitric, and zeolitized tuff units. Water levels from wells in the vicinity of the T-tunnel complex indicate the presence of a perched saturation zone located approximately 100 m above the T-tunnel complex. This upper zone of saturation extends downward through most of the Tertiary sequence. The groundwater table is located at an elevation of 1300 m within a thrust sheet of Paleozoic carbonates, corresponding to the lower carbonate aquifer hydrostratigraphic unit (LCA3). The LCA3 is considered to be hydraulically connected to the Death Valley regional flow system. The objective of this project is to simulate complex downward patterns of fluid flow and radionuclide transport from the T-tunnel complex through the matrix and fault networks of the Tertiary tuff units to the water table. We developed an improved fracture characterization and mapping methodology consisting of displacement-length scaling relationships, simulation of realistic fault networks based on site-specific data, and the development of novel fracture network upscaling techniques that preserves fracture network flow and transport properties on coarse continuum grid. Development of upscaling method for fracture continua is based on the concepts of discrete fracture network modeling approach which performs better at honoring network connectivity and anisotropy of sparse networks in comparison to other established methods such as a tensor approach. Extensive flow simulations in the dual-continuum framework demonstrate that the characteristics of fault networks strongly influences the saturation profile and formation of perched zones, although they may not conduct a large amount of flow when compared to the matrix continua. The simulated results are found to be very sensitive to distribution of fracture aperture, density of the network, and spatial pattern of fracture clustering. The faults provide rapid pathways for radionuclide transport and the conceptual modeling of diffusional mass transfer between matrix and fracture continua plays a vital role in prediction of the overall behavior of the breakthrough curve.

  17. Rock fracture skeleton tracing by image processing and quantitative analysis by geometry features

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Yanjie

    2016-06-01

    In rock engineering, fracture measurement is important for many applications. This paper proposes a novel method for rock fracture skeleton tracing and analyzing. As for skeleton localizing, the curvilinear fractures are multiscale enhanced based on a Hessian matrix, after image binarization, and clutters are post-processed by image analysis; subsequently, the fracture skeleton is extracted via ridge detection combined with a distance transform and thinning algorithm, after which gap sewing and burrs removal repair the skeleton. In regard to skeleton analyzing, the roughness and distribution of a fracture network are respectively described by the fractal dimensions D s and D b; the intersection and fragmentation of a fracture network are respectively characterized by the average number of ends and junctions per fracture N average and the average length per fracture L average. Three rock fracture surfaces are analyzed for experiments and the results verify that both the fracture tracing accuracy and the analysis feasibility are satisfactory using the new method.

  18. High-Speed Optical Wide-Area Data-Communication Network

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Monacos, Steve P.

    1994-01-01

    Proposed fiber-optic wide-area network (WAN) for digital communication balances input and output flows of data with its internal capacity by routing traffic via dynamically interconnected routing planes. Data transmitted optically through network by wavelength-division multiplexing in synchronous or asynchronous packets. WAN implemented with currently available technology. Network is multiple-ring cyclic shuffle exchange network ensuring traffic reaches its destination with minimum number of hops.

  19. Extensive site-directed mutagenesis reveals interconnected functional units in the alkaline phosphatase active site

    PubMed Central

    Sunden, Fanny; Peck, Ariana; Salzman, Julia; Ressl, Susanne; Herschlag, Daniel

    2015-01-01

    Enzymes enable life by accelerating reaction rates to biological timescales. Conventional studies have focused on identifying the residues that have a direct involvement in an enzymatic reaction, but these so-called ‘catalytic residues’ are embedded in extensive interaction networks. Although fundamental to our understanding of enzyme function, evolution, and engineering, the properties of these networks have yet to be quantitatively and systematically explored. We dissected an interaction network of five residues in the active site of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase. Analysis of the complex catalytic interdependence of specific residues identified three energetically independent but structurally interconnected functional units with distinct modes of cooperativity. From an evolutionary perspective, this network is orders of magnitude more probable to arise than a fully cooperative network. From a functional perspective, new catalytic insights emerge. Further, such comprehensive energetic characterization will be necessary to benchmark the algorithms required to rationally engineer highly efficient enzymes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06181.001 PMID:25902402

  20. Interfacing a high performance disk array file server to a Gigabit LAN

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Seshan, Srinivasan; Katz, Randy H.

    1993-01-01

    Our previous prototype, RAID-1, identified several bottlenecks in typical file server architectures. The most important bottleneck was the lack of a high-bandwidth path between disk, memory, and the network. Workstation servers, such as the Sun-4/280, have very slow access to peripherals on busses far from the CPU. For the RAID-2 system, we addressed this problem by designing a crossbar interconnect, Xbus board, that provides a 40MB/s path between disk, memory, and the network interfaces. However, this interconnect does not provide the system CPU with low latency access to control the various interfaces. To provide a high data rate to clients on the network, we were forced to carefully and efficiently design the network software. A block diagram of the system hardware architecture is given. In the following subsections, we describe pieces of the RAID-2 file server hardware that had a significant impact on the design of the network interface.

  1. Extensive site-directed mutagenesis reveals interconnected functional units in the alkaline phosphatase active site

    DOE PAGES

    Sunden, Fanny; Peck, Ariana; Salzman, Julia; ...

    2015-04-22

    Enzymes enable life by accelerating reaction rates to biological timescales. Conventional studies have focused on identifying the residues that have a direct involvement in an enzymatic reaction, but these so-called ‘catalytic residues’ are embedded in extensive interaction networks. Although fundamental to our understanding of enzyme function, evolution, and engineering, the properties of these networks have yet to be quantitatively and systematically explored. We dissected an interaction network of five residues in the active site of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase. Analysis of the complex catalytic interdependence of specific residues identified three energetically independent but structurally interconnected functional units with distinct modesmore » of cooperativity. From an evolutionary perspective, this network is orders of magnitude more probable to arise than a fully cooperative network. From a functional perspective, new catalytic insights emerge. Further, such comprehensive energetic characterization will be necessary to benchmark the algorithms required to rationally engineer highly efficient enzymes.« less

  2. Surrogate-based optimization of hydraulic fracturing in pre-existing fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Mingjie; Sun, Yunwei; Fu, Pengcheng; Carrigan, Charles R.; Lu, Zhiming; Tong, Charles H.; Buscheck, Thomas A.

    2013-08-01

    Hydraulic fracturing has been used widely to stimulate production of oil, natural gas, and geothermal energy in formations with low natural permeability. Numerical optimization of fracture stimulation often requires a large number of evaluations of objective functions and constraints from forward hydraulic fracturing models, which are computationally expensive and even prohibitive in some situations. Moreover, there are a variety of uncertainties associated with the pre-existing fracture distributions and rock mechanical properties, which affect the optimized decisions for hydraulic fracturing. In this study, a surrogate-based approach is developed for efficient optimization of hydraulic fracturing well design in the presence of natural-system uncertainties. The fractal dimension is derived from the simulated fracturing network as the objective for maximizing energy recovery sweep efficiency. The surrogate model, which is constructed using training data from high-fidelity fracturing models for mapping the relationship between uncertain input parameters and the fractal dimension, provides fast approximation of the objective functions and constraints. A suite of surrogate models constructed using different fitting methods is evaluated and validated for fast predictions. Global sensitivity analysis is conducted to gain insights into the impact of the input variables on the output of interest, and further used for parameter screening. The high efficiency of the surrogate-based approach is demonstrated for three optimization scenarios with different and uncertain ambient conditions. Our results suggest the critical importance of considering uncertain pre-existing fracture networks in optimization studies of hydraulic fracturing.

  3. Effect of advective flow in fractures and matrix diffusion on natural gas production

    DOE PAGES

    Karra, Satish; Makedonska, Nataliia; Viswanathan, Hari S.; ...

    2015-10-12

    Although hydraulic fracturing has been used for natural gas production for the past couple of decades, there are significant uncertainties about the underlying mechanisms behind the production curves that are seen in the field. A discrete fracture network based reservoir-scale work flow is used to identify the relative effect of flow of gas in fractures and matrix diffusion on the production curve. With realistic three dimensional representations of fracture network geometry and aperture variability, simulated production decline curves qualitatively resemble observed production decline curves. The high initial peak of the production curve is controlled by advective fracture flow of freemore » gas within the network and is sensitive to the fracture aperture variability. Matrix diffusion does not significantly affect the production decline curve in the first few years, but contributes to production after approximately 10 years. These results suggest that the initial flushing of gas-filled background fractures combined with highly heterogeneous flow paths to the production well are sufficient to explain observed initial production decline. Lastly, these results also suggest that matrix diffusion may support reduced production over longer time frames.« less

  4. Fracture Reactivation in Chemically Reactive Rock Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eichhubl, P.; Hooker, J. N.

    2013-12-01

    Reactivation of existing fractures is a fundamental process of brittle failure that controls the nucleation of earthquake ruptures, propagation and linkage of hydraulic fractures in oil and gas production, and the evolution of fault and fracture networks and thus of fluid and heat transport in the upper crust. At depths below 2-3 km, and frequently shallower, brittle processes of fracture growth, linkage, and reactivation compete with chemical processes of fracture sealing by mineral precipitation, with precipitation rates similar to fracture opening rates. We recently found rates of fracture opening in tectonically quiescent settings of 10-20 μm/m.y., rates similar to euhedral quartz precipitation under these conditions. The tendency of existing partially or completely cemented fractures to reactivate will vary depending on strain rate, mineral precipitation kinetics, strength contrast between host rock and fracture cement, stress conditions, degree of fracture infill, and fracture network geometry. Natural fractures in quartzite of the Cambrian Eriboll Formation, NW Scotland, exhibit a complex history of fracture formation and reactivation, with reactivation involving both repeated crack-seal opening-mode failure and shear failure of fractures that formed in opening mode. Fractures are partially to completely sealed with crack-seal or euhedral quartz cement or quartz cement fragmented by shear reactivation. Degree of cementation controls the tendency of fractures for later shear reactivation, to interact elastically with adjacent open fractures, and their intersection behavior. Using kinematic, dynamic, and diagenetic criteria, we determine the sequence of opening-mode fracture formation and later shear reactivation. We find that sheared fracture systems of similar orientation display spatially varying sense of slip We attribute these inconsistent directions of shear reactivation to 1) a heterogeneous stress field in this highly fractured rock unit and 2) variations in the degree of fracture cement infill in fractures of same orientation, allowing fractures to reactivate at times when adjacent, more cemented fractures remain dormant. The observed interaction of chemical and mechanical fracture growth and sealing processes in this chemically reactive and heavily deformed rock unit results in a complex fracture network geometry not generally observed in less chemically reactive, shallower crustal environments.

  5. Making connections: exploring the centrality of posttraumatic stress symptoms and covariates after a terrorist attack

    PubMed Central

    Birkeland, Marianne Skogbrott; Heir, Trond

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Posttraumatic stress symptoms are interconnected. Knowledge about which symptoms of posttraumatic stress are more strongly interconnected or central than others may have implications for the targeting of clinical interventions. Exploring whether symptoms of posttraumatic stress may be differentially related to covariates can contribute to our knowledge on how posttraumatic stress symptoms arise and are maintained. Objective: This study aimed to identify the most central symptoms of posttraumatic stress and their interconnections, and to explore how covariates such as exposure, sex, neuroticism, and social support are related to the network of symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Method: This study used survey data from ministerial employees collected approximately 10 months after the 2011 Oslo bombing that targeted the governmental quarters (n = 190). We conducted network analyses using Gaussian graphical models and the lasso regularization. Results: The network analysis revealed reliably strong connections between intrusive thoughts and nightmares, feeling easily startled and overly alert, and between feeling detached and emotionally numb. The most central symptom in the symptom network was feeling emotionally numb. The covariates were generally not found to have high centrality in the symptom network. An exception was that being female was connected to a high physiological reactivity to reminders of the trauma. Conclusions: Ten months after a workplace terror attack emotional numbness appears to be of high centrality in the symptom network of posttraumatic stress. Fear circuitry and dysphoric symptoms may constitute two functional entities in chronic posttraumatic stress. Clinical interventions targeting numbness may be beneficial in the treatment of posttraumatic stress, at least after workplace terrorism. PMID:29038689

  6. Effective Connectivity Reveals Largely Independent Parallel Networks of Face and Body Patches.

    PubMed

    Premereur, Elsie; Taubert, Jessica; Janssen, Peter; Vogels, Rufin; Vanduffel, Wim

    2016-12-19

    The primate brain processes objects in the ventral visual pathway. One object category, faces, is processed in a hierarchical network of interconnected areas along this pathway. It remains unknown whether such an interconnected network is specific for faces or whether there are similar networks for other object classes. For example, the primate inferotemporal cortex also contains a set of body-selective patches, adjacent to the face-selective patches, but it is not known whether these body-selective patches form a similar discretely connected network or whether cross-talk exists between the face- and body-processing systems. To address these questions, we combined fMRI with electrical microstimulation to determine the effective connectivity of fMRI-defined face and body patches. We found that microstimulation of face patches caused increased fMRI activation throughout the face-processing system; microstimulation of the body patches gave similar results restricted to the body-processing system. Critically, our results revealed largely segregated connectivity patterns for the body and face patches. These results suggest that face and body patches form two interconnected hierarchical networks that are largely separated within the monkey inferotemporal cortex. Only a restricted number of voxels were activated by stimulation of both the body and face patches. The latter regions may be important for the integration of face and body information. Our findings are not only essential to advance our understanding of the neural circuits that enable social cognition, but they also provide further insights into the organizing principles of the inferotemporal cortex. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Viscoplastic fracture transition of a biopolymer gel.

    PubMed

    Frieberg, Bradley R; Garatsa, Ray-Shimry; Jones, Ronald L; Bachert, John O; Crawshaw, Benjamin; Liu, X Michael; Chan, Edwin P

    2018-06-13

    Physical gels are swollen polymer networks consisting of transient crosslink junctions associated with hydrogen or ionic bonds. Unlike covalently crosslinked gels, these physical crosslinks are reversible thus enabling these materials to display highly tunable and dynamic mechanical properties. In this work, we study the polymer composition effects on the fracture behavior of a gelatin gel, which is a thermoreversible biopolymer gel consisting of denatured collagen chains bridging physical network junctions formed from triple helices. Below the critical volume fraction for chain entanglement, which we confirm via neutron scattering measurements, we find that the fracture behavior is consistent with a viscoplastic type process characterized by hydrodynamic friction of individual polymer chains through the polymer mesh to show that the enhancement in fracture scales inversely with the squared of the mesh size of the gelatin gel network. Above this critical volume fraction, the fracture process can be described by the Lake-Thomas theory that considers fracture as a chain scission process due to chain entanglements.

  8. Fabrication and evaluation of interconnected porous carbonate apatite from alpha tricalcium phosphate spheres.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, Kunio; Arifta, Tya Indah; Hayashi, Koichiro; Tsuru, Kanji

    2018-03-26

    Carbonate apatite (CO 3 Ap) blocks have attracted considerable attention as an artificial bone substitute material because CO 3 Ap is a component of and shares properties with bone, including high osteoconductivity and replacement by bone similar to autografts. In this study, we fabricated an interconnected porous CO 3 Ap block using α-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) spheres and evaluated the tissue response to this material in a rabbit tibial bone defect model. Interconnected porous α-TCP, the precursor of interconnected porous CO 3 Ap, could not be fabricated directly by sintering α-TCP spheres. It was therefore made via a setting reaction with α-TCP spheres, yielding interconnected porous calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite that was subjected to heat treatment. Immersing the interconnected porous α-TCP in Na-CO 3 -PO 4 solution produced CO 3 Ap, which retained the interconnected porous structure after the dissolution-precipitation reaction. The diametral tensile strength and porosity of the porous CO 3 Ap were 1.8 ± 0.4 MPa and 55% ± 3.2%, respectively. Both porous and dense (control) CO 3 Ap showed excellent tissue response and good osteoconductivity. At 4 weeks after surgery, approximately 15% ± 4.9% of the tibial bone defect was filled with new bone when reconstruction was performed using porous CO 3 Ap; this amount was five times greater than that obtained with dense CO 3 Ap. At 12 weeks after surgery, for porous CO 3 Ap, approximately 47% of the defect was filled with new bone as compared to 16% for dense CO 3 Ap. Thus, the interconnected porous CO 3 Ap block is a promising artificial bone substitute material for the treatment of bone defects caused by large fractures or bone tumor resection. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. CATO: a CAD tool for intelligent design of optical networks and interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chlamtac, Imrich; Ciesielski, Maciej; Fumagalli, Andrea F.; Ruszczyk, Chester; Wedzinga, Gosse

    1997-10-01

    Increasing communication speed requirements have created a great interest in very high speed optical and all-optical networks and interconnects. The design of these optical systems is a highly complex task, requiring the simultaneous optimization of various parts of the system, ranging from optical components' characteristics to access protocol techniques. Currently there are no computer aided design (CAD) tools on the market to support the interrelated design of all parts of optical communication systems, thus the designer has to rely on costly and time consuming testbed evaluations. The objective of the CATO (CAD tool for optical networks and interconnects) project is to develop a prototype of an intelligent CAD tool for the specification, design, simulation and optimization of optical communication networks. CATO allows the user to build an abstract, possible incomplete, model of the system, and determine its expected performance. Based on design constraints provided by the user, CATO will automatically complete an optimum design, using mathematical programming techniques, intelligent search methods and artificial intelligence (AI). Initial design and testing of a CATO prototype (CATO-1) has been completed recently. The objective was to prove the feasibility of combining AI techniques, simulation techniques, an optical device library and a graphical user interface into a flexible CAD tool for obtaining optimal communication network designs in terms of system cost and performance. CATO-1 is an experimental tool for designing packet-switching wavelength division multiplexing all-optical communication systems using a LAN/MAN ring topology as the underlying network. The two specific AI algorithms incorporated are simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm. CATO-1 finds the optimal number of transceivers for each network node, using an objective function that includes the cost of the devices and the overall system performance.

