We consider the evolution of an isolated anticyclonic vortex encountering a continental shelf during its westward β-drift in the framework of an equivalentbarotropic model generalized to allow for the intersection of the layer interface with a sloping bottom. The approaching vortex generates both topographic coastally trapped waves, and secondary cyclonic eddies due to off-shelf advection of wa...

The catastrophic Wulong landslide occurred at 14:51 (Beijing time, UTC+8) on 5 June 2009, in Wulong Prefecture, Southwest China. This rockslide occurred in a complex topographic environment. Seismic signals generated by this event were recorded by the seismic network deployed in the surrounding area, and long-period signals were extracted from 8 broadband seismic stations within 250 km to obtai...

We present an implementation of realistic static friction in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of granular particles. In our model, to break contacts between two particles, one has to apply a finite amount of force, determined by the Coulomb criterion. Using a two dimensional model, we show that piles generated by avalanches have a finite angle of repose θR (finite slopes). Furthermore, these...

Supervised learning is used to build a control policy for robust, dynamic walking of an underactuated bipedal robot. The training and testing sets consist of controllers based on a full dynamic model, virtual constraints, and parameter optimization to meet torque limits, friction cone, and environmental conditions. The controllers are designed to induce periodic walking gaits at various speeds,...

This paper presents experimental data and numerical simulations of transient vaporous cavitation events generated by a downstream fast valve closure in a pipeline. The experimental apparatus comprises a 37.2 m long constant-sloping pipe of 22.1 mm internal diameter connecting two pressurized tanks. The simulation results show that improper selection of the weighting function in the convolution-...

To live and clamber about in an arboreal habitat, tree frogs have evolved adhesive pads on their toes. In addition, they often have long and slender legs to facilitate not only long jumps, but also to bridge gaps between leaves when climbing. Both adhesive pads and long limbs are used in conjunction, as we will show in this study. Previous research has shown that tree frogs change from a crouch...

The measurement of scalar fluxes employing the eddy covariance method is a widely used experimental approach, for which the flow distortion due to obstacles (e.g., sensor mounts and mast) is a well-known but not fully solved problem. In order to reduce flow distortion we installed a sonic anemometer in a surface-normal orientation relative to the terrain slope, and a second instrument in a vert...

In this paper, an adaptive model predictive control scheme is designed for speed control of heavy vehicles. The controller coordinates use of compression brakes and friction brakes on downhill slopes. Moreover the model predictive controller takes the actuator constraints into account. A recursive least square scheme with forgetting is used in parallel with the controller to update the estimate...

Two dimensional slope profile morphometric investigation in a part of the land failure prone Garhwal region of the Lesser Himalaya, Tehri district, U. P., India, indicates that the landslip morphology is closely related to the dominant movement processes active in this terrain. Technique developed for the morphometric analysis of landslips involves the use of five morphometric indices. Each ind...

This study investigated the spatial variability characteristics of effective friction angle Crag deposits which are granular soils occur in east England. Cone Penetration Test data were obtained at 26 locations and interpreted statistically. The distribution characteristic was derived with mean value, standard deviation correlation length calibrated. Illustrations also shown on how factors such...