Coupled modeling of storm surge and coastal inundation: a case study in New York City during Hurricane Sandy

In this paper we describe a new method of modeling coastal inundation arising from storm surge by coupling a widely used storm surge model (ADCIRC) and an urban flood inundation model (FloodMap). This is the first time the coupling of such models is implemented and tested using real events. The method offers a flexible and efficient procedure for applying detailed ADCIRC storm surge modeling results along the coastal boundary (with typical resolution of ∼100 m) to FloodMap for fine resolution inundation modeling ( 70 m). In further testing, we explored the effects of mesh resolution and roughness specification. Results agree with previous studies that fine resolution is essential for capturing intricate flow paths and connectivity in urban topography. While the specification of roughness is more challenging for urban environments, it may be empirically optimized. The successful coupling of ADCIRC and FloodMap models for fine-resolution coastal inundation modeling unlocks the potential for undertaking large numbers of probabilistically-based synthetic surge events for street-level risk analysis

Evaluating the cascading impacts of sea level rise and coastal flooding on emergency response spatial accessibility in Lower Manhattan, New York City

This paper describes a scenario-based approach for evaluating the cascading impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding on emergency responses. The analysis is applied to Lower Manhattan, New York City, considering FEMA’s 100- and 500-year flood scenarios and New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC2)’s high-end SLR projections for the 2050s and 2080s, using the current situation as the baseline scenario. Service areas for different response timeframes (3-, 5- and 8-minute) and various traffic conditions are simulated for three major emergency responders (i.e. New York Police Department (NYPD), Fire Department, New York (FDNY) and Emergency Medical Service (EMS)) under normal and flood scenarios. The modelling suggests that coastal flooding together with SLR could result in proportionate but non-linear impacts on emergency services at the city scale, and the performance of operational responses is largely determined by the positioning of emergency facilities and the functioning of traffic networks. Overall, emergency service accessibility to the city is primarily determined by traffic flow speed. However, the situation is expected to be further aggravated during coastal flooding, with is set to increase in frequency and magnitude due to SLR

Long-term flood-hazard modeling for coastal areas using InSAR measurements and a hydrodynamic model: The case study of Lingang New City, Shanghai

In this paper, we study long-term coastal flood risk of Lingang New City, Shanghai, considering 100- and 1000-year coastal flood return periods, local seal-level rise projections, and long-term ground subsidence projections. TanDEM-X satellite data acquired in 2012 were used to generate a high-resolution topography map, and multi-sensor InSAR displacement time-series were used to obtain ground deformation rates between 2007 and 2017. Both data sets were then used to project ground deformation rates for the 2030s and 2050s. A 2-D flood inundation model (FloodMap-Inertial) was employed to predict coastal flood inundation for both scenarios. The results suggest that the sea-level rise, along with land subsidence, could result in minor but non-linear impacts on coastal inundation over time. The flood risk will primarily be determined by future exposure and vulnerability of population and property in the floodplain. Although the flood risk estimates show some uncertainties, particularly for long-term predictions, the methodology presented here could be applied to other coastal areas where sea level rise and land subsidence are evolving in the context of climate change and urbanization

Investigation into the Diversity of the Asia-Pacific Region and Scope for Collaboration Report on Research Project

千葉大学人文社会科学研究科研究プロジェクト報告書第200

Supramolecular Hydrogels from In Situ Host–Guest Inclusion between Chemically Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals and Cyclodextrin

When grafted β-cyclodextrin is used as targeting sites, Pluronic polymers have been introduced on the surface of cellulose nanocrystals by means of inclusion interaction between β-cyclodextrin and hydrophobic segment of the polymer. Because of the steric stabilization effect, surface poly­(ethylene glycol) chains facilitate the dispersion and compatibility of nanocrystals, which also enhance the loading levels of nanocrystals in the hydrogel system. Meanwhile, uncovered poly­(ethylene glycol) segments render the participating inclusion of α-cyclodextrin for the architecture of in situ hydrogels. Surface grafting and inclusion reactions were proved by solid ¹³C NMR and FTIR. Grafting efficiency of β-cyclodextrin and inclusion efficiency of Pluronic on the surface of nanocrystals were confirmed by UV spectroscopy and elemental analysis. A significant enhancement of the structural and thermal stability of in situ hydrogels with high loading levels of modified nanocrystals (>5.77 wt %) was observed by rheological analysis. Further study reveals the performance and behavior of hydrogels under a different pH environment. Finally, in situ hydrogels were used as drug carrier for in vitro release of doxorubicin and exhibit the behavior of prolonged drug release with special release kinetics

Physical and/or Chemical Compatibilization of Extruded Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforced Polystyrene Nanocomposites

Impressive mechanical properties and reinforcing capability make cellulose nanocrystal (CN) a promising candidate as biomass nanofiller for the development of polymer-based nanocomposites. With the recent announcement of large-scale CN production, the use of industrial processing techniques for the preparation of CN-reinforced nanocomposites, such as extrusion, is highly required. However, low thermal stability of sulfuric acid-prepared CN limits the processing since most polymeric matrices are processed at temperatures close to 200 °C or above. It has been proved that surface adsorption of polymers on CN as compatibilizer, such as hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (PEO), can improve its thermal stability due to the shielding and wrapping of PEO. However, the weak combination between CN and PEO allows the free movement of surface polymer, which can induce the self-aggregation of CN and microphase separation in composites especially during melt processing. Using carboxylation–amidation reaction, short chains poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can be first grafted on the surface of the nanocrystals, and immobilize long PEO chains on modified nanocrystals through physical adsorption and entanglement. Two polymeric layers should further improve the thermal stability of CNs, and surface polymeric chains should provide significant dispersibility and compatibilization for extruded nanocomposites. Rheological analysis showed better PEO adsorption for PEG-grafted nanocrystals than pristine CN. Results from AFM and SEM revealed homogeneous dispersion and good compatibility of modified nanocrystals in PS matrix. Finally, the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of ensuing nanocomposites have been investigated to study the effect of physically and/or chemically modified nanocrystals