  10. The impact of calcium carbonate as pore forming agent and drug entrapment method towards drug dissolution mechanism of amoxicillin trihydrate encapsulated by chitosan-methyl cellulose semi-IPN hydrogel for floating drug delivery system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dewantara, Fauzi; Budianto, Emil

    2018-04-01

    Chitosan-methyl cellulose semi-IPN hydrogel is used as floating drug delivery system, and calcium carbonate also added as pore forming agent. The hydrogel network arranged by not only using biopolymer chitosan and methyl cellulose, but also the crosslink agent that is glutaraldehyde. Amoxicillin trihydrate entrapped into the polymer network with two different method, in situ loading and post loading. Furthermore both method has been tested for drug entrapment efficiency along with drug dissolution test, and the result for drug entrapment efficiency is in situ loading method has highest value of 100%, compared to post loading method which has value only 71%. Moreover, at the final time of drug dissolution test shows in situ loading method has value of 96% for total accumulative of drug dissolution, meanwhile post loading method has 72%. The value of drug dissolution test from both method is used for analyzing drug dissolution mechanism of amoxicillin trihydrate from hydrogel network with four mathematical drug mechanism models as parameter. The polymer network encounter destructive degradation causes by acid solution which used as dissolution medium, and the level of degradation is observed with optical microscope. However the result shows that degradation of the polymer network doesn't affect drug dissolution mechanism directly. Although the pore forming agent causes the pore inside the hydrogel network create interconnection and it was quite influential to drug dissolution mechanism. Interconnected pore is observed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and shows that the amount and area of interconnected pore inside the hydrogel network is increasing as drug dissolution goes on.

  11. Review: The state-of-art of sparse channel models and their applicability to performance assessment of radioactive waste repositories in fractured crystalline formations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Figueiredo, Bruno; Tsang, Chin-Fu; Niemi, Auli; Lindgren, Georg

    2016-11-01

    Laboratory and field experiments done on fractured rock show that flow and solute transport often occur along flow channels. `Sparse channels' refers to the case where these channels are characterised by flow in long flow paths separated from each other by large spacings relative to the size of flow domain. A literature study is presented that brings together information useful to assess whether a sparse-channel network concept is an appropriate representation of the flow system in tight fractured rock of low transmissivity, such as that around a nuclear waste repository in deep crystalline rocks. A number of observations are made in this review. First, conventional fracture network models may lead to inaccurate results for flow and solute transport in tight fractured rocks. Secondly, a flow dimension of 1, as determined by the analysis of pressure data in well testing, may be indicative of channelised flow, but such interpretation is not unique or definitive. Thirdly, in sparse channels, the percolation may be more influenced by the fracture shape than the fracture size and orientation but further studies are needed. Fourthly, the migration of radionuclides from a waste canister in a repository to the biosphere may be strongly influenced by the type of model used (e.g. discrete fracture network, channel model). Fifthly, the determination of appropriateness of representing an in situ flow system by a sparse-channel network model needs parameters usually neglected in site characterisation, such as the density of channels or fracture intersections.

  12. Scale-Dependent Fracture-Matrix Interactions And Their Impact on Radionuclide Transport - Final Report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Detwiler, Russell

    Matrix diffusion and adsorption within a rock matrix are widely regarded as important mechanisms for retarding the transport of radionuclides and other solutes in fractured rock (e.g., Neretnieks, 1980; Tang et al., 1981; Maloszewski and Zuber, 1985; Novakowski and Lapcevic, 1994; Jardine et al., 1999; Zhou and Xie, 2003; Reimus et al., 2003a,b). When remediation options are being evaluated for old sources of contamination, where a large fraction of contaminants reside within the rock matrix, slow diffusion out of the matrix greatly increases the difficulty and timeframe of remediation. Estimating the rates of solute exchange between fractures and the adjacentmore » rock matrix is a critical factor in quantifying immobilization and/or remobilization of DOE-relevant contaminants within the subsurface. In principle, the most rigorous approach to modeling solute transport with fracture-matrix interaction would be based on local-scale coupled advection-diffusion/dispersion equations for the rock matrix and in discrete fractures that comprise the fracture network (Discrete Fracture Network and Matrix approach, hereinafter referred to as DFNM approach), fully resolving aperture variability in fractures and matrix property heterogeneity. However, such approaches are computationally demanding, and thus, many predictive models rely upon simplified models. These models typically idealize fracture rock masses as a single fracture or system of parallel fractures interacting with slabs of porous matrix or as a mobile-immobile or multi-rate mass transfer system. These idealizations provide tractable approaches for interpreting tracer tests and predicting contaminant mobility, but rely upon a fitted effective matrix diffusivity or mass-transfer coefficients. However, because these fitted parameters are based upon simplified conceptual models, their effectiveness at predicting long-term transport processes remains uncertain. Evidence of scale dependence of effective matrix diffusion coefficients obtained from tracer tests highlights this point and suggests that the underlying mechanisms and relationship between rock and fracture properties are not fully understood in large complex fracture networks. In this project, we developed a high-resolution DFN model of solute transport in fracture networks to explore and quantify the mechanisms that control transport in complex fracture networks and how these may give rise to observed scale-dependent matrix diffusion coefficients. Results demonstrate that small scale heterogeneity in the flow field caused by local aperture variability within individual fractures can lead to long-tailed breakthrough curves indicative of matrix diffusion, even in the absence of interactions with the fracture matrix. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial scale dependence of these processes highlights the inability of short-term tracer tests to estimate transport parameters that will control long-term fate and transport of contaminants in fractured aquifers.« less

  13. Robust Network Design - Connectivity and Beyond

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-15

    utilize a heterogeneous set of physical links (RF, Optical/Laser and SATCOM), for interconnecting a set of terrestrial, space and highly mobile airborne...design of mobility patterns of airborne platforms to provide stable operating conditions,  the design of networks that enable graceful performance...research effort, Airborne Network research was primarily directed towards Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANET). From our experience in design and

  14. Multiplex Superconducting Transmission Line for green power consolidation on a Smart Grid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McIntyre, P.; Gerity, J.; Kellams, J.; Sattarov, A.

    2017-12-01

    A multiplex superconducting transmission line (MSTL) is being developed for applications requiring interconnection of multi-MW electric power generation among a number of locations. MSTL consists of a cluster of many 2- or 3-conductor transmission lines within a coaxial cryostat envelope. Each line operates autonomously, so that the interconnection of multiple power loads can be done in a failure-tolerant network. Specifics of the electrical, mechanical, and cryogenic design are presented. The consolidation of transformation and conditioning and the failure-tolerant interconnects have the potential to offer important benefit for the green energy components of a Smart Grid.

  15. 47 CFR 51.323 - Standards for physical collocation and virtual collocation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... unbundled network elements. (1) Equipment is necessary for interconnection if an inability to deploy that... obtains within its own network or the incumbent provides to any affiliate, subsidiary, or other party. (2) Equipment is necessary for access to an unbundled network element if an inability to deploy that equipment...

  16. 47 CFR 51.323 - Standards for physical collocation and virtual collocation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... unbundled network elements. (1) Equipment is necessary for interconnection if an inability to deploy that... obtains within its own network or the incumbent provides to any affiliate, subsidiary, or other party. (2) Equipment is necessary for access to an unbundled network element if an inability to deploy that equipment...

  17. The Internet as an External Economy: The Emergence of the Invisible Hand.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brownrigg, Edwin B.

    1991-01-01

    Discusses the Internet, an interconnected array of scientific research networks. The role of libraries in the Internet is discussed; the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) and Advanced Network Services (ANS) are described; and economic issues of the Internet are raised, including external economy and public good. (eight references) (LRW)

  18. Passivity and Dissipativity as Design and Analysis Tools for Networked Control Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yu, Han

    2012-01-01

    In this dissertation, several control problems are studied that arise when passive or dissipative systems are interconnected and controlled over a communication network. Since communication networks can impact the systems' stability and performance, there is a need to extend the results on control of passive or dissipative systems to networked…

  19. Structure, function, and control of the human musculoskeletal network

    PubMed Central

    Murphy, Andrew C.; Muldoon, Sarah F.; Baker, David; Lastowka, Adam; Bennett, Brittany; Yang, Muzhi

    2018-01-01

    The human body is a complex organism, the gross mechanical properties of which are enabled by an interconnected musculoskeletal network controlled by the nervous system. The nature of musculoskeletal interconnection facilitates stability, voluntary movement, and robustness to injury. However, a fundamental understanding of this network and its control by neural systems has remained elusive. Here we address this gap in knowledge by utilizing medical databases and mathematical modeling to reveal the organizational structure, predicted function, and neural control of the musculoskeletal system. We constructed a highly simplified whole-body musculoskeletal network in which single muscles connect to multiple bones via both origin and insertion points. We demonstrated that, using this simplified model, a muscle’s role in this network could offer a theoretical prediction of the susceptibility of surrounding components to secondary injury. Finally, we illustrated that sets of muscles cluster into network communities that mimic the organization of control modules in primary motor cortex. This novel formalism for describing interactions between the muscular and skeletal systems serves as a foundation to develop and test therapeutic responses to injury, inspiring future advances in clinical treatments. PMID:29346370

  20. Fluid driven fracture mechanics in highly anisotropic shale: a laboratory study with application to hydraulic fracturing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gehne, Stephan; Benson, Philip; Koor, Nick; Enfield, Mark

    2017-04-01

    The finding of considerable volumes of hydrocarbon resources within tight sedimentary rock formations in the UK led to focused attention on the fundamental fracture properties of low permeability rock types and hydraulic fracturing. Despite much research in these fields, there remains a scarcity of available experimental data concerning the fracture mechanics of fluid driven fracturing and the fracture properties of anisotropic, low permeability rock types. In this study, hydraulic fracturing is simulated in a controlled laboratory environment to track fracture nucleation (location) and propagation (velocity) in space and time and assess how environmental factors and rock properties influence the fracture process and the developing fracture network. Here we report data on employing fluid overpressure to generate a permeable network of micro tensile fractures in a highly anisotropic shale ( 50% P-wave velocity anisotropy). Experiments are carried out in a triaxial deformation apparatus using cylindrical samples. The bedding planes are orientated either parallel or normal to the major principal stress direction (σ1). A newly developed technique, using a steel guide arrangement to direct pressurised fluid into a sealed section of an axially drilled conduit, allows the pore fluid to contact the rock directly and to initiate tensile fractures from the pre-defined zone inside the sample. Acoustic Emission location is used to record and map the nucleation and development of the micro-fracture network. Indirect tensile strength measurements at atmospheric pressure show a high tensile strength anisotropy ( 60%) of the shale. Depending on the relative bedding orientation within the stress field, we find that fluid induced fractures in the sample propagate in two of the three principal fracture orientations: Divider and Short-Transverse. The fracture progresses parallel to the bedding plane (Short-Transverse orientation) if the bedding plane is aligned (parallel) with the direction of σ1. Conversely, the crack plane develops perpendicular to the bedding plane, if the bedding plane is orientated normal to σ1. Fracture initiation pressures are higher in the Divider orientation ( 24MPa) than in the Short-Transverse orientation ( 14MPa) showing a tensile strength anisotropy ( 42%) comparable to ambient tensile strength results. We then use X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) 3D-images to evaluate the evolved fracture network in terms of fracture pattern, aperture and post-test water permeability. For both fracture orientations, very fine, axial fractures evolve over the entire length of the sample. For the fracturing in the Divider orientation, it has been observed, that in some cases, secondary fractures are branching of the main fracture. Test data from fluid driven fracturing experiments suggest that fracture pattern, fracture propagation trajectories and fracturing fluid pressure (initiation and propagation pressure) are predominantly controlled by the interaction between the anisotropic mechanical properties of the shale and the anisotropic stress environment. The orientation of inherent rock anisotropy relative to the principal stress directions seems to be the main control on fracture orientation and required fracturing pressure.

  1. Modular, Hierarchical Learning By Artificial Neural Networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baldi, Pierre F.; Toomarian, Nikzad

    1996-01-01

    Modular and hierarchical approach to supervised learning by artificial neural networks leads to neural networks more structured than neural networks in which all neurons fully interconnected. These networks utilize general feedforward flow of information and sparse recurrent connections to achieve dynamical effects. The modular organization, sparsity of modular units and connections, and fact that learning is much more circumscribed are all attractive features for designing neural-network hardware. Learning streamlined by imitating some aspects of biological neural networks.

  2. Influence of fracture network physical properties on stability criteria of density-driven flow in a dual-porosity system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hassanzadeh, H.; Jafari Raad, S. M.

    2017-12-01

    Linear stability analysis is conducted to study the onset of buoyancy-driven convection involved in solubility trapping of CO2 into deep fractured aquifers. In this study, the effect of fracture network physical properties on the stability criteria in a brine-rich fractured porous layer is investigated using dual porosity concept for both single and variable matrix block size distributions. Linear stability analysis results show that both fracture interporosity flow and fracture storativity factors play an important role in the stability behavior of the system. It is shown that a diffusive boundary layer under the gravity field in a fractured rock with lower fracture storativity and/or higher fracture interporosity flow coefficient is more stable. We present scaling relations that relate the onset of convective instability in fractured aquifers. These findings improve our understanding of buoyancy driven flow in fractured aquifers and are particularly important in estimation of potential storage capacity, risk assessment, and storage sites characterization and screening.Keywords: CO2 sequestration; fractured rock; buoyancy-driven convection; stability analysis

  3. Fabrication, characterization and fracture study of a machinable hydroxyapatite ceramic.

    PubMed

    Shareef, M Y; Messer, P F; van Noort, R

    1993-01-01

    In this study the preparation of a machinable hydroxyapatite from mixtures of a fine, submicrometer powder and either a coarse powder composed of porous aggregates up to 50 microns or a medium powder composed of dense particles of 3 microns median size is described. These were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy and infra-red spectroscopy. Test-pieces were formed by powder pressing and slip casting mixtures of various combinations of the fine, medium and coarse powders. The fired test-pieces were subjected to measurements of firing shrinkage, porosity, bulk density, tensile strength and fracture toughness. The microstructure and composition were examined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. For both processing methods, a uniform interconnected microporous structure was produced of a high-purity hydroxyapatite. The maximum tensile strength and fracture toughness that could be attained while retaining machinability were 37 MPa and 0.8 MPa m1/2 respectively.

  4. Silicon photonics for high-performance interconnection networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biberman, Aleksandr

    2011-12-01

    We assert in the course of this work that silicon photonics has the potential to be a key disruptive technology in computing and communication industries. The enduring pursuit of performance gains in computing, combined with stringent power constraints, has fostered the ever-growing computational parallelism associated with chip multiprocessors, memory systems, high-performance computing systems, and data centers. Sustaining these parallelism growths introduces unique challenges for on- and off-chip communications, shifting the focus toward novel and fundamentally different communication approaches. This work showcases that chip-scale photonic interconnection networks, enabled by high-performance silicon photonic devices, enable unprecedented bandwidth scalability with reduced power consumption. We demonstrate that the silicon photonic platforms have already produced all the high-performance photonic devices required to realize these types of networks. Through extensive empirical characterization in much of this work, we demonstrate such feasibility of waveguides, modulators, switches, and photodetectors. We also demonstrate systems that simultaneously combine many functionalities to achieve more complex building blocks. Furthermore, we leverage the unique properties of available silicon photonic materials to create novel silicon photonic devices, subsystems, network topologies, and architectures to enable unprecedented performance of these photonic interconnection networks and computing systems. We show that the advantages of photonic interconnection networks extend far beyond the chip, offering advanced communication environments for memory systems, high-performance computing systems, and data centers. Furthermore, we explore the immense potential of all-optical functionalities implemented using parametric processing in the silicon platform, demonstrating unique methods that have the ability to revolutionize computation and communication. Silicon photonics enables new sets of opportunities that we can leverage for performance gains, as well as new sets of challenges that we must solve. Leveraging its inherent compatibility with standard fabrication techniques of the semiconductor industry, combined with its capability of dense integration with advanced microelectronics, silicon photonics also offers a clear path toward commercialization through low-cost mass-volume production. Combining empirical validations of feasibility, demonstrations of massive performance gains in large-scale systems, and the potential for commercial penetration of silicon photonics, the impact of this work will become evident in the many decades that follow.

  5. Correlation Between Fracture Network Properties and Stress Variability in Geological Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lei, Qinghua; Gao, Ke

    2018-05-01

    We quantitatively investigate the stress variability in fractured geological media under tectonic stresses. The fracture systems studied include synthetic fracture networks following power law length scaling and natural fracture patterns based on outcrop mapping. The stress field is derived from a finite-discrete element model, and its variability is analyzed using a set of mathematical formulations that honor the tensorial nature of stress data. We show that local stress perturbation, quantified by the Euclidean distance of a local stress tensor to the mean stress tensor, has a positive, linear correlation with local fracture intensity, defined as the total fracture length per unit area within a local sampling window. We also evaluate the stress dispersion of the entire stress field using the effective variance, that is, a scalar-valued measure of the overall stress variability. The results show that a well-connected fracture system under a critically stressed state exhibits strong local and global stress variabilities.

