Refined saddle-point preconditioners for discretized Stokes problems

This paper is concerned with the implementation of efficient solution algorithms for elliptic problems with constraints. We establish theory which shows that including a simple scaling within well-established block diagonal preconditioners for Stokes problems can result in significantly faster convergence when applying the preconditioned MINRES method. The codes used in the numerical studies are available online

Magma Flow Instabilities in a Volcanic Conduit: Implications for Long-Period Seismicity

Silicic volcanic eruptions are typically accompanied by repetitive Long-Period (LP) seismicity that originates from a small region of the upper conduit. These signals have the capability to advance eruption prediction, since they commonly precede a change in the eruption vigour. Shear bands forming along the conduit wall, where the shear stresses are highest, have been linked to providing the seismic trigger. However, existing computational models are unable to generate shear bands at the depths where the LP signals originate using simple magma strength models. Presented here is a model in which the magma strength is determined from a constitutive relationship dependent upon crystallinity and pressure. This results in a depth-dependent magma strength, analogous to planetary lithospheres. Hence, in shallow highly-crystalline regions a macroscopically discontinuous brittle type of deformation will prevail, whilst in deeper crystal-poor regions there will be a macroscopically continuous plastic deformation mechanism. This will result in a depth where the brittle-ductile transition occurs, and here shear bands disconnected from the free-surface may develop. We utilize the Finite Element Method and use axi-symmetric coordinates to model magma flow as a viscoplastic material, simulating quasi-static shear bands along the walls of a volcanic conduit. Model results constrained to the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, show the generation of two types of shear bands: upper-conduit shear bands that form between the free-surface to a few 100 metres below it and discrete shear bands that form at the depths where LP seismicity is measured to occur corresponding to the brittle-ductile transition and the plastic shear region. It is beyond the limitation of the model to simulate a seismic event, although the modelled viscosity within the discrete shear bands suggests a failure and healing cycle time that supports the observed LP seismicity repeat times. However, due to the paucity of data and large parameter space available these results can only be considered to be qualitative rather than quantitative at this stage

Contrôle non destructif par courants de Foucault : expérience et modélisation pour la conception et l'optimisation de capteurs

For inspecting tubular steel subsea structures, the conventional non destructive testing techniques require the removal of the marine fouling and corrosion protection coatings. These costly cleaning operations down to bare metal can be avoided with a new contactless technique which has been developed by the “Institut Français de Recherche et d'Exploitation de la Mer”. This technique consists in inducing a strong alternative electric current flow at several frequencies in the material. Corresponding localized perturbations of this current flow caused by defects such as inclusions or cracks are then detected. The current perturbation is sensed with a small non contacting probe to detect the associated magnetic flux signal at the surface of the structure. Exploratory experiments allow us to conclude that this technique is very promising. The improvements in sensitivity and in characterization of the defects need a better quantitative understanding of the way in which slots in conducting materials interact with electric currents. We propose a numerical model, using our software : the Trifou code. This code solves tridimensionnal electromagnetic problems, by computing the current density in massive conductors under the effect of a known and time varying electromagnetic excitation. By taking advantage of our experience in modelling the eddy current testing of the french nuclear power plants, we have reproduced one of the experiments. Numerical results are presented and make the deflection of current lines at slot edges visible. The electric activity of the modeled slot has been pointed out and we suggest that the flaw may be interpreted as a back electromotive force source which creates divergence free local currents. Then, we have established a numerical method based on a local approach, to obtain the defect signal with a low computing cost. Numerical results fit the shape of the experimental results. In particular, we can determine the position of the crack. A more accurate comparison, for example on the crack depth, is difficult because of the uncertainty on the physical properties of the materials.Dans le cadre d'un projet industiel de conception et d'optimisation de capteurs pour la recherche de fissures par courants de Foucault sur les plate-formes de forage, on présente les études menées pour la modélisation du système. La simulation des phénomènes implique à priori une modélisation tridimensionnelle, certes précise, mais difficile et coûteuse. On cherche à en limiter le coût en combinant une modélisation bidimensionnelle en l'absence de défaut, et une modélisation tridimensionnelle locale en présence d'une fissure. Après avoir présenté le projet et l'étude expérimentale qui en découle, on décrit les techniques de modélisation qui ont été employées

Modelling and detection of localized tooth defects in geared systems

International audienc

An Interface for Virtual Reality Applications

Abstract: We present an input device for virtual reality (VR), which also has applications in tremor and respiration sensing in medicine. Moreover, we introduce an “environmental presence sensor ” that can be used in a “virtual joystick. ” The joystick senses and tracks the position of the objects in the environment and allows controlling various actions accordingly. The main advantage of the device is the possibility to sense objects without any physical contact (hence the “virtual operation ” capability). Moreover, the device interfaces with a personal computer (PC) like a standard joystick, with no need for any special hardware or software module

Simulation numérique et détection d'avaries sur les dentures d'engrenages cylindrique

International audienc

Modelling and detection of localized tooth defects in geared systems

International audienc