Humidity-Sensitive and Conductive Nanopapers from Plant-Derived Proteins with a Synergistic Effect of Platelet-Like Starch Nanocrystals and Sheet-Like Graphene

In the present study, a multifunctional composite nanopaper was developed on the basis of soy protein isolate (SPI) from the synergistic reinforcement of sheet-like graphene (RGO) and platelet-like starch nanocrystals (SNCs), providing a conductive function as well as enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. As a highly crystalline and rigid nanoparticle derived from a natural polymer, the introduction of SNCs improved the dispersion of graphene nanoparticles at the relative ratio of 15/1 (SNC/RGO, w/w), and therefore promoted the electrical conductivity of the composite nanopapers under various humidity atmospheres. Because of hydrogen-bonding interactions from the surface groups, the effect of SNCs as a dispersing agent for RGO was investigated by rheological analysis of the composite suspensions and meanwhile directly observed by microscopy in the composite films. The proposed strategy of dual-enhanced fillers (with molecular interaction) in the composites can provide remarkable improvement of the properties, with simultaneous strengthening and toughening, water-vapor and oxygen permeability reduction, water absorption reduction, and solvent resistance, which may be a novel idea to solve the critical limitations of SPI-based materials in practical applications

High-Adsorption, Self-Extinguishing, Thermal, and Acoustic-Resistance Aerogels Based on Organic and Inorganic Waste Valorization from Cellulose Nanocrystals and Red Mud

Waste transformation as the source to valuable materials is an effective strategy for the high-valued valorization in view of socioeconomic and environmental issues. Inspired from the concept of organic–inorganic hybrid, we proposed the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, extracted from biomass waste) and red mud (RM, from industrial waste) to fabricate composite aerogels as potential construction materials with the multifunction of adsorption, thermal insulation, acoustic resistance, and flame retardancy. For equal loading level of modified CNC (Si-CNC) and RM (1:1, w/w) components, the obtained aerogel was chemically cross-linked with diisocyanate to enhance its structural stability and mechanical properties. It exhibited an improved compression modulus of 3.7 MPa together with high porosity (98.8%) and specific surface area (73.23 m²/g). As a result of the intrinsic features of organic Si-CNC (skeleton) and inorganic RM (particles aggregate), the Si-CNC/RM-1/c composite aerogel displayed significant functional performances such as magnetic conductivity, rapid oil adsorption of 30 times its mass, 20.8% reduction in thermal conductivity, 24.5% increase in sound-absorption coefficient, and highly efficient self-extinguishing behavior within 2 s

High-Adsorption, Self-Extinguishing, Thermal, and Acoustic-Resistance Aerogels Based on Organic and Inorganic Waste Valorization from Cellulose Nanocrystals and Red Mud

Waste transformation as the source to valuable materials is an effective strategy for the high-valued valorization in view of socioeconomic and environmental issues. Inspired from the concept of organic–inorganic hybrid, we proposed the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, extracted from biomass waste) and red mud (RM, from industrial waste) to fabricate composite aerogels as potential construction materials with the multifunction of adsorption, thermal insulation, acoustic resistance, and flame retardancy. For equal loading level of modified CNC (Si-CNC) and RM (1:1, w/w) components, the obtained aerogel was chemically cross-linked with diisocyanate to enhance its structural stability and mechanical properties. It exhibited an improved compression modulus of 3.7 MPa together with high porosity (98.8%) and specific surface area (73.23 m²/g). As a result of the intrinsic features of organic Si-CNC (skeleton) and inorganic RM (particles aggregate), the Si-CNC/RM-1/c composite aerogel displayed significant functional performances such as magnetic conductivity, rapid oil adsorption of 30 times its mass, 20.8% reduction in thermal conductivity, 24.5% increase in sound-absorption coefficient, and highly efficient self-extinguishing behavior within 2 s

High-Adsorption, Self-Extinguishing, Thermal, and Acoustic-Resistance Aerogels Based on Organic and Inorganic Waste Valorization from Cellulose Nanocrystals and Red Mud

Waste transformation as the source to valuable materials is an effective strategy for the high-valued valorization in view of socioeconomic and environmental issues. Inspired from the concept of organic–inorganic hybrid, we proposed the utilization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, extracted from biomass waste) and red mud (RM, from industrial waste) to fabricate composite aerogels as potential construction materials with the multifunction of adsorption, thermal insulation, acoustic resistance, and flame retardancy. For equal loading level of modified CNC (Si-CNC) and RM (1:1, w/w) components, the obtained aerogel was chemically cross-linked with diisocyanate to enhance its structural stability and mechanical properties. It exhibited an improved compression modulus of 3.7 MPa together with high porosity (98.8%) and specific surface area (73.23 m²/g). As a result of the intrinsic features of organic Si-CNC (skeleton) and inorganic RM (particles aggregate), the Si-CNC/RM-1/c composite aerogel displayed significant functional performances such as magnetic conductivity, rapid oil adsorption of 30 times its mass, 20.8% reduction in thermal conductivity, 24.5% increase in sound-absorption coefficient, and highly efficient self-extinguishing behavior within 2 s