  6. A new scripting library for modeling flow and transport in fractured rock with channel networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dessirier, Benoît; Tsang, Chin-Fu; Niemi, Auli

    2018-02-01

    Deep crystalline bedrock formations are targeted to host spent nuclear fuel owing to their overall low permeability. They are however highly heterogeneous and only a few preferential paths pertaining to a small set of dominant rock fractures usually carry most of the flow or mass fluxes, a behavior known as channeling that needs to be accounted for in the performance assessment of repositories. Channel network models have been developed and used to investigate the effect of channeling. They are usually simpler than discrete fracture networks based on rock fracture mappings and rely on idealized full or sparsely populated lattices of channels. This study reexamines the fundamental parameter structure required to describe a channel network in terms of groundwater flow and solute transport, leading to an extended description suitable for unstructured arbitrary networks of channels. An implementation of this formalism in a Python scripting library is presented and released along with this article. A new algebraic multigrid preconditioner delivers a significant speedup in the flow solution step compared to previous channel network codes. 3D visualization is readily available for verification and interpretation of the results by exporting the results to an open and free dedicated software. The new code is applied to three example cases to verify its results on full uncorrelated lattices of channels, sparsely populated percolation lattices and to exemplify the use of unstructured networks to accommodate knowledge on local rock fractures.

  7. Hydromechanical modeling of clay rock including fracture damage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asahina, D.; Houseworth, J. E.; Birkholzer, J. T.

    2012-12-01

    Argillaceous rock typically acts as a flow barrier, but under certain conditions significant and potentially conductive fractures may be present. Fracture formation is well-known to occur in the vicinity of underground excavations in a region known as the excavation disturbed zone. Such problems are of particular importance for low-permeability, mechanically weak rock such as clays and shales because fractures can be relatively transient as a result of fracture self-sealing processes. Perhaps not as well appreciated is the fact that natural fractures can form in argillaceous rock as a result of hydraulic overpressure caused by phenomena such as disequlibrium compaction, changes in tectonic stress, and mineral dehydration. Overpressure conditions can cause hydraulic fracturing if the fluid pressure leads to tensile effective stresses that exceed the tensile strength of the material. Quantitative modeling of this type of process requires coupling between hydrogeologic processes and geomechanical processes including fracture initiation and propagation. Here we present a computational method for three-dimensional, hydromechanical coupled processes including fracture damage. Fractures are represented as discrete features in a fracture network that interact with a porous rock matrix. Fracture configurations are mapped onto an unstructured, three-dimensonal, Voronoi grid, which is based on a random set of spatial points. Discrete fracture networks (DFN) are represented by the connections of the edges of a Voronoi cells. This methodology has the advantage that fractures can be more easily introduced in response to coupled hydro-mechanical processes and generally eliminates several potential issues associated with the geometry of DFN and numerical gridding. A geomechanical and fracture-damage model is developed here using the Rigid-Body-Spring-Network (RBSN) numerical method. The hydrogelogic and geomechanical models share the same geometrical information from a 3D Voronoi grid and associated nodes, where the scalar field quantities (e.g. temperature, pressure, and saturation) and the generalized displacements are obtained by an integral finite difference method (e.g., TOUGH2) and RBSN, respectively. Fractures propagate along Voronoi cell boundaries as induced stresses evolve and exceed the material strength. Examples of fracture propagation in clay rock are examined for the excavation disturbed zone and for cases in which hydraulic overpressure leads to hydraulic fracture. Fluid flow behavior in these evolving fracture networks and eventual fracture closing and self-sealing are investigated. Funding for this work was provided by the Used Fuel Disposition Campaign, Office of Nuclear Energy, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract NumberDE-AC02-05CH11231 with Berkeley Lab.

  8. An approach to architecture 3D scaffold with interconnective microchannel networks inducing angiogenesis for tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Sun, Jiaoxia; Wang, Yuanliang; Qian, Zhiyong; Hu, Chenbo

    2011-11-01

    The angiogenesis of 3D scaffold is one of the major current limitations in clinical practice tissue engineering. The new strategy of construction 3D scaffold with microchannel circulation network may improve angiogenesis. In this study, 3D poly(D: ,L: -lactic acid) scaffolds with controllable microchannel structures were fabricated using sacrificial sugar structures. Melt drawing sugar-fiber network produced by a modified filament spiral winding method was used to form the microchannel with adjustable diameters and porosity. This fabrication process was rapid, inexpensive, and highly scalable. The porosity, microchannel diameter, interconnectivity and surface topographies of the scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated by compression tests. The mean porosity values of the scaffolds were in the 65-78% and the scaffold exhibited microchannel structure with diameter in the 100-200 μm range. The results showed that the scaffolds exhibited an adequate porosity, interconnective microchannel network, and mechanical properties. The cell culture studies with endothelial cells (ECs) demonstrated that the scaffold allowed cells to proliferate and penetrate into the volume of the entire scaffold. Overall, these findings suggest that the fabrication process offers significant advantages and flexibility in generating a variety of non-cytotoxic tissue engineering scaffolds with controllable distributions of porosity and physical properties that could provide the necessary physical cues for ECs and further improve angiogenesis for tissue engineering.

  9. Geology, hydrology, water quality, and potential for interbasin invasive-species spread by way of the groundwater pathway near Lemont, Illinois

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kay, Robert T.; Mills, Patrick C.; Jackson, P. Ryan

    2016-08-23

    Invasive species such as Asian carps have the potential to travel in the egg, larval, or fry stages from the Des Plaines River (DPR) to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) by way of the network of secondary-permeability features in the dolomite aquifer between these water bodies. Such movement would circumvent the electric fish barrier on the canal and allow Asian carps to travel unimpeded into Lake Michigan. This potential pathway for the spread of Asian carps and other invasive species was evaluated by the U.S. Geological Survey.The bed of the DPR appears to be in at least partial contact with the exposed bedrock in most of the area from about 1 mile west of Kingery Highway to Romeo Road (the study area). Areas of exposed bedrock are the most likely places for Asian carps to enter the groundwater system from the DPR. Water levels in the DPR typically are about 7–16 feet higher than those in the CSSC in most of the study area. This difference in water level provides the driving force for the potential spread of Asian carps from the DPR to the CSSC by way of groundwater.Groundwater flow (and potentially invasive-species movement) is through an interconnected network of permeable vertical and horizontal fractures within the Silurian dolomite bedrock. At least some of the fractures are associated with paleo-karst features. Several investigative techniques identified horizontal permeable fractures at about 546–552 feet above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 within about 55 feet of the CSSC in the focus area between Lemont Road and Interstate 355. The elevation of the bottom of the CSSC in this area is about 551 feet, indicating that a direct conduit for flow of groundwater to the CSSC may be present. Wells further away from the CSSC in this area do not intercept fractures, so the fracture network may not be continuous between the DPR and the CSSC. These data are consistent with field observations of the secondary-permeability network along the CSSC walls, which indicate that the secondary-permeability features are completely filled with Pennsylvanian sediments within a few feet of the canal wall.Water-level data indicate the potential for flow from the DPR into the Silurian aquifer in the focus area, then from the aquifer to the CSSC. Water-level data also indicate that the fractures within the aquifer in the focus area are hydraulically well connected to the CSSC but not to the DPR, indicating that flow from the DPR to the groundwater system may not be substantial or rapid.Water-quality data in the CSSC and the DPR show similar values and trends and are affected by diel and longer term variations in climate and precipitation. However, the values and trends in water quality in the groundwater system tended to be substantially different from those in the DPR and the CSSC, indicating that the DPR and the CSSC do not appreciably recharge the groundwater system. Water-quality and flow data do indicate that groundwater discharges to the CSSC in part of the focus area. The absence of substantial hydraulic interaction between the groundwater and the DPR is supported by the absence of detectable concentrations of the dye tracer added to the DPR in groundwater in the focus area, which indicates that water from the DPR requires more than 2 weeks to move into the monitored parts of the groundwater system under approximately typical hydraulic conditions. The totality of the data indicates that there is minimal potential for the inter-basin spread of Asian carps by way of the groundwater pathway between Romeo Road and Stickney, Illinois.

  10. Directional semivariogram analysis to identify and rank controls on the spatial variability of fracture networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanke, John R.; Fischer, Mark P.; Pollyea, Ryan M.

    2018-03-01

    In this study, the directional semivariogram is deployed to investigate the spatial variability of map-scale fracture network attributes in the Paradox Basin, Utah. The relative variability ratio (R) is introduced as the ratio of integrated anisotropic semivariogram models, and R is shown to be an effective metric for quantifying the magnitude of spatial variability for any two azimuthal directions. R is applied to a GIS-based data set comprising roughly 1200 fractures, in an area which is bounded by a map-scale anticline and a km-scale normal fault. This analysis reveals that proximity to the fault strongly influences the magnitude of spatial variability for both fracture intensity and intersection density within 1-2 km. Additionally, there is significant anisotropy in the spatial variability, which is correlated with trends of the anticline and fault. The direction of minimum spatial correlation is normal to the fault at proximal distances, and gradually rotates and becomes subparallel to the fold axis over the same 1-2 km distance away from the fault. We interpret these changes to reflect varying scales of influence of the fault and the fold on fracture network development: the fault locally influences the magnitude and variability of fracture network attributes, whereas the fold sets the background level and structure of directional variability.

  11. Study of complete interconnect reliability for a GaAs MMIC power amplifier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Qian; Wu, Haifeng; Chen, Shan-ji; Jia, Guoqing; Jiang, Wei; Chen, Chao

    2018-05-01

    By combining the finite element analysis (FEA) and artificial neural network (ANN) technique, the complete prediction of interconnect reliability for a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier (PA) at the both of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) operation conditions is achieved effectively in this article. As a example, a MMIC PA is modelled to study the electromigration failure of interconnect. This is the first time to study the interconnect reliability for an MMIC PA at the conditions of DC and AC operation simultaneously. By training the data from FEA, a high accuracy ANN model for PA reliability is constructed. Then, basing on the reliability database which is obtained from the ANN model, it can give important guidance for improving the reliability design for IC.

  12. Scalability analysis methodology for passive optical interconnects in data center networks using PAM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, R.; Szczerba, Krzysztof; Agrell, Erik; Wosinska, Lena; Tang, M.; Liu, D.; Chen, J.

    2017-11-01

    A framework is developed for modeling the fundamental impairments in optical datacenter interconnects, i.e., the power loss and the receiver noises. This framework makes it possible, to analyze the trade-offs between data rates, modulation order, and number of ports that can be supported in optical interconnect architectures, while guaranteeing that the required signal-to-noise ratios are satisfied. To the best of our knowledge, this important assessment methodology is not yet available. As a case study, the trade-offs are investigated for three coupler-based top-of-rack interconnect architectures, which suffer from serious insertion loss. The results show that using single-port transceivers with 10 GHz bandwidth, avalanche photodiode detectors, and quadratical pulse amplitude modulation, more than 500 ports can be supported.

  13. Fracture Network Characteristics Informed by Detailed Studies of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes in Sedimentary Rock Aquifers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parker, B. L.; Chapman, S.

    2015-12-01

    Various numerical approaches have been used to simulate contaminant plumes in fractured porous rock, but the one that allows field and laboratory measurements to be most directly used as inputs to these models is the Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) Approach. To effectively account for fracture-matrix interactions, emphasis must be placed on identifying and parameterizing all of the fractures that participate substantially in groundwater flow and contaminated transport. High resolution plume studies at four primary research sites, where chlorinated solvent plumes serve as long-term (several decades) tracer tests, provide insight concerning the density of the fracture network unattainable by conventional methods. Datasets include contaminant profiles from detailed VOC subsampling informed by continuous core logs, hydraulic head and transmissivity profiles, packer testing and sensitive temperature logging methods in FLUTe™ lined holes. These show presence of many more transmissive fractures, contrasting observations of only a few flow zones per borehole obtained from conventional hydraulic tests including flow metering in open boreholes. Incorporating many more fractures with a wider range of transmissivities is key to predicting contaminant migration. This new understanding of dense fracture networks combined with matrix property measurements have informed 2-D DFN flow and transport modelling using Fractran and HydroGeosphere to simulate plume characteristics ground-truthed by detailed field site plume characterization. These process-based simulations corroborate field findings that plumes in sedimentary rock after decades of transport show limited plume front distances and strong internal plume attenuation by diffusion, transverse dispersion and slow degradation. This successful application of DFN modeling informed by field-derived parameters demonstrates how the DFN Approach can be applied to other sites to inform plume migration rates and remedial efficacy.

  14. Geology, hydrology, and results of tracer testing in the Galena-Platteville aquifer at a waste-disposal site near Byron, Illinois

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kay, Robert T.; Yeskis, Douglas J.; Prinos, Scott T.; Morrow, William S.; Vendl, Mark

    1999-01-01

    A study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the geohydrology of the dolomite bedrock at a waste-disposal site near Byron, Illinois. The study was designed to identify and characterize the flow pathways through the bedrock aquifer beneath the site. The geologic units of concern at the site are the Glenwood Formation of the Ancell Group, and the Platteville and Galena Groups. These deposits compose the Galena-Platteville aquifer and the underlying Harmony Hill Shale semiconfining unit. The Galena-Platteville aquifer is an unconfined aquifer. Geophysical logging, water levels, and aquifer-test data indicate the presence of interconnected, hydraulically active fractures in the middle of the Galena-Platteville aquifer (the upper flow pathway), and a second set of hydraulically active fractures (the lower flow pathway). The lower flow pathway may be present through much of the site. Few hydraulically active fractures are present in the upper part of the aquifer near the center of the site, but appear to be more numerous in the upper part of the aquifer in the western and northeastern parts of the site. Water-level data obtained during the tracer test indicate that pumping effects were present near the pumped wells. Pumping effects may have been present at several wells located along directions of identified fracture orientation from the pumped well. The upper part of the aquifer did not appear to be hydraulically well connected to the flow pathways supplying water to the pumped well. Large background changes in water levels obscured the effects of pumping and prevented calculation of aquifer properties. The velocity of the bromide tracer through the lower flow pathway under the hydraulic gradient resulting from the pumping was about 152 feet per day. Solution of the Darcy velocity equation results in a calculated effective porosity for this interval of 3.5 percent, indicating hydraulic interconnection between the fractures and the aquifer matrix. Ground-water velocity through the lower flow pathway was calculated to be 15.4 feet per day under hydrostatic conditions.

  15. Multiscale model reduction for shale gas transport in poroelastic fractured media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akkutlu, I. Yucel; Efendiev, Yalchin; Vasilyeva, Maria; Wang, Yuhe

    2018-01-01

    Inherently coupled flow and geomechanics processes in fractured shale media have implications for shale gas production. The system involves highly complex geo-textures comprised of a heterogeneous anisotropic fracture network spatially embedded in an ultra-tight matrix. In addition, nonlinearities due to viscous flow, diffusion, and desorption in the matrix and high velocity gas flow in the fractures complicates the transport. In this paper, we develop a multiscale model reduction approach to couple gas flow and geomechanics in fractured shale media. A Discrete Fracture Model (DFM) is used to treat the complex network of fractures on a fine grid. The coupled flow and geomechanics equations are solved using a fixed stress-splitting scheme by solving the pressure equation using a continuous Galerkin method and the displacement equation using an interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method. We develop a coarse grid approximation and coupling using the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM). GMsFEM constructs the multiscale basis functions in a systematic way to capture the fracture networks and their interactions with the shale matrix. Numerical results and an error analysis is provided showing that the proposed approach accurately captures the coupled process using a few multiscale basis functions, i.e. a small fraction of the degrees of freedom of the fine-scale problem.

  16. A Fully Implemented 12 × 12 Data Vortex Optical Packet Switching Interconnection Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shacham, Assaf; Small, Benjamin A.; Liboiron-Ladouceur, Odile; Bergman, Keren

    2005-10-01

    A fully functional optical packet switching (OPS) interconnection network based on the data vortex architecture is presented. The photonic switching fabric uniquely capitalizes on the enormous bandwidth advantage of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) wavelength parallelism while delivering minimal packet transit latency. Utilizing semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based switching nodes and conventional fiber-optic technology, the 12-port system exhibits a capacity of nearly 1 Tb/s. Optical packets containing an eight-wavelength WDM payload with 10 Gb/s per wavelength are routed successfully to all 12 ports while maintaining a bit error rate (BER) of 10-12 or better. Median port-to-port latencies of 110 ns are achieved with a distributed deflection routing network that resolves packet contention on-the-fly without the use of optical buffers and maintains the entire payload path in the optical domain.

  17. Automatic discovery of the communication network topology for building a supercomputer model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sobolev, Sergey; Stefanov, Konstantin; Voevodin, Vadim

    2016-10-01

    The Research Computing Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University is developing the Octotron software suite for automatic monitoring and mitigation of emergency situations in supercomputers so as to maximize hardware reliability. The suite is based on a software model of the supercomputer. The model uses a graph to describe the computing system components and their interconnections. One of the most complex components of a supercomputer that needs to be included in the model is its communication network. This work describes the proposed approach for automatically discovering the Ethernet communication network topology in a supercomputer and its description in terms of the Octotron model. This suite automatically detects computing nodes and switches, collects information about them and identifies their interconnections. The application of this approach is demonstrated on the "Lomonosov" and "Lomonosov-2" supercomputers.

  18. MO detector (MOD): a dual-function optical modulator-detector for on-chip communication

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Shuai; Zhang, Ruoyu; Peng, Jiaxin; Narayana, Vikram K.; Dalir, Hamed; El-Ghazawi, Tarek; Sorger, Volker J.

