A fast GPU Monte Carlo Radiative Heat Transfer Implementation for Coupling with Direct Numerical Simulation

We implemented a fast Reciprocal Monte Carlo algorithm, to accurately solve radiative heat transfer in turbulent flows of non-grey participating media that can be coupled to fully resolved turbulent flows, namely to Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS). The spectrally varying absorption coefficient is treated in a narrow-band fashion with a correlated-k distribution. The implementation is verified with analytical solutions and validated with results from literature and line-by-line Monte Carlo computations. The method is implemented on GPU with a thorough attention to memory transfer and computational efficiency. The bottlenecks that dominate the computational expenses are addressed and several techniques are proposed to optimize the GPU execution. By implementing the proposed algorithmic accelerations, a speed-up of up to 3 orders of magnitude can be achieved, while maintaining the same accuracy

Semi phenomenological modelling of the behavior of TRIP steels

The authors are grateful to ArcelorMittal R&D for supporting this research.A new semi-phenomenological model is developed based on a mean-field description of the TRIP behavior for the simulation of multiaxial loads. This model intends to reduce the number of internal variables of crystalline models that cannot be used for the moment in metal forming simulations. Starting from local and crystallographic approaches, the mean-field approach is obtained at the phase level with the concept of Mean Instantaneous Transformation Strain (MITS) accompanying martensitic transformation. Within the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, driving forces, martensitic volume fraction evolution and an expression of the TRIP effect are determined for this new model. A classical self-consistent scheme is used to model the behavior of multiphased TRIP steels. The model is tested for cooling at constant loads and for multiaxial loadings at constant temperatures. The predictions reproduce the increase in ductility, the dynamic softening effect and the multiaxial behavior of a multiphased TRIP stee

Seismic risk in the city of Al Hoceima (north of Morocco) using the vulnerability index method, applied in Risk-UE project

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2566-8Al Hoceima is one of the most seismic active regions in north of Morocco. It is demonstrated by the large seismic episodes reported in seismic catalogs and research studies. However, seismic risk is relatively high due to vulnerable buildings that are either old or don’t respect seismic standards. Our aim is to present a study about seismic risk and seismic scenarios for the city of Al Hoceima. The seismic vulnerability of the existing residential buildings was evaluated using the vulnerability index method (Risk-UE). It was chosen to be adapted and applied to the Moroccan constructions for its practicality and simple methodology. A visual inspection of 1102 buildings was carried out to assess the vulnerability factors. As for seismic hazard, it was evaluated in terms of macroseismic intensity for two scenarios (a deterministic and probabilistic scenario). The maps of seismic risk are represented by direct damage on buildings, damage to population and economic cost. According to the results, the main vulnerability index of the city is equal to 0.49 and the seismic risk is estimated as Slight (main damage grade equal to 0.9 for the deterministic scenario and 0.7 for the probabilistic scenario). However, Moderate to heavy damage is expected in areas located in the newer extensions, in both the east and west of the city. Important economic losses and damage to the population are expected in these areas as well. The maps elaborated can be a potential guide to the decision making in the field of seismic risk prevention and mitigation strategies in Al Hoceima.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Lattice strain measurements using synchrotron diffraction to calibrate a micromechanical modeling in a ferrite–cementite steel

In situ tensile tests were performed at room temperature on a ferrite–cementite steel specifically designed for this study. The evolution of the average stress in ferrite during loading was analyzed by X-ray diffraction.Lattice strain measurements were performed with synchrotron ring diffraction in both ferrite and cementite.These in situ tests were complemented by macroscopic tensile and reversible tensile-compression tests to study the Bauschinger effect. In order to reproduce stresses in ferrite and cementite particles,a recently developed micromechanical Internal Length Mean Field (ILMF) model based on a generalized self-consistent scheme is applied. In this designed ferrite–cementite steel,the third ‘‘phase’’of the model represents finite intermediate‘‘layers’’in ferrite due to large geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) densities around cementite particles. The assumed constant thickness of the layers is calibrated thanks to the obtained experimental data.The ILMF model is validated by realistic estimates of the Bauschinger stress and the large difference between mean stresses in ferrite and in cementite phases.This difference cannot be reproduced by classic two-phase homogenization schemes without intermediate GND layers

Quantification and localization of the liquid zone of partially remelted M2 tool steel using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy

The authors warmly thank Luc Morhain and Marc Wary (Arts et Métiers ParisTech CER Metz) for their technical support.Thixoforming of steels poses challenges due to the high temperatures involved and the lack of understanding of thermomechanical behavior. The volume fractions of the liquid and solid phases in the semi-solid state are the most important parameters for such a form-ing process, as they affect the viscosity and hence the flow behavior of the material. Two-dimensional observations might not always be sufficient, as the size distribution and the connectivity of phases cannot be obtained from associated measurements, which can only be determined by three-dimensional (3-D) investigation. This paper presents the first application of high-energy X-ray microtomography to the microstructure of steel in the semi-solid state. The microstructure of M2 high-speed tool steel was studied in both as-received and heated-and-quenched states. From the reconstructed images, 3-D information could be obtained and was compared with scanning elec-tron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry observations. The volume fraction and the location of liquid phase in the semi-solid state were determined in particular, and the continuous solid skeleton was investigated

Discriminating between nesting and non-nesting habitat in a vulnerable bird species: Implications for behavioural ecology

Nowadays, partitioning amongst nesting and non-nesting habitats is not much studied. Here, I investigate whether or not the turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) nesting habitats overlap with those used for other purposes in a North African agroforestry system. A total of 33 nest points and 33 turtle dove presence points were considered. The study, conducted in May to June 2017, attempted to determine the factors that may play a role in discriminating between the nesting habitats and non-nesting habitats. I used a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to test the relevance of proximity of food resources, forest edge and human presence variables in the distribution of the species. The results show substantial segregation in the habitats selected for nesting and those selected for other uses [average distance was 1129.69 ± 169.40 m (n = 66) with a maximum of 1518.6 m and a minimum of 617.72 m], with selection depending primarily on the proximity to forest edge and feeding areas. I discuss these findings and their implications on behavioural ecology and future researches of this vulnerable species. I suggest guidelines for future studies that will seek to better understand the behavioural dynamics of turtle doves in the Mediterranean agroforestry systems. This can only be done when disturbance covariates, such as: (i) forest logging, (ii) cereal harvesting and (iii) hunting and predation pressures, were imperatively taken into account

A constitutive model for analyzing martensite formation in austenitic steels deforming at high strain rates

This study presents a constitutive model for steels exhibiting SIMT, based on previous seminal works, and the corresponding methodology to estimate their parameters. The model includes temperature effects in the phase transformation kinetics, and in the softening of each solid phase through the use of a homogenization technique. The model was validated with experimental results of dynamic tensile tests on AISI 304 sheet steel specimens, and their predictions correlate well with the experimental evidence in terms of macroscopic stress–strain curves and martensite volume fraction formed at high strain rates. The work shows the value of considering temperature effects in the modeling of metastable austenitic steels submitted to impact conditions. Regarding most of the works reported in the literature on SIMT, modeling of the martensitic transformation at high strain rates is the distinctive feature of the present paper.The researchers of the University Carlos III of Madrid are indebted to the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (Project CCG10-UC3M/DPI-5596)) and to the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España (Project DPI/2008-06408) for the financial support received which allowed conducting part of this work. The authors express their thanks to Mr. Philippe and Mr. Tobisch from the company Zwick for the facilities provided to perform the tensile tests at high strain rates