Advances in Mechanics 

About: Advances in Mechanics is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Finite element method & Nonlinear system. It has an ISSN identifier of 1000-0992. Over the lifetime, 391 publications have been published receiving 2065 citations.

Aerodynamics of small vehicles

Abstract: In this review we describe the aerodynamic problems that must be addressed in order to design a successful small aerial vehicle. The effects of Reynolds number and aspect ratio (AR) on the design and performance of fixed-wing vehicles are described. The boundary-layer behavior on airfoils is especially important in the design of vehicles in this flight regime. The results of a number of experimental boundary-layer studies, including the influence of laminar separation bubbles, are discussed. Several examples of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this regime are described. Also, a brief survey of analytical models for oscillating and flapping-wing propulsion is presented. These range from the earliest examples where quasi-steady, attached flow is assumed, to those that account for the unsteady shed vortex wake as well as flow separation and aeroelastic behavior of a flapping wing. Experiments that complemented the analysis and led to the design of a successful ornithopter are also described.

Sediment transport modeling review―current and future developments

Abstract: With the rapid developments in numerical methods for fluid mechanics,computational modeling has become an attractive tool for studying flow/sediment transport and associated pollutant fate processes in such different environments as rivers,lakes,and coastal areas,over the past three decades,a large number of computational hydrodynamic/sediment transport models have been developedThe article traces the devel-opmental stages of current representative(1D,2D,and 3D)models and describes their main features,strengths,and limitations,and is intended as a first guide to readers interested in immersing themselves in modeling and at the same time sets the stage for discussing current limitations and future needsThe article provided model formulation,the spatial and temporal characteristics,the coupling/linkage of the hydrodynamic and sediment components,the model capabilities to handle unsteady flows,bed load and suspended load,sediment exchange processes,type of sediment(cohesive versus cohesion-less),and multi-fractional sediment transportSome examples of the different model applications are summarized,the reader can use these case studies as a reference guide for model setup,calibration,and verificationThe authors also attempt to provide an insight for model users about model choice,problem and way to improve model input and calibrationThe article discussed model limitations such as simulating complex turbulent flows,sediment entrainment,multi-fractional transport rates,the treatment of the dispersion and diffusion coefficients,soil contributions from the bank or the hill slopes and floodplains,coupling between flow and sediment processes,and highlighted the future research needs for improving available hydrodynamic/sediment transport modelsAt last,the two-phase flow approach to formulate models of sediment-flow interaction and other cross-cutting issues are discussed and reviewed

Graph theory and complex networks

Abstract: In the past ten years,the fast development of complex network theory has provided a good support for the study of complexity and complex systems,since they describe clearly the important characteristics of complex systems,and show bright prospects in theory and applicationsThis paper presents mainly the application of graph theory to complex networks,especially to the synchronization problem of complex networks First,its application to the estimations of smallest nonzero,largest eigenvalues and synchronizability index of certain graphs are commented,followed by the effects of subgraph and graph eigenvector in the estimation of synchronizability indexFurthermore,the complexity between the relationships of synchronizability and network structural parameters are discussed via two simple graphs,and the effects of complementary graph, edge-addition and graph operation on the synchronization of complex networks are elaboratedFinally,some possible development directions in complex networks are predicted from the viewpoint of graph and control theory

Developments in researches on mechanical behaviors of rocks under the condition of high ground pressure in the depths

Abstract: More and more underground coal and metal mines have been developed into a deep level. With increase of mining depth, a series of engineering catastrophes such as rockburst, coal and gas burst, collapse of roof strata and water burst from floor strata are getting more serious and more frequent. In addition, supporting and retaining theory of tunnel and stope in the depths are different from the ones at a shallow levels. Such a difference is caused by the difference of geological environments between deep and shallow levels. The most distinguished differences between deep and shallow levels are the so-called three "highs", i.e., high crustal stress, high earth temperature and high pore pressure. Under high crustal stress, rocks show some special mechanical behaviors. In this paper, the current state of underground mining in the depths, technical difficulties of deep mining and geological environment of high crustal stress of rocks in the depths are introduced. Moreover, the developments in researches on mechanical behaviors of rocks in the depths are reviewed, including brittle-ductile transition, time-dependent behavior, strength features and failure behaviors especially rockburst under the condition of high crustal stress. At the end of the paper, it is pointed out that the thermal-mechanical-hydrological coupling model under the conditions of deep mining is an attractive topic.

Fluid mechanics and homeland security

Abstract: Homeland security involves many applications of fluid mechanics and offers many opportunities for research and development.This review explores a wide selection of fluids topics in counterterrorism and suggests future directions.Broad topics range from preparedness and deterrence of impending terrorist attacks to detection,response,and recovery.Specific topics include aircraft hardening,blast mitigation,sensors and sampling,explosive detection,microfluidics and labs-on-a-chip,chemical plume dispersal in urban settings, and building ventilation.Also discussed are vapor plumes and standoff detection,nonlethal weapons,airborne disease spread,personal protective equipment,and decontamination.Involvement in these applications requires fluid dynamicists to think across the traditional boundaries of the field and to work with related disciplines, especially chemistry,biology,aerosol science,and atmospheric science.