    2018-04-01

    Physical challenges at the device and interconnect level limit both network and computing energy efficiency. While photonics is being considered to address interconnect bottlenecks, optical routing is still limited by electronic circuitry, requiring substantial overhead for optical-electrical-optical conversion. Here we show a novel design of an integrated broadband photonic-plasmonic hybrid device termed MODetector featuring dual light modulation and detection function to act as an optical transceiver in the photonic network-on-chip. With over 10 dB extinction ratio and 0.8 dB insertion loss at the modulation state, this MODetector provides 0.7 W/A responsivity in the detection state with 36 ps response time. This multi-functional device: (i) eliminates OEO conversion, (ii) reduces optical losses from photodetectors when not needed, and (iii) enables cognitive routing strategies for network-on-chips.

  19. The high speed interconnect system architecture and operation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson, Steven C.

    The design and operation of a fiber-optic high-speed interconnect system (HSIS) being developed to meet the requirements of future avionics and flight-control hardware with distributed-system architectures are discussed. The HSIS is intended for 100-Mb/s operation of a local-area network with up to 256 stations. It comprises a bus transmission system (passive star couplers and linear media linked by active elements) and network interface units (NIUs). Each NIU is designed to perform the physical, data link, network, and transport functions defined by the ISO OSI Basic Reference Model (1982 and 1983) and incorporates a fiber-optic transceiver, a high-speed protocol based on the SAE AE-9B linear token-passing data bus (1986), and a specialized application interface unit. The operating modes and capabilities of HSIS are described in detail and illustrated with diagrams.

  20. Well test mathematical model for fractures network in tight oil reservoirs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Diwu, Pengxiang; Liu, Tongjing; Jiang, Baoyi; Wang, Rui; Yang, Peidie; Yang, Jiping; Wang, Zhaoming

    2018-02-01

    Well test, especially build-up test, has been applied widely in the development of tight oil reservoirs, since it is the only available low cost way to directly quantify flow ability and formation heterogeneity parameters. However, because of the fractures network near wellbore, generated from artificial fracturing linking up natural factures, traditional infinite and finite conductivity fracture models usually result in significantly deviation in field application. In this work, considering the random distribution of natural fractures, physical model of fractures network is proposed, and it shows a composite model feature in the large scale. Consequently, a nonhomogeneous composite mathematical model is established with threshold pressure gradient. To solve this model semi-analytically, we proposed a solution approach including Laplace transform and virtual argument Bessel function, and this method is verified by comparing with existing analytical solution. The matching data of typical type curves generated from semi-analytical solution indicates that the proposed physical and mathematical model can describe the type curves characteristic in typical tight oil reservoirs, which have up warping in late-term rather than parallel lines with slope 1/2 or 1/4. It means the composite model could be used into pressure interpretation of artificial fracturing wells in tight oil reservoir.

  1. Network Monitoring in the age of the Cloud

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ciuffoletti, Augusto

    Network virtualization plays a relevant role in provisioning an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), implementing the fabric that interconnects virtual components. We identify the standard protocol IEEE802.1Q, that describes Virtual LAN (VLAN) functionalities, as a cornerstone in this architecture.

  2. Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits For Neural Networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Psaltis, D.; Katz, J.; Kim, Jae-Hoon; Lin, S. H.; Nouhi, A.

    1990-01-01

    Many threshold devices placed on single substrate. Integrated circuits containing optoelectronic threshold elements developed for use as planar arrays of artificial neurons in research on neural-network computers. Mounted with volume holograms recorded in photorefractive crystals serving as dense arrays of variable interconnections between neurons.

  3. 3D printing application and numerical simulations in a fracture system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, H.; Martinez, M. J.

    2017-12-01

    The hydrogeological and mechanical properties in fractured and porous media are fundamental to predicting coupled multiphysics processes in the subsurface. Recent advances in experimental methods and multi-scale imaging capabilities have revolutionized our ability to quantitatively characterize geomaterials and digital counterparts are now routinely used for numerical simulations to characterize petrophysical and mechanical properties across scales. 3D printing is a very effective and creative technique that reproduce the digital images in a controlled way. For geoscience applications, 3D printing can be co-opted to print reproducible porous and fractured structures derived from CT-imaging of actual rocks and theoretical algorithms for experimental testing. In this work we used a stereolithography (SLA) method to create a single fracture network. The fracture in shale was first scanned using a microCT system and then the digital fracture network was printed into two parts and assembled. Aperture ranges from 0.3 to 1 mm. In particular, we discuss the design of single fracture network and the progress of printing practices to reproduce the fracture network system. Printed samples at different scales are used to measure the permeability and surface roughness. Various numerical simulations including (non-)reactive transport and multiphase flow cases are performed to study fluid flow characterization. We will also discuss the innovative advancement of 3D printing techniques applicable for coupled processes in the subsurface. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

  4. The Semantic Network Model of Creativity: Analysis of Online Social Media Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yu, Feng; Peng, Theodore; Peng, Kaiping; Zheng, Sam Xianjun; Liu, Zhiyuan

    2016-01-01

    The central hypothesis of Semantic Network Model of Creativity is that creative people, who are exposed to more information that are both novel and useful, will have more interconnections between event schemas in their associations. The networks of event schemas in creative people's minds were expected to be wider and denser than those in less…

  5. NetSciEd: Network Science and Education for the Interconnected World

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sayama, Hiroki; Cramer, Catherine; Sheetz, Lori; Uzzo, Stephen

    2017-01-01

    This short article presents a summary of the NetSciEd (Network Science and Education) initiative that aims to address the need for curricula, resources, accessible materials, and tools for introducing K-12 students and the general public to the concept of networks, a crucial framework in understanding complexity. NetSciEd activities include (1)…

  6. Guidance on Soil Vapor Extraction Optimization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-06-01

    propagate further from the extraction well, increasing the advective flow zone round the well. Pneumatic and hydraulic fracturing are the primary methods...enhancing existing fractures and increasing the secondary fracture network. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water or slurry into the

  7. Retroactivity in the Context of Modularly Structured Biomolecular Systems

    PubMed Central

    Pantoja-Hernández, Libertad; Martínez-García, Juan Carlos

    2015-01-01

    Synthetic biology has intensively promoted the technical implementation of modular strategies in the fabrication of biological devices. Modules are considered as networks of reactions. The behavior displayed by biomolecular systems results from the information processes carried out by the interconnection of the involved modules. However, in natural systems, module wiring is not a free-of-charge process; as a consequence of interconnection, a reactive phenomenon called retroactivity emerges. This phenomenon is characterized by signals that propagate from downstream modules (the modules that receive the incoming signals upon interconnection) to upstream ones (the modules that send the signals upon interconnection). Such retroactivity signals, depending of their strength, may change and sometimes even disrupt the behavior of modular biomolecular systems. Thus, analysis of retroactivity effects in natural biological and biosynthetic systems is crucial to achieve a deeper understanding of how this interconnection between functionally characterized modules takes place and how it impacts the overall behavior of the involved cell. By discussing the modules interconnection in natural and synthetic biomolecular systems, we propose that such systems should be considered as quasi-modular. PMID:26137457

  8. Chemically interconnected light-weight 3D-carbon nanotube solid network

    DOE PAGES

    Ozden, Sehmus; Tsafack, Thierry; Owuor, Peter S.; ...

    2017-03-31

    Owing to the weak physical interactions such as van der Waals and π-π interactions, which hold nanotubes together in carbon nanotube (CNT) bulk structures, the tubes can easily slide on each other. In creating covalent interconnection between individual carbon nanotube (CNT) structures we saw remarkable improvements in the properties of their three-dimensional (3D) bulk structures. The creation of such nanoengineered 3D solid structures with improved properties and low-density remains one of the fundamental challenges in real-world applications. We also report the scalable synthesis of low-density 3D macroscopic structure made of covalently interconnected nanotubes using free-radical polymerization method after functionalized CNTsmore » with allylamine monomers. The resulted interconnected highly porous solid structure exhibits higher mechanical properties, larger surface area and greater porosity than non-crosslinked nanotube structures. To gain further insights into the deformation mechanisms of nanotubes, fully atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used. Here we demonstrate one such utility in CO 2 uptake, whose interconnected solid structure performed better than non-interconnected structures.« less

  9. Combined effect of CVR and penetration of DG in the voltage profile and losses of lowvoltage secondary distribution networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bokhari, Abdullah

    Demarcations between traditional distribution power systems and distributed generation (DG) architectures are increasingly evolving as higher DG penetration is introduced in the system. The concerns in existing electric power systems (EPSs) to accommodate less restrictive interconnection policies while maintaining reliability and performance of power delivery have been the major challenge for DG growth. In this dissertation, the work is aimed to study power quality, energy saving and losses in a low voltage distributed network under various DG penetration cases. Simulation platform suite that includes electric power system, distributed generation and ZIP load models is implemented to determine the impact of DGs on power system steady state performance and the voltage profile of the customers/loads in the network under the voltage reduction events. The investigation designed to test the DG impact on power system starting with one type of DG, then moves on multiple DG types distributed in a random case and realistic/balanced case. The functionality of the proposed DG interconnection is designed to meet the basic requirements imposed by the various interconnection standards, most notably IEEE 1547, public service commission, and local utility regulation. It is found that implementation of DGs on the low voltage secondary network would improve customer's voltage profile, system losses and significantly provide energy savings and economics for utilities. In a network populated with DGs, utility would have a uniform voltage profile at the customers end as the voltage profile becomes more concentrated around targeted voltage level. The study further reinforced the concept that the behavior of DG in distributed network would improve voltage regulation as certain percentage reduction on utility side would ensure uniform percentage reduction seen by all customers and reduce number of voltage violations.

  10. Influence of scale-dependent fracture intensity on block size distribution and rock slope failure mechanisms in a DFN framework

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agliardi, Federico; Galletti, Laura; Riva, Federico; Zanchi, Andrea; Crosta, Giovanni B.

    2017-04-01

    An accurate characterization of the geometry and intensity of discontinuities in a rock mass is key to assess block size distribution and degree of freedom. These are the main controls on the magnitude and mechanisms of rock slope instabilities (structurally-controlled, step-path or mass failures) and rock mass strength and deformability. Nevertheless, the use of over-simplified discontinuity characterization approaches, unable to capture the stochastic nature of discontinuity features, often hampers a correct identification of dominant rock mass behaviour. Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modelling tools have provided new opportunities to overcome these caveats. Nevertheless, their ability to provide a representative picture of reality strongly depends on the quality and scale of field data collection. Here we used DFN modelling with FracmanTM to investigate the influence of fracture intensity, characterized on different scales and with different techniques, on the geometry and size distribution of generated blocks, in a rock slope stability perspective. We focused on a test site near Lecco (Southern Alps, Italy), where 600 m high cliffs in thickly-bedded limestones folded at the slope scale impend on the Lake Como. We characterized the 3D slope geometry by Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry (range: 150-1500m; point cloud density > 50 pts/m2). Since the nature and attributes of discontinuities are controlled by brittle failure processes associated to large-scale folding, we performed a field characterization of meso-structural features (faults and related kinematics, vein and joint associations) in different fold domains. We characterized the discontinuity populations identified by structural geology on different spatial scales ranging from outcrops (field surveys and photo-mapping) to large slope sectors (point cloud and photo-mapping). For each sampling domain, we characterized discontinuity orientation statistics and performed fracture mapping and circular window analyses in order to measure fracture intensity (P21) and persistence (trace length distributions). Then, we calibrated DFN models for different combinations of P21/P32 and trace length distributions, characteristic of data collected on different scale. Comparing fracture patterns and block size distributions obtained from different models, we outline the strong influence of field data quality and scale on the rock mass behaviours predicted by DFN. We show that accounting for small scale features (close but short fractures) results in smaller but more interconnected blocks, eventually characterized by low removability and partly supported by intact rock strength. On the other hand, DFN based on data surveyed on slope scale enhance the structural control of persistent fracture on the kinematic degree-of freedom of medium-sized blocks, with significant impacts on the selection and parametrization of rock slope stability modelling approaches.

  11. Adaptive Neural Networks Decentralized FTC Design for Nonstrict-Feedback Nonlinear Interconnected Large-Scale Systems Against Actuator Faults.

    PubMed

    Li, Yongming; Tong, Shaocheng

    The problem of active fault-tolerant control (FTC) is investigated for the large-scale nonlinear systems in nonstrict-feedback form. The nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems considered in this paper consist of unstructured uncertainties, unmeasured states, unknown interconnected terms, and actuator faults (e.g., bias fault and gain fault). A state observer is designed to solve the unmeasurable state problem. Neural networks (NNs) are used to identify the unknown lumped nonlinear functions so that the problems of unstructured uncertainties and unknown interconnected terms can be solved. By combining the adaptive backstepping design principle with the combination Nussbaum gain function property, a novel NN adaptive output-feedback FTC approach is developed. The proposed FTC controller can guarantee that all signals in all subsystems are bounded, and the tracking errors for each subsystem converge to a small neighborhood of zero. Finally, numerical results of practical examples are presented to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.The problem of active fault-tolerant control (FTC) is investigated for the large-scale nonlinear systems in nonstrict-feedback form. The nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems considered in this paper consist of unstructured uncertainties, unmeasured states, unknown interconnected terms, and actuator faults (e.g., bias fault and gain fault). A state observer is designed to solve the unmeasurable state problem. Neural networks (NNs) are used to identify the unknown lumped nonlinear functions so that the problems of unstructured uncertainties and unknown interconnected terms can be solved. By combining the adaptive backstepping design principle with the combination Nussbaum gain function property, a novel NN adaptive output-feedback FTC approach is developed. The proposed FTC controller can guarantee that all signals in all subsystems are bounded, and the tracking errors for each subsystem converge to a small neighborhood of zero. Finally, numerical results of practical examples are presented to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

  12. Fracture-permeability behavior of shale

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Carey, J. William; Lei, Zhou; Rougier, Esteban

    The fracture-permeability behavior of Utica shale, an important play for shale gas and oil, was investigated using a triaxial coreflood device and X-ray tomography in combination with finite-discrete element modeling (FDEM). Fractures generated in both compression and in a direct-shear configuration allowed permeability to be measured across the faces of cylindrical core. Shale with bedding planes perpendicular to direct-shear loading developed complex fracture networks and peak permeability of 30 mD that fell to 5 mD under hydrostatic conditions. Shale with bedding planes parallel to shear loading developed simple fractures with peak permeability as high as 900 mD. In addition tomore » the large anisotropy in fracture permeability, the amount of deformation required to initiate fractures was greater for perpendicular layering (about 1% versus 0.4%), and in both cases activation of existing fractures are more likely sources of permeability in shale gas plays or damaged caprock in CO₂ sequestration because of the significant deformation required to form new fracture networks. FDEM numerical simulations were able to replicate the main features of the fracturing processes while showing the importance of fluid penetration into fractures as well as layering in determining fracture patterns.« less

  13. Fracture-permeability behavior of shale

    DOE PAGES

    Carey, J. William; Lei, Zhou; Rougier, Esteban; ...

    2015-05-08

    The fracture-permeability behavior of Utica shale, an important play for shale gas and oil, was investigated using a triaxial coreflood device and X-ray tomography in combination with finite-discrete element modeling (FDEM). Fractures generated in both compression and in a direct-shear configuration allowed permeability to be measured across the faces of cylindrical core. Shale with bedding planes perpendicular to direct-shear loading developed complex fracture networks and peak permeability of 30 mD that fell to 5 mD under hydrostatic conditions. Shale with bedding planes parallel to shear loading developed simple fractures with peak permeability as high as 900 mD. In addition tomore » the large anisotropy in fracture permeability, the amount of deformation required to initiate fractures was greater for perpendicular layering (about 1% versus 0.4%), and in both cases activation of existing fractures are more likely sources of permeability in shale gas plays or damaged caprock in CO₂ sequestration because of the significant deformation required to form new fracture networks. FDEM numerical simulations were able to replicate the main features of the fracturing processes while showing the importance of fluid penetration into fractures as well as layering in determining fracture patterns.« less

  14. Selection and Evaluation of Priority Domains in Global Energy Internet Standard Development Based on Technology Foresight

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, Yang; Ciwei, Gao; Jing, Zhang; Min, Sun; Jie, Yu

    2017-05-01

    The selection and evaluation of priority domains in Global Energy Internet standard development will help to break through limits of national investment, thus priority will be given to standardizing technical areas with highest urgency and feasibility. Therefore, in this paper, the process of Delphi survey based on technology foresight is put forward, the evaluation index system of priority domains is established, and the index calculation method is determined. Afterwards, statistical method is used to evaluate the alternative domains. Finally the top four priority domains are determined as follows: Interconnected Network Planning and Simulation Analysis, Interconnected Network Safety Control and Protection, Intelligent Power Transmission and Transformation, and Internet of Things.

  15. Sequential geophysical and flow inversion to characterize fracture networks in subsurface systems

    DOE PAGES

    Mudunuru, Maruti Kumar; Karra, Satish; Makedonska, Nataliia; ...

    2017-09-05

    Subsurface applications, including geothermal, geological carbon sequestration, and oil and gas, typically involve maximizing either the extraction of energy or the storage of fluids. Fractures form the main pathways for flow in these systems, and locating these fractures is critical for predicting flow. However, fracture characterization is a highly uncertain process, and data from multiple sources, such as flow and geophysical are needed to reduce this uncertainty. We present a nonintrusive, sequential inversion framework for integrating data from geophysical and flow sources to constrain fracture networks in the subsurface. In this framework, we first estimate bounds on the statistics formore » the fracture orientations using microseismic data. These bounds are estimated through a combination of a focal mechanism (physics-based approach) and clustering analysis (statistical approach) of seismic data. Then, the fracture lengths are constrained using flow data. In conclusion, the efficacy of this inversion is demonstrated through a representative example.« less

  16. Sequential geophysical and flow inversion to characterize fracture networks in subsurface systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mudunuru, Maruti Kumar; Karra, Satish; Makedonska, Nataliia

    Subsurface applications, including geothermal, geological carbon sequestration, and oil and gas, typically involve maximizing either the extraction of energy or the storage of fluids. Fractures form the main pathways for flow in these systems, and locating these fractures is critical for predicting flow. However, fracture characterization is a highly uncertain process, and data from multiple sources, such as flow and geophysical are needed to reduce this uncertainty. We present a nonintrusive, sequential inversion framework for integrating data from geophysical and flow sources to constrain fracture networks in the subsurface. In this framework, we first estimate bounds on the statistics formore » the fracture orientations using microseismic data. These bounds are estimated through a combination of a focal mechanism (physics-based approach) and clustering analysis (statistical approach) of seismic data. Then, the fracture lengths are constrained using flow data. In conclusion, the efficacy of this inversion is demonstrated through a representative example.« less

  17. Joint Services Electronics Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-03-05

    Parallel Computing Network and Program Professor Abhiram Ranade with M.T. Raghunath and Robert Boothe The goal of our research is to develop high...References/Publications [1] M. T. Raghunath and A. 0. Ranade. "A Simulation-Based Comparison of Interconnection Networks," Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE

  18. A Proxy Design to Leverage the Interconnection of CoAP Wireless Sensor Networks with Web Applications

    PubMed Central

    Ludovici, Alessandro; Calveras, Anna

    2015-01-01

    In this paper, we present the design of a Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) proxy able to interconnect Web applications based on Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and WebSocket with CoAP based Wireless Sensor Networks. Sensor networks are commonly used to monitor and control physical objects or environments. Smart Cities represent applications of such a nature. Wireless Sensor Networks gather data from their surroundings and send them to a remote application. This data flow may be short or long lived. The traditional HTTP long-polling used by Web applications may not be adequate in long-term communications. To overcome this problem, we include the WebSocket protocol in the design of the CoAP proxy. We evaluate the performance of the CoAP proxy in terms of latency and memory consumption. The tests consider long and short-lived communications. In both cases, we evaluate the performance obtained by the CoAP proxy according to the use of WebSocket and HTTP long-polling. PMID:25585107

  19. A neural network with modular hierarchical learning

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baldi, Pierre F. (Inventor); Toomarian, Nikzad (Inventor)

    1994-01-01

    This invention provides a new hierarchical approach for supervised neural learning of time dependent trajectories. The modular hierarchical methodology leads to architectures which are more structured than fully interconnected networks. The networks utilize a general feedforward flow of information and sparse recurrent connections to achieve dynamic effects. The advantages include the sparsity of units and connections, the modular organization. A further advantage is that the learning is much more circumscribed learning than in fully interconnected systems. The present invention is embodied by a neural network including a plurality of neural modules each having a pre-established performance capability wherein each neural module has an output outputting present results of the performance capability and an input for changing the present results of the performance capabilitiy. For pattern recognition applications, the performance capability may be an oscillation capability producing a repeating wave pattern as the present results. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of neural modules includes a pre-established capability portion and a performance adjustment portion connected to control the pre-established capability portion.

  20. Adaptive capacity of geographical clusters: Complexity science and network theory approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Albino, Vito; Carbonara, Nunzia; Giannoccaro, Ilaria

    This paper deals with the adaptive capacity of geographical clusters (GCs), that is a relevant topic in the literature. To address this topic, GC is considered as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Three theoretical propositions concerning the GC adaptive capacity are formulated by using complexity theory. First, we identify three main properties of CAS s that affect the adaptive capacity, namely the interconnectivity, the heterogeneity, and the level of control, and define how the value of these properties influence the adaptive capacity. Then, we associate these properties with specific GC characteristics so obtaining the key conditions of GCs that give them the adaptive capacity so assuring their competitive advantage. To test these theoretical propositions, a case study on two real GCs is carried out. The considered GCs are modeled as networks where firms are nodes and inter-firms relationships are links. Heterogeneity, interconnectivity, and level of control are considered as network properties and thus measured by using the methods of the network theory.

  1. Application-driven strategies for efficient transfer of medical images over very high speed networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alsafadi, Yasser H.; McNeill, Kevin M.; Martinez, Ralph

    1993-09-01

    The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) in 1982 formed the ACR-NEMA committee to develop a standard to enable equipment from different vendors to communicate and participate in a picture archiving and communications system (PACS). The standard focused mostly on interconnectivity issues and communication needs of PACS. It was patterned after the international standards organization open systems interconnection (ISO/OSI) reference model. Three versions of the standard appeared, evolving from simple point-to-point specification of connection between two medical devices to a complex standard of a network environment. However, fast changes in network software and hardware technologies makes it difficult for the standard to keep pace. This paper compares two versions of the ACR-NEMA standard and then describes a system that is used at the University of Arizona Intensive Care Unit. In this system, the application should specify the interface to network services and grade of service required. These provisions are suggested to make the application independent from evolving network technology and support true open systems.

  2. A nanostructure based on metasurfaces for optical interconnects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Shulang; Gu, Huarong

    2017-08-01

    Optical-electronic Integrated Neural Co-processor takes vital part in optical neural network, which is mainly realized by optical interconnects. Because of the accuracy requirement and long-term goal of integration, optical interconnects should be effective and pint-size. In traditional solutions of optical interconnects, holography built on crystalloid or law of Fresnel diffraction exploited on zone plate was used. However, holographic method cannot meet the efficiency requirement and zone plate is too bulk to make the optical neural unit miniaturization. Thus, this paper aims to find a way to replace holographic method or zone plate with enough diffraction efficiency and smaller size. Metasurfaces are composed of subwavelength-spaced phase shifters at an interface of medium. Metasurfaces allow for unprecedented control of light properties. They also have advanced optical technology of enabling versatile functionalities in a planar structure. In this paper, a nanostructure is presented for optical interconnects. The comparisons of light splitting ability and simulated crosstalk between nanostructure and zone plate are also made.

  3. Integrating petrography, mineralogy and hydrochemistry to constrain the influence and distribution of groundwater contributions to baseflow in poorly productive aquifers: insights from Gortinlieve catchment, Co. Donegal, NW Ireland.

    PubMed

    Caulfield, John; Chelliah, Merlyn; Comte, Jean-Christophe; Cassidy, Rachel; Flynn, Raymond

    2014-12-01

    Identifying groundwater contributions to baseflow forms an essential part of surface water body characterisation. The Gortinlieve catchment (5 km(2)) comprises a headwater stream network of the Carrigans River, itself a tributary of the River Foyle, NW Ireland. The bedrock comprises poorly productive metasediments that are characterised by fracture porosity. We present the findings of a multi-disciplinary study that integrates new hydrochemical and mineralogical investigations with existing hydraulic, geophysical and structural data to identify the scales of groundwater flow and the nature of groundwater/bedrock interaction (chemical denudation). At the catchment scale, the development of deep weathering profiles is controlled by NE-SW regional scale fracture zones associated with mountain building during the Grampian orogeny. In-situ chemical denudation of mineral phases is controlled by micro- to meso-scale fractures related to Alpine compression during Palaeocene to Oligocene times. The alteration of primary muscovite, chlorite (clinochlore) and albite along the surfaces of these small-scale fractures has resulted in the precipitation of illite, montmorillonite and illite-montmorillonite clay admixtures. The interconnected but discontinuous nature of these small-scale structures highlights the role of larger scale faults and fissures in the supply and transportation of weathering solutions to/from the sites of mineral weathering. The dissolution of primarily mineral phases releases the major ions Mg, Ca and HCO3 that are shown to subsequently form the chemical makeup of groundwaters. Borehole groundwater and stream baseflow hydrochemical data are used to constrain the depths of groundwater flow pathways influencing the chemistry of surface waters throughout the stream profile. The results show that it is predominantly the lower part of the catchment, which receives inputs from catchment/regional scale groundwater flow, that is found to contribute to the maintenance of annual baseflow levels. This study identifies the importance of deep groundwater in maintaining annual baseflow levels in poorly productive bedrock systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. The Practical Application of Aqueous Geochemistry in Mapping Groundwater Flow Systems in Fractured Rock Masses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bursey, G.; Seok, E.; Gale, J. E.

    2017-12-01

    Flow to underground mines and open pits takes place through an interconnected network of regular joints/fractures and intermediate to large scale structural features such as faults and fracture zones. Large scale features can serve either as high permeability pathways or as barriers to flow, depending on the internal characteristics of the structure. Predicting long term water quality in barrier-well systems and long-term mine water inflows over a mine life, as a mine expands, requires the use of a 3D numerical flow and transport code. The code is used to integrate the physical geometry of the fractured-rock mass with porosity, permeability, hydraulic heads, storativity and recharge data and construct a model of the flow system. Once that model has been calibrated using hydraulic head and permeability/inflow data, aqueous geochemical and isotopic data provide useful tools for validating flow-system properties, when one is able to recognize and account for the non-ideal or imperfect aspects of the sampling methods used in different mining environments. If groundwater samples are collected from discrete depths within open boreholes, water in those boreholes have the opportunity to move up or down in response to the forces that drive groundwater flow, whether they be hydraulic gradients, gas pressures, or density differences associated with variations in salinity. The use of Br/Cl ratios, for example, can be used to determine if there is active flow into, or out of, the boreholes through open discontinuities in the rock mass (i.e., short-circuiting). Natural groundwater quality can also be affected to varying degrees by mixing with drilling fluids. The combined use of inorganic chemistry and stable isotopes can be used effectively to identify dilution signals and map the dilution patterns through a range of fresh, brackish and saline water types. The stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen are nearly ideal natural tracers of water, but situations occur when deep groundwater samples can plot to the left of the meteoric water line as a result of isotopic exchange between meteoric water and silicate rock in near-surface environments at low temperatures. These and other examples are considered in the practical application of aqueous geochemistry in helping to map flow systems in fractured-rock systems.

  5. Venus - Complex Network of Narrow Fractures Near Hestia Rupes Region

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1996-10-23

    This image from NASA Magellan spacecraft covers region near Hestia Rupes on the northwestern corner of Aphrodite Terra. The complex network of narrow (<1 kilometer) fractures in the center of the image extends for approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles). This network exhibits tributary-like branches similar to those observed in river systems on Earth. However, the angular intersections of tributaries suggest tectonic control. These features appear to be due to drainage of lava along preexisting fractures and subsequent collapse of the surface. The underlying tectonic fabric can be observed in the northeast trending ridges which predate the plains. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00469

  6. Performance evaluation of multi-stratum resources integrated resilience for software defined inter-data center interconnect.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hui; Zhang, Jie; Zhao, Yongli; Ji, Yuefeng; Wu, Jialin; Lin, Yi; Han, Jianrui; Lee, Young

    2015-05-18

    Inter-data center interconnect with IP over elastic optical network (EON) is a promising scenario to meet the high burstiness and high-bandwidth requirements of data center services. In our previous work, we implemented multi-stratum resources integration among IP networks, optical networks and application stratums resources that allows to accommodate data center services. In view of this, this study extends to consider the service resilience in case of edge optical node failure. We propose a novel multi-stratum resources integrated resilience (MSRIR) architecture for the services in software defined inter-data center interconnect based on IP over EON. A global resources integrated resilience (GRIR) algorithm is introduced based on the proposed architecture. The MSRIR can enable cross stratum optimization and provide resilience using the multiple stratums resources, and enhance the data center service resilience responsiveness to the dynamic end-to-end service demands. The overall feasibility and efficiency of the proposed architecture is experimentally verified on the control plane of our OpenFlow-based enhanced SDN (eSDN) testbed. The performance of GRIR algorithm under heavy traffic load scenario is also quantitatively evaluated based on MSRIR architecture in terms of path blocking probability, resilience latency and resource utilization, compared with other resilience algorithms.

  7. Mechanical response of spiral interconnect arrays for highly stretchable electronics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qaiser, N.; Khan, S. M.; Nour, M.; Rehman, M. U.; Rojas, J. P.; Hussain, M. M.

    2017-11-01

    A spiral interconnect array is a commonly used architecture for stretchable electronics, which accommodates large deformations during stretching. Here, we show the effect of different geometrical morphologies on the deformation behavior of the spiral island network. We use numerical modeling to calculate the stresses and strains in the spiral interconnects under the prescribed displacement of 1000 μm. Our result shows that spiral arm elongation depends on the angular position of that particular spiral in the array. We also introduce the concept of a unit-cell, which fairly replicates the deformation mechanism for full complex hexagon, diamond, and square shaped arrays. The spiral interconnects which are axially connected between displaced and fixed islands attain higher stretchability and thus experience the maximum deformations. We perform tensile testing of 3D printed replica and find that experimental observations corroborate with theoretical study.

  8. Three-dimensional crossbar interconnection using planar-integrated free-space optics and digital mirror-device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lohmann, U.; Jahns, J.; Limmer, S.; Fey, D.

    2011-01-01

    We consider the implementation of a dynamic crossbar interconnect using planar-integrated free-space optics (PIFSO) and a digital mirror-device™ (DMD). Because of the 3D nature of free-space optics, this approach is able to solve geometrical problems with crossings of the signal paths that occur in waveguide optical and electrical interconnection, especially for large number of connections. The DMD device allows one to route the signals dynamically. Due to the large number of individual mirror elements in the DMD, different optical path configurations are possible, thus offering the chance for optimizing the network configuration. The optimization is achieved by using an evolutionary algorithm for finding best values for a skewless parallel interconnection. Here, we present results and experimental examples for the use of the PIFSO/DMD-setup.

  9. Local network assessment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glen, D. V.

    1985-04-01

    Local networks, related standards activities of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers the American National Standards Institute and other elements are presented. These elements include: (1) technology choices such as topology, transmission media, and access protocols; (2) descriptions of standards for the 802 local area networks (LAN's); high speed local networks (HSLN's) and military specification local networks; and (3) intra- and internetworking using bridges and gateways with protocols Interconnection (OSI) reference model. The convergence of LAN/PBX technology is also described.

  10. Computational properties of networks of synchronous groups of spiking neurons.

    PubMed

    Dayhoff, Judith E

    2007-09-01

    We demonstrate a model in which synchronously firing ensembles of neurons are networked to produce computational results. Each ensemble is a group of biological integrate-and-fire spiking neurons, with probabilistic interconnections between groups. An analogy is drawn in which each individual processing unit of an artificial neural network corresponds to a neuronal group in a biological model. The activation value of a unit in the artificial neural network corresponds to the fraction of active neurons, synchronously firing, in a biological neuronal group. Weights of the artificial neural network correspond to the product of the interconnection density between groups, the group size of the presynaptic group, and the postsynaptic potential heights in the synchronous group model. All three of these parameters can modulate connection strengths between neuronal groups in the synchronous group models. We give an example of nonlinear classification (XOR) and a function approximation example in which the capability of the artificial neural network can be captured by a neural network model with biological integrate-and-fire neurons configured as a network of synchronously firing ensembles of such neurons. We point out that the general function approximation capability proven for feedforward artificial neural networks appears to be approximated by networks of neuronal groups that fire in synchrony, where the groups comprise integrate-and-fire neurons. We discuss the advantages of this type of model for biological systems, its possible learning mechanisms, and the associated timing relationships.

  11. Addressing Software Security

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bailey, Brandon

    2015-01-01

    Historically security within organizations was thought of as an IT function (web sites/servers, email, workstation patching, etc.) Threat landscape has evolved (Script Kiddies, Hackers, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), Nation States, etc.) Attack surface has expanded -Networks interconnected!! Some security posture factors Network Layer (Routers, Firewalls, etc.) Computer Network Defense (IPS/IDS, Sensors, Continuous Monitoring, etc.) Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Software Security (COTS, FOSS, Custom, etc.)

  12. Advanced Computational Techniques for Power Tube Design.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-07-01

    fixturing applications, in addition to the existing computer-aided engineering capabilities. o Helix TWT Manufacturing has Implemented a tooling and fixturing...illustrates the ajor features of this computer network. ) The backbone of our system is a Sytek Broadband Network (LAN) which Interconnects terminals and...automatic network analyzer (FANA) which electrically characterizes the slow-wave helices of traveling-wave tubes ( TWTs ) -- both for engineering design

  13. Network Framing of Pest Management Knowledge and Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, Keith M.

    2008-01-01

    Conventional technology transfer is based on the assumption that autonomous individuals independently make behavioral decisions. In contrast, Actor-Network Theory (ANT) suggests that people and technologies are interconnected in ways that reinforce and reproduce some types of knowledge and consequent behavioral practices, but not others. Research…

  14. Reducing Cascading Failure Risk by Increasing Infrastructure Network Interdependence.

    PubMed

    Korkali, Mert; Veneman, Jason G; Tivnan, Brian F; Bagrow, James P; Hines, Paul D H

    2017-03-20

    Increased interconnection between critical infrastructure networks, such as electric power and communications systems, has important implications for infrastructure reliability and security. Others have shown that increased coupling between networks that are vulnerable to internetwork cascading failures can increase vulnerability. However, the mechanisms of cascading in these models differ from those in real systems and such models disregard new functions enabled by coupling, such as intelligent control during a cascade. This paper compares the robustness of simple topological network models to models that more accurately reflect the dynamics of cascading in a particular case of coupled infrastructures. First, we compare a topological contagion model to a power grid model. Second, we compare a percolation model of internetwork cascading to three models of interdependent power-communication systems. In both comparisons, the more detailed models suggest substantially different conclusions, relative to the simpler topological models. In all but the most extreme case, our model of a "smart" power network coupled to a communication system suggests that increased power-communication coupling decreases vulnerability, in contrast to the percolation model. Together, these results suggest that robustness can be enhanced by interconnecting networks with complementary capabilities if modes of internetwork failure propagation are constrained.

  15. Reducing Cascading Failure Risk by Increasing Infrastructure Network Interdependence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Korkali, Mert; Veneman, Jason G.; Tivnan, Brian F.; Bagrow, James P.; Hines, Paul D. H.

    2017-03-01

    Increased interconnection between critical infrastructure networks, such as electric power and communications systems, has important implications for infrastructure reliability and security. Others have shown that increased coupling between networks that are vulnerable to internetwork cascading failures can increase vulnerability. However, the mechanisms of cascading in these models differ from those in real systems and such models disregard new functions enabled by coupling, such as intelligent control during a cascade. This paper compares the robustness of simple topological network models to models that more accurately reflect the dynamics of cascading in a particular case of coupled infrastructures. First, we compare a topological contagion model to a power grid model. Second, we compare a percolation model of internetwork cascading to three models of interdependent power-communication systems. In both comparisons, the more detailed models suggest substantially different conclusions, relative to the simpler topological models. In all but the most extreme case, our model of a “smart” power network coupled to a communication system suggests that increased power-communication coupling decreases vulnerability, in contrast to the percolation model. Together, these results suggest that robustness can be enhanced by interconnecting networks with complementary capabilities if modes of internetwork failure propagation are constrained.

  16. On Event-Triggered Adaptive Architectures for Decentralized and Distributed Control of Large-Scale Modular Systems

    PubMed Central

    Albattat, Ali; Gruenwald, Benjamin C.; Yucelen, Tansel

    2016-01-01

    The last decade has witnessed an increased interest in physical systems controlled over wireless networks (networked control systems). These systems allow the computation of control signals via processors that are not attached to the physical systems, and the feedback loops are closed over wireless networks. The contribution of this paper is to design and analyze event-triggered decentralized and distributed adaptive control architectures for uncertain networked large-scale modular systems; that is, systems consist of physically-interconnected modules controlled over wireless networks. Specifically, the proposed adaptive architectures guarantee overall system stability while reducing wireless network utilization and achieving a given system performance in the presence of system uncertainties that can result from modeling and degraded modes of operation of the modules and their interconnections between each other. In addition to the theoretical findings including rigorous system stability and the boundedness analysis of the closed-loop dynamical system, as well as the characterization of the effect of user-defined event-triggering thresholds and the design parameters of the proposed adaptive architectures on the overall system performance, an illustrative numerical example is further provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed decentralized and distributed control approaches. PMID:27537894

  17. Reducing Cascading Failure Risk by Increasing Infrastructure Network Interdependence

    PubMed Central

    Korkali, Mert; Veneman, Jason G.; Tivnan, Brian F.; Bagrow, James P.; Hines, Paul D. H.

    2017-01-01

    Increased interconnection between critical infrastructure networks, such as electric power and communications systems, has important implications for infrastructure reliability and security. Others have shown that increased coupling between networks that are vulnerable to internetwork cascading failures can increase vulnerability. However, the mechanisms of cascading in these models differ from those in real systems and such models disregard new functions enabled by coupling, such as intelligent control during a cascade. This paper compares the robustness of simple topological network models to models that more accurately reflect the dynamics of cascading in a particular case of coupled infrastructures. First, we compare a topological contagion model to a power grid model. Second, we compare a percolation model of internetwork cascading to three models of interdependent power-communication systems. In both comparisons, the more detailed models suggest substantially different conclusions, relative to the simpler topological models. In all but the most extreme case, our model of a “smart” power network coupled to a communication system suggests that increased power-communication coupling decreases vulnerability, in contrast to the percolation model. Together, these results suggest that robustness can be enhanced by interconnecting networks with complementary capabilities if modes of internetwork failure propagation are constrained. PMID:28317835

  18. On Event-Triggered Adaptive Architectures for Decentralized and Distributed Control of Large-Scale Modular Systems.

    PubMed

    Albattat, Ali; Gruenwald, Benjamin C; Yucelen, Tansel

    2016-08-16

    The last decade has witnessed an increased interest in physical systems controlled over wireless networks (networked control systems). These systems allow the computation of control signals via processors that are not attached to the physical systems, and the feedback loops are closed over wireless networks. The contribution of this paper is to design and analyze event-triggered decentralized and distributed adaptive control architectures for uncertain networked large-scale modular systems; that is, systems consist of physically-interconnected modules controlled over wireless networks. Specifically, the proposed adaptive architectures guarantee overall system stability while reducing wireless network utilization and achieving a given system performance in the presence of system uncertainties that can result from modeling and degraded modes of operation of the modules and their interconnections between each other. In addition to the theoretical findings including rigorous system stability and the boundedness analysis of the closed-loop dynamical system, as well as the characterization of the effect of user-defined event-triggering thresholds and the design parameters of the proposed adaptive architectures on the overall system performance, an illustrative numerical example is further provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed decentralized and distributed control approaches.

  19. Core-periphery structure requires something else in the network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kojaku, Sadamori; Masuda, Naoki

    2018-04-01

    A network with core-periphery structure consists of core nodes that are densely interconnected. In contrast to a community structure, which is a different meso-scale structure of networks, core nodes can be connected to peripheral nodes and peripheral nodes are not densely interconnected. Although core-periphery structure sounds reasonable, we argue that it is merely accounted for by heterogeneous degree distributions, if one partitions a network into a single core block and a single periphery block, which the famous Borgatti–Everett algorithm and many succeeding algorithms assume. In other words, there is a strong tendency that high-degree and low-degree nodes are judged to be core and peripheral nodes, respectively. To discuss core-periphery structure beyond the expectation of the node’s degree (as described by the configuration model), we propose that one needs to assume at least one block of nodes apart from the focal core-periphery structure, such as a different core-periphery pair, community or nodes not belonging to any meso-scale structure. We propose a scalable algorithm to detect pairs of core and periphery in networks, controlling for the effect of the node’s degree. We illustrate our algorithm using various empirical networks.

  20. Artificial intelligence in fracture detection: transfer learning from deep convolutional neural networks.

    PubMed

    Kim, D H; MacKinnon, T

    2018-05-01

    To identify the extent to which transfer learning from deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs), pre-trained on non-medical images, can be used for automated fracture detection on plain radiographs. The top layer of the Inception v3 network was re-trained using lateral wrist radiographs to produce a model for the classification of new studies as either "fracture" or "no fracture". The model was trained on a total of 11,112 images, after an eightfold data augmentation technique, from an initial set of 1,389 radiographs (695 "fracture" and 694 "no fracture"). The training data set was split 80:10:10 into training, validation, and test groups, respectively. An additional 100 wrist radiographs, comprising 50 "fracture" and 50 "no fracture" images, were used for final testing and statistical analysis. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for this test was 0.954. Setting the diagnostic cut-off at a threshold designed to maximise both sensitivity and specificity resulted in values of 0.9 and 0.88, respectively. The AUC scores for this test were comparable to state-of-the-art providing proof of concept for transfer learning from CNNs in fracture detection on plain radiographs. This was achieved using only a moderate sample size. This technique is largely transferable, and therefore, has many potential applications in medical imaging, which may lead to significant improvements in workflow productivity and in clinical risk reduction. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Novel WRM-based architecture of hybrid PON featuring online access and full-fiber-fault protection for smart grid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xingfeng; Gan, Chaoqin; Liu, Zongkang; Yan, Yuqi; Qiao, HuBao

    2018-01-01

    In this paper, a novel architecture of hybrid PON for smart grid is proposed by introducing a wavelength-routing module (WRM). By using conventional optical passive components, a WRM with M ports is designed. The symmetry and passivity of the WRM makes it be easily integrated and very cheap in practice. Via the WRM, two types of network based on different ONU-interconnected manner can realize online access. Depending on optical switches and interconnecting fibers, full-fiber-fault protection and dynamic bandwidth allocation are realized in these networks. With the help of amplitude modulation, DPSK modulation and RSOA technology, wavelength triple-reuse is achieved. By means of injecting signals into left and right branches in access ring simultaneously, the transmission delay is decreased. Finally, the performance analysis and simulation of the network verifies the feasibility of the proposed architecture.

  2. Utilizing Semantic Big Data for realizing a National-scale Infrastructure Vulnerability Analysis System

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chinthavali, Supriya; Shankar, Mallikarjun

    Critical Infrastructure systems(CIs) such as energy, water, transportation and communication are highly interconnected and mutually dependent in complex ways. Robust modeling of CIs interconnections is crucial to identify vulnerabilities in the CIs. We present here a national-scale Infrastructure Vulnerability Analysis System (IVAS) vision leveraging Se- mantic Big Data (SBD) tools, Big Data, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools. We survey existing ap- proaches on vulnerability analysis of critical infrastructures and discuss relevant systems and tools aligned with our vi- sion. Next, we present a generic system architecture and discuss challenges including: (1) Constructing and manag- ing a CI network-of-networks graph,more » (2) Performing analytic operations at scale, and (3) Interactive visualization of ana- lytic output to generate meaningful insights. We argue that this architecture acts as a baseline to realize a national-scale network based vulnerability analysis system.« less

  3. Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Translocates from the Cytosol to Mitochondria during UV-Induced Apoptosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Zhenzhen; Wu, Shengnan; Feng, Jie

    2011-01-01

    Mitochondria are dynamic structures that frequently divide and fuse with one another to form interconnecting network. This network disintegrates into punctiform organelles during apoptosis. However, the mechanisms involved in these processes are still not well characterized. In this study, we investigate the role of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a large GTPase that mediates outer mitochondrial membrane fission, in mitochondrial dynamics in response to UV irradiation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (ASTC-α-1) and HeLa cells. Using time-lapse fluorescent imaging, we find that Drp1 primarily distributes in cytosol under physiological conditions. After UV treatment, Drp1 translocates from cytosol to mitochondria, indicating the enhancement of Drp1 mitochondrial accumulation. Our results suggest that Drp1 is involved in the regulation of transition from an interconnecting network to a punctiform mitochondrial phenotype during UV-induced apoptosis.

  4. Implications of heterogeneous fracture distribution on reservoir quality; an analogue from the Torridon Group sandstone, Moine Thrust Belt, NW Scotland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Watkins, Hannah; Healy, David; Bond, Clare E.; Butler, Robert W. H.

    2018-03-01

    Understanding fracture network variation is fundamental in characterising fractured reservoirs. Simple relationships between fractures, stress and strain are commonly assumed in fold-thrust structures, inferring relatively homogeneous fracture patterns. In reality fractures are more complex, commonly appearing as heterogeneous networks at outcrop. We use the Achnashellach Culmination (NW Scotland) as an outcrop analogue to a folded tight sandstone reservoir in a thrust belt. We present fracture data is collected from four fold-thrust structures to determine how fracture connectivity, orientation, permeability anisotropy and fill vary at different structural positions. We use a 3D model of the field area, constructed using field observations and bedding data, and geomechanically restored using Move software, to determine how factors such as fold curvature and strain influence fracture variation. Fracture patterns in the Torridon Group are consistent and predictable in high strain forelimbs, however in low strain backlimbs fracture patterns are inconsistent. Heterogeneities in fracture connectivity and orientation in low strain regions do not correspond to fluctuations in strain or fold curvature. We infer that where strain is low, other factors such as lithology have a greater control on fracture formation. Despite unpredictable fracture attributes in low strain regions, fractured reservoir quality would be highest here because fractures in high strain forelimbs are infilled with quartz. Heterogeneities in fracture attribute data on fold backlimbs mean that fractured reservoir quality and reservoir potential is difficult to predict.

  5. Predictions of first passage times in sparse discrete fracture networks using graph-based reductions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hyman, J.; Hagberg, A.; Srinivasan, G.; Mohd-Yusof, J.; Viswanathan, H. S.

    2017-12-01

    We present a graph-based methodology to reduce the computational cost of obtaining first passage times through sparse fracture networks. We derive graph representations of generic three-dimensional discrete fracture networks (DFNs) using the DFN topology and flow boundary conditions. Subgraphs corresponding to the union of the k shortest paths between the inflow and outflow boundaries are identified and transport on their equivalent subnetworks is compared to transport through the full network. The number of paths included in the subgraphs is based on the scaling behavior of the number of edges in the graph with the number of shortest paths. First passage times through the subnetworks are in good agreement with those obtained in the full network, both for individual realizations and in distribution. Accurate estimates of first passage times are obtained with an order of magnitude reduction of CPU time and mesh size using the proposed method.

  6. Predictions of first passage times in sparse discrete fracture networks using graph-based reductions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Hagberg, Aric; Srinivasan, Gowri; Mohd-Yusof, Jamaludin; Viswanathan, Hari

    2017-07-01

    We present a graph-based methodology to reduce the computational cost of obtaining first passage times through sparse fracture networks. We derive graph representations of generic three-dimensional discrete fracture networks (DFNs) using the DFN topology and flow boundary conditions. Subgraphs corresponding to the union of the k shortest paths between the inflow and outflow boundaries are identified and transport on their equivalent subnetworks is compared to transport through the full network. The number of paths included in the subgraphs is based on the scaling behavior of the number of edges in the graph with the number of shortest paths. First passage times through the subnetworks are in good agreement with those obtained in the full network, both for individual realizations and in distribution. Accurate estimates of first passage times are obtained with an order of magnitude reduction of CPU time and mesh size using the proposed method.

  7. Compact Interconnection Networks Based on Quantum Dots

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fijany, Amir; Toomarian, Nikzad; Modarress, Katayoon; Spotnitz, Matthew

    2003-01-01

    Architectures that would exploit the distinct characteristics of quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) have been proposed for digital communication networks that connect advanced digital computing circuits. In comparison with networks of wires in conventional very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry, the networks according to the proposed architectures would be more compact. The proposed architectures would make it possible to implement complex interconnection schemes that are required for some advanced parallel-computing algorithms and that are difficult (and in many cases impractical) to implement in VLSI circuitry. The difficulty of implementation in VLSI and the major potential advantage afforded by QCA were described previously in Implementing Permutation Matrices by Use of Quantum Dots (NPO-20801), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 25, No. 10 (October 2001), page 42. To recapitulate: Wherever two wires in a conventional VLSI circuit cross each other and are required not to be in electrical contact with each other, there must be a layer of electrical insulation between them. This, in turn, makes it necessary to resort to a noncoplanar and possibly a multilayer design, which can be complex, expensive, and even impractical. As a result, much of the cost of designing VLSI circuits is associated with minimization of data routing and assignment of layers to minimize crossing of wires. Heretofore, these considerations have impeded the development of VLSI circuitry to implement complex, advanced interconnection schemes. On the other hand, with suitable design and under suitable operating conditions, QCA-based signal paths can be allowed to cross each other in the same plane without adverse effect. In principle, this characteristic could be exploited to design compact, coplanar, simple (relative to VLSI) QCA-based networks to implement complex, advanced interconnection schemes. The proposed architectures require two advances in QCA-based circuitry beyond basic QCA-based binary-signal wires described in the cited prior article. One of these advances would be the development of QCA-based wires capable of bidirectional transmission of signals. The other advance would be the development of QCA circuits capable of high-impedance state outputs. The high-impedance states would be utilized along with the 0- and 1-state outputs of QCA.

  8. a Fractal Network Model for Fractured Porous Media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Peng; Li, Cuihong; Qiu, Shuxia; Sasmito, Agus Pulung

    2016-04-01

    The transport properties and mechanisms of fractured porous media are very important for oil and gas reservoir engineering, hydraulics, environmental science, chemical engineering, etc. In this paper, a fractal dual-porosity model is developed to estimate the equivalent hydraulic properties of fractured porous media, where a fractal tree-like network model is used to characterize the fracture system according to its fractal scaling laws and topological structures. The analytical expressions for the effective permeability of fracture system and fractured porous media, tortuosity, fracture density and fraction are derived. The proposed fractal model has been validated by comparisons with available experimental data and numerical simulation. It has been shown that fractal dimensions for fracture length and aperture have significant effect on the equivalent hydraulic properties of fractured porous media. The effective permeability of fracture system can be increased with the increase of fractal dimensions for fracture length and aperture, while it can be remarkably lowered by introducing tortuosity at large branching angle. Also, a scaling law between the fracture density and fractal dimension for fracture length has been found, where the scaling exponent depends on the fracture number. The present fractal dual-porosity model may shed light on the transport physics of fractured porous media and provide theoretical basis for oil and gas exploitation, underground water, nuclear waste disposal and geothermal energy extraction as well as chemical engineering, etc.

  9. Launching applications on compute and service processors running under different operating systems in scalable network of processor boards with routers

    DOEpatents

    Tomkins, James L [Albuquerque, NM; Camp, William J [Albuquerque, NM

    2009-03-17

    A multiple processor computing apparatus includes a physical interconnect structure that is flexibly configurable to support selective segregation of classified and unclassified users. The physical interconnect structure also permits easy physical scalability of the computing apparatus. The computing apparatus can include an emulator which permits applications from the same job to be launched on processors that use different operating systems.

  10. Comparison of two reconfigurable N×N interconnects for a recurrent neural network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berger, Christoph; Collings, Neil; Pourzand, Ali R.; Volkel, Reinnard

    1996-11-01

    Two different methods of pattern replication (conventional and interlaced fan-out) have been investigated and experimentally tested in a reconfigurable 5X5 optical interconnect. Similar alignment problems due to imaging errors (field curvature) were observed in both systems. We conclude that of the two methods the interlaced fan-out is better suited to avoid these imaging errors, to reduce system size and to implement an optical feedback loop.

  11. Multiple-Ring Digital Communication Network

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kirkham, Harold

    1992-01-01

    Optical-fiber digital communication network to support data-acquisition and control functions of electric-power-distribution networks. Optical-fiber links of communication network follow power-distribution routes. Since fiber crosses open power switches, communication network includes multiple interconnected loops with occasional spurs. At each intersection node is needed. Nodes of communication network include power-distribution substations and power-controlling units. In addition to serving data acquisition and control functions, each node acts as repeater, passing on messages to next node(s). Multiple-ring communication network operates on new AbNET protocol and features fiber-optic communication.

  12. Numerical and Statistical Analysis of Fractures in Mechanically Dissimilar Rocks of Limestone Interbedded with Shale from Nash Point in Bristol Channel, South Wales, UK.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adeoye-Akinde, K.; Gudmundsson, A.

    2017-12-01

    Heterogeneity and anisotropy, especially with layered strata within the same reservoir, makes the geometry and permeability of an in-situ fracture network challenging to forecast. This study looks at outcrops analogous to reservoir rocks for a better understanding of in-situ fracture networks and permeability, especially fracture formation, propagation, and arrest/deflection. Here, fracture geometry (e.g. length and aperture) from interbedded limestone and shale is combined with statistical and numerical modelling (using the Finite Element Method) to better forecast fracture network properties and permeability. The main aim is to bridge the gap between fracture data obtained at the core level (cm-scale) and at the seismic level (km-scale). Analysis has been made of geometric properties of over 250 fractures from the blue Lias in Nash Point, UK. As fractures propagate, energy is required to keep them going, and according to the laws of thermodynamics, this energy can be linked to entropy. As fractures grow, entropy increases, therefore, the result shows a strong linear correlation between entropy and the scaling exponent of fracture length and aperture-size distributions. Modelling is used to numerically simulate the stress/fracture behaviour in mechanically dissimilar rocks. Results show that the maximum principal compressive stress orientation changes in the host rock as the fracture-induced stress tip moves towards a more compliant (shale) layer. This behaviour can be related to the three mechanisms of fracture arrest/deflection at an interface, namely: elastic mismatch, stress barrier and Cook-Gordon debonding. Tensile stress concentrates at the contact between the stratigraphic layers, ahead of and around the propagating fracture. However, as shale stiffens with time, the stresses concentrated at the contact start to dissipate into it. This can happen in nature through diagenesis, and with greater depth of burial. This study also investigates how induced fractures propagate and interact with existing discontinuities in layered rocks using analogue modelling. Further work will introduce the Maximum Entropy Method for more accurate statistical modelling. This method is mainly useful to forecast likely fracture-size probability distributions from incomplete subsurface information.

  13. Bioactive macroporous titanium implants highly interconnected.

    PubMed

    Caparrós, Cristina; Ortiz-Hernandez, Mónica; Molmeneu, Meritxell; Punset, Miguel; Calero, José Antonio; Aparicio, Conrado; Fernández-Fairén, Mariano; Perez, Román; Gil, Francisco Javier

    2016-10-01

    Intervertebral implants should be designed with low load requirements, high friction coefficient and low elastic modulus in order to avoid the stress shielding effect on bone. Furthermore, the presence of a highly interconnected porous structure allows stimulating bone in-growth and enhancing implant-bone fixation. The aim of this study was to obtain bioactive porous titanium implants with highly interconnected pores with a total porosity of approximately 57 %. Porous Titanium implants were produced by powder sintering route using the space holder technique with a binder phase and were then evaluated in an in vivo study. The size of the interconnection diameter between the macropores was about 210 μm in order to guarantee bone in-growth through osteblastic cell penetration. Surface roughness and mechanical properties were analyzed. Stiffness was reduced as a result of the powder sintering technique which allowed the formation of a porous network. Compression and fatigue tests exhibited suitable properties in order to guarantee a proper compromise between mechanical properties and pore interconnectivity. Bioactivity treatment effect in novel sintered porous titanium materials was studied by thermo-chemical treatments and were compared with the same material that had undergone different bioactive treatments. Bioactive thermo-chemical treatment was confirmed by the presence of sodium titanates on the surface of the implants as well as inside the porous network. Raman spectroscopy results suggested that the identified titanate structures would enhance in vivo apatite formation by promoting ion exchange for the apatite formation process. In vivo results demonstrated that the bioactive titanium achieved over 75 % tissue colonization compared to the 40 % value for the untreated titanium.

  14. Improved passive optical network architectures to support local area network emulation and protection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Elaine; Nadarajah, Nishaanthan; Chae, Chang-Joon; Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai; Attygalle, Sanjeewa M.

    2006-01-01

    We describe two optical layer schemes which simultaneously facilitate local area network emulation and automatic protection switching against distribution fiber breaks in passive optical networks. One scheme employs a narrowband fiber Bragg grating placed close to the star coupler in the feeder fiber of the passive optical network, while the other uses an additional short length distribution fiber from the star coupler to each customer for the redirection of the customer traffic. Both schemes use RF subcarrier multiplexed transmission for intercommunication between customers in conjunction with upstream access to the central office at baseband. Failure detection and automatic protection switching are performed independently by each optical network unit that is located at the customer premises in a distributed manner. The restoration of traffic transported between the central office and an optical network unit in the event of the distribution fiber break is performed by interconnecting adjacent optical network units and carrying out signal transmissions via an independent but interconnected optical network unit. Such a protection mechanism enables multiple adjacent optical network units to be simultaneously protected by a single optical network unit utilizing its maximum available bandwidth. We experimentally verify the feasibility of both schemes with 1.25 Gb/s upstream baseband transmission to the central office and 155 Mb/s local area network data transmission on a RF subcarrier frequency. The experimental results obtained from both schemes are compared, and the power budgets are calculated to analyze the scalability of each scheme.

  15. Modern Workflows for Fracture Rock Hydrogeology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Doe, T.

    2015-12-01

    Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) is a numerical simulation approach that represents a conducting fracture network using geologically realistic geometries and single-conductor hydraulic and transport properties. In terms of diffusion analogues, equivalent porous media derive from heat conduction in continuous media, while DFN simulation is more similar to electrical flow and diffusion in circuits with discrete pathways. DFN modeling grew out of pioneering work of David Snow in the late 1960s with additional impetus in the 1970's from the development of the development of stochastic approaches for describing of fracture geometric and hydrologic properties. Research in underground test facilities for radioactive waste disposal developed the necessary linkages between characterization technologies and simulation as well as bringing about a hybrid deterministic stochastic approach. Over the past 40 years DFN simulation and characterization methods have moved from the research environment into practical, commercial application. The key geologic, geophysical and hydrologic tools provide the required DFN inputs of conductive fracture intensity, orientation, and transmissivity. Flow logging either using downhole tool or by detailed packer testing identifies the locations of conducting features in boreholes, and image logging provides information on the geology and geometry of the conducting features. Multi-zone monitoring systems isolate the individual conductors, and with subsequent drilling and characterization perturbations help to recognize connectivity and compartmentalization in the fracture network. Tracer tests and core analysis provide critical information on the transport properties especially matrix diffusion unidentified conducting pathways. Well test analyses incorporating flow dimension boundary effects provide further constraint on the conducting geometry of the fracture network.

  16. Maze solving automatons for self-healing of open interconnects: Modular add-on for circuit boards

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nair, Aswathi; Raghunandan, Karthik; Yaswant, Vaddi

    We present the circuit board integration of a self-healing mechanism to repair open faults. The electric field driven mechanism physically restores fractured interconnects in electronic circuits and has the ability to solve mazes. The repair is performed by conductive particles dispersed in an insulating fluid. We demonstrate the integration of the healing module onto printed circuit boards and the ability of maze solving. We model and perform experiments on the influence of the geometry of conductive particles as well as the terminal impedances of the route on the healing efficiency. The typical heal rate is 10 μm/s with healed route havingmore » mean resistance of 8 kΩ across a 200 micron gap and depending on the materials and concentrations used.« less

  17. Bending cyclic load test for crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuki, Soh; Doi, Takuya; Masuda, Atsushi; Tanahashi, Tadanori

    2018-02-01

    The failures induced by thermomechanical fatigue within crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules are a common issue that can occur in any climate. In order to understand these failures, we confirmed the effects of compressive or tensile stresses (which were cyclically loaded on photovoltaic cells and cell interconnect ribbons) at subzero, moderate, and high temperatures. We found that cell cracks were induced predominantly at low temperatures, irrespective of the compression or tension applied to the cells, although the orientation of cell cracks was dependent on the stress applied. The fracture of cell interconnect ribbons was caused by cyclical compressive stress at moderate and high temperatures, and this failure was promoted by the elevation of temperature. On the basis of these results, the causes of these failures are comprehensively discussed in relation to the viscoelasticity of the encapsulant.

  18. On implementation of DCTCP on three-tier and fat-tree data center network topologies.

    PubMed

    Zafar, Saima; Bashir, Abeer; Chaudhry, Shafique Ahmad

    2016-01-01

    A data center is a facility for housing computational and storage systems interconnected through a communication network called data center network (DCN). Due to a tremendous growth in the computational power, storage capacity and the number of inter-connected servers, the DCN faces challenges concerning efficiency, reliability and scalability. Although transmission control protocol (TCP) is a time-tested transport protocol in the Internet, DCN challenges such as inadequate buffer space in switches and bandwidth limitations have prompted the researchers to propose techniques to improve TCP performance or design new transport protocols for DCN. Data center TCP (DCTCP) emerge as one of the most promising solutions in this domain which employs the explicit congestion notification feature of TCP to enhance the TCP congestion control algorithm. While DCTCP has been analyzed for two-tier tree-based DCN topology for traffic between servers in the same rack which is common in cloud applications, it remains oblivious to the traffic patterns common in university and private enterprise networks which traverse the complete network interconnect spanning upper tier layers. We also recognize that DCTCP performance cannot remain unaffected by the underlying DCN architecture hence there is a need to test and compare DCTCP performance when implemented over diverse DCN architectures. Some of the most notable DCN architectures are the legacy three-tier, fat-tree, BCube, DCell, VL2, and CamCube. In this research, we simulate the two switch-centric DCN architectures; the widely deployed legacy three-tier architecture and the promising fat-tree architecture using network simulator and analyze the performance of DCTCP in terms of throughput and delay for realistic traffic patterns. We also examine how DCTCP prevents incast and outcast congestion when realistic DCN traffic patterns are employed in above mentioned topologies. Our results show that the underlying DCN architecture significantly impacts DCTCP performance. We find that DCTCP gives optimal performance in fat-tree topology and is most suitable for large networks.

  19. Inverse modeling of the hydraulic properties of fractured media : development of a flow tomography approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bour, O.; Klepikova, M.; Le Borgne, T.; De Dreuzy, J.

    2013-12-01

    Inverse modeling of hydraulic and geometrical properties of fractured media is a very challenging objective due to the spatial heterogeneity of the medium and the scarcity of data. Here we present a flow tomography approach that permits to characterize the location, the connectivity and the hydraulic properties of main flow paths in fractured media. The accurate characterization of the location, hydraulic properties and connectivity of major fracture zones is essential to model flow and solute transport in fractured media. Cross-borehole flowmeter tests, which consist of measuring changes in vertical borehole flows when pumping a neighboring borehole, were shown to be an efficient technique to provide information on the properties of the flow zones that connect borehole pairs [Paillet, 1998; Le Borgne et al., 2006]. The interpretation of such experiments may however be quite uncertain when multiple connections exist. In this study, we explore the potential of flow tomography (i.e., sequential cross-borehole flowmeter tests) for characterizing aquifer heterogeneity. We first propose a framework for inverting flow and drawdown data to infer fracture connectivity and transmissivities. Here we use a simplified discrete fracture network approach that highlights main connectivity structures. This conceptual model attempts to reproduce fracture network connectivity without taking fracture geometry (length, orientation, dip) into account. We then explore the potential of the method for simplified synthetic fracture network models and quantify the sensitivity of drawdown and borehole flow velocities to the transmissivity of the connecting flowpaths. Flow tomography is expected to be most effective if cross-borehole pumping induces large changes in vertical borehole velocities. The uncertainty of the transmissivity estimates increases for small borehole flow velocities. The uncertainty about the transmissivity of fractures that connect the main flowpath but not the boreholes is generally higher. We demonstrate that successively changing pumping and observation boreholes improves the quality of available information and reduces the indetermination of the problem. The inverse method is validated for different synthetic flow scenarios. It is shown to provide a good estimation of connectivity patterns and transmissivities of main flowpaths. Although the chosen fracture network geometry has been simplified, flow tomography appears to be a promising approach for characterizing connectivity patterns and transmissivities of fractured media.

  20. 76 FR 58491 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-21

    ... tariff filing per 35.12: BPA Interconnection Agreement--Orcas Island to be effective 10/ 1/2011. Filed... Sound Energy, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.12: BPA Network Integratn TX Service Agreemt for Orcas...: BPA Network Operating Agreement for Orcas, Original Service Agreemt No 527 to be effective 10/1/2011...

  1. Modeling the Components of an Economy as a Complex Adaptive System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    principles of constrained optimization and fails to see economic variables as part of an interconnected network. While tools for forecasting economic...data sets such as the stock market . This research portrays the stock market as one component of a networked system of economic variables, with the

  2. Causal Networks or Causal Islands? The Representation of Mechanisms and the Transitivity of Causal Judgment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Samuel G. B.; Ahn, Woo-kyoung

    2015-01-01

    Knowledge of mechanisms is critical for causal reasoning. We contrasted two possible organizations of causal knowledge--an interconnected causal "network," where events are causally connected without any boundaries delineating discrete mechanisms; or a set of disparate mechanisms--causal "islands"--such that events in different…

  3. Network Interface Specification for the T1 Microprocessor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-05-01

    features data transfer directly to/from processor registers, hardware dispatch directly to Active Message handlers (along with limited context...Implementation Choices 9 3.1 Overview .................................... 9 3.2 Context ..................................... 10 3.3 Data Transfer...details of the data transfer functional units, interconnect structure, and network operation. Application Layer Communication Model Communication

  4. Crystalline and Crystalline International Disposal Activities

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Viswanathan, Hari S.; Chu, Shaoping; Dittrich, Timothy M.

    This report presents the results of work conducted between September 2015 and July 2016 at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the crystalline disposal and crystalline international disposal work packages of the Used Fuel Disposition Campaign (UFDC) for DOE-NE’s Fuel Cycle Research and Development program. Los Alamos focused on two main activities during this period: Discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling to describe flow and radionuclide transport in complex fracture networks that are typical of crystalline rock environments, and a comprehensive interpretation of three different colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport experiments conducted in a fractured granodiorite at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland betweenmore » 2002 and 2013. Chapter 1 presents the results of the DFN work and is divided into three main sections: (1) we show results of our recent study on the correlation between fracture size and fracture transmissivity (2) we present an analysis and visualization prototype using the concept of a flow topology graph for characterization of discrete fracture networks, and (3) we describe the Crystalline International work in support of the Swedish Task Force. Chapter 2 presents interpretation of the colloidfacilitated radionuclide transport experiments in the crystalline rock at the Grimsel Test Site.« less

  5. Altered Brain Network Segregation in Fragile X Syndrome Revealed by Structural Connectomics.

    PubMed

    Bruno, Jennifer Lynn; Hosseini, S M Hadi; Saggar, Manish; Quintin, Eve-Marie; Raman, Mira Michelle; Reiss, Allan L

    2017-03-01

    Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is associated with significant behavioral, social, and neurocognitive deficits. Understanding structural brain network topology in FXS provides an important link between neurobiological and behavioral/cognitive symptoms of this disorder. We investigated the connectome via whole-brain structural networks created from group-level morphological correlations. Participants included 100 individuals: 50 with FXS and 50 with typical development, age 11-23 years. Results indicated alterations in topological properties of structural brain networks in individuals with FXS. Significantly reduced small-world index indicates a shift in the balance between network segregation and integration and significantly reduced clustering coefficient suggests that reduced local segregation shifted this balance. Caudate and amygdala were less interactive in the FXS network further highlighting the importance of subcortical region alterations in the neurobiological signature of FXS. Modularity analysis indicates that FXS and typically developing groups' networks decompose into different sets of interconnected sub networks, potentially indicative of aberrant local interconnectivity in individuals with FXS. These findings advance our understanding of the effects of fragile X mental retardation protein on large-scale brain networks and could be used to develop a connectome-level biological signature for FXS. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  6. Network traffic behaviour near phase transition point

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lawniczak, A. T.; Tang, X.

    2006-03-01

    We explore packet traffic dynamics in a data network model near phase transition point from free flow to congestion. The model of data network is an abstraction of the Network Layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) Reference Model of packet switching networks. The Network Layer is responsible for routing packets across the network from their sources to their destinations and for control of congestion in data networks. Using the model we investigate spatio-temporal packets traffic dynamics near the phase transition point for various network connection topologies, and static and adaptive routing algorithms. We present selected simulation results and analyze them.

  7. GPS Detection of Biot's Slow Wave in the Earth's Crust Triggered by Hurricane Sandy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Holt, W. E.; Zhang, J. H.; Blewitt, G.; Yao, Z.

    2017-12-01

    Here we show, using 5-minute GPS data observed in northeast USA around the landfall of Hurricane Sandy of October 29-30, 2012, evidence of a highly-attenuated wave propagating in the Earth's crust over hundreds of km inland at 65 m/s with peak amplitudes as great as 12 cm. Such a phenomenon is consistent with Biot's slow wave being triggered by the associated 4-m storm surge, then propagating in a highly permeable crust with abundant fluid-saturated interconnected cracks. The vertical displacement field recorded on a dense network of continuous GPS stations (CORS network) shows strong attenuation with distance, and occurs at frequencies too low to be recorded by broad-band seismic sensors. To our knowledge, such a unique wave, with ultra-low frequency, slow wave speed, high amplitude, and strong attenuation, has never been measured before. The zenith tropospheric varies slowly over the 24 hours that bracket Hurricane Sandy landfall and there is no apparent relationship to the timing or duration of the downward displacement field that initiates during peak storm surge loading. Amplitudes are a factor of 10 higher than predicted by elastic models of static loading of the 4-m storm surge. Numerical simulations of a low frequency impulse (with duration of storm surge loading) on a homogenous porous medium filled with viscous fluid show an amplification of displacements 10 times larger than for a homogeneous elastic material with the same elastic properties as the poroelastic matrix. The low wave speed of 65 m/s and long period of 4 hours, requires an extremely high permeability (10-6 10-8 m2). Such a high permeability can exist in high-porosity media containing vast interconnected fractures. The high amplitude displacements generated by the dynamic influences of Hurricane Sandy, and other large magnitude storms, would generate significant time-dependent stress changes in the crust that might contribute to the observations of seismicity rate changes and slow slip phenomenon described previously for this and other major storm disturbances.

  8. Neuro-Fuzzy Computational Technique to Control Load Frequency in Hydro-Thermal Interconnected Power System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prakash, S.; Sinha, S. K.

    2015-09-01

    In this research work, two areas hydro-thermal power system connected through tie-lines is considered. The perturbation of frequencies at the areas and resulting tie line power flows arise due to unpredictable load variations that cause mismatch between the generated and demanded powers. Due to rising and falling power demand, the real and reactive power balance is harmed; hence frequency and voltage get deviated from nominal value. This necessitates designing of an accurate and fast controller to maintain the system parameters at nominal value. The main purpose of system generation control is to balance the system generation against the load and losses so that the desired frequency and power interchange between neighboring systems are maintained. The intelligent controllers like fuzzy logic, artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid fuzzy neural network approaches are used for automatic generation control for the two area interconnected power systems. Area 1 consists of thermal reheat power plant whereas area 2 consists of hydro power plant with electric governor. Performance evaluation is carried out by using intelligent (ANFIS, ANN and fuzzy) control and conventional PI and PID control approaches. To enhance the performance of controller sliding surface i.e. variable structure control is included. The model of interconnected power system has been developed with all five types of said controllers and simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK package. The performance of the intelligent controllers has been compared with the conventional PI and PID controllers for the interconnected power system. A comparison of ANFIS, ANN, Fuzzy and PI, PID based approaches shows the superiority of proposed ANFIS over ANN, fuzzy and PI, PID. Thus the hybrid fuzzy neural network controller has better dynamic response i.e., quick in operation, reduced error magnitude and minimized frequency transients.

  9. Two-dimensional optoelectronic interconnect-processor and its operational bit error rate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, J. Jiang; Gollsneider, Brian; Chang, Wayne H.; Carhart, Gary W.; Vorontsov, Mikhail A.; Simonis, George J.; Shoop, Barry L.

    2004-10-01

    Two-dimensional (2-D) multi-channel 8x8 optical interconnect and processor system were designed and developed using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) driven 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays and the photodetector (PD) arrays with corresponding wavelengths. We performed operation and bit-error-rate (BER) analysis on this free-space integrated 8x8 VCSEL optical interconnects driven by silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) circuits. Pseudo-random bit stream (PRBS) data sequence was used in operation of the interconnects. Eye diagrams were measured from individual channels and analyzed using a digital oscilloscope at data rates from 155 Mb/s to 1.5 Gb/s. Using a statistical model of Gaussian distribution for the random noise in the transmission, we developed a method to compute the BER instantaneously with the digital eye-diagrams. Direct measurements on this interconnects were also taken on a standard BER tester for verification. We found that the results of two methods were in the same order and within 50% accuracy. The integrated interconnects were investigated in an optoelectronic processing architecture of digital halftoning image processor. Error diffusion networks implemented by the inherently parallel nature of photonics promise to provide high quality digital halftoned images.

  10. Design of MOEMS adjustable optical delay line to reduce link set-up time in a tera-bit/s optical interconnection network.

    PubMed

    Jing, Wencai; Zhang, Yimo; Zhou, Ge

    2002-07-15

    A new structure for bit synchronization in a tera-bit/s optical interconnection network has been designed using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technique. Link multiplexing has been adopted to reduce data packet communication latency. To eliminate link set-up time, adjustable optical delay lines (AODLs) have been adopted to shift the phases of the distributed optical clock signals for bit synchronization. By changing the optical path distance of the optical clock signal, the phase of the clock signal can be shifted at a very high resolution. A phase-shift resolution of 0.1 ps can be easily achieved with 30-microm alternation of the optical path length in vacuum.

  11. Network integration of distributed power generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dondi, Peter; Bayoumi, Deia; Haederli, Christoph; Julian, Danny; Suter, Marco

    The world-wide move to deregulation of the electricity and other energy markets, concerns about the environment, and advances in renewable and high efficiency technologies has led to major emphasis being placed on the use of small power generation units in a variety of forms. The paper reviews the position of distributed generation (DG, as these small units are called in comparison with central power plants) with respect to the installation and interconnection of such units with the classical grid infrastructure. In particular, the status of technical standards both in Europe and USA, possible ways to improve the interconnection situation, and also the need for decisions that provide a satisfactory position for the network operator (who remains responsible for the grid, its operation, maintenance and investment plans) are addressed.

  12. Hydraulic fracture propagation modeling and data-based fracture identification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Jing

    Successful shale gas and tight oil production is enabled by the engineering innovation of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulically induced fractures will most likely deviate from the bi-wing planar pattern and generate complex fracture networks due to mechanical interactions and reservoir heterogeneity, both of which render the conventional fracture simulators insufficient to characterize the fractured reservoir. Moreover, in reservoirs with ultra-low permeability, the natural fractures are widely distributed, which will result in hydraulic fractures branching and merging at the interface and consequently lead to the creation of more complex fracture networks. Thus, developing a reliable hydraulic fracturing simulator, including both mechanical interaction and fluid flow, is critical in maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and optimizing fracture/well design and completion strategy in multistage horizontal wells. A novel fully coupled reservoir flow and geomechanics model based on the dual-lattice system is developed to simulate multiple nonplanar fractures' propagation in both homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoirs with or without pre-existing natural fractures. Initiation, growth, and coalescence of the microcracks will lead to the generation of macroscopic fractures, which is explicitly mimicked by failure and removal of bonds between particles from the discrete element network. This physics-based modeling approach leads to realistic fracture patterns without using the empirical rock failure and fracture propagation criteria required in conventional continuum methods. Based on this model, a sensitivity study is performed to investigate the effects of perforation spacing, in-situ stress anisotropy, rock properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and compressive strength), fluid properties, and natural fracture properties on hydraulic fracture propagation. In addition, since reservoirs are buried thousands of feet below the surface, the parameters used in the reservoir flow simulator have large uncertainty. Those biased and uncertain parameters will result in misleading oil and gas recovery predictions. The Ensemble Kalman Filter is used to estimate and update both the state variables (pressure and saturations) and uncertain reservoir parameters (permeability). In order to directly incorporate spatial information such as fracture location and formation heterogeneity into the algorithm, a new covariance matrix method is proposed. This new method has been applied to a simplified single-phase reservoir and a complex black oil reservoir with complex structures to prove its capability in calibrating the reservoir parameters.

  13. Evolving neural networks for strategic decision-making problems.

    PubMed

    Kohl, Nate; Miikkulainen, Risto

    2009-04-01

    Evolution of neural networks, or neuroevolution, has been a successful approach to many low-level control problems such as pole balancing, vehicle control, and collision warning. However, certain types of problems-such as those involving strategic decision-making-have remained difficult for neuroevolution to solve. This paper evaluates the hypothesis that such problems are difficult because they are fractured: The correct action varies discontinuously as the agent moves from state to state. A method for measuring fracture using the concept of function variation is proposed and, based on this concept, two methods for dealing with fracture are examined: neurons with local receptive fields, and refinement based on a cascaded network architecture. Experiments in several benchmark domains are performed to evaluate how different levels of fracture affect the performance of neuroevolution methods, demonstrating that these two modifications improve performance significantly. These results form a promising starting point for expanding neuroevolution to strategic tasks.

  14. Ground surface deformation patterns, magma supply, and magma storage at Okmok volcano, Alaska, from InSAR analysis: 2. Coeruptive deflation, July-August 2008

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lu, Zhong; Dzurisin, Daniel

    2010-01-01

    A hydrovolcanic eruption near Cone D on the floor of Okmok caldera, Alaska, began on 12 July 2008 and continued until late August 2008. The eruption was preceded by inflation of a magma reservoir located beneath the center of the caldera and ∼3 km below sea level (bsl), which began immediately after Okmok's previous eruption in 1997. In this paper we use data from several radar satellites and advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) techniques to produce a suite of 2008 coeruption deformation maps. Most of the surface deformation that occurred during the eruption is explained by deflation of a Mogi-type source located beneath the center of the caldera and 2–3 km bsl, i.e., essentially the same source that inflated prior to the eruption. During the eruption the reservoir deflated at a rate that decreased exponentially with time with a 1/e time constant of ∼13 days. We envision a sponge-like network of interconnected fractures and melt bodies that in aggregate constitute a complex magma storage zone beneath Okmok caldera. The rate at which the reservoir deflates during an eruption may be controlled by the diminishing pressure difference between the reservoir and surface. A similar mechanism might explain the tendency for reservoir inflation to slow as an eruption approaches until the pressure difference between a deep magma production zone and the reservoir is great enough to drive an intrusion or eruption along the caldera ring-fracture system.

  15. Fracture related-fold patterns analysis and hydrogeological implications: Insight from fault-propagation fold in Northwestern of Tunisia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanai, L.; Chenini, I.; Ben Mammou, A.; Mercier, E.

    2015-01-01

    The spatial distribution of fracturing in hard rocks is extremely related to the structural profile and traduces the kinematic evolution. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of fracturing combined to GIS techniques seem to be primordial and efficient in geometric characterization of lineament's network and to reconstruct the relative timing and interaction of the folding and fracturing histories. Also a detailed study of the area geology, lithology, tectonics, is primordial for any hydrogeological study. For that purpose we used a structural approach that consist in comparison between fracture sets before and after unfolding completed by aerospace data and DEM generated from topographic map. The above methodology applied in this study carried out in J. Rebia located in Northwestern of Tunisia demonstrated the heterogeneity of fracturing network and his relation with the fold growth throught time and his importance on groundwater flow.

  16. Surrogate Modeling of High-Fidelity Fracture Simulations for Real-Time Residual Strength Predictions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Spear, Ashley D.; Priest, Amanda R.; Veilleux, Michael G.; Ingraffea, Anthony R.; Hochhalter, Jacob D.

    2011-01-01

    A surrogate model methodology is described for predicting, during flight, the residual strength of aircraft structures that sustain discrete-source damage. Starting with design of experiment, an artificial neural network is developed that takes as input discrete-source damage parameters and outputs a prediction of the structural residual strength. Target residual strength values used to train the artificial neural network are derived from 3D finite element-based fracture simulations. Two ductile fracture simulations are presented to show that crack growth and residual strength are determined more accurately in discrete-source damage cases by using an elastic-plastic fracture framework rather than a linear-elastic fracture mechanics-based method. Improving accuracy of the residual strength training data does, in turn, improve accuracy of the surrogate model. When combined, the surrogate model methodology and high fidelity fracture simulation framework provide useful tools for adaptive flight technology.

  17. Connectivity among sinkholes and complex networks: The case of Ring of Cenotes in northwest Yucatan, Mexico

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gomez-Nicolas, Mariana; Rebolledo-Vieyra, Mario; Huerta-Quintanilla, Rodrigo; Canto-Lugo, Efrain

    2014-05-01

    A 180-km-diameter semicircular alignment of abundant karst sinkholes (locally known as cenotes) in northwestern Yucatán, México, coincides approximately with a concentric ring of the buried Chicxulub structure, a circular feature manifested in Cretaceous and older rocks, that has been identified as the product of the impact of a meteorite. The secondary permeability generated by the fracturing and faulting of the sedimentary sequence in the Chicxulub impact, has favored the karstification process and hence the development of genuine underground rivers that carry water from the continent to the sea. The study of the structure and morphology of the crater has allowed researchers to understand the key role of the crater in the Yucatán hydrogeology. It is generally accepted that the Ring of Cenotes, produced by the gravitational deformation of the Tertiary sedimentary sequence within the crater, controls the groundwater in northern Yucatán. However, today there is not solid evidence about the connectivity among cenotes, which is important because if established, public policies could be designed to manage sanitary infrastructure, septic control, regulation of agricultural and industrial activities and the protection of water that has not been compromised by anthropogenic pollution. All these directly affect more than half a million people whose main source of drinking water lies in the aquifer. In this contribution we investigated a set of 16 cenotes located in the vicinity of a gravimetric anomaly of Chicxulub crater ring, using complex networks to model the interconnectivity among them. Data from a geoelectrical tomography survey, collected with SuperSting R1/IP equipment, with multi-electrodes (72 electrodes), in a dipole-dipole configuration was used as input of our model. Since the total number of cenotes on the ring structure amounts to about 2000, the application of graph theoretic algorithms and Monte Carlo simulation to efficiently investigate network properties is proposed. We created a digital network model representing the observation network topology.

  18. Epidemic spreading between two coupled subpopulations with inner structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruan, Zhongyuan; Tang, Ming; Gu, Changgui; Xu, Jinshan

    2017-10-01

    The structure of underlying contact network and the mobility of agents are two decisive factors for epidemic spreading in reality. Here, we study a model consisting of two coupled subpopulations with intra-structures that emphasizes both the contact structure and the recurrent mobility pattern of individuals simultaneously. We show that the coupling of the two subpopulations (via interconnections between them and round trips of individuals) makes the epidemic threshold in each subnetwork to be the same. Moreover, we find that the interconnection probability between two subpopulations and the travel rate are important factors for spreading dynamics. In particular, as a function of interconnection probability, the epidemic threshold in each subpopulation decreases monotonously, which enhances the risks of an epidemic. While the epidemic threshold displays a non-monotonic variation as travel rate increases. Moreover, the asymptotic infected density as a function of travel rate in each subpopulation behaves differently depending on the interconnection probability.

  19. New software for 3D fracture network analysis and visualization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, J.; Noh, Y.; Choi, Y.; Um, J.; Hwang, S.

    2013-12-01

    This study presents new software to perform analysis and visualization of the fracture network system in 3D. The developed software modules for the analysis and visualization, such as BOUNDARY, DISK3D, FNTWK3D, CSECT and BDM, have been developed using Microsoft Visual Basic.NET and Visualization TookKit (VTK) open-source library. Two case studies revealed that each module plays a role in construction of analysis domain, visualization of fracture geometry in 3D, calculation of equivalent pipes, production of cross-section map and management of borehole data, respectively. The developed software for analysis and visualization of the 3D fractured rock mass can be used to tackle the geomechanical problems related to strength, deformability and hydraulic behaviors of the fractured rock masses.

  20. Assessment of Surrogate Fractured Rock Networks for Evidence of Complex Behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wood, T. R.; McJunkin, T. R.; Podgorney, R. K.; Glass, R. J.; Starr, R. C.; Stoner, D. L.; Noah, K. S.; LaViolette, R. A.; Fairley, J.

    2001-12-01

    A complex system or complex process is -"one whose properties are not fully explained by an understanding of its component parts". Results from field experiments conducted at the Hell's Half-Acre field site (Arco, Idaho) suggest that the flow of water in an unsaturated, fractured medium exhibits characteristics of a complex process. A series of laboratory studies is underway with sufficient rigor to determine if complex behavior observed in the field is in fact a fundamental characteristic of water flow in unsaturated, fractured media. As an initial step, a series of four duplicate experiments has been performed using an array of bricks to simulate fractured, unsaturated media. The array consisted of 12 limestone blocks cut to uniform size (5cm x 7 cm x 30 cm) stacked on end 4 blocks wide and 3 blocks high with the interfaces between adjacent blocks representing 3 vertical fractures intersecting 2 horizontal fractures. Water was introduced at three point sources on the upper boundary of the model at the top of the vertical fractures. Water was applied under constant flux at a rate below the infiltration capacity of the system, thus maintaining unsaturated flow conditions. Water was collected from the lower boundary via fiberglass wicks at the bottom of each fracture. An automated system acquired and processed water inflow and outflow data and time-lapse photographic data during each of the 72-hour tests. From these experiments, we see that a few general statements can be made on the overall advance of the wetting front in the surrogate fracture networks. For instance, flow generally converged with depth to the center fracture in the bottom row of bricks. Another observation is that fracture intersections integrate the steady flow in overlying vertical fractures and allow or cause short duration high discharge pulses or "avalanches" of flow to quickly traverse the fracture network below. Smaller scale tests of single fracture and fracture intersections are underway to evaluate a wide array of unit processes that are believed to contribute to complex behavior. Examples of these smaller scale experiments include the role of fracture intersections in integrating a steady inflow to generate giant fluctuations in network discharge; the influence of microbe growth on flow; and the role of geochemistry in alterations of flow paths. Experiments are planned at the meso and field scale to document and understand the controls on self-organized behavior. Modeling is being conducted in parallel with the experiments to understand how simulations can be improved to capture the complexity of fluid flow in fractured rock vadose zones and to make better predictions of contaminant transport